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such actions discourage entrepreneurial investment by industry. On the other hand, use of <br /> <br /> the irradiation plant as a strictly research facility presents no conflict of this kind. Similarly <br /> <br /> we have no problem with a commercial irradiation facility being built and operated by <br /> private enterprise. We believe fair competition is good for business, agriculture, and the <br /> consumer. Our question thus has to do with fairness and risk taking in business and not <br /> the pros and cons of food irradiation. <br /> There are alternative ways for the county to help the papaya industry. From our <br /> perspective, one very important way to support the papaya industry is for the county to <br /> invest the two million or so dollars in research and development. Assist in the eradication <br /> of the virus that has invaded the papaya orchids and the clearing of these abandoned <br /> Fields. Assist in the licensing of genetic seed distribution to all farmers small and large on <br /> an equitable basis. The virus that has invaded the orchards has devastated the industry in <br /> the past two years and at the present rate will not be able to recover for at least another <br /> five years. <br /> Therefor I ask that alternatives be weighed against irradiation and put the county fixnds <br /> into research and development for the long term benefit of agriculture. <br /> Thank you for the opportunity to be heard. <br /> M. DICK <br /> PRESIDENT & CEO <br /> HAWAIIAN HOST, PAPAYA <br /> <br />