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2013 NOV 19 91MAggMENT OF THE ILWU LOCAL 142 ON BILL NO.113
The ILWU Local 142 opposes Bi11113which would ban genetically modified organisms (GMO)
in Hawaii County. In our opinion,the bill is akin to throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
Genetically modified crops are not the evil that opponents make them out to be. To be sure,the
promise that GMO's offered 30 years ago when they were developed has yet to be fully realized,
but genetically engineered and transgenic crops have been shown to provide distinct benefits
with the development of crops that are resistant to pests and disease. In our opinion,
biotechnology should not be perceived as the enemy,yet opponents capitalize on the public's
lack of information to whip up fear and near-hysteria.
A good example of the useful benefits of genetic engineering is the rainbow papaya that was
developed to combat the ring spot disease that nearly decimated the papaya industry on the Big
Island. With the development of the rainbow papaya variety, farmers are now able to continue
growing papaya, creating economic benefits to growers,workers, and the community. Work
opportunity is available, taxes are paid to support government programs and services, and jobs
and commerce help to provide for a healthy economy.
The introducers of Bill1 13themselves recognize some of the benefits of genetic engineering as
they propose to exempt from the ban transgenic organisms currently in existence within the
County. This exemption seems contradictory to other sections of the bill that raise concerns
about"genetic contamination"and"loss of organic certification"and"loss of premium sales for
organic products." If such a concern about transgenic and GMO products exists, why the
exemption?
Furthermore, while Bill 11 would seem to exempt rainbow papaya cultivation,what happens if
another disease threatens papaya or another crop? Genetic engineering will not be able to
provide a solution. Pesticides and herbicides may be the only option, something that those
opposed to GMO's will similarly oppose.
We share the concerns raised by GMO opponents over the huge profits reaped by some biotech
companies like Monsanto. These companies raise corn and soybeans for seed, which is then sold
to farmers who use the seed to grow crops that we eventually eat. What is scary and almost
reprehensible about Monsanto is that seed for new crops must be purchased from Monsanto,
allowing the company to reap profits upon profits. Monopolistic multi-level marketing on a
massive scale. However, banning GMO's to get back at companies like Monsanto is not the
answer.
GMO crops are not"frankenscience," as some would have you believe. We need to give GMO's
a chance. If you pass Bill 113 that prohibits new GMO's in Hawaii County,you may be banning
the potential of crops that can provide increased economic benefit as well as food sustainability.
We ask for the Council to exercise cautious restraint and not be swayed by emotion. The ILWU
respectfully requests that Bill f 1 3 be held. Thank you for considering our views and concerns.
Comm. No.
393 33$1
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