HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.330 2012-2014 COUNTY CLERK
July 2, 2013 COUNTY CEIVED HAWAII'
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Testimony by Kelly Greenwell
RE: Bill 79 Relating to the prohibition of Genetically Modified Organisms
From Council Member Margaret Wille, April 25, 2013
Members of the Hawaii County Council,
Over the past many years that I have observed and even participated in the proceedings brought
before this body no issue has been as poignantly charged as Ms. Wille's resolution to ban the growing
of genetically modified plant material (GMO). Simply stated, to disallow these plants or the science
employed in their development without first establishing an alternative method of ensuring a viable
agriculture for the future is at best irresponsible.
This is not to say that Ms. Wille, in bringing this bill forward, has acted without careful and exhaustive
deliberation and forethought. In fact, the ensuing discussion that this legislation launches will be vital
to our very survival as we continue to populate the planet.
The evolution of disease organisms and insects as they become immune to the chemical pesticides
employed in the ever more exacting and difficult task of feeding future generations can not be
addressed by continuously developing more toxic poisons. Nor can we rely on traditional cultural
practices that, while effective in terms of yesterday's demographic, can not be reasonably expected
to sustain a growing population that increasingly relies on others to feed it.
While I hope all nine members of this council reject this proposal as written and currently before you,
it is imperative, I believe, that none of you dismiss or abandon the brave effort brought to this forum,
this community, indeed this planet by Ms. Wille, and that this discussion continues before an even
greater audience of players and participants well into the future.
We are just now contemplating the curriculum for a new learning institution in West Hawaii and I
would like to suggest that the mission of this facility be to bring farmers, scientists, investors,
manufacturers and students together in this perfect tropical setting to study, debate and ultimately
develop the technology, procedures, protocols, and practices needed to create the science of
successful farming for the future. And, the GMO is a significant and perhaps critical part of that
discourse.
There is no question that this effort would be good for our island—from many perspectives—but look
at what we would accomplish for mankind and the planet we live on. Thank you Margaret Wille for
opening the door—let's follow her through. Comm. No.Ref. To: e ?7`SI 130
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