HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.363 2012-2014 June 30, 2013
Council Members,
I support Bill 79. I am a senior citizen of Hilo and have
lived on this island for nearly a decade. Recently I read
the open letter from the Institute of Science in Society
signed by 828 scientists from 84 different countries
expressing extreme concern about the hazards of GMO's to
biodiversity, food safety, and human and animal health . I
am as concerned as they are that GM crops will intensify
corporate monopoly, exacerbate inequality and prevent the
essential shift to sustainable agriculture that can provide
food security and health around the world. In their open
letter they state that GM crops offer no benefits to farmers
or consumers. Instead, many problems have been identified,
including yield drag, increased herbicide use, erratic
performance, and poor economic returns to farmers .
I urge you to consider the grave responsibility we all have
to secure healthy food production. We live on a fertile and
productive island. We do not want natural crops to become
an endangered species . Hawaii island is the last refuge
from GMO in the state. We trust you to protect us.
Sincerely, `"' -c
C
�-,
Carol Hopke Tan
Retired elementary school teacher
04 >rn
UJ
Comm. No. I ( ' ✓
Ref. To:
Ref. Dote L 0 2 2013