HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.753 2012-2014 Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY ("' `- AWMI
From: Yoav Melamed [hamelamed @gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 07, 2013 9:40 AM 2013 JUL -8 AN 8 8
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: GMO bill 79 testimony
Aloha Count Council Special Council on Bill#79
As a farmer here on the Big Island of Hawaii, I write to strongly urge you to lend you support to Bill#79 and to any other
legislation that restricts the growing, use, sale, or presence of GMO plants or products on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Having studied this field for many years, and working in clinical arenas and with many international leaders in health care
arenas, it is clear that the GMO pose a serious threat to our the health of people,the environment, and to our economy
for generations to come.
I have worked with local residents and witnessed first hand the suffering, vulnerability, and resilience of these
communities—and—introducing healthy diets to people suffering from ill health provided welcome relief from their
debilitating symptoms and conditions.
If you look into the industry claims regarding the "safety" of these products—these claims are largely unsubstantiated or
are outright lies. GMOs in our pristine environment pose a danger to non-GMO crops as is made evident by the impact
on the papayas of our island. The genetic modifications of GMO foods have been shown to enter into human sells and
alter the DNA and compromise the genetic integrity of humans. The increase of food allergies and sensitivities in
humans—especially in children is directly linked to the ingestion of GMOs in food. It is no wonder that so many other
advanced countries in our world ban or restrict the presence of GMOs—and have better standards of health than
America, which is plagued by a host of food related debilitating diseases (obesity, diabetes, heart disease, food allergies,
etc.) We must take a strong stand against the powerful intersts industrial, economic, and political organizations and
leaders that seek to promote GMOs and endanger our lives, health, and ecosystems.
I ask you not only to support legislation that bans the growing of GMO plants on the Island of Hawaii and other Hawaiian
Islands, but to also support policies and laws that require the labeling of foods containing GMOs, and that address the
socioeconomic factors that lead low income populations to be most at risk of eating GMO containing foods/products.
These social and economic challenges call for your attention as well.
I also ask that you lend your support to supporting sustainable, organic, non-GMO based farming on the Big Island of
Hawaii which is more likely to assure the health of our aina, people, and animals.
For more insight regarding the dangers of GMOs, I refer you to:
Genetic Roulette-http://vimeo.com/50891146 -offers an excellent overview of the dangers and flaws of the GMO
industry and it's claims
GMO free certification-http://www.nongmoproject.org/find-non-gmo/search-participating-products/
Scorpion Genes in Cabbage- http://gaia-health.com/gaia-blog/2013-06-25/gm-cabbage-with-scorpion-poison-coming-
soon/
Mahalo for malama'ing the health of our people and aina,
Yoav Melamed
Malama Ka'aina Farm, Hawi
hamelamed(l rnail.corn
The Greatest Gift is an opportunity to Serve
C.;riirn. P
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Ref. To:_
I. �. Dute 02 208
7/8/2013