Hawai`i SEED Presents Acclaimed Author Jeffrey M. Smith in an Eight-City Statewide Speaking Tour on the Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods
Honolulu, Hawaii – (Feb 4, 2009) Hawai`i SEED, in cooperation with the Institute for Responsible Technology, will present a special statewide speaking tour with international bestselling author Jeffrey M. Smith, Tuesday, February 10, through Monday, February 23. The tour will feature eight separate community events focusing on breaking news surrounding the serious health risks of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These informative presentations will provide documented case studies and important health facts for Hawaii citizens. In addition to these eight presentations, Mr. Smith will testify on the long lasting health and environmental issues of GMOs during the Hawaii State Legislature 2009 Regular Session. Senator Mike Gabbard has introduced three bills for this session, SB237, SB238 and SB239, intended to protect the consumer’s right to know what they are eating and what’s happening on their land. The tour is also expected to help raise awareness about the need for supporting the moratorium on genetically modified taro SB709 & HB1663 and protesting a proposed restrictive preemption bill HB1226 that would limit future decision making about genetically modified organisms.
(HAWAII Eight-City Tour) Page 2
Resource Links to State Legislation:
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2009/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=237
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2009/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=238
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2009/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=239
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2009/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=709
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2009/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1663
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2009/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1226
The Hawai`i SEED GMO Community Tour one-hour presentations will end with an open question and answer session. The dates and times are:
KAUAI February 10th-12th - Event Contact Jeri Di Pietro 651-9603.
HANALEI, Tuesday Feb. 10, 6:30PM at the Hanalei School Cafeteria, 5-5415 Kuhio Hwy, 96714
Lihue, Wednesday Feb. 11, 6:30PM the War Memorial Convention Center, 4191 Hardy St, 96766
WAIMEA, Thursday Feb. 12, 6:30PM at the Waimea Neighborhood Center, 3353 Eono St, 96766
MOLOKAI February 15th - Event Contact Steve Morgan 336-1085
KAUNAKAI, Sunday Feb. 15, 6:30PM at the Mitchell Pauole Center, Aiona Street & Ala Malama Avenue, 96748
HAWAII February 17th-21st - Event Contact Paul Normann 557-4806
HILO, Tuesday Feb. 17, 6PM at the YBA Hall Honpa Hongwanji Betsuin, 398 Kilauea Ave 96720
KONA, Saturday Feb. 21, 5PM potluck and 7PM lecture at the Dragonfly Ranch, 84-5146 Keala O Keawe Road, 96704 (Captain Cook)
OAHU February 22nd-23rd - Event Contact, Meleana Judd 551-8132
HALEIWA, Sunday Feb. 22, 6PM at the Waialua Community Association, 66-434 Kamehameha Hwy, 96712
HONOLULU, Monday Feb. 23, 6PM at the Church of the Crossroads, 1212 University Ave, 96826
(HAWAII Eight City Tour) Page 3
The audience will be invited to sign a GMO labeling petition for President Obama, join the Institute for Responsible Technology’s 30-Day Non-GMO Challenge, and receive a copy of the handy Non-GMO Shopping Guide. Hawai`i SEED’s Oahu grassroots coordinator, Meleana Judd
says, “If you care about what you and your family eats and what's being grown on our agricultural land, don't miss him”. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with Mr. Smith and Hawai`i SEED state representatives after each one of his talks.
Called, “the best science communicator alive” Mr. Smith has spoken in over 30 countries, and has written the preeminent reference book for GMO campaigners, Genetic Roulette. His courageous international best seller, Seeds of Deception, has received global acclaim. A selection of his books, audio cassettes and documentaries will be available for signing after the program.
These free citizen education events were made possible in part through the generous support of the Hawai`i SEED and the Institute for Responsible Technology. The tour on Oahu has also received assistance from Down to Earth, Umeke Market & Celestial Natural Foods and other environmental non-profits such as Kokua Hawaii Foundation, Slow Food Oahu, and Kahea, and in-kind media support from the Hawaii Health Guide.
Hawai`i SEED is a statewide nonprofit coalition of grassroots groups composed of farmers, doctors, scientists, lawyers, concerned citizens, and Native Hawaiians.
Hawai`i SEED works on five islands to educate the public about the risks posed by genetically engineered organisms. Hawai`i SEED is dedicated to promoting diverse, local, healthy and ecological food and farming that supports real food security for the Hawaiian Islands and has:
Stopped the importation of a biopharmaceutical algae into Kailua-Kona through an Earthjustice lawsuit.
Worked with Native Hawaiians and taro farmers to move the University of Hawaii to relinquish its three patents on taro and to agree not to genetically engineer Hawaiian varieties of taro.
Launched a GMO papaya cleanup campaign, empowering farmers and gardeners by providing them with contamination test kits, teaching them how to save GMO-free seed and sharing cultivation solutions that are alternatives to GMOs.
Shepherded an agreement among the Hawaii coffee industry stating that they do not want GMO coffee grown in Hawaii at this time.
Sponsored five annual Hawaii Island seed exchanges and two Kauai seed exchanges in conjunction with Regenerations Botanical Garden, encouraging home production of food and increasing the food security of our islands
(HAWAII Eight City Tour) Page 4
Produced and distributed "Facing Hawaii's Future," a 70-page educational booklet explaining the state of GMOs in the Hawaiian Islands.
The Institute for Responsible Technology’s Campaign for Healthier Eating in America mobilizes citizens, organizations, businesses, and the media, to achieve the tipping point of consumer rejection of genetically modified foods.
The Institute for Responsible Technology educates people about the documented health risks of GMOs and provides them with healthier non-GMO product choices.
The Institute for Responsible Technology also informs policy makers and the public around the world about the impacts of GMOs on health, environment, the economy, and agriculture, and the problems associated with current research, regulation, corporate practices, and reporting.
