[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
[SANET-MG] Hawaiians Challenge Algae "Biopharming"
Hawaiians Challenge Algae "Biopharming"
Lawsuit Seeks Further Study of Consequences of Genetically Modified
Microorganisms
By: Earthjustice
Published: August 2, 2005
http://www.yubanet.com/artman/publish/article_23442.shtml
Kailua-Kona, HI -- Today, citizen groups `Ohana Pale Ke Ao, Kohanaiki
`Ohana, GMO Free Hawai`i, and Sierra Club, Hawai`i Chapter, represented
by Earthjustice, filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of the State of
Hawai`i, against the Board of Agriculture, State of Hawai`i, challenging
the approval of a permit to allow the production of potentially
dangerous genetically modified microorganisms on the Big Island.
The permit allows biotech company Mera Pharmaceutical to import and
produce in a state facility in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i Island seven novel
strains of "biopharmaceutical" algae genetically modified to produce
unapproved experimental drugs. The suit seeks to compel the BOA to
comply with the Hawai`i Environmental Policy Act by reviewing the
potential environmental impacts of the project. The suit also seeks to
invalidate the BOA's approval and stop the project from proceeding until
the mandated review process is complete.
"The law requires the State to fully examine the potential impacts of
bringing these alien, drug-laden algae to our islands," said
Earthjustice attorney Isaac Moriwake. "The government and public need to
understand the potential impacts and available alternatives before this
experiment begins."
The genetically engineered strains of algae have never been introduced
anywhere outside the laboratory. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
has never approved a pharmaceutical substance produced by the GE algae
for human consumption by, nor are their effects on humans and the
environment known.
The alga used in the experiments, Chlamydomonas, is a common
microorganism that exists in water, soil, even snowfields, can be
transported in the air, and can survive a variety of harsh conditions in
a dormant stage. Native strains of Chlamydomonas are known to exist in
Hawai`i, which experts say are unique to these islands. This raises
concerns of the biopharm algae not only spreading on its own, but also
crossing with the native strains.
Mera Pharmaceutical seeks to manufacture large quantities of the
biopharm algae for experimental purposes outdoors, in large plastic
containers called "photobioreactors" at the Natural Energy Laboratory of
Hawaii Authority, a state-owned technology park on the Kailua-Kona coast
on the island of Hawai`i. Such large-scale, outdoor production compounds
the risks of escape and contamination of the surrounding environment.
"Islands are fragile ecosystems. We've seen salvinia molesta on Lake
Wilson, coqui frogs on the Big Island, and invasive algae along the
shores of Maui and Waikiki. We do not want to see something like that
happen on the Kona coastline. It is imperative that environmental review
be done," said Karen Eoff, President of Kohanaiki 'Ohana.
"Algae have been the building blocks of life on Earth for 3 billion
years," said Jeff Mikulina, Director of the Sierra Club. "Surely we can
spend a few extra months ensuring that genetically altering algae won't
have unintended consequences."
The plaintiff groups are particularly concerned because the NELHA
facility lies in a sensitive coastal environment that is cherished and
regularly used by local residents, including Native Hawaiians. A popular
camping ground, surfing spot, and beaches are located nearby, as well as
numerous wetlands and brackish anchialine ponds which host native and
endangered species and support legally protected Native Hawaiian
cultural practices of gathering and access. A national park is also
located in the vicinity.
"These algae are a foundation of life in all water and soils. The
large-scale, outdoor production of their genetically modified forms
practically rolls out the red carpet for their release into the
environment," said Nancy Redfeather of `Ohana Pale Ke Ao. "We need to
exercise more prudence and precaution before introducing such
drug-producing algae into our pristine Hawaiian ecosystems."
This case marks the first time ever the state has had to make the sole
decision whether to allow the import of a GE organism into Hawai`i. The
federal agencies usually responsible for regulating GE organisms -- the
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, and the
FDA -- have all disclaimed jurisdiction over the biopharm algae.
Chlamydomonas, however, is on the state Department of Agriculture's
"list of restricted organisms" under its quarantine laws. Further, DOA
staff determined that the biopharm algae posed an "above moderate risk,"
which means that the BOA must approve the project. The DOA made this
determination based on the lack of federal oversight, the DOA's lack of
experience with GE Algae, concerns regarding large-scale production
outdoors, and the "unknown effects on the environment if accidentally
released."
Also, because the biopharm algae project will use state lands, it
triggered HEPA's requirement of environmental review. This involves a
process whereby the BOA, with the full participation of the public, must
evaluate the impacts of a project and its alternatives in an
"environmental assessment" and, if the EA indicates that the project
"may" have a significant effect on the environment, a more extensive
"environmental impact statement".
At several lengthy hearings on the proposal, the BOA received a flood of
public testimony from concerned individuals throughout the state and
even from the mainland, including local residents, Native Hawaiians,
farmers, businesspeople, doctors, and scientists, who questioned the
project and urged the Board to examine the potential impacts in a HEPA
document. At the second meeting on June 26, 2005, the BOA approved the
application without even mentioning HEPA.
"Shortcutting the legal process does nothing to ensure the protection of
public health and the environment, or to foster public confidence in
such projects," said Moriwake. "The state should just comply with the
law by fully examining the potential impacts of this project in full
public view."
H
********************************************************
To unsubscribe from SANET-MG:
1- Visit http://lists.sare.org/archives/sanet-mg.html to unsubscribe or;
2- Send a message to <listserv@sare.org> from the address subscribed to the list. Type "unsubscribe sanet-mg" in the body of the message.
Visit the SANET-MG archives at: http://lists.sare.org/archives/sanet-mg.html
For more information on grants and other resources available through the SARE program, please visit http://www.sare.org.