HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0393.330 2012-2014 COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
RECEIVED
Time 2:00 04 3yr "1".1
Testimony Bill 113 Date N V V 0 5 2.013 "''CG
Final Council Hearing—November 5, 2013
Hilo, Hawai'i
Nancy Redfeather and Gerry Herbert
Kawanui Farm - Kainaliu, Hawai'i
In Strong Support:
Points to Consider:
• Mahalo to Council for listening to all sides and being able to achieve a
"clear compromise" in Bill 113 that includes exemptions for all GE
crops on Hawai'i Island at this time and a clear pathway for additional
GE crops should they be needed in an emergency in the future.
• I think everyone agrees, we don't want biotech corporations conducting
GE experimental field trials on Hawaii Island. I trust that scaring,
hiring more lobbyists, or strong-arming the Council to defeat this Bill
will not be effective. I have read the "legal opinions" given to Mayor
Carvalho, I think the arguments are baseless and basically show the
extensive reach and power of the biotech industry over the people of
Hawai'i.
• Of course, we cannot see everything that will happen in the future, but
we know it is wise to protect and preserve our lands and water systems
from contaminants, protect future food crops, protect our seed
resources, work to curb invasive species and improve our relationship
with the University that could create a flow of knowledge from our
Professors to our Farmers and help them understand how to farm
sustainably using agroecology methods.
• I don't see a clear need for an Ad-Hoc Committee at this time, but if
one is needed for a defined reason, it should have clear directives and
goals, a balanced group and a clear timetable.
Please Pass Bill 113.
Ua Mau ke Ea o ka `Aina i Ka Pono...
Aloha,
Nancy Redfeather and Gerry Herbert
Kawanui Farm
Kainaliu, Hawai'i 3y3. 3,30
Comm. No.
Ref.To: P/ 4"ie//
Ref. Date "" 5 ZU13