HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0212.016 1996-1998
.
KECEIVED
time--./:(%, - /~7 aCl1/~~,
~ gY•
Daniel Foxman County Council
P.O. Box 22328
Honolulu, Hawaii 96823
Aug. 22, 1997
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter to provide strong support for the proposed irradiation plant that will allow
us to export our Hilo grown farm production. I own a 20 acre orchazd in North Hilo. We took a
rebel cane field and have, over the past four yeazs, created a productive orchard. This has been a
major investment in time and money, and represents a viable direction for the economy of the
Big Island. The market outside Hawii is strong and needs to be tapped if our farm is to be
economically viable. We need the support of the State of Hawaii.
Logical considerations: The irradiation process is required by law and should therefore be
permitted by law. The law requires this process to protect the ecology and address health
concerns - to protect the public. What then is the logic if our government requires this process
on one hand and denies us the ability to implement this process with the other? Those protesting
the irradiation plant should do so at the federal level where it has been made a requirement. If,
however, it is required by law, then it should be permitted by law.
Regarding safety: The process is FDA approved and I'm confident that if there were negative
effects that we would be awaze of them over the 40 year period of time that this process has been
in use. It is approved by the appropriate govemment regulatory agencies and proven safe over
time.
Economic considerations: We've heazd a great deal in the news lately about the "anti-business"
climate in the State of Hawaii. Let's dispel this image and provide support and encouragement
to advance diversified agriculture in Hawaii. How can we move forward if we are blocked at
every point?
Moral considerations: We are not "barons of industry," industrial polluters or the like. No one
razes more about the ecology and health issues than we do. In truth and fact, these concerns
were major Factors influencing us to deveiop a conservation plus, health plus agricultural project.
If we believed that one person would be hurt by our process or our product we would not have
proceeded, but evidence it to the contrary. If we irradiate our products for export, we see no
harm, and certainly we will not be forcing anyone opposed to eating irradiated fruits to do so.
For the logical, economic, and moral points I've explained above, please support the irradiation.
plant. Thank you for your careful consideration of my points.
/'Si 1y,
aniel Foxman " ' -
r~<p Ia>ta _ APR . ~ .I99I