HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.635 2012-2014 COUNTY CLERK
Council Testimony C(ltll Ty
From: Gary Strawn <gary@KonaEarth.com> 2013 JUN 20 pH !: 39
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 12:39 PM
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Oppose Bill 79
Genetic engineering is a powerful tool. As with any powerful tool, it can do great good or great harm. A chainsaw is also
a powerful tool that can do great harm, should chainsaws be banned too?
Please don't forget Hawaii's past troubles with the papaya ring-spot virus:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papaya ringspot virus#Economic impact
If it were not for GMO papayas,the Hawaii county papaya industry would have been wiped out. This industry is worth
$11 million annually.
Most crops, such as papaya and coffee, are not at risk of cross-contamination. GMO is not magic cooties that can infect
an existing plant, it is slightly modified DNA that only affects plants grown from seed. Stories of cross-contamination are
with annuals such as wheat or corn, not perennials such as orchard crops.
The local coffee industry is currently in serious danger of total collapse caused by the coffee berry borer beetle. I don't
know if GMO can create a solution or if there will ever be a solution at all. What I do know is that banning a potentially
important tool, for no good reason, would be irresponsible.
Before banning GMO, please consider the facts and make an evidence based decision. Reacting to emotional activism
will only make things worse.
There is no reason to protect ourselves from a threat that doesn't exist.
I oppose Bill 79.
Comm. No, 2-1 1. 63S
Ref. To: el P5 M7G
Ref. Date JUL 0 2 2013