HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.668 2012-2014 02/18/2008 20:48 8083299729 WAKEFIELD AND SONS PAGE 01/01
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COUNTY CLER CJ 4 ,D7/
COUNT Y rc HAWAIT-
Dear County Council Members, July 1, 29 t JUl - I AM 0 46
I have two degrees in the field of science from the University of Hawaii, so I do
understand the controversies involved with the issue of genetically modified
organisms. I have concerns about the unknown health factors and
consequences on humans, other animals, and our environment.
My husband, Bill, and I have been farming in Kona for over 30 years. We have
two farms. One of them is a conventional Kona coffee and avocado farm. The
other is an organic mango farm. Much of this mango Is exported to Canada. We
also successfully grew GMO free organic papaya for 9 years and also exported
much of this to Canada. Almost all of our income is derived from farming. We
strongly support Hawaii County Council Bill 79.
Bill 79 would insure the most protection for our farming community, and insure
economic viability for Big Island farmers. Hawaii Island Is the MOST GMO FREE
island left in the state. Our home has the unique aspect of being the one part of
Hawaii, and only one of a few places in the US, where significant amounts of
GMOs are not being grown. This is attractive to an increasing number of tourists
and locals as people are learning the value of eating non-GMO.
We proudly send our Kona coffee to customers around the world, including
Japan, and send our green bean to roasters on the mainland. Bill 79 will ensure
the most protection possible for our heritage crop, as even having a hint of GMO
contamination we would lose some of our valuable customers. We need to
protect our community's reputation for having the best coffee in the world.
PLEASE adopt Bill 79, not only for economic reasons, but also for our health and
well being.
Sincerely and with aloha,
td ,€
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Bill and H. Brooks Wakefield
Wakefield Coffee
Ho'omalu Farm
Wakefield & Sons, Inc.
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