Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0385.163 2012-2014 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura COUNTY CLERK colpq-n-{ (TF HAWAII From: Kathy Haskins [kat.fish@live.corn] 2013 SEP 10 AN 111 11: Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2013 12:16 PM To: counciltestimony©co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Please vote no to Bill 109 and Bill 113 Dear Council Members, Please vote no to Bill 109 and Bill 113! 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 other agriculture products. One of the bills outright bans all genetically engineered papaya, essentially putting local farmers out of work and destroying the industry. Independent scientific organizations worldwide have unanimously stated that genetic engineering and genetically modified food are safe. Bill 109 and Bill 113 will shut down future investment in finding solutions to some of Hawaii's most serious agricultural and environmental challenges. • Hawaii's farmers and ranchers may need virus resistant GMO crops to protect Hawaii from the next papaya virus strain, banana bunchy top virus, tomato spotted wilt and other vegetable viruses, or the bacterial citrus greening disease that is destroying the Florida citrus industry and may soon come to Hawaii. • They will stop development of GMO ornamental and floral crops with enhanced horticultural or disease resistant characteristics. • They will prohibit livestock and aquaculture producers from efficiently growing cost effective feed locally, requiring them to import at a higher price the exact same feeds. • They will absolutely impede Hawaii County farmers and ranchers ability to compete and remain viable if everyone but them has access to modern agriculture tool. Much Aloha, Kathy Haskins • •-• •><)))( Comm. No. 3 ' I Ref. To: PI P31416 Ref. Date SEP 222013 9/10/2013