Tribune-Herald
Tribune-Herald
Actress Roseanne Barr criticized genetic engineering before the Hawaii County Council on Tuesday.
Barr, who owns a farm in Hamakua, spoke in favor of a bill to limit the use of genetically modified crops on the Big Island, saying people need to listen to independent research on the biotech industry.
“When science is applied and scientific analysis is applied, a correct answer is harvested, and that’s what needs to happen,” she said.
Barr also addressed papaya farmers, many of whom grow virus-resistant transgenic varieties.
“You know, the Hawaiians, everybody here is very giving and they would probably bend over backwards and help you burn those papayas and grow something decent,” she said.
Several papaya growers spoke against the bill, referring to it as a threat to their livelihood.
The star of the 1990s sitcom, “Roseanne,” also filmed a reality television show about life on her 40-acre macadamia nut and livestock farm.
Titled “Roseanne’s Nuts,” the show ran for one season in 2011 on the Lifetime network.
Barr ventured into politics last year, seeking the 2012 presidential nomination for the Green Party.