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e, Laura
COUNTY CLERK
Murashige, rnII wr-y nr d j, I1
From: FOSTER, RAY (AG/2004) [ray.foster @monsanto.com] �U SEP -3 12; 3
Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2013 10:31 AM
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: OPPOSE HI County Bills 109 and 113
I oppose Bills 109 and 113 because they are founded only on the philosophical objection to genetic engineering.
They are not based in any scientific fact. Any anti-GMO legislation in Hawaii County discriminates against our
farmers and ranchers - legitimate, hard working business persons who follow scientific logic and the rules of law.
Genetically engineered food and feed is safe and wholesome. There is no public health risk.
I am pro-farming and the right to farm in the United States of America, still a free country, under laws of
and regulated by the USA and the State of Hawaii.
Hawaii's farmers and ranchers may need virus resistant GMO 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 Hawaii County farmers and ranchers
compete when everyone but us has access to GE technology?
The County of Hawaii has no legal or ethical right to prohibit or regulate agricultural activities that are already
regulated and approved by the Federal and State governments!
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: Raymond J. Foster
Occupation: Farm Manager
City where I live: Kaunakakai, HI 96748
Additional Comments: Please bring scientific fact and logic back to our legislative process!
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