HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.264 2012-2014 Page 1 of 2
Murashige, Laura
From: ofstone @aol.com =�
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donishi @co.hawaii.hi.us; gilagan @co.hawaii.hi.us; goodvibes1378 @yahoo.com; �
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Cc: ofstone @aol.com
Subject: In Support of Bill 79 Relating to Genetically Engineered experimental field tests W
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Aloha Hawai'i County Council,
I am in strong support of Bill 79 to ban the planting of any new genetically engineered food
crops.
I live in Koloa on Kaua'i and we are seeing many, many unintended consequences regarding
the introduction and perpetual planting of GMO test fields over the last 10 years.
We experience many environmental and health problems, as well as the detrimental effects on
our soil, air and water. We have constant problems with drift of toxic dust, pesticides and
pollen from Bt insecticidal corn and soy. Genetically engineered experimental fields use an
ever increasing amount of chemicals as well as combinations of chemicals. These herbicides
are used in greater volume than used in traditional agriculture.
On Kauai, chemical companies use some of the most controversial restricted use pesticides
such as 2,4-D, dicambra, chlorpyrifos and atrazine. Chemicals are sprayed 7 out of 10 days,
year round, year after year. Communities from Lihue to Poipu to Kekaha are experiencing high
rates of asthma, nose bleeds, sore throats, cough, nausea, and headaches. We have many
young people with cancer and reproductive problems.
We are feeling the economic risk to our visitor industry as well as our ground water and reefs.
The presence of atrazine has been detected in the drinking fountain at Waimea Canyon Middle
School. The experimental fields here have little oversight and no disclosure to the community,
county council, mayor or Governor. Spraying occurs without any notice and can drift into
homes, workplaces and schools.
There is no recall once a modified organism is released into the environment. We have long
considered your island one of the few places in our state without contamination of GMO corn,
soy, sunflower, rice, and wheat. Once a genetically altered crop is introduced there is a tainted
perception of that crop and seed. At our seed exchanges we cannot distribute or encourage
the traditional growing of these crops because you can never tell by looking if a seed from any
of these crops is genetically modified. It is a burden to organic and conventional farmers.
Please protect your environment and prevent this release on your island. We are very proud
that your county has led the way in banning GMO coffee and taro. Thank you for helping to
prevent the release of the GMO pharmaceutical algae along the Kona coast. We look to the
council and your many successful farmers in making a precautionary decision to not introduce
these transgenic food crops into your agricultural land. .,?/. .244
Comm. No.
Ref.To: P/PSN7
Ref. Date JUL ZU13
7/1/2013
Page 2 of 2
In solidarity and with appreciation for your introduction of this bill,
Jeri Di Pietro
GMO Free Kauai
PO Box 343
Koloa, HI 96756
808 651 1332
7/1/2013