HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0225.030 2008-2010
0
Personal Testimony on County of Hawai'i Resolution 81-09
Relating to Genetically Modified Plant Organisms 0,
April 7, 2009 C._
Position: Recommend Oppose
My name is Wayne Nishijima, and I am the Associate Dean and Associate Director of~
Cooperative Extension Service, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Res ice TkHR),
University of Hawaii at Manoa. I have lived in Hilo since 1979 and continue to free there as my
primary residence. I am pleased to submit this personal testimony on Resolution 81-09.
HB 1226 ensures that regulatory oversight of agricultural biotechnology remain with the
appropriate governing entity - the federal and state government, including the FDA, USDA, EPA
and State DOA.
During these difficult economic times, the counties are ill-equipped to deal with agriculture or
biotechnology and lack the necessary expertise, experience and resources to regulate the
industry. In order to enforce county ordinances regulating agricultural biotechnology will require
significant resources which the county can ill afford. Passing ordinances that the county cannot
enforce is further wasting time and resources.
Adoption of ordinances by local governments discriminates against the rights of farmers who rely
on the tools of biotechnology to deal with pests, disease, and other environmental challenges.
Responsible biotechnology provides a vital set of tools that offers real hope for a better future.
The American government structure is such that the Federal government supersedes the State
government, which in turn supersedes the County government. Much like how the U.S. Supreme
Court supersedes the Hawaii Supreme Court. To believe otherwise is dreaming.
Thank you for this opportunity to state my opinion.
Wayne Nishijima
377 Huali Place
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Comm. No. )~ZS' 3c)
Ref. To: PL~AUJ
Ref. Uoie APR 0 8 2805