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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Hawaii Papaya Industry Association <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The Hawaii Papaya Industry strongly apposes Hawaii County <br /> Resolution 462-08. <br /> <br /> <br /> On behalf of the papaya industry: <br /> <br /> We agree that taro has very important cultural value to the people of Hawaii, and <br /> that it is critical that taro remain an important crop in Hawaii for both its cultural <br /> value and it's important addition to the health of our citizens. <br /> <br /> However, we strongly disagree that these important aspects will be supported by <br /> stopping research on taro, including any particular tool that can save taro from <br /> destruction that will come if certain new diseases or insects find their way to <br /> Hawaii. Continued research is essential for the future on not only taro, but all <br /> important crops. The continued establishment of new invasive species is likely to <br /> continue, probably at an accelerated rate and Hawaii becomes a stop for more <br /> visitors and cargo from around the Pacific. <br /> <br /> Additionally there are Best Management Practices that can prevent cross <br /> pollination. <br /> <br /> The papaya Industry serves as an example of both what invasive species can <br /> do to an important Hawaii crop, and how aggressive research by dedicated <br /> scientists can solve some of the invasive species problems in a number of ways. <br /> Developing the different tools for these controls, whether cultural, biological, <br /> chemical, or biotechnical is essential for future crop survival. <br /> <br /> Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRV) moved into the important papaya lands of Puna in <br /> 1992. There had been years of research looking at different aproches to saving <br /> the industry: variety tolerance, chemical control of vectors, virus inoculation to <br /> give some resistance . Nothing was satisfactory until some far seeing scientists <br /> tried biotechnology. Over the last ten years, the results have been spectacular. <br /> We can grow the very popular Rainbow. We can use the new germplasm to <br /> develop many new varieties that meet different environmental and market <br /> needs. Hundreds of papaya farmers can stay in business. Over 200 million <br /> pounds have been sold with no food safety problems recorded. <br /> Since the Rainbow transgenic papaya has been introduced, however three new <br /> invasive pests have made their way to Hawaii. This is an example of what new <br /> pests can come in and in a short amount of time, pose new problems to survival <br /> of a crop. One new fungus and two new insects in the last 7 years is something <br />