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April 24, 1997 <br /> r~ ~ <br /> To: Members of Hawaii County Council: <br /> From: David T. Ikeda ~ ~ ()'(~~~~23 P~ 3 ~5 <br /> 1.. 1. e. x~~e <br /> I am an agriculture instructor at Hawaii Commtpi~j~~lfe~, letter <br /> presents my views as a private citizen. (support apost-harvest handling facility, <br /> including irradiation, being built in east Hawaii or any marketing effort which would <br /> promote diversified agriculture. <br /> The recent closure of three sugar plantations and subsequent loss of jobs from <br /> those plantations and related industries has placed Hawaii County, and especially <br /> east Hawaii, in a poor economic situation. The effect of these losses appears to be a <br /> deterioration of our economy. <br /> Diversified agriculture has been looked upon as a remedy for some of these <br /> economic woes. Unfortunately, diversified agriculture cannot exist solely on the sales <br /> found on the island of Hawaii or even the State of Hawaii. With a population of slightly <br /> over one-million people, the ability of our local populace to consume our total potential <br /> production is not probable. In addition, the growth of diversified agriculture in central <br /> Oahu places Oahu farmers is a far more advantageous marketing position than <br /> farmers in east Hawaii. Our ability to export out-of-state will ultimately determine the <br /> future of diversified agriculture on the island of Hawaii. <br /> If markets are opened, new and established farmers can start targeting crops <br /> and cultural practices specifically for export. Tropical fruits are often mentioned, but <br /> the export of vegetables and, perhaps, even ornamentals may also become a reality. <br /> This will create a more stable economy truly based on diversified agriculture. <br /> The concerns about the effects of irradiated foods may or may not be real, but I <br /> have my questions about these concerns. The information I heard presented by <br /> individuals and organizations opposing irradiation appear to be based on dated or <br /> irrelevant reports. <br /> The number of chemicals available to treat our products is decreasing. As our <br /> options for treatment decrease, irradiation presents a means of treatment which may <br /> be kinder to the environment, safer for the farmer and the consumer in general, and , <br /> perhaps, more economical. <br /> I ask that you support apost-harvest handling facility or any marketing effort <br /> <br /> which would promote diversified agriculture. <br /> yL <br /> Thank you for your attention. ~mm' ~O' <br /> ~<< r1~..~ND GIP <br /> Presented <br /> Ref. To• L" <br /> uEr. Date_ APR 9 ~ taa~ <br /> <br />