HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0393.139 2012-2014 Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura
From: lyn howe [lynhowe1946@yahoo.corn]
Sent: Monday, October 14, 2013 8:17 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Testimony for bill 113 from Geoff Rauch Pahoa
Attachments: geoffs bill 113 testimony.docx
Please give my attached testimony to the proper council
members - thank you
Aloha,
Geoff Rauch
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Comm. No. 3 f-31 1.3 9
Ref.To: Pied.04 ea/
Ref. Date OCT I 5 7n13
10/14/2013
My name is Geoff Rauch, I live in the district of Puna, Pahoa and I support bill 113
as written with amendments to sunset the GMO corn that is now growing on
the island.
2 Visions - Simple Choice
Vision 1 - A GMO Hawaii Island
Continued introduction and expansion of potential genetic crops, including fruit and
vegetables. Commercial farmers and ranchers want the "weed free" convenience of
glyphosate crops. Just like the mainland, weed and bug resistance soon appears
requiring yet stronger pesticides and herbicides. The contamination of non-GMO
crops is rampant- commercial organic production essentially history except for a
few minor non-modified plants. Lots of lawsuits, biotech police, planned
abandonment by small farmers, and larger commercial farm consolidation.
Meanwhile soil health is tanking, human health a disaster and animal health
appalling. Taxes are raised so that we can try to install high-tech filters to clean our
contaminated water, and fish and reefs are dying due to toxic run-off. We realize we
have made a mistake, the contamination is un-recallable and meanwhile the state
has forced through pre-emption rules that stop our right to chose a safe and
ecologically healthy local alternative.
Vison 2 - An eco-Agricultural Model
GMO's are outlawed and agricultural land is gradually converted to eco-farming
methods. Ag toxics are phased out with IPM (Integrated Pest Management)
techniques eliminating direct exposure and indirect residue on crops. A focus on
soil improvement results in more nutritious crops and stronger plants. The land
retains its health,the water runs clean and the shore zone is productive and healthy.
The University researches and advises on eco-farming problems and techniques and
growers eagerly share eco-solutions and practices. Extra labor costs are more than
made up with savings from avoiding the toxic treadmill, and the currently
externalized costs of health and environmental degradation are eliminated. Papaya
farmers proudly tend their diverse and toxic-free farms. Island crops are exported at
a premium to the other islands. Farmers and gardeners can localize and save their
seed, assuring self-sufficiency and quality. Pre-exemption laws are justly ignored!
There will be no choice soon as contaminating corn and who knows what else is
already here. Worried that vision 2 cannot be done-don't, thousands of farmers and
gardeners are already doing it both here and on the mainland.
Mahalo
Geoff Rauch