Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.430 2012-2014 J Yoshimoto ©© Y CL CA `'C T II From: Rachel Laderman <rachel.laderman @gmail.com> Sent: Monday,July 01, 2013 11:49 AM 2013 JUL - ( PM 2 t To: jyoshimoto @co.hawaii.hi.us; counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: testimony I am writing to support the passage of Bill 79 as amended. I think this bill is necessary to restrict further GMOs from being grown in the open on the Big Island. It contains many concessions to those already "grandfathered" in, especially the papaya growers. These exemptions limit the immediate economic damage to those farmers and businessmen who have invested heavily in this new, experimental technology. They have invested in it so heavily that no amount of facts can show them that their product is not wholesome, and not a benefit to the aina. Although the papaya growers are still not happy with Bill 79, even with their exemption, because it would tarnish their reputation, the fact is that the word is out about GMO, people already know it is experimental and that new research continues to come out looking bad for its impact on our health and environment. Whether this bill passes or not, GMO papaya is not something anyone asks to buy. No-one goes to the supermarket reading labels looking for GMO. So, if this bill does not pass, because you vote for the temporary short-term jobs of a papaya growers, their industry is doomed anyway. It wouldn't make anyone happier about eating papayas. It's going to make a lot of people much unhappier about being able to trust the food they eat, about being able to visit Big Island and eat wholesome, organic, local produce. It's just unbelievable how our food supply has become a huge experimental testing ground. I have a personal stake in this because I moved here to farm organically to supply my family with food that isn't tainted. My three children all have intense food intolerances and one daughter(who just graduated from UHH) is severely allergic to corn and soy. She has anaphylactic reactions to even trace amounts of corn in her food. Other than what we grow here, she has to buy everything from farmer's markets where she talks to each farmer about what they fed their chickens, what they fed their goats, to try to find eggs and cheese that do not have corn in them! She's not alone. One in every 13 children (that's 2 per classroom - ask any teacher about this) has food allergies now. What is up with THAT? I don't know if it's to do with GMOs, but I do know there is evidence of increased inflammation and immune response from laboratory animals fed the amounts of glyphosate that we are all exposed to when we eat Roundup Ready whatever. Until we have at least another decade of science in, we need to hold the line on further GMOs. Help make Hawaii island a sanctuary for healthy food. Don't give in to the short-term pressures of those lobbying against this bill. Many more of your constituents will be thrilled with your vote if you pass it. I am in District 1, near Hakalau, on a 20-acre farm doing what i can to supply food to my family and our community of small farmers. Mahalo, Rachel Laderman 42 7/. '/30 Comm. No. Ref.To: P/P• b se Ref. Date JUL 0 2 -OJT3 1