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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0385.082 2012-2014 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: Mark Stoutemyer[mstoutemyer @hotmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2013 7:21 AM To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us; mstoutemyer @hotmail.com Subject: Opposed to Bill 109 Attachments: Bill 109 _Testimony Template_Aug 2013_.docx N n !"r'1 laJ r} 3i� >"Ti Comm. No. 385, 8I Ref. To: P/ASH TC Ref. Date SEP 0 4 2013 9/3/2013 Hawai'i County Council Hawai'i County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 Committee on Public Safety and Mass Transit Weds September 4, 2013 at 1:30 pm Bill 109 Related to the Restriction of Genetically Modified Organisms Bill 113 Related to Genetically Engineered Crops and Plants Position: Opposed to Bill 109 Committee Chair Ford, Committee Vice Chair Wille and members of the Hawai'i County Council, My name is Mark Stoutemyer I am providing testimony in opposition to Bill 109 and Bill 113. As a state resident, these bills are a direct attack on the right to farm and agriculture in Hawaii. Biotechnology has been proven scientifically to be safe and has saved the papaya industry on the big island. Biotech crops are critical to reduce the costs of production for the last dairy's and ranches in the state. As future pests and diseases threaten Hawaii's agricultural crops, we will need every tool available to keep our local agriculture viable. This bill will eliminate future tools to provide food and income for farmers. Sincerely, Mark Stoutemyer We oppose this bill because of the many negative consequences this bill would have for Big Island farmers, agriculture researchers, consumers, and future local farmers. Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony in opposition to Bill 109 and Bill 113.