HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.287 2012-2014 Page 1 of 2
Murashige, Laura COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY 2r- 3.1A "WAIT
From: Genevieve Firestone [genevievefirestone @yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, July 01, 2013 8:31 AM 2013 JUL - 1 AM 10: 39
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: support of bill 79
Dear Council representative,
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.
Genevieve Firestone, RS
Kohala Pacific Realty Comm. N '71. 2-8*
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7/1/2013
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PO Box 400, Kapaau, HI 96755
808-889-5181 office / 808-889-5161 fax
896-4842 cell
7/1/2013