HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.107 2012-2014 Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
From: Loren Mochida [Imochida @whshipman.com] 2013 MAT 13 AM II: 18
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2013 11:09 AM
To: County Council
Subject: Testimony for Bill 79-13
Attachments: HI County Council Bill 79.doc; ATT00231.htm
Testimony for Committee on Public Safety & Mass Transit on 05/14/2013 at 9:00 A.M. on Bill
79-13.
Conference room: Council Chambers
Testifier Position: STRONGLY OPPOSE
Testifier will be present: YES
Submitted by: Loren Mochida
Organization: Hawaii Papaya Industry Association
Address: 16-523 Keaau-Pahoa Road
Keaau, HI 96749
Phone: 808 966 9325
Please submit to Committee on Public Safety & Mass Transit.
Comm. No I • 10
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TESTIMONY BEFORE THE HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY & MASS TRANSIT
AN ORDINANACE AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE HAWAII COUNTY
CODE 1983 (2005 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE
RELATING TO PROHIBITION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS
MAY 14, 2013
CHAIRPERSON BRENDA FORD and Members of the Committee:
STRONGLY OPPOSE BILL 79-13.
My name is Loren Mochida, Member of the HAWAII PAPAYA INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (HPIA). HPIA
growers are strongly oppose to a propose Bill 79-13, relating to prohibition of genetically modified
organisms.The initial objective for developing plants based on GM organisms was to improve crop
protection.Transgenic crops currently on the market are mainly aimed at an increase level of crop
protection through introduction of resistance against plant diseases caused by insects or viruses.
The Hawaii Papaya Industry Association (HPIA) coordinated the deregulation of the genetically
engineered papaya "RAINBOW" in CONUS and Canada. Both countries do not require labeling of this
safe papaya as it was developed no differently then the conventional breeding techniques. Without the
biotechnology of the Rainbow papaya, there would be no papaya industry in the state of Hawaii today.
Prior to any field tests, the agencies of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA),
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have already proven
that the biotechnology "Rainbow" papaya is safe for the environment and human consumption. These
agencies are provided information required for the oversight including the location and the traits in the
crop that lead to improved agricultural genetic characteristics. We have been eating biotech foods for
over 20 years without any ill or side effects. We have been eating this delicious transgenic "RAINBOW
PAPAYA" for over 12 years without any ill or side effects.
Transgenic foods currently available on the international market have passed risk assessments and are
not likely to present risks for human health. No effects on human health have been shown as a result of
the consumption of such foods by the general population.* Transgenic products currently on the
markets have all passed risk assessments conducted by national authorities. All follow the same basic
principles, including an assessment of environmental and human health risks.
All assessment processes includes evaluation of the characteristics of the GMO and its effect and
stability in the environment. The safety assessment of transgenic foods generally investigates: a) direct
health effects (toxicity), b) allergic reactions, c) stability of the inserted gene, d) specific components
thought to have nutritional or toxic properties, e) nutritional effects, and f) unintended effects which
could result from gene insertion.
Recommend that the Committee not pass this ill-fated bill that would kill the future of agriculture here
on the Bid Island. Thank you very much for the opportunity to provide testimony on Bill 79-13 adding a
new article relating to prohibition of genetically modified organisms.
* World Health Organization (WHO)