Chairs Nishihara, Baker, and Green, and Committee Members:
The League of Women Voters of Hawaii opposes HB 174 SD 2 which imposes labeling requirements and import restrictions on imported genetically engineered produce
We support the intent of the HB 174 HD 2 but are concerned that the regulatory and market-based infrastructure at the national and state levels is not in place to support its goals.
We question whether local produce can or should be exempted from the reporting requirements for imported produce; whether “not knowingly or intentionally modified” are enforceable terms; and whether these reporting requirements will unintentionally restrict the supply of produce to Hawaii. We find the current status of the bill confused in terms of supply, demand, and operational efficacy.
We therefore recommend holding off passing this bill until sufficient discussions and actions have taken place to ensure its efficient and effective implementation.
We urge you to vote down this bill. Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony.
|