HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0472.003 2008-2010September 1, 2009
Testimony Resolution 220-09
Support with Reservations
Nancy Redfeather
P.O. Box 906
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750
Aloha Chair Yoshimoto and Members of the Council,
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify on Resolution 220-09 that urges and
advocates for the US Government to "label" genetically engineered foods in
the marketplace. Mahalo to Chair Yoshimoto for a well crafted Resolution.
While I would not disagree with the wording of this labeling bill I would add
a precaution. The USDA/APHIS who oversees the regulation of GE crops
in the field, is moving to deregulate these crops. At the world level of
government, the US has blocked all past attempts to enact labeling laws at
the UN Council on Biodiversity and the WTO. However, the current
Administration seems to be more interested in consumer transparency.
Hawaii is the center of experimental field trials for genetically engineered
agricultural crops for the world. Due to restrictions placed on researchers by
the biotech industry, these crops have never received the toxicological
human/animal studies necessary to determine an acceptable level of human
safety. Until such research is conducted, and safety of product is
determined, Hawaii County should retain the right to protect it's citizens
while at the same time advocating for Federal labeling.
Aloha,
Nancy Redfeather
Kawanui Farm
Honalo
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