Citizens Sue For Environmental Review Of Biopharm Algae in Hawai`i

Lawsuit Seeks Further Study of Consequences of Genetically Modified Microorganisms

August 2nd, 2005

Honolulu, 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.