HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.642 2012-2014 Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF H A.,WAII
From: J Yoshimoto [joshimoto @co.hawaii.hi.us]
Sent:. Friday, May 24, 2013 3:29 PM 2013 MAY 28 Ail 9: 4a`
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: FW:
From: rsm4 @earthlink.net [mailto:rsm4 @earthlink.net]
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2013 2:24 PM
To: 3 Yoshimoto
Cc: Debbie Ward
Subject:
Dear Councilman Yoshimoto:
Re: GMO crops
I understand that the Council is considering legislation that could lead to the introduction of GMO crops on the Big
Island. I hope that you will inform yourself fully before taking a position. I am convinced that Monsantos' world-
wide campaign, playing out here among us on a micro scale, represents a huge backward step for the world's
agricultural systems, with uncharted but far-reaching consequences. Just as the systemic pesticides will, i
believe, be shown to be a major underlying cause of our current crisis with honey bees, GMOs may be equally
disastrous, although probably not causing much danger directly to humans. Risk to humans must not be the only
criterion for judging safety.
I attach an except from a recent commentary on the issue which you may find of interest. I agree that introducing
GMOs spells the end of so-called 'organic farming.'
Mahalo
Robert Sumner-Mack
1600 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo
4013409117
[In January] the Obama administration has unbelievably chosen to approve three biotech crops, Roundup Ready
genetically modified (GMO) alfalfa, Roundup Ready genetically modified (GMO) sugar beets and a new industrial
biotech corn for ethanol production. Obama's recent approval of them will allow them to be planted as early as
this spring, despite widespread acknowledgement that these crops are certain to contaminate both conventional
and organic farmers non-GMO crops. ... [T]he USDA's approval of the new industrial biotech corn for ethanol
production occurred despite massive outcry from major food companies who know that it will contaminate and
possibly ruin the food they sell to you everyday.
These decisions are a devastating blow to our democracy and the basic rights of farmers to choose how they
want to grow food on their land and the rights of consumers who increasingly choose organic and sustainably
grown food for its positive health and environmental impacts.
Comm. No ° ' I. (942'
Ref.To:
Date U "'j
5/28/2013