HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.137 2012-2014 Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
From: Ronald Weidenbach [hawaiifish @gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2013 5:00 PM 2013 MAY 1 3 AN S
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Testimony in strong opposition to Bill 79
Aloha Chair Brenda Ford, Vice Chair Margaret Wille, and Council Members,
The Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association (HAAA) with members statewide strongly
opposes Bill 79 which would prohibit the research and growing of GMO crops on the Island of
Hawaii under all reasonable agricultural research and farming conditions. The HAAA supports
innovative agricultural research and all legal forms of farming, including activities involving
GMO crops. There is no reasonable scientific basis for the proposed ban, and for the Council to
approve such a ban would send a clear message to the world that Hawaii County has closed its
door on modern agricultural research and important production options that would support its
farming and ranching community. The HAAA fully agrees with and supports the detailed
testimony of the Hawaii Cattleman's Council and others who base their testimony on peer-
reviewed science rather than random internet blogs. We urge the Council to reject this bill and
instead support all forms of agriculture to help Hawaii increase its food self sufficiency.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify,
Ron Weidenbach
HAAA President
Comm. No. 9*-7 ( 3?
Ref. To: M
Rof. Dote_ °--
5/13/2013