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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.267 2012-2014 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura COUNTY CLERK COU !TV 4AWA11 From: Krista Donaldson [kristajoan©gmail.com] Sent: Monday, July 01, 2013 4:25 PM 2013 JUL '-2 AN 8 14 To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Please support Bill 79 Aloha, Mahalo for your work and service on behalf of the people of Hawaii Island. I am writing to voice support of Bill 79. I strongly support banning all production of GMO seed and produce. I am writing on behalf of my family and the hundreds of children I help educate. I am Garden Teacher and Director of Sustainability at award-winning Innovations Public Charter School in Kailu-Kona. I teach units about GMOs to elementary and middle school students as part of garden class. 100% of my students feel opposed to these seeds. They may not understand the science of what is happening, but they describe GMO seeds with words like "weird" and "dangerous." In fact, after testing revealed that some student cultivated papaya trees (and a favorite snack) were GMO-postivite, they voted unanimously to cut it down. They didn't even want to compost the dead tree. I believe sustainable agriculture secures a strong future for our Island. GMO seeds, produce, and the corporations that develop them are not sustainable sources of food in our future. With 90% of the food we eat being imported, it is imperative that we invest in systems of food production that mimic indigenous people's food growing systems. GMO foods and seeds are not nature's way of reproduction, have not been adequately studied for long term effects on health or the environment, and mandate massive pesticide, fungicide, and herbicide use to "grow" successfully. Our people need non-poisoned, naturally cultivated, Hawaiian-based food systems that support local jobs and economies. Please help Hawaii Island take an important step in securing sustainable food systems for our future by supporting Bill 79. Mahalo, Krista Joan Donaldson Garden Leader/Director of Sustainability Innovations Public Charter School 57-5789 Makamae Place Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Comm. No. 7/. 42 k 7 Ref.To: P uLs Z 2013 Ref. Date 7/2/2013