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~~~~Al WSJ` <br /> ~ ° HAWAII MEDICAL ASSOCIATION <br /> <br /> 2 D ~ 360 SOUTH BERETANIA STREET, HONOLULU, HAWAII 96814 j <br /> <br /> 4 O TELEPHONE (808) 536-7702 • FAX (808) 528-2376 <br /> ti ~ '97 fI;IV 16 f'~l 2 Lr5 <br /> lest, <br /> COUf~ <br /> COUNTY Oi= HA1NAll <br /> May 15, 1997 <br /> Honorable Stephen K. Yamashiro, Mayor <br /> Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chair <br /> and Members of the Council <br /> Dear Mayor Yamashiro, Council Chair Arakaki and Members of the Council: <br /> The Hawaii Medical Association (HMA) would like to raise a concern regarding the safety of [he <br /> proposed cobalt or cesium-based fruit irradiation facility that will be located an the Island of Hawaii. We <br /> are uncertain as to whether there have been adequate studies done to determine if the facility can be <br /> guaranteed to maintain its structural integrity in the event of major earthgttakes that can be anticipated to <br /> occur in this highly geologically active area. <br /> If there is a significant chance that radioactive material could be released during seismic disturbances, <br /> there could be a real potential for the release of gamma irradiation in the vicinity of the facility, <br /> endangering residents in the surrounding azeas and leaving long-lasting radioactive residues that would <br /> be difficult to clean up. <br /> We feel that the public health must be protected in this undertaking. If there have been good studies in <br /> similazly geologically active locales, these should be presented before proceeding with the project. If not, <br /> such studies should be performed before construction and operation of this facility. The potential for <br /> danger to the public and significant liability for [he county is very real. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> ~"A <br /> John S. Spangler, M.D. Frederick C. Holschuh, M.D. <br /> President, HMA Emergency Physician, Hilo <br /> G i , _ Past President, HMA <br /> ~ ;///(//ice <br /> Steven Moser, M.D., F.A.C.P. <br /> Chair, Environmental Health Committee, HMA <br /> c;r,mra. ~o. Z~.a2~ <br /> Nile ~o. N~'~/e~~P <br /> R,e[, xotPr~ lJ hC <br /> ttef MAY 1 6 1997 <br /> <br />