2018-02-20 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran re SB 3087, SD 1 Relating to Assisting the Papaya Industry (2)

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Harry Kim ho'or Wil Okabe A lanagnig 1)irector Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director Offirt of ftv 25 Aupunl Street, Suite 2603 s Hilo, Hawaii 96720 * (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74 044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., zidg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 February 20, 2018 Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair Committee on Ways and Means Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair Committee on Ways and Means Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Dela Cruz:, Vice -Chair Keith-Agaran and Committee Members: Re: SB 3087, Si) 1 Relating to Assisting the Papaya Industry Hearing Date: 02/21/18 — 10:08 am; Conference Room 211 Thank you for this or. portunity to support S 3087, S 8 The papaya industry has been of great value in Hawaii County, particulaq in the Puna District. It is our #3 edible product, behind only coffee and macadamia nuts. But papaya has faced its share of economic problems. Considerable damage was done by Hurricane IseIle, nd 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 SE 3087, as originally written, was on Solo papaya. My experts tell me that the production of the 3olo variety (non-GMO) has been greatly reduced because of the Papaya ingspot Virus. The Rainbow and SunUp varieties are now the major ones (both are genetically modified). So to maximize the benefit of SB 3087, it was appropriate to direct the research to the industry as a w ale. I hope you will move forward with SB 3087, SD 1. espectfully submit ed, Harry Kim Mayor, County of Hawaii (Iwntv ofllawei is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.