HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.213 2012-2014 Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura CO U TY CLiAR 41I
From: Michal [lavamichal @yahoo.com] 200 AL _ ' AM 0 40
Sent: Monday, July 01, 2013 9:37 AM
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Support of Bill 79
Dear Councilpersons,
As a resident of Hawaii Island I stand in support of Bill 79. I recognize the knowledge of
ecological, that which works in harmony with nature, and sustainable agriculture that was
cultivated by our Hawaiian ancestors. I support the prohibition of Genetically Modified
Organisms on Hawaii Island as it is direct action to protect the health and integrity of our land,
our water, and our people.
Please don't use our land as a laboratory. Growing GE crops is expensive and heavily
dependent on non-renewable resources, it requires large inputs of fuel, chemical fertilizers and
pesticides, and uses large quantities of water. GE growing systems show up poorly in
comparison to organic and bio-diverse growing systems when using the concept of"triple
bottom line" which considers economic success along with social and environmental health. As
a farmer I have economic concerns regarding the liability for contamination of my crops by
GMO, the loss of markets due to increased GMO crops, and the high cost of of testing to
ensure my crops are not affected by GMO. I am in support of Bill 79 as it aims to prevent the
loss of heirloom seed variety lines and promote the ability to save clean seed.
As a consumer I am concerned that GMO foods have not received adequate safety testing by
the government regulatory agencies. I want to see scientific studies with rigorous public review
of the cumulative effects of eating GE food on human and environmental health before
allowing these crops to be grown in Hawaii. I support Bill 79 and the precautionary principle
that mandates caution and conservation when information is uncertain or unknown, especially
when there is a potential risk to long-term human and environmental health.
Let's work together to support our farmers, families, and communities to connect to sustainable
and profitable farming system that value our delicate ecosystems, honor our rich cultural
heritage, and preserve the land for future generations.
Mahalo for hearing our voices and showing your support for Bill 79, and the future of Hawaii
Island.
Michal A Carrillo
Comm. No.
A7v. a/3
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Ref. Date JUL
7/1/2013