HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.448 2012-2014 Support of Bill #79 - BAN GMOs in Hawaii -UPDATED Page 1 of 2
Murashige, Laura
COUNTY OIi�RK
From: Joel Levey [levey @wisdomatwork.com] Q I,
Sent: Sunday, June 30, 2013 3:57 PM
2013 ' " ' m 9: 53
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Support of Bill #79 - BAN GMOs in Hawaii -UPDATED
Aloha County Special Council on Bill #79:
As a resident, farmer, and healthcare clinician on the Big Island of Hawaii, I write to strongly urge you to lend
your support to Bill#79 and to any other legislation that restricts the growing, use, sale, or presence of GMO
plants or products on our island. Having studied this field professionally for many years, it is clear that GMOs
pose a serious threat to the health of people, the environment, and to our economy for generations to come.
I have worked as the West Hawaii Workplace Wellness Co-Chair for NPAC (Nutrition & Physical Activity Coalition
of Hawaii County) under the auspices of the Office of Public Health Studies, John A. Burns School of Medicine, as
well as with the North Hawaii Community Hospital,the YWCA, and The Five Mountains Foundation on local
projects to improve the health of local residents, and have witnessed first hand the suffering, vulnerability, and
resilience of these communities—and—I have also witnessed first hand the positive impacts of programs such
as Live Well—which by introducing healthy diets to people suffering from ill health provided welcome relief
from their debilitating symptoms and conditions.
If you look into the industry claims regarding the "safety" of GMO products—these claims are largely
unsubstantiated or are outright inaccurate. GMOs in our pristine environment pose a danger to non-GMO
crops, as has already been made evident by the impact on the papayas of our island. The genetic modifications
of GMO foods have been shown to enter into human cells, alter the DNA, and compromise the genetic integrity
of humans. The increase of food allergies and sensitivities in humans—especially in children - is directly linked
to the ingestion of GMOs in food - Please see the film Genetic Roulette for more details on this subject. For this
reason, so many other advanced countries in our world ban or restrict the presence of GMOs. They apparently
have higher standards of health than America which, as you must know, is plagued by a host of food related
debilitating diseases (obesity, diabetes, heart disease, food allergies, etc.) I urge you to take a strong stand
against the powerful interests of industrial, economic, and political organizations and leaders that seek to
promote these GMOs that endanger our lives, health, and ecosystems.
I ask you not only to support legislation that bans the growing of GMO plants on the Island of Hawaii and other
Hawaiian Islands, but to also support policies and laws that require the labeling of foods containing GMOs, and
that address the socioeconomic factors that lead low income populations to be most at risk of eating GMO
containing foods/products. These social and economic challenges call for your attention as well. In addition, I
also ask that you lend your support to supporting sustainable, organic, non-GMO based farming on the Big
Island of Hawaii which is more likely to assure the health of our'aina, people, and animals.
The following valuable resources will provide more insight regarding the dangers of GMOs and are worthy of
your attention:
Genetic Roulette- http://vimeo.com/50891146 - offers an excellent overview of the dangers and flaws of the
GMO industry and its claims
GMO free certification - http://www.nongmoproject.org/find-non-gmo/search-participating-products/
Scorpion Genes in Cabbage - http://gaia-health.com/gaia-blog/2013-06-25/gm-cabbage-with-scorpion-poison-
coming-soon/
Mahalo for taking a stand to protect and malama the health of our people and 'aina by banning the use of GMOs
in Hawaii, '7/,, q g
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Support of Bill #79 - BAN GMOs in Hawaii -UPDATED Page 2 of 2
Dr.Joel Levey
Malama Ka'aina Farm, Hawi, North Kohala
levey @wisdomatwork.com
Mahalo for malama'ing the health of our people and aina,
Dr. Joel Levey
Malama Ka'aina Farm, Hawi
alohalevey @gmail.com
7/1/2013