THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

93

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


SENATE RESOLUTION

 

requesting the CONVENING OF a task force to discuss issues, study impacts, and make recommendations relating to Genetically modified organisms.

 

WHEREAS, genetic engineering of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is a relatively new science that has not yet received substantial long-term evaluation of its effects on the health of humans, other living creatures, and the environment; and

WHEREAS, the drift of pollen from genetically engineered crops has been scientifically documented to extend two or more miles away from those plantings, posing potential risks of contamination to the organic farm industry and other farms not using genetically engineered crops; and

WHEREAS, genetic engineering may have unforeseen effects on Hawaii's precious native ecosystems and the biodiversity of our sensitive island environments; and

WHEREAS, Hawaii has more genetic engineering test sites per square mile than any other state in the nation; and

WHEREAS, no studies have been done to assess the long-term impact of GMO field testing on Hawaii's fragile ecosystem or on how the health of our State's citizens may be affected by allergic reactions, pollen drift, viral mutations, etc.; and

WHEREAS, scientists warn of the risks of new allergens and toxins in foods, rising resistance rates of pests and weeds to the genetically engineered bio-pesticide Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), persistence of Bt in sediment, crossing of new genes into wild relatives, and potential contamination of aquifers and fresh waterways; and

WHEREAS, the most common genetically engineered crop in Hawaii is corn, which has pollen that is almost impossible to contain and protect from wind, rain, birds, bees, and other insect pollinators; and

WHEREAS, farmers are particularly vulnerable to losing their farms and assets through patent infringement lawsuits by genetic engineering corporations when pollen drift contaminates farmers' fields; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-Second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health, and the University of Hawaii ­ College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources are requested to co-convene a task force to gather input about, discuss issues relating to, and recommend statutory or regulatory schemes for legislative action about GMOs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force also study the scope of the current use of GMOs in the State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force examine whether the State should provide farmer indemnity to ensure that the creator of the genetically engineered technology assumes the liability resulting from that technology; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force should study whether Hawaii's citizens have the right to know the location and nature of genetically engineered crops presently being grown on the islands; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force should research whether mandatory labeling is necessary so that those suffering from food allergies and others who prefer to consume only non-GMO foods can make an informed decision whether or not to purchase genetically engineered foods; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force membership include the Chair of the Board of Agriculture or a designee, the Director of the Department of Health or a designee, and the Dean of the University of Hawaii ­ College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources or a designee, one member of the Agribusiness Development Corporation or a designee, one non-GMO commercial farmer representative from each island (as available), one organic farmer from each island (as available), one GMO farmer representative from each island (as available), and other stakeholders and experts as chosen by the Chair of the Board of Agriculture, the Director of the Department of Health, and the Dean of the University of Hawaii ­ College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature, not later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2004 Regular Session; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor of the State of Hawaii, the Chair of the Board of Agriculture, the Director of the Department of Health, and the Dean of the University of Hawaii ­ College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, the Attorney General, and the mayor of each county.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Genetically Modified Organisms; Task Force