HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0385.072 2012-2014 Page 1of1
Murashige, Laura CO� Y CLEP ��
From: Robin Stetson [rstetson @hawaii.rr.com] 3 �j � : 52
Sent: Monday, September 02, 2013 10:53 PM 2 SEP "'
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Cc: bford @co.hawaii.hi.us; vpoindexter @co.hawaii.hi.us; gilagan @co.hawaii.hi.us; zkern @co.hawaii.hi.us;
donishi @co.hawaii.hi.us; dkanuha @co.hawaii.hi.us; keoff @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: In Support of Bill 109
Esteemed Councilors:
We are writing in support of Bill 109, with the stipulation that it incorporate a
temporary exemption for the Big Island papaya industry.
We favor a temporary exemption (for example, 3-5 years) be extended to the Papaya
industry on the Big Island, to allow transition to a non-GMO crop. Furthermore, we
support the formation of an ad hoc committee charged with assisting farmers in the
planning and implementation, including funding, of the transition from GMO Papaya to
a non-GMO crop and/or process.
There is a growing and lucrative demand in the world market for toxin-free and GMO-
free food ... and unlike many already over-developed locales, Hawaii Island is well
positioned to fulfill this need, while at the same time supporting the health and cultural
heritage of its people, the land and its creatures. GMO-free coffee and GMO-free taro
already lead the way and reflect the will of Big Islands citizens and their government in
this direction. In addition, the Big Island may elect to play an important global role in
preserving independent seed production and ownership.
My husband and I live, work, vote and own property in Pahoa. We believe prohibiting
the cultivation, development and/or use of GMO's, and keeping Big Island agricultural
interests independent of Montsanto and other international agricultural conglomerates,
represents sound long-range planning in the overall best interest of the Big Island.
Sincerely,
Robin Stetson
Jeff Delaney
Pahoa
Comm.No, 31'5. 712
Ref.To: P//PS TG
Ref. Date SEPP R4 Z013
9/3/2013