HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0225.087 2008-2010
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Murashige, Laura
From: Alicia Maluafiti [alicia@loihicommunications.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 1:46 PM 2009 APR 7 P01' 4 35
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Resubmitting testimony COl.!PJT'r - HgbViU]
Attachments: Testimony for Hawaii County Reso 81 09.pdf
Can you please tell me if you received the earlier testimony I submitted?
Alicia Maluafiti
(808) 224-3648
Comm. No.
Ref. To,nAU-:1"
Ref. Date
4/7/2009
- - - -
,z Hawaii Crop Improvement Association
Growing the Future of ??orldwide Agriculture in Howoii
~kl I I
Testimony By: Alicia Maluafiti
Hawaii County Council Resolution 81-09
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
HCIA 1008-1009 Position: Strong Opposition
Board_ of Directors
President Aloha Chair Yoshimoto and Hawaii County Council Members,
Adolph Helm
My name is Alicia Maluafiti, Executive Director of the Hawaii Crop Improvement
Vice President Association. The Hawaii Crop Improvement Association (HCIA) is a nonprofit
Fred Perlok trade association representing the agricultural seed industry in Hawaii. Now the
Treasurer state's largest agricultural commodity, the seed industry contributes to the
John Anderson I economic health and diversity of the islands by providing high quality jobs in rural
secretary communities, keeping important agricultural lands in agricultural use, and serving
Alka Napier as responsible stewards of Hawaii's natural resources.
Directors At
Mike Austin ustin HB 1226 is a bill whose time has come. It seeks to balance the passionate and
Ray Foster conflicting perspectives about kalo research and development, and the
David, Gilliland acknowledgement of responsible science and technology that is strongly regulated
Cindy Goldstein by the federal agencies, in conjunction with the State Department of Agriculture. It
Laurie Goodwin is in Hawaii's best interest to ensure that biotech research and development
Kirby Kester continues here and is governed by science-based, consistent regulatory systems that
Paul Koehler
encourage responsible innovation while ensuring that products on the market are
Cesile Poland
Martha Smith safe for people, animals and the environment.
Mork'Stoutemyer
Jul suga County-by-county legislation - as that passed by Hawaii Island and which is now
I being considered before Maui county - creates a patchwork of regulations at a time
vast President when counties lack the necessary resources and expertise to appropriately regulate
Sarah Slyon the science. This type of action inhibits investment in agriculture biotechnology
executive Director statewide and it is simply not a function of the counties in the state of Hawaii - nor
Alicia MaluaBh should it be. HB 1226 does NOT eliminate "home rule" because this function was
never the kuleana of the counties.
The federal and state governments are currently addressing large budget
shortfalls including opportunities to consolidate government costs and reduce
duplication. Why would the elected officials of Hawaii island burden the
taxpayers even more by attempting to regulate biotechnology - a function
already the responsibility of three federal agencies (USDA, EPA and FDA), as
well as the State Dept. of Agriculture.
Passage of HB 1226 will have far-reaching, positive impact on Hawaii's farmers,
as well as global farmers who are facing disease and pests where other remedies
have failed. Genetic engineering research and development may be available for
crops such as banana and citrus, and may save those industries much like how the
transgenic papaya saved the papaya industry from papaya ring spot virus.
Instead of opposing HB 1226 through this resolution, we urge you to support the
bill. Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
91.1012 Kohl'uka Street
'Ewa Beach, H1.96706 1
Tel: (808) 224.3548
dlrector@hciaonilne.com
www.hdaonline.com