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-1- <br /> April 24, 1997 <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> 25 Aupuni Street <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 RECEIVED <br /> Date_._------~i-'~°`-t ~A7----r--------- <br /> Dear Council Members, County Council / P•-~~ <br /> I am writing to urge you to support the plan for an irradiation processing facilry here on <br /> Hawaii. I am currently farming 4 acres of macadamia nuts, and I am preparing <br /> approximately 10 acres for exotic fruits, especially mangosteen and rambutan. I am <br /> anxious to export competitively to the mainland to improve the economy of my farm <br /> operation, those who work for me, and the community as a whole. <br /> I am not concerned about the safety of the irradiation plant here since similaz technology <br /> operates widely and safely within the medical community. I see a potential increase in <br /> consumtion of fruits and vegetables in the USA due to the promotion programs by major <br /> health agencies encouraging Americans to eat less fat and eat more fruits and vegetables. <br /> The concern over the longterm safety of eating irradiated foods is not a serious one, in my <br /> mind, since most Americans aze awaze that Europe has used this technology for years with <br /> no ill effects. For most Americans, the only alternative is inaccessibility to exotic fruit <br /> due to price point. <br /> I would like to see the profitable expansion of local agriculture and all local industries <br /> involved in getting our produce from the field to the dinner table. The creation of a <br /> lazger, stable agricultural export business in eastern Hawaii will create badly needed jobs <br /> and help keep our island green and rural. <br /> Again, I encourage your support of this honest effort to grow our business and our local <br /> community! <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Charlene Prickett <br /> 27-2056 Kapue Street <br /> Papaikou HI 96781 <br /> (7~t Diw 2~~ <br /> Piir Ra. <br /> $e[. Zoe Prosented pc <br /> liPR 2 4 1997 <br /> <br /> -r <br /> <br />