GMO taro is genetically modified taro that has been engineered to have increased resistance to diseases and pests. However, there are risks to introducing GMO taro in Hawaii, as contamination could occur between GMO and non-GMO taro varieties once released. Past introduction of GMO papaya in Hawaii led to widespread contamination and loss of markets for non-GMO papaya. There are also health risks from viral sequences used in genetic engineering potentially transferring to human cells. Overall, many argue that GMO taro should not be introduced in Hawaii due to risks of contamination and unknown health effects.

1. GMO Taro By: Kentrel Brown Daniel Lee Irene Wilbanks

11. Our Opinion cont. I then applied this concept to the argument that scientists are tampering with a sacred plant to create some hybrid abomination and thought that it sounded like they are discriminating against the poor GMO taro. For those who agree that all forms of life are equally sacred, there should be no objection to what I said. I don't see how our government, which is supposed to represent everyone fairly, can become involved in taking sides in such emotional debates that have no concrete or well-founded basis. What they can do, instead, is review evidence based on fact and render decisions based on logic. Some people do not feel that way about the role of government, and I am willing to entertain a discussion on that, too, provided that someone can say more than "that doesn't feel right to me."

13. Sources “ Reasons to Say No to GMO Taro”. 3/17/09. http://www.fao.org/english/newsroom/focus/2003/gmo8.htm “ Kalo Mo’olelo”. Lo’i Virtual Field Trip . 3/1/09. http://ksdl.ksbe.edu/loi/moolelo-kalo.html “ Walter Ritte & Jerry Konanui talk about GMO Taro”. KKCR Sustainability Radio Show . 10/19/07. Malama Kaua’i. http://malamakauai.org/radio/RS_071019.php Miyasaka, Susan. “Research Project to Develop Taro with Increased Fungal Disease Resistance”. 8/16/05. 3/1/09. http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/gmo/image/GETaro-Handout-Aug05.pdf