HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0393.328 2012-2014 COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
RECEIVED
Bill 113 Date 2.�pM �y�T�WNcG
Testimony by Kelly Greenwell �
November 5, 2013
Firstly, I'd like to express my gratitude for the effort this council has expended on
understanding the implications involved in regulating the inclusion of genetically modified
organisms in our agriculture, and specifically, I'd like to thank Ms. Wille for bringing this issue
to light.
With all due respect for both sides of this GMO issue, however, I think it boils down to
whether Hawaii is seriously willing to participate in developing the science of maintaining a
sustainable food supply for the future.
There is no question that both sides have exhibited legitimate and might I say warranted
concern, however, in the final analysis the real question is do we participate in the evolving
science of agriculture or do we legislate against it?
Yes, it would be nice to preserve the purity of the natural but the reality is that the natural
is long past and we are beyond bringing it back.
I oppose this bill because it delivers the message that our focus is entirely upon ourselves,
and as such, contrary to our native culture which characteristically displays outreach. Passage is
also short-sighted in that global conditions will eventually impact us, as well as unfortunate in
that proactive participation in the study of tropical agriculture is our most obvious and best suited
mission.
Following the path of isolationism displaces us from an opportunity to participate in the
future well-being of our planet, leaving us without a role in the development of world farming.
Let's take up the challenge of being a contributing player understanding that if world agriculture
fails, it will first occur in the tropics and most probably because we chose not to get involved.
Comm. No. 313, 3°2
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