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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> G <br /> <br /> DATE: April 24, 1997 Re: Comm. No. 212.OJ5 <br /> <br /> PLACE: Councilroom <br /> <br /> TIME: 8:05 A.M. <br /> Chair and Members <br /> <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred, Resolution No. 71, reports as follows: <br /> <br /> Resolution No. 71, transmitted by Council Member Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd via <br /> Communication No. 212.05 dated April 16, 1997, supports the development and construction of <br /> <br /> a private post hazvest treatment facility in the County of Hawaii. <br /> <br /> A presentation was made by Mayor Stephen K. Yamashiro in support of a related administration- <br /> initiated capital improvement project measure, Bill 62 (appropriating $2,000,000.00 for a Post <br /> <br /> Harvest Treatment Facility). During such presentation, the Mayor opined that the construction of <br /> <br /> a post harvest treatment facility, utilizing irradiation techniques, will be a crucial step in <br /> <br /> developing agriculture as a main economic element for the east side of the Big Island. He <br /> <br /> pointed out the potential for developing a major tropical Fruit industry on the Big Island, which is <br /> <br /> presently hampered due to our State's quazantine status as a fruit fly zone. According to the <br /> <br /> Mayor, the product has been test-marketed and has been proven to be a viable crop for our island. <br /> He also explained that gamma irradiation or sterilization, the process intended to be used in such <br /> a Facility, is a safe process. 'the Mayor stated that he is hopeful of private sector development of <br /> <br /> the facility. <br /> <br /> A presentation was also made by representatives from Isomedix, a private company that <br /> specializes in the construction and operation of irradiation facilities. They provided background <br /> information on inradiation technology, the proposed facility acrd safety concerns and guidelines. <br /> Extensive testimony was heard both in support of and in opposition to the construction of an <br /> irradiation facility on the Big Island. <br /> Resolution No. 71, Draft 2, was circulated and clarified the reference to which radioactive <br /> materials must meet stringent federal and state regulations. In addition, Draft 2 also added the <br /> Honorable Benjamin J. Cayetano and U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie to the distribution <br /> list of the resolution. <br /> <br />