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Harry Kim <br />Mayor <br />etruntj iJ <br />Offirr <br />Wil Okabe <br />Managing Director <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Deputy Managing Director <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />March 12, 2018 <br />Representative Richard P. Creagan, Chair <br />Committee on Agriculture <br />Hawaii State Capitol, Room 312 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Dear Chair Creagan and Committee Members: <br />Re: SB 3087, SD 2 Relating to Assisting the Papaya industry <br />Hearing Date: 03-14-18 — 8:30 am; House Conference Room 12 <br />Thank you for this opportunity to support SB 3087, SD 2. <br />The papaya industry has been of great value in Flawari County, particularly in the <br />Puna District. It is our #3 edible product, behind only coffee and macadamia nuts. <br />However, papaya has faced its share of economic problems. Considerable <br />damage was done by Hurricane Iselle, and production is slowly recovering. Your <br />assistance in funding research that could improve the product and enhance its <br />commercial viability would certainly be welcomed. <br />Part of the focus of SB 3087, as originally written, was on Solo papaya. My <br />experts tell me that the production of the Solo variety (non-GMO) has been greatly <br />reduced because of the Papaya Ringspot Virus. The Rainbow and SunUp varieties are <br />now the major ones (both are genetically modified). So to maximize the benefit of SB <br />3087, it is appropriate to direct the research to the industry as a whole. <br />I hope you will move forward with SB 3087 SD 2. <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />Harry Ki <br />Mayor, County of Hawaii <br />County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />