HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0393.309 2012-2014 Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura
From: Paul Towers [ptowers @panna.org]
Sent: Monday, November 04, 2013 7:42 AM
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: PAN support for bill 113
Attachments: PAN support Hawaii Bill 113.pdf
Dear Hawaii County Council, Please find my attached testimony in support of Bill 113.
Sincerely,
Paul Towers
Organizing & Media Director
Pesticide Action Network North America
"Advancing alternatives to pesticides worldwide"
1611 Telegraph Ave I Suite 1200 I Oakland, CA 94612
Phone :: 415.625.9072 I Cell :: 916.216.1082
www.panna.org www.whatsonmyfood.org www.panna.org/blog
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JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Comm. No.393, 309
Ref.To: P/Ca efolei'/
Ref. Date NOV 5 2013
11/4/2013
November 4, 2013
Chair J Yoshimoto Pesticide Action
Hawai'i County Council Network
25 Aupuni St. I
Hilo, Hawai'i
RE: SUPPORT Comm. 393.70 (Bill 113 —Wille)
Dear Chairperson Yoshimoto and Members of the Council:
On behalf of Pesticide Action Network North America, and our 100,000 supporters in Hawaii and across the
country, we urge you to support Bill 113. This measure asserts Hawaii's local authority to ensure the success of
farmers and beekeepers and ensures the rights of residents to enjoy healthy foods grown on the island.
For over 16 years, pesticide and genetically engineered(GE) seed corporations have exerted undue influence on
our food system while making promises on which they fail to deliver. After millions of dollars in publicly
funded research, the pesticide and GE seed industry has yet to deliver on the drought-resistant, high-yield
products promised. Their seeds require more pesticide use, not less.
With GE crops driving up pesticide use, Hawaiian communities bear the burden of increased health risk from
exposure in air, water and on food. Already communities like Waimea, Kaua'i have brought a lawsuit against
Pioneer/DuPont on these grounds.
Without strong state or federal leadership, local governments must rise to the occasion. Local governments
across the country, including Boulder, Colorado and Lake County, California have taken similar steps to
prohibit the growth of genetically engineered crops. And other local governments are poised to do the same.
These governments join countries across Europe, and more recently Peru, that have instituted bans on GE crops.
We must continue to support healthy agriculture in Hawaii. By placing a prohibition on GE crops, we can
promote prosperous farming on the Big Island that is consistent with Hawaiian values.
I respectfully ask for your support of Bill 113.
Sincerely,
Paul Towers
Organizing & Media Director
Advancing Alternatives to Pesticides Worldwide
1611 Telegraph Ave, Suite 1200, Oakland, CA 94612 • 510.788.9020 • www.panna.org