HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.585 2012-2014 Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY 17?'" HAWAII
From: Amber Rinker[amber.rinker @live.com]
Sent: Monday, July 01, 2013 9:08 AM 2Q13 JUL - I AN K) 110
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Bill 79
Dear Council representative,
As a resident of Hawaii Island I stand in support of Bill 79. I recognize the knowledge of ecological,
that which works in harmony with nature, and sustainable agriculture that was cultivated by our
Hawaiian ancestors. I support the prohibition of Genetically Modified Organisms on Hawaii Island as it
is direct action to protect the health and integrity of our land, our water, and our people.
Please don't use our land as a laboratory. Growing GE crops is expensive and heavily dependent on non-
renewable resources, it requires large inputs of fuel, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and uses large
quantities of water. GE growing systems show up poorly in comparison to organic and bio-diverse
growing systems when using the concept of"triple bottom line" which considers economic success
along with social and environmental health. As a farmer I have economic concerns regarding the
liability for contamination of my crops by GMO, the loss of markets due to increased GMO crops, and
the high cost of of testing to ensure my crops are not affected by GMO. I am in support of Bill 79 as it
aims to prevent the loss of heirloom seed variety lines and promote the ability to save clean seed.
As a consumer I am concerned that GMO foods have not received adequate safety testing by the
government regulatory agencies. I want to see scientific studies with rigorous public review of the
cumulative effects of eating GE food on human and environmental health before allowing these crops to
be grown in Hawaii. I support Bill 79 and the precautionary principle that mandates caution and
conservation when information is uncertain or unknown, especially when there is a potential risk to
long-term human and environmental health.
Let's work together to support our farmers, families, and communities to connect to sustainable and
profitable farming system that value our delicate ecosystems, honor our rich cultural heritage, and
preserve the land for future generations.
Mahalo for hearing our voices and showing your support for Bill 79, and the future of Hawaii Island.
Aloha Nui,
Amber Rinker
Comm. No.. 42 7/. ..61S-
Comm.
To:_ p/A•SH 7
Ref. Dote JUL 0 2_2Q13 ...
7/1/2013