HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0385.161 2012-2014 CODUTY CLERK
col,k,=-.1 _ gyp A11
Testimony Against Bills 109 and 113
2013 SEP -4 PM 2: 50
I oppose Bills 109 and 113 because any anti-GMO legislation in Hawaii County will discriminate
against our farmers and ranchers who choose to use approved genetic engineered technology to grow
safe and wholesome food and other agriculture products. These Bills also damage Hawaii's reputation
for producing some of the best crops on the planet, harms our markets, and have the potential to
effectively destroy Hawaii's agricultural industry.
Genetically-modified crops may be necessary to protect Hawaii's agricultural sector from future virus
strains affecting not just papayas, but many other cultivated fruits and vegetables. Due to the rampant
spread of the papaya virus since the 1990s, the papaya industry in Hawaii is no longer able to rely
solely on organic, unmodified fruits to thrive. In addition, Bill 109 and Bill 113 would also halt the
development of genetically modified 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 the exact same feeds at a
higher cost. How will Hawaii County farmers and ranchers compete when everyone but us has access
to GE technology?
It has been proven many times by independent scientific organizations around the world that
genetically-modified organisms are safe for human consumption. The American Association for the
Advancement of Science has gone on record as stating, "The science is quite clear: crop improvement
by the modern molecular techniques of biotechnology is safe." Such enhanced crops have been grown
in Hawaii for many years, with no sign of them having ever posed any threat to the health of Hawaii's
people. As a result, I feel there is no need to ban that which has been proven to be safe. I humbly ask
that you please vote against Bill 109 and Bill 113.
Josefa Colobong
Papaya Grower, Calavo Growers, Inc.
Kea'au, HI
Comm. No. 38s. /4/
Ref. To: P/fl 4 TC
Ref. Date SEP 06 Lull