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OF WAI'I Orchid Growers Of Hawaii
P.O. Box 4153 Hilo Hawaii 96720
Email : info @ogoh.org Website : www.ogoh.org
September 4, 2013
To: The Hawaii County Council Committee on Public Safety and Mass Transit
Re: Bill 109 and 113 - STRONGLY OPPOSED
My name is Elton Mow and I am the current President of the Orchid Growers of Hawaii
(OGOH) a Statewide Association of 100 commercial orchid growers.
I would like to state that the Orchid Growers of Hawaii are against Bill 109 and 113 which
would prohibit genetically modified organisms.
The Association is currently awaiting final stages of Research and testing of virus resistant
orchid plants that were developed by the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture
and Human Resources (CTAHR). A virus in orchids causes a brown discoloration especially on
white Dendrobium orchid flowers the main product of cutflower orchid growers in Hawaii.
Once the plants are infected with the virus there is no cure and the plants must be discarded.
The infected plants causes severe loss of productivity and revenue for the growers.
The Floriculture Industry is very familiar using Genetics to improve desirable characteristics
and if Bills 109 and 113 are passed the Growers will never be able to use this Valuable
Tool or any future tools that involve genetic modification.
Comm. No. 3g5. /55•
Ref.To: Pl"MYa
Ref. Date SEP el 1013
The Orchid Growers of Hawaii stand together with the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery
Association, the Papaya Growers, the Ranchers and the Farm Bureau. We feel that this Bill
Hurts Local Farmers when We should be promoting Any and All Facets of Agriculture
Conventional, Organic and Natural.
We urge to vote against Bills 109 and 113.
Elton Mow, President OGOH