2018-02-01 Letter to Mike Gabbard re SB 3087 Relating to Assisting the Papaya Industry

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Harry Kim Alayor until Office Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy A 1671741qt/7g Director 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg 0 • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323 4440 February 1, 2018 Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair Committee on Agriculture and Environment Hawall State Capitol, Room 224 Honolulu, 1 96813 Dear Chair Gabbard and Committee Members: Re: SB 3087 Relating to Assisting the Papaya Industry Hearing Date: 02/02/18 — 1:15 pm; Conference Room 224 Thank you for this olopo unity to support SB 3087. The papaya industry has been of great value in Hawaii County, particularly in the Puna District. It is our #3 edible product, behind only coffee and macadamia nuts. However, papaya has faced its share of economic problems. Considerable damage was done by Hurricane iselle, and production is slowly recovering. Your assistance in funding research that could improve the product and enhance its commercial viability would certainly be welcomed. Part of the focus of SB 3087, as currently written, is on Solo papaya. My experts tell me that the production of the Solo variety (non-GMO) has been greatly reduced because of the Papaya Ringspot Virus. The Rainbow and SunUp varieties are now the major ones (both are genetically modified). So to maximize the benefit of SB 3087, it might be appropriate to direct the research to the industry as a whole. On the other hand, it may be the Legislature's intent to restore the Solo variety to its former level, because of its non-GMO status or otherwise. In either case, 1 hope you will move forward w h so e version of SB 3087. Respectfully submitted, Mayor, County of Hawaii County of 1Iawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.