HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0385.032 2012-2014 Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura
From: Cheryl Hirayama [gencheryl @hawaiiantel.net]
Sent: Monday, September 02, 2013 3:42 PM
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Cc: cohmayor @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Testimony Against Bills 109 and 113
Attachments: Testimony Against Bills 109 and 113, 090213.doc
Hawaii County Council,
Attached is our Testimony Against Bills 109 and 113.
Thank you.
Y. Hirayama Farm, Inc.
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Y. HIRAYAMA FARM, INC.
Post Office Box 604
Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
Telephone: (808) 885-7836
Fax: (808) 887-0143
September 2, 2013
e-mail: counciltestimony(c�co.hawaii.hi.us
Hawaii County Council
Committee on Public Safety & Mass Transit
Wednesday, September 4, 2013 @ 1:30 p.m.
Testimony Against Bills 109 and 113
Committee Chair Ford and Members of the Committee:
Re: Bill No. 109 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 14, General Welfare, Hawai'i County
Code 1983 (2005 Edition, As Amended), By Adding A New Article Relating To The
Restriction Of Genetically Modified Organisms
Bill No. 113 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 14 of the Hawai'i County Code
1983 (2005 Edition, As Amended), By Adding A New Article Relating To
Genetically Engineered Crops and Plants
Y. Hirayama Farm, Inc. of the Lalamilo Farm Lots, Kamuela, Hawaii, is a farm that has
been in existence since February 22, 1978. However, the family has been farming for
three generations, and hereby submits the following testimony against Bills 109 and
No. 113 as referenced above.
1. The technique of genetic engineering has been approved as safe by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). From scientific studies and data published,
we see no danger in the use of GMO products. In addition, scientific organizations
worldwide such as, the World Health Organization, National Academy of Sciences,
American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Medical
Association, European Commission, French Academy of Science, and Union of
German Academics and Scientists have come to the same conclusion that CMOs are
safe. Until there is definite proof stating otherwise, we feel that laws should not be
created banning the use of such products based upon unwarranted fears and
misconceptions.
The debate between GMO and anti-GMO supporters appear endless. This issue
should be based on an individual's choice of preference and not be imposed by laws.
Committee Chair Ford and Members of the Committee
Page 2
September 2, 2013
2. Agricultural sustainability is one of Hawaii's priorities in agriculture. This Bill
would ironically create the opposite affect as it would prohibit us from utilizing a
biotechnological tool, if it is ever required in our farm operation. As such, it may
hinder and disrupt our ability to provide food to the community and also be
detrimental to our livelihood.
As farmers, we have been growing vegetables for decades and are now being dictated
to by a few council members (by introduction of bills) on how to farm, what methods can
be used, paying a registration fee on land we already own, and penalties involved if
not in compliance. Farming is a difficult occupation being that we must contend with the
uncontrollable weather conditions, unforeseeable crop problems, laws and regulations
that we already comply with, and now being subjected to pending legislations that may
further restrict our farming operation and infringe upon our rights.
We are full-time farmers. Our working hours are endless as we go about our business
producing food for our community. Due to the nature of our occupation it's extremely
difficult to be away from our operation to testify against (in our opinion) ill prepared Bills
that have been introduced for the proposed ban relating to the issue of GMO. We feel
that Bills based on non-substantiated scientific data should not be introduced as it
takes up valuable time away from our practice. Despite the tremendous impact these
Bills will have concerning our future, other farmers like us may not be as vocal as anti-
GMO supporters, may not have access to computers, nor the knowledge of composing
a testimony against the pending Bills. Therefore, your decision on these very important
Bills should not be based on the amount of testimonies received but rather on scientific
facts about the safety of GMO.
We feel that the prior proposed legislation relating to the issue of GMO has already
caused an irreparable damage to the papaya industry. These pending Bills, in our
opinion, will pose an even greater threat to the future of agricultural sustainability in
Hawaii.
Please vote against Bill 109 and Bill 113.
Thank you for your time.
Y. HIRAYAMA FARM, INC.
Royce Hirayama
Charlene Hirayama
Nathan Hirayama
Cheryl Hirayama
cc: Mayor Billy Kenoi
e-mail: cohmayorco.hawaii.hi.us