Senator launches email campaign to block Ha

[rainyjim]

To be sure - I wasn't implying any conspiracy - merely suggesting what you confirm - that their involvement on your behalf is not necessarily beneficial.

Aloha mai kakou

[TomK]

Sorry, I should have been much clearer, my fault. I was actually asking for evidence of those companies supporting Richard's business, not people or company representatives submitting testimony, which is totally different. I have not seen any evidence that suggests Richard receives that kind of support. My apologies again.

[pahoated]

There really needs to be some sanity brought back to the genetically modified organisms debate, especially in terms of what it means for Hawaii island.

The view that Monsanto is going to build a walled complex around Pohoiki to grow acres and acres of GMO corn and soybeans is moronic.

GMO is needed to combat bacteria and viruses that are adapting and evolving faster than our food consumption needs. But, think about where all these fungus, bacteria and virus outbreaks are occurring. Everywhere BUT Hawaii island. Hawaii island was the last to get the papaya ring virus and so far, Hawaii bananas haven't been infected by the Panama virus.

The point is that GMO on Hawaii island wouldn't be for growing crops. It would be crops genetically engineered for the infected areas on the rest of the planet. Hawaii acts as a pristine test laboratory and these days, don't need the infection physically to test the genetically modified plant's ability to defend itself against the infection. Hawaii island's big asset is how pristine and clean it is, with growing effort to restore past ecosystems. This "Just Say No" approach of the anti-GMO troupe is really simple minded.

"This island Hawaii on this island Earth"

[Anxious Messiah]

"Acts" as a pristine until something goes awry.

Why waste valuable ag land on non food crops? Grow food for local consumption first, and export second.

[TomK]

quote:

---

The point is that GMO on Hawaii island wouldn't be for growing crops.

---

Now I'm confused.

quote:

---

It would be crops genetically engineered for {...]

---

And now thoroughly confused.

quote:

---

The point is that GMO on Hawaii island wouldn't be for growing crops. It would be crops genetically engineered for the infected areas on the rest of the planet.

---

So is it crops or not, grown here or not? (Wow, that even rhymes).

Jeez.

[kalakoa]

The silliness will continue until gas is too expensive to ship things back and forth.

Alternate suggestion: people might actually like GMO if it created useful new combinations that actually helped solve real problems. Think "coqui frog that only eats fire ants", or maybe "pig that roots out waiwi clumps"...

[leilanidude]

quote:

---

Originally posted by pahoated

The point is that GMO on Hawaii island wouldn't be for growing crops. It would be crops genetically engineered for the infected areas on the rest of the planet. Hawaii acts as a pristine test laboratory and these days, don't need the infection physically to test the genetically modified plant's ability to defend itself against the infection.

---

Not quite true. That corn that is grown on Maui for seed is ALSO harvested when the corn is ready. Anyone growing GMO crops for seed is also going to be harvesting the resulting food crops. Is this not any different than the "organic" farmer who collects his own seeds and also sells the resulting crop?

[pahoated]

quote:

---

Originally posted by TomK

quote:

---

The point is that GMO on Hawaii island wouldn't be for growing crops.

---

Now I'm confused.

quote:

---

It would be crops genetically engineered for {...]

---

And now thoroughly confused.

quote:

---

The point is that GMO on Hawaii island wouldn't be for growing crops. It would be crops genetically engineered for the infected areas on the rest of the planet.

---

So is it crops or not, grown here or not? (Wow, that even rhymes).

Jeez.

---

Talk about trying to bring some sanity back and you respond like this? You are supposed to be an astronomer and don't understand basic science?

The GMO companies, if they want to come here at all, will be looking at research, not large scale agricultural production. The large scale agricultural production will occur on other mainlands. Trying to figure out why you have a problem with telepresence and remote computing.

They might choose to do some open air testing. There is a very small chance of cross contamination but the crops that are being modified are not generally grown on Hawaii. Contrary to popular belief, GMO is only being done on a small number of farm crops like wheat, soybeans, corn and rice. Oats are not GMO at all and there is no current need.

The point which you seem to have difficulty understanding is that any GMO on Hawaii island will be small facility research and test fields. Papaya ended up being a special case in that the GMO research was done locally by a local for locals, then ended up being large scale agriculture again. It will probably be that way if this coffee virus starts spreading.

"This island Hawaii on this island Earth"

[TomK]

My point, pahoated, is you should be more careful with your wording. When it comes to astronomy you've shown you're a bit of a Walter Mitty. However, since you've opened the door,:

GMO not being used to grow crops here? Well, the University of Hawaii might disagree with you. I believe there are several papaya grown here that are GMO. Maybe in your mind that does not constitute a crop. OK. But then you say it won't but then you say it will "for the infected areas on the rest of the planet".

Those are still crops.