By TOM CALLIS
By TOM CALLIS
Tribune-Herald staff writer
The Hawaii County Council heard more testimony on a bill to restrict genetically altered crops Tuesday during the first meeting since members gave it a positive recommendation while in committee.
About 60 people had signed up to testify, a significant amount, but still a far cry from the hundreds that spoke before the council’s Public Safety and Mass Transit Committee in previous months.
The council, meeting as the PSMT committee, gave the bill a positive recommendation Oct. 1 in a 6-2 vote. It needs two votes at the council level and mayor’s signature to become law.
The special meeting at the West Hawaii Civic Center started at 4 p.m. and offered the first opportunity for testimony on the bill since early September.
At 6 p.m., the council was still working through the testimony and it wasn’t clear if any action would be taken.
As with previous lengthy sessions, testifiers offered a mix of opinion, fact and some hyperbole as they seek to win the county’s first battle over genetically modified organisms since a ban on transgenic coffee and taro was adopted in 2008.
Many had addressed the council members previously during the committee process, and provided similar narratives.
One, as presented by many opponents of genetically modified organisms, is that the crops threaten human health and the environment as well as consolidate control of the food supply in the hands of large companies.
The other, from supporters of the technology, is that transgenic crops are a solution to pests, disease and other demands placed on farmers. They also contend it’s safe for consumption.
The bill would ban open-air use of transgenic crops with exemptions for papaya and other modified crops on the isle. A registry for exempted plants would also be implemented.
Several proposed amendments were up for consideration as of Tuesday.
One from Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille, who introduced the bill, would provide an emergency clause, which would allow farmers to seek a temporary exemption from the ban if their crops are threatened by a disease. It would also, as part of the registry, allow exact locations of GMO farms and names of registrants from being released to the public.
Wille has said she is also working on an amendment to allow the county Planning Department to draft administrative rules for enforcement.
Hilo Councilman Dennis Onishi has also offered amendments to specifically exempt the horticulture industry and university researchers.
Several testifiers spoke against his proposals.
Email Tom Callis at
tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.