HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0385.104 2012-2014 Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura COUNTY CLERK
r owl
From: Diane Shaver[dianem.shaver @gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2013 9:54 AM 2g13 SEP -3 PH 12' 09
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Testimony Against Hawaii County Anti-Farming Bills 109 and 113
Testimony Against Hawaii County Anti-Farming Bills 109 and 113
I oppose Bills 109 and 113 because any anti-GMO legislation in Hawaii County will discriminate
against our farmers and ranchers who choose to use approved genetically engineered technology to grow
safe and wholesome food and other agriculture products. These Bills also damage Hawaii's reputation
for producing some of the best crops on the planet, harms our markets, and eventually destroy our
agriculture industry.
Hawaii's farmers and ranchers may need virus resistant GM() crops to protect Hawaii from the next
papaya virus strain, banana bunchy top virus, tomato spotted wilt and other vegetable viruses, or the
bacterial citrus greening disease that is destroying the Florida citrus industry and may soon come to
Hawaii. Furthermore, this bill will stop development of GMO ornamental and floral crops with
enhanced horticultural or disease resistant characteristics. These Bills would prohibit livestock and
aquaculture producers from efficiently growing cost effective feed locally, requiring them to import at a
higher price the exact same feeds. How will Hawai'i County' farmers and ranchers compete when
everyone but us has access to OF, technology'?
The consensus of independent scientific organizations worldwide is unanimous and can be summed up
by this statement from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, " The science is quite
clear: crop improvement by the modern molecular techniques of biotechnology is safe."
Please vote against Bill 109 and Bill 113
Name: Diane Shaver
Occupation: Administrative Officer
City where I live: Keaau
Additional Comments:
Sent from my iPhone
Comm. No. `3gs. /e s
Ref. To: P/Ps/4 re'
Ref. Date SEP 04 Z013
9/3/2013