Laserfiche WebLink
Big Island Farrn Bureau <br /> P.O. Box 388 • Mountain View, Hawaii 96773 • Phone or Fax (808) 968.6951 <br /> Honorable Aaron Chung, Chairman April 24, 1997 <br /> & Committee Members <br /> Finance Committee <br /> County Counci 1 RECEIVED <br /> 25 Aupuni Street Time_._-.-.--_._-_ By~ <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 9670 `~lri~Ft4___ <br /> . ~ - ~ Data._------ - 7 <br /> w County Council ~s°-F`~ <br /> Dear Chairman Chung and Committee Members: <br /> The Hilo, Hamakua and Kohala chapters of the Farm Bureau would <br /> like to offer support for the development of a commercial <br /> post-harvest irradiation treatment facility in East Hawaii. <br /> The Farm Bureau contends that such a facility would create new <br /> <br /> • mar9cet opportunities and additional incentives to put our <br /> agricultural ?ands to productive use once again. <br /> Irradiation offers an alternative post-harvest treatment for <br /> specific commodities. The continued move to phase-out specific <br /> fumigants clearly marks the need for the development of <br /> alternative approaches to prevent the movement of pests and <br /> diseases for both import and export agricultui~ai products. <br /> Not every grower will find that this process opens the door to <br /> new markets, nor will every consumer make irradiated food their <br /> choice. Yet, irradiation is a tested, proven, and recognized <br /> post-harvest treatment; therefore, if the marketplace dictates <br /> then Hawaii should move forward with the development of such a <br /> facility. <br /> It should be noted that our fourth Big Island Chapter, <br /> Kona County has yet to take a definitive stand on this matter,. <br /> due to the uncertainty of their memberships' sentiment. <br /> However, it is their intention to host an informational meeting <br /> on the subject in their area. <br /> Thank you,for your time and consideration. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> La~lc~~esident <br /> Big Island Farm Bureau <br /> ua 2---? 5? <br /> >>!!ia Aa. <br /> gyyt Presented ~ cJ <br /> &94. Dsts ~'R 2 4 t~g~ <br /> <br />