HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0385.135 2012-2014 Page 1 of 2
Murashige, Laura
From: Michael Glidden [glidden @hawaii.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2013 11:44 AM
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Testimony in Opposition of Bill 109 and 113
Hawaii County CouncilHawai'i County Building
'ten
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
-a -t--'
N
W '.�
Committee on Public Safety and Mass Transit =
Wed, 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 and Bill 113
Committee Chair Ford, Committee Vice Chair Wille and members of the Hawaii County
Council,
My name is Michael Glidden. I am providing testimony in opposition to Bill 109 and Bill 113.
I oppose this bill because of the many negative consequences this bill would have for Big
Island farmers and ranchers, agricultural researchers, consumers, and future local farmers.
Bill 109 and Bill 113 are anti-science measures that strip from farmers and ranchers
their right to farm and right to choose. They discriminate against farmers and ranchers who
choose to use approved genetic engineering technology to grow safe and healthy food and
Comm. No. 3 g5. !35
Ref. To: 1/, ,4f s G
9/3/2013 Ref. Date SLF 6 4 Z013
Page 2 of 2
other agriculture products. Independent scientific organizations worldwide have unanimously
stated that genetic engineering and genetically modified food are safe.
Agriculture and food production are industries with thin profit margins as it is, especially in
Hawaii, regardless of the production system, whether it be conventional, organic, or biotech.
Bill 109 and Bill 113 will impede the ability of Hawaii County farmers and ranchers to compete
and remain viable if everyone but them has access to modern agricultural tools, such as
biotech.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony in opposition to Bill 109 and Bill 113.
9/3/2013