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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0385.124 2012-2014 Page 1 of 3 Murashige, Laura From: Bonnie Schoneberg [bschoneberg @rhomac.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2013 11:07 AM To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 109 & 113 Testimony: Committee on Public Safety and Mass Transit o Hawai'i County Council Hawai'i County Building 25 Aupuni Street - Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 Committee on Public Safety and Mass Transit N Weds September 4, 2013 at 1:30 pm Bill 109 Related to the Restriction of Genetically Modified Organisms .."4 _ Bill 113 Related to Genetically Engineered Crops and Plants Position: Opposed to Bill 109 and Bill 113 Committee Chair Ford, Committee Vice Chair Wille and members of the Hawai'i County Council, My name is Bonnie Schoneberg, and I am providing testimony in opposition to Bill 109 and Bill 113. I work as a Crop Control/Ag Research Manager in the Macadamia industry. It is my understanding that the purpose of laws is not only to protect the public, but also to act in accordance to the will and good of the people. While supporters of the GMO ban argue that it is in the public's interest that this legislation is passed, it is in actuality the exact opposite. Hawaii is in the midst of an identity crisis. On one hand, we are trying to increase our agricultural competitiveness, and on the other, we are trying to make it increasingly difficult to be competitive. We are trying to present an image of being at the forefront of scientific research, and also trying to destroy our ability to conduct scientific research based on a very limited understanding of science. It is not my opinion that all GMO's are either good or bad. No two GMO's are the same. "Genetic Modification" in itself is a very general idea. Hybridization, which has been done for thousands of years, could even be considered genetic modification. Are we aiming to eliminate general cross- breeding as well? The fundamental lack of understanding and the broad, unstructured definition of what GMO's actually are (or which are the supposedly harmful types) make these bills extremely dangerous. Do the drafters of these bills even understand these distinctions and the ramifications for overlooking these important details? Since Hawaii is prone to new pests and diseases, without the ability to introduce genetically modified crops, we stand to lose more than just jobs. There is potential to lose entire industries. Take the most famous example of genetic modification in Hawaii. The GMO papaya was created in response to the Papaya Ringspot Virus, which threatened the entire industry. Hawaii's Papaya industry exists today because of the efforts by the HDOA, the USDA, and CTAHR to create a ringspot resistant variety. This resistance poses no threat to human health, as it has been extensively tested and only contains genes for resistance to the virus. Simply put, the resistant papaya is not even remotely similar in intention or creation to, for instance, the glyphosate-resistant corn. To group all GMO's into the same broad category not only undermines the science behind their creation, but also the purpose that they were created for. Comm. No. 3 85. Ref.To: P/Ps 4>G 9/3/2013 Ref. Dale SEP 04 2013 Page 2 of 3 The unwritten yet obvious targets for these bills are the multinational corporations with GMO research stations in Hawaii. These corporations, though requiring oversight, have become a necessity to the world to feed the ever-increasing populations. As much hype as there is for organic agriculture, it is impossible to rely solely on organic horticultural practices to fulfill all of our food needs. This in itself is a separate issue, but it is important to recognize the role that GMO's play in the future of our world. Food sustainability aside, whatever your stance on the issue is, this much is certain: The corporations being targeted by these bills will not be affected in the least, and their GMO's will still be in Hawaii's food supply. In reality, if GMO research is banned here, these companies will just move the research somewhere else. The ones who will actually be hurt by these bills are local farmers, scientists, and the people of Hawaii. What Hawaii stands to lose, should these bills be passed, are 1) the jobs that are generated by private companies that currently conduct research here, 2)jobs for researchers who work for universities, HDOA, and the USDA, 3) farming jobs and small businesses, 4) any progress made towards Hawaii's agricultural independence, and 5) progress that was made in attracting and/or keeping scientists in Hawaii. By limiting scientific progress, Hawaii becomes unattractive to those who would seek employment in scientific fields or to research companies who wish to create a base within Hawaii. The likely result would be a "brain drain," where more STEM graduates from local universities will end up leaving Hawaii due to a decrease in STEM employment. To those with an unbiased education in genetics and plant science, these bills seem poorly researched and poorly constructed. What would be more prudent is if thorough studies were conducted to understand the different types of GMO's and assess any possible risks on a case by case basis. Since the intended targets of the bills are the corporations, regulation of these companies rather than bans would make far more sense. Extensive testing is already required before any GMO is introduced into the market. If there is some fear that this testing is insufficient, then research should be conducted on whether longer testing periods are needed. Evaluations should be made as to whether each GMO needs its own timelines and criteria for approval. For effective legislation, get more scientists involved who actually understand genetic modification. Study the potential impact that the removal of certain GMO's would have on the farmers and the community. A flat out ban will damage Hawaii more than help it. I 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. Mahalo, Bonnie Schoneberg Crop Control/Ag Research Manager Royal Hawaiian Orchards, LP 16-703 Macadamia Rd. Keaau, HI 96749 (808) 966-5857 The information transmitted, including any attachments, is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information 9/3/2013 Page 3 of 3 by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited, and all liability arising therefrom is disclaimed. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. 9/3/2013