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6 5) The hazards to human beings and the natural environment is significant. Radioactive Cobalt 60 is a deadly substance. Even more significantly, it is a substance whose harmful effects are, initially, invisible. As has been observed at numerous of nuclear facilities, sometimes the hazards to human health and the natural environment only appear decades after the introduction of radioactive compounds. Proponents of nuclear technology are notorious for hiding facts, for lying to the public, and for allowing unsafe practices to occur which often are discovered only decades later through statistics in higher rates of cancer. 6) The transportation and storage of radioactive compounds also pose hazards. Perhaps most pertinent is that natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes are known to create great destruction in Hawaii. Designing and constructing a facility which can withstand such natural disasters is quite a challenge, and probably cannot be safely and effectively accomplished on a 2 million dollar budget. It is known that earthquakes in Hawaii can be significant, that any structure built to withstand a hurricane, can also be greatly affected by an earthquake. The financial liability to Hawaii taxpayers could result in many millions of dollars in damages just by having a small number of people affected or contaminated with radiocative material. 7) One factor which should also be considered is that by creating a nuclear facility, one is also creating a target for terrorism. As has been seen throughout the United States and world at large, acts of destructive terrorism are increasing. The ongoing costs of security and construction designs needed to reduce the chances of effective anti-terrorism activities is also significant. By creating this radioactive site, the Hawaii County Council is creating what may be the most highly visible and accessible location for terriorism that is presently under public control in Hawaii. 8) Perhaps most importantly it should be recognized that there are alternatives to irradiation. The main reason for constructing this irradiation facility are that a couple of species of exotic fruit, whose markets are not developed, may experience a slight change in color through the use of accepted and existing thermal and heat Statement by Greenpeace Foundation-Hawaii Regarding Irradiation ,page 2 2357 S. Beretania St., #767, Honolulu, Hawaii 96826 * Tel: 595-0057