• On Frankenfood • Automate Bureau of Conveyances On Frankenfood I continue to read with some bewilderment the continued controversy over GMO taro and corn on Kaua‘i. I would like to offer several comments from a scientific viewpoint: • Virtually
• On Frankenfood
• Automate Bureau of Conveyances
On Frankenfood
I continue to read with some bewilderment the continued controversy over GMO taro and corn on Kaua‘i. I would like to offer several comments from a scientific viewpoint:
• Virtually all plants under cultivation are genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Corn is the ultimate GMO “Frankenfood,” having its origin over 7,500 years ago as a mutant form of grass somewhere in Central America. Early farmers took this mutant and through selective planting and inter-breeding (hybridization) initiated the processes of genetic modification that continue to the present day. Although they had no knowledge of genes, these ancient agronomists were among the original GMO practitioners.
• Animals have also been subject to extensive genetic manipulation by humans ever since our ancestors first began to domesticate wild animals. Thus, all food derived from animal sources can be termed GMO.
• Genetic modification through traditional techniques (e.g., hybridization) is a slow, painstaking process which does not always produce benign results. Modern genetic engineering is more efficient as specific genes can be introduced with precision. For example, genes that render plants immune to certain pests or diseases have been introduced.
• The chemical properties of foodstuffs produced by traditional agricultural or modern genetic engineering are virtually identical, differing only in the arrangement of a tiny percentage of DNA base pairs that comprise the genetic material. Genetic engineering does not for example introduce pesticides into plant material. In any case, the human digestive system readily breaks down genetic material from any source (plant or animal). Thus there is no need to worry about the safety of modern GMO food; mankind has in fact been consuming such material for centuries.
• GMOs are created in nature, sometimes with the unwitting assistance of humans. For example, destruction of the hawthorn to make way for apple orchards caused a fruit fly, which fed on the hawthorn, to undergo genetic modification into what became the apple maggot fly. This situation resulted in massive chemical treatment of apples with chemicals such as DDT. Genetic engineering may solve this problem through introduction of genes that offer resistance to this, and other pests.
As with any enterprise, the field of genetic modification should be closely monitored (including manipulation of the genes of our own species). As with traditional practices (e.g., removal of the hawthorn), genetic engineering could have unintended consequences which must be taken seriously. However, participation in such a dialog requires a modicum of scientific knowledge, something that appears lacking in the general public as indicated by the current controversy over GMO taro and corn. As a start, I recommend a short book by Sue Hubbell, “Shrinking the Cat: Genetic engineering before we knew about genes.” In fact, I credit the author for much of the information in this letter and I readily admit that I share a common philosophy with her on these issues.
Robin Clark
Kalaheo
Automate Bureau of Conveyances
For the first time in more than a decade, there is widespread agreement that the recording process of the Bureau of Conveyances needs to be automated.
Gov. Linda Lingle, Department of Land and Natural Resources Director Laura Thielen, the managers and staff of the Bureau of Conveyances, the leadership of every industry that utilizes the bureau services, and the state House are all ready to immediately move forward with automating the Bureau of Conveyances.
The one exception is the state Senate, which is blocking a bill to allow the system to be automated, and is instead proposing yet another study. This is despite four recent studies that concluded an upgrade is needed. The Senate does not explain why another study is necessary, or why we need to study the feasibility when hundreds of bureaus of conveyances across the county are already automated. In fact, the Legislature recently permitted most other state agencies to automate their consumer reports and the Departments of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Taxation and Labor and Industrial Relations have automated filing systems. But the Senate is balking at giving the bureau the authority to automate.
Automating the Bureau of Conveyances will benefit the people in Hawai‘i by offering a faster and more secure system to record deeds, mortgages, liens, financing statements and other documents. Neighbor Island residents in particular would benefit from being able to record transactions online. Given that automation will address the many concerns about the slowness of the current recording system and the lack of the latest security protections for consumers, the reluctance of the Senate is inexplicable.
The DLNR is prepared to implement the automation plan. The only thing needed is for the Senate to follow the House is lead and provide the authority to automate bureau operations.
Nicki Ann Thompson,
Deputy registrar, Bureau of Conveyances
