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MqY-06-97 TUE 19;04 HgWgII DIWERSIFIED TECH. 808 966 6977 <br /> P. 02 <br /> Value-added producl~ have been talked about. and promoted for the last <br /> couple years by growers, distributors and industry organizations. There is no <br /> doubt about the benefits of producing and processing local products. The value- <br /> added products reach local residents as well as the visitor industry and they do <br /> not have seasonal limitations as the fresh fruit market does. <br /> Hawaii has a great promotional opportunity with the sales of products that <br /> may be unique to Hawaii (e.g. ramhutan). Since thin product requires a tropical <br /> climate, Hawaii has the best opportunity to "grow and show" this unique delight. <br /> Again, the traveler spends money here, supporting the local grower and marketer <br /> of this rxperience rather than a mainland broker and no travel funds. In addition, <br /> the visitors contribute economically in many other avenues. <br /> Lastly, the University has published a far t sheet outlining fnrit. fly <br /> management slral.cgies that could be pursued. The irony of the proposed <br /> treatment that sterilizes but does not kill the fruit fly larvae is that fruit can still be <br /> damaged frnrn fruit fly development, reselling in live 'dumping" larvae upon arrival <br /> at the market, according to University of Hawaii at Manoa documentation. BISCA <br /> supports development of coordinated management efforts to minimize fruit fly <br /> damage for all commodities, especially for local markets, There are so many crops <br /> impacted by the fruit fly that any efforts to combat the damage should address <br /> local markets and economic development before expending' millions of dollars for <br /> a process that will help only a limited number of growers. <br /> ThanK-you for thr opportunity to address this bill. <br /> Rcspnct fully, <br /> i/)~ r <br /> Laurel A. Dekker <br /> <br /> Executive Director <br /> <br />