HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0385.150 2012-2014 COUNTY CLERK
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TESTIMONY AGAINST BILL 109 AND 113
20!3 SEP -14 PM I: 03
Jason Moniz, president of the Hamakua Farm Bureau and I'm
opposed to Bill 109 and Bill 113 .
Four months have gone by and these Bills continue to contain
unsubstantiated claims and draconian measures . Bill 113
continues to references the need to wait on definitive science
while there are reams of scientific papers and the multiple
scientific bodies worldwide that have determined genetically
modified crops to be safe for health and the environment .
These Bills, particularly 113 blatantly discriminate against
established agriculture producers on Hawaii Island.
These bills passed as such will be challenged by me and many
others .
We have all spent a lot of time on this issue. Farmers and
ranchers have spent way too many long days, nights and dollars
defending our right to farm. The public is growing tired and
want to see their Council move on to the many other import
issues facing our County.
Yet with all that being said, there' s a silver lining and I have
to actually thank you all for putting such a spot light on
agriculture and on providing what has turned into an exceptional
educational opportunity to learn about the facts associated with
the genetic engineering of crops .
These bills despite four months to work remain overreaching and
flawed. Obviously Council members continue to have concerns or
we would not still be here having these hearings . I again
recommend these Bills be withdrawn and you form a task force or
some other body set up by the Council to determine what the
concerns are on all sides of the issue, including yours and have
that body find acceptable solutions that don' t impact farmer' s
right to farm.
We should all take a pause, heal, start over and move forward in
a positive direction.
Thank you.
Comm. No. '385' /5O
Ref. To: P/RSM fa
Ref. Date SF`' 0 6 2013