HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0393.332 2012-2014 From Ben Cohn of Holualoa: The process of crafting Bill 113 has been very diplomatic and
considerate of the needs of local farmers and ranchers. The main goal of the bill in its current form
is to stop the introduction of any new GMO crops while providing a process for new GMO crops to
be introduced under emergency circumstances. The opposition to the bill have made public
statements and testimony along the lines of working together and co-existence. The bill has
specifically exempted the GMO papaya farmers and local ranchers, as a testament to working
together and co-existing. Bill 113 effectively halts the infestation of large Biotech companies from
experimenting and testing new GMO crops and pesticides. Dow Chemical, BASF, Syngenta,
Pioneer/Dupont, and Monsanto are currently operating on our neighbor islands. They are being
sued and widely protested by residents who are experiencing pesticide dust drift into their homes,
drinking water,beaches, ocean, and reefs. For example, in neighborhoods bordering biotech farms
on the west side of Kauai people have elevated rates of leukemia and birth defects that have been
documented and submitted by more than 15 pediatricians, doctors, and nurses headed by
pediatrician Dr. Lee Evslin. These problems have gotten so bad for the residents on Kauai, that on
their small island it was estimated between 4,000-6,000 people (nearly 10% of their population)
marched down rice street to their county council building in protest. Bill 113 is a clear and safe
measure that prevents the situation on Kauai from happening on the Big Island. Bill 113 preserves
the jobs and livelihoods of local farmers and ranchers. In the spirit of aloha and working together it
is important we pass bill 113 as a responsible measure to ensure the safety of our community. -Ben
Cohn of Holualoa
COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAI I
RECEIVED
Time 11 A•n^ By
Date H-11-/3
Comm. No. 3,3. 33.2
Ref.To: P f Cowec!/
Ref. Date NOV 1 9 11113