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Apri124, 1997 <br /> RECEIVED <br /> Please Distribute <br /> County Council Counfy Council,, < <br /> r~ <br /> County of Hawaii <br /> Re: Support of post harvest treatment facility. <br /> My name is Chuck Porter. I am speaking in support of the post harvest treatment facility <br /> for the Island of Hawaii. I have been in business on the Big Island for over 27 years in <br /> agriculture, service stations, petroleum distribution, and currently the tire business. (Lex <br /> Brodie Tire Company). The issue of county support for a post harvest treatment facility, <br /> specifically an irradiation facility, is not an issue of safety, but one of survival for many <br /> small farmers and Big Island families. Irradiation is a proven and safe method for the <br /> protection of food supplies that has already stood the test of time and scrutiny of many. <br /> I consider the current economic and job opportunity situation on the Big Island the worst I <br /> have seen in 27 years. A recent job position posted by our company for a tire changing <br /> position has drawn over 70 applicants. We all know that many able bodied persons and <br /> heads of households are wanting and willing to work, and are not able to because there are <br /> not enough jobs or opportunities. <br /> There will be hundreds of jobs and opportunities created when farmers and agricultural <br /> entrepreneurs are able to take their products to market. Our current dilemma of not being <br /> able to sell what we can grow is a situation that is not tolerated in the rest of the United <br /> States. We must change this. We must have vision from our council leaders to support our <br /> <br /> growers and let the marketplace do its job. You can do surveys and feasibility studies <br /> <br /> while our children continue to exit the islands. Most will be meaningless as long as we <br /> cannot export agricultural products. The first step is to provide a facility that will make <br /> export feasible and profitable. The marketplace on its own will provide capital, jobs and <br /> opportunities. We must respond to the needs of our local people, and not to outside vocal <br /> <br /> minorities with their own special interest agendas. <br /> Our collective governments spend millions of dollars on people who cannot work, or who <br /> do not want to work or will not work. Now is the time to make an investment in the <br /> <br /> people of Hawaii who want to work, who are willing to risk time and capital and be <br /> <br /> productive citizens. Lets put the marketplace to work for all of our benefits, by letting us <br /> enjoy equal opportunity in supplying Hawaii products to the mainland. Support irradiation <br /> and support our future. <br /> (ate )ia Z ! Z , ~E 5 5' <br /> ~ its <br /> Ret. Rbo ~~sentQ~ Fc <br /> let. D~ .OPR ~ ,g_70A~ <br /> <br />