Posted on: Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Lab-altered algae spur debate
By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer
A small aquatic organism was the source of a big debate yesterday about genetic plant research in Hawai'i, which ended with the state denying a request by a Big Island company to grow drugs in algae.
Mera Pharmaceuticals Inc. wants to import genetically modified algae for the production of pharmaceuticals to treat cancer, inflammation and asthma. Before that work begins, the company needs approval from the state Board of Agriculture, which yesterday heard testimony — sometimes testy — mainly in opposition to Mera's proposal.
Facing overwhelming public opposition and a procedural deadline, the board denied Mera one permit, but deferred a decision on whether to allow the company to import seven other strains of genetically modified algae. Of the roughly 70 written testimonies submitted for the hearing, only one supported the project.
Much of the debate concerned potential risks if the algae were accidentally released into the environment. Others opposed genetic crop research in general.
Genetic crop research isn't new in Hawai'i. The state leads the country in open-air test sites of genetically modified crops thanks to the state's geographic isolation, fertile volcanic soil and year-round growing season.
However, such research continues to generate concerns that genetically modified organisms could contaminate crops, harm endangered species and soil the state's reputation as an environmentally conscious community, which is key to a strong tourism trade.
"Just because it grows great doesn't mean it belongs here," testified Hano Hano Naehu of Wailua, Moloka'i, who was among a dozen or so people opposed to the project. "Some people say genetically modified organisms are the answer to world hunger ... and yet a lot of the world is rejecting and denying genetically modified organisms because they're making monsters.
"We don't need this big, greedy, moneymaking, manipulating stuff to be in our Islands and take advantage of our system."
Mera and the company's partner Rincon Pharmaceuticals acknowledged that the research contains risks, but contended that the risk is low and would be mitigated by containment procedures. For Hawai'i's $27.7 million aquaculture industry, which currently grows algae for use in human and animal nutritional supplements, pharmaceutical production could result in new high-value products and added jobs.
After more than two hours of testimony, the majority of board members agreed the matter needed more debate. However, because of a state deadline Mera would have automatically received a permit before the next board meeting, unless one of its applications was denied.
At one point during the meeting, board member Wes Sahara, of Kaua'i, challenged the testimony of a Mera official, who said the company had procedures to mitigate the unwanted spread of algae in the event of a hurricane.
"Don't be telling me that, OK?" he said. "I've been through (Hurricane) 'Iniki. No tell me you're going to be worried about your (algae) cultures at work. You going be worried about your family and you're going to be worrying about your life."
Among the recommendations suggested during the meeting was requiring an environmental impact statement on the effects of the algae. Henry Curtis, executive director of the environmental group Life of the Land, suggested that the company buy insurance to cover any costs associated with the spread of genetically altered algae.
"That might even protect the state, because if something went wrong you would have a separate entity to go after that would have a lot of money" he said.
At times the technical details of genetic crop research appeared beyond the comprehension of board members.
"I'm not a scientist," said board member Benjamin Lindsey, of the Big Island. "I'm just a board member and we've been updated with information really that I just don't understand."
Board member Ted Liu, who supported Mera's project, said the board should defer to its advisory committee, which comprises plant experts. That group recommended approval of Mera's permit.
Liu, who is also director for the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, said there always will be uncertainty about the risks of research.
"It seems to me we'll never have certainty, and if we wait for certainty we will never have a decision," he said.
After the meeting, Scott Franklin, vice president of technology development for San Diego-based Rincon, said the company would continue to push for approval permits needed to start the research in Kona.
"I understand a lot of the questions people have," he said. "I think they are addressable.
"It's just: Do you have the time and patience to sit down with everybody and talk to them?"
Reach Sean Hao at 525-8093 or shao@honoluluadvertiser.com
