HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0385.113 2012-2014 Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura
From: Wayne Nakatsu [w.nakatsu @capitol.hawaii.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2013 10:48 AM
To: 'counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us'
Subject: Testimony on bills 109 & 113
Attachments: Sen Nishihara testimony bill 109 & 113.pdf
Aloha,
Please find attached Senator Nishihara's testimony on County of Hawaii Bill Numbers 109 and 113.
Mahalo,
Vetere Zakteda
Wayne Nakatsu
Office of Senator Clarence K. Nishihara .+ c)
State Capitol, Room 204
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Honolulu, HI 96813
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Phone: 808 586-6970 w <
FAX: 808 586-6879 -P
Email: w.nakatsu @capitol.hawaii.gov N
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STATE CAPITOL
HONOLULU, HAWAII 96813
September 3, 2013
TESTIMONY IN OPPOSITION TO COUNTY OF HAWAII
BILL NUMBERS 109 AND 113
Members of the Hawai`i County Council:
I have read both bills (109 and 113) being considered before the Hawaii County Council and
find them to be at odds against each other. In the purpose section of Bill 109, it states, to
"Protect human, animal, and plant life...from the adverse effects of biotechnical modification of
any organism's genome" whereas in Bill 113, while touting the 'precautionary principle'
specifically exempts genetically engineered papaya because it has "become so pervasive across
this island."
Any close reading to either of the bills would make one wonder about the premises and
presumptions raised in the assertions of harmful effects to human, animals, plant life and the
environment in general. While it may be debatable that the use of or consumption of GMO crops
in whole or in part of products present risks to all manner of life forms, the overwhelming
scientific opinion and evidence speaks otherwise. The internet is full of individuals claiming the
harmful effects of Genetically Modified or Engineered Organisms; however, replicated
statements and beliefs do not constitute replicated scientific studies.
I ask the County Council to carefully consider the real side effects that would occur should it
pass these bills—the reality of putting their friends or neighbors before the courts, forcible
destruction of crops and livelihood and perpetuation of unproven and/or beliefs before an
uninformed public. I also would like to draw your attention to what happened a number of years
ago when it was reported that the eating of tofu was harmful. The result was that the tofu
manufacturers, some of whom were local companies, went out of business. They have not fully
recovered, even though subsequent studies now tout the benefit.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA
State Senator, 17th District &
Chair, Senate Committee on Agriculture