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<br /> Hawaii's total acres in tropical fruits is less than S00 with statfruit comprising 40 acres. <br /> Thailand and Taiwan produce lyche and Tongan which are of inferior qualify by the time they <br /> arrive is Mainland mazkets. The Florida market is middiemamsed by Chinese and Indians to <br /> ethnic mazkets across the Mainland. The season for Hawaii fruit is sandwiched between the <br /> Asian and Florida seasons. Our only advantage is to develop seasonal varieties, which. will <br /> eventually be available worldwide during this economic window. I do not see" how irradiation <br /> will outshine the Florida market, which is watching Mexico and Sauth America <br /> Ia Florida, iaadiation is not successful in treatment of any product tested, except for <br /> strawberries (pest control), onions and potatoes (inhibit sprouting), mushrooms and tomatoes <br /> to extend shelf-life. Presently, the Florida irradiaion facility is operating at a loss. <br /> If irradiation is the savior of the papaya industry and therefore a large part of Hamakua <br /> revitalization, then why aze the leases only 8 years? Comparing this to the cost of building <br /> and operating an irradiation facility at undercapaciry in a highly competitive world mazket <br /> with increasing supply seems a burden on Hawaii taxpayers. Perhaps money should be <br /> targeted to alternative crops, practices and mazkets to replace sugaz with small diversified <br /> farms supported with self-reliant goals. Alternatives to irradiation exist and aze viable. <br /> Organic production includes over 1,000 acres in Hawaii with 70-75 certified organic <br /> operations and sales of $6-8 million this past year. <br /> Given the economics of Hawaii agriculture, and the lack of competitive advantage, proven <br /> benefits of irradiation, a mazket analysis by an independent third party, a proposed plan, or <br /> any financials (pro forma is usually requested by land owners for lease agreements) or <br /> feasibility study for the proposed project, I request that this item be deferred until more solid <br /> information is present. <br /> 'Thank you for the opportunity to testify. <br /> Warmest Aloha, <br /> . <br /> Kimberly D. CIazk, Ph.D. <br /> <br />