Printed in the Honolulu Advertiser

Letters to the Editor, Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Science Has Solutions For Isles' Challenges

Congratulations to Adolph Helm. Finally someone had the courage to say "the emperor has no clothes." The anti-biotech movement is about politics and fear rather than good science and education ("Genetic engineering ban bad for Hawai'i," March 13).

If moratoriums on genetically engineered taro and coffee become law, it would amount to state control of agricultural research and develoment. This would tie the hands of business and industry, and undermine free market enterprise.

The ability of Hawai'i companies to attract investment capital would be severely impacted and could potentially affect a broad spectrum of health, environmental, food and agricultural industries throughout the state.

Let us not be derailed by a small number of activists trying to stir up hysteria over technology by promoting misinformation that has been rejected by the prevailing views of experts throughout the world.

The truth is that it is science that holds the solutions for the vastly complex challenges facing both Hawai'i and the world.

As we seek answers for the future, we can also develop economic opportunities for our state with responsible management and regulatory oversight based on sound science.

Lisa Gibson
President, Hawai'i