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To Whom It May Concern: <br /> I am opposed to public funding of a food irradiation facility on this island. Firstly, I <br /> <br /> am concerned about the long term human health effects. It seems that this procedure has <br /> been tested sufficiently, yet I can recall many times in our recent agricultural history <br /> when severe health effects were discovered many years too late. Is the potential risk to <br /> human health worth it? <br /> I have a long term lease on 60 acres of ag land. I am currently developing this land <br /> as an organic diversified fruit orchard. I am aware that part of Hawaii's trade deficit <br /> results in large food imports. I plan to grow wholesome food on Hawaii for Hawaiians. <br /> 1 could make a few hundred thousand dollars per year with this size parcel operating a <br /> commercial export orchard. I am not interested. I am looking for long term solutions to <br /> our economic problems. I care about the health of the soil and the health of myself and <br /> the people 1 sell my fruit to. <br /> I believe that there are many other more far-sighted ways to improve our local <br /> economy. If the state of Hawaii were to invest a few million dollars into research and <br /> development of organic farming practices, for example, the long term results would be <br /> healthier soil, healthier people, and a healthier economy. I invite you to consider the <br /> benefits of using nitrogen fixing trees and ground covers along with grazing animals to <br /> improve the soil. This process results in less expense in importing pesticides, nitrogen <br /> additives, herbicides, and gasoline to control weeds. <br /> There are many, many ways that Hawaii can improve its balance of trade through <br /> agriculture, or through other methods. This food irradiation idea is not entirely faulty. <br /> 1 understand the logic of wanting to utilize Hawaii's enormous agricultural potential. <br /> Yet, it seems that there may be other much more attractive alternatives available. <br /> Again, 1 want to see our government using resources to create long term solutions. <br /> Let us step back and ask the big questions: What do Hawaiians really need for our long <br /> term well being`? What can we~ do right now to maximize our well being 50 or 100 <br /> years from now? We are not desperate; we can afford to make careful and wise <br /> decisions. <br /> Thank you for your time. <br /> Scott Middlekauff <br /> ph# 965-6069 <br /> 2~2.12i <br /> CC <br /> N'~lu Nu,.i .N.~'C'I~P <br /> yam, ~ Prasent~ <br /> ~I~~ <br /> ~ ~~~„RPR 2 4. 199E-_, <br /> <br />