HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.077 2012-2014 Page 1 of l
Murashige, Laura COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HA All
From: ronsan2224 @aol.com
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2013 10:13 AM 7013 MAY 13 AM l 19
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Cc: peledefensefund @gmail.com; occupyhilomedia @yahoo.com
Subject: Testimony on Bill 79
Dear Hawaii County Council Committee on Public Safety & Mass Transit,
Thank you for the opportunity to testify by email on Bill 79 related to the use of GMO on Hawaii Island.
My name is Ronald S. Fujiyoshi.
I have lived on Hawaii Island since the summer of 1957. I have married Jeanne Yoshie Shigeoka, whose
grandfather moved to Hawaii Island and settled in the Kaumana area in the late 18th century. I have a
degree in theology from the Chicago Theological Seminary in Chicago and have served as a missionary
of the United Church of Christ in Asia for twenty years. I returned to Hilo from Asia in 1988 and have
since immersed myself in social justice issues ever since.
My testimony today is theological. It has to do with the spiritual philosophy of how do we care for this
island. My strong recommendation is that we need to view this island as a fragile ecosystem that is
precious, found nowhere else in the world, and needs to be cared for carefully. Living on an island, we
must be careful on affecting the balance in the ecosystem. The Kanaka Maoli have done well in the past
to care for the resources available to them. One example is how they picked and chose which varieties of
the Kawa plant to bring here to Hawaii. They chose carefully, not bringing the most potent varieties which
tend to alter the mental state of mind. They brought a limited number of varieties to be used in
ceremonies. Likewise, the raising and breeding of Kalo was done with a purpose.
I strongly oppose the allowing of GMO products here in Hawaii. They will have long-termed effects on our
island that will not be reverseable.
Please value to efforts of people like Jerry Konanui, Henry Leong, the taro farmers in Waipio Valley, the
Pele Defense Fund and in giving advice on what NOT to do. The philosophy of OVER DEVELOPMENT
should not be applied on this island! Allow the Game Management Advisory Commission to do its job.
Mahalo for listening!
Aloha and God bless,
Ronald Fujiyoshi
1196 W. Kawailani St.
Hilo, HI 96720
Tel:. 808-959-9775
Ccrrim, No, ■ • 7I. 7
t'rc:E. To;
Rif, Dote MAY
5/13/2013