COMMENTARY
Genetic engineering ban must not pass
By Lisa H. Gibson
Big Island Mayor Harry Kim recently decided to veto the County Council's bill that would outlaw research or cultivation of genetically engineered coffee or taro on the Big Island. It's a move that the Hawai'i Science & Technology Council supports wholeheartedly.
Native Hawaiians have been among the most innovative people on earth. What is going on now is the emergence of the 21st Century Ahupua'a, a new era with new innovations. The convergence of culture, economic development and science requires civic leadership willing to present clear and credible information to engage communities in discussions on the science, the opportunities and consequences of policy positions. Mayor Kim has demonstrated this caliber leadership in his decision to veto Bill 361.
At the core of growing a science- and tech-based economy is a supportive environment for research, discovery and innovation. HISciTech opposes Bill 361 because this bill is essentially an anti-science bill that does not value innovation and sends a chilling message to any company seeking to do business here. The council's vote is disturbing because it is based on misinformation and it bans all facets of genetic engineering research and development for taro and coffee on Hawai'i Island when, according to many, the issues have been addressed and legislation is not needed.
Never before have science and technology been more important. These are the technologies that will address the sustainability challenges we face with the production of food and fuel and challenges in healthcare while providing Hawai'i's citizens with the opportunity to earn a living wage. A number of studies confirm that these issues are clearly top of mind for Hawai'i residents. According to the winter 2007 and fall 2008 issues of People's Pulse, a study conducted by Ominitrak Research for the Hawai'i Business Roundtable and the Pacific Resource Partnership:
If the County Council votes to override the veto of Bill 361 on Thursday it will send a negative message about Hawai'i Island and the state at a time when data tell us that science and tech growth is outperforming the overall economy.
Here are a few highlights from our recently released report, Innovation and Technology in Hawai'i: An Economic and Workforce Profile:
If the County Council decides not to follow the wisdom and leadership of Mayor Kim, it will bode poorly for Hawai'i Island. If passed and enacted, Bill 361 will send a clear signal well beyond the Big Island that the state of Hawai'i is not interested in growing its technology economy, not seeking investment in new companies, not concerned about the flight of kama'aina to the affordable Mainland and doesn't care about a sustainable future for its keiki.
Lisa H. Gibson is president of the Hawai'i Science & Technology Council and a former member of The Advertiser's Community Editorial Board. She wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.
