HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0225.082 2008-2010
Q P P I 2 Page 1 of 1
t.~uNC~1.
Murashige, Laura P/
From: The Sheppards [sheppardc001@hawaii.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 8:45 AM 2009 RPM 17 RM 1-1
To: cc u nci I testi me ny @co. In awaii.hi.us
Subject: Support Resolution No. 81-09 CUUV7'' E
To J Yoshimoto
Chair of the Hawaii County Council
Dear Chairman and Honorable Members of the Council,
We urge you to support Resolution No. 81-09 introduced by Council Member Pete Hoffman in opposition to
the GMO Pre-emption Bill, HB 1226. This Bill is dead at the state level for this year, it can be resurrected in
next year's session, and it is therefore urgent that 81-09 be passed in preparation for this.
Even though the Bill grandfathers in your brave and historic ban on GM coffee and taro, the action being
proposed at State level is iniquitous. It places the interests of mainland chemical companies above the
powers of each County to choose its own best path for local agriculture
As you know, Kona coffee is a specialty coffee. This is a designation by the Specialty Coffee Association of
America. Genetically engineered coffee is not considered a specialty coffee. If our coffee were to become
contaminated by GM coffee we would lose our specialty status. Kona coffee farmers receive the highest
price in the U.S. and cannot afford to jeopardize our markets. There is no way to secure Hawaii Island
coffee farms from GMO plants and seeds being brought in from other islands, no inspection exists for such
a contingency.
We are proud that our County Council has been so active in protecting coffee and we truly appreciate it.
Please do it one more time, and SUPPORT Resolution 81-09, which OPPOSES HB 1226.
aloha and mahalo
Christine and Ken Sheppard
75-6153 Hoomama Street
Kailua Kona HI 96740
www.kona-coffee-country.com
kensheppard@hawaii. rr.com
christinesheppard@hawai i, rr.com
808-329-7239
Comm. Poo.8~
Ref. Tot C u=
Ref. Date APR 22 9p09
4/17/2009