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H 1 CA HAWAII ISLAND CONTRACTORS' ASSOCIATION 494 C KALANIKOA STREET HILO, HAWAII 96720 TELEPHONE (808) 935-1316 Other ideas have been considered over the years, but the truth is there is only one solution for making Hawaii grown products marketable on the mainland and in other regional markets. 2) Health and Safety -Irradiation saves lives. According to a long list of reputable food, health and scientific authorities including the United States Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization and more, irradiation is a safe and widely accepted practice to protect food against bacteria and infestation. For example: the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO): These two UN agencies have promoted irradiation as a means of dealing with the problems of world hunger and reducing food borne diseases. FAO representatives have argued that irradiation would or could reduce losses in storage by killing off pests and micro organisms and thus help increase the year-round supply of wholesome food. In conclusion - We must plan for the future and agriculture has been and will always be a way of life for the residents of the Big Island. We can no longer afford to rely on methods that are not competitive in the global market. We can all grow our own food in our backyards and lanais and it still won't help our economy. We need income from outside of the state to build and maintain our economy. Tourism is one important source. Giving Hawaii Island growers the opportunity to sell our unique tropical produce is another. The Hawaii Island Contractors' Association supports the measure to fund the development of the post harvest treatment facility for irradiation. Hawaii Island is in need of an economic stimulus. Let us take a bold stand for our families, our friends, and our future. The Hawaii Island Contractors' Association requests passage of this measure. Thank you Mr. Chair, Committee, People of Hawaii. Hugh H. Willocks, President, The Hawaii Island Contractors' Assocation 2