HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0212.134 1996-1998 ~ RIDM21197 ?'10'24 AM X111
Protect Kohanaiki `Ghana
P. O. Box 4753
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96745 r-~
Telephone 808-325-6175; Fax 808-325-6175 ,37 AP
cou . . ~ .
COUNTY Ur HAWAII
FAX TO: AARON CHUNG, Chair, Committee on Finance, Hawal'i County Council
April 18, 1997
Re: Irradiation facility--Bill 62, Resolution 7
It has come to our attention that the county is preparing to provide not only support, but
financial incentive, to Isomedix to build an irradiation facility on Hawaii Island,
Radiation technology brings many questions of safety and desirability to the table, particularly
those of hazardous waste disposal. Whether Irradiated food was accepted in Chicago is not
the point--that same area is situated on a lake which was deemed without life until recently
due to the toxicity of ouffalls permitted along it. Many situations may be acceptable to
Chicago, but this is Hawal'i--the place where Chicagoans come to flee the problems and
discomforts their city affords.
We do not believe that the vision for our island includes irradiation. A healthy environment
based on a sustainable, safe economic base precludes technology based upon use of
radioactive isotopes With so many other options, why would we chose this as one of them?
Our agricultural base, critical for the Island's future, will be tainted by a reputation of possible
health hazard while It becomes dependent upon a technology which is largely In Its
experimental phases. The University of Hawal'I, In conjunction with our other agricultural
experts, should focus on the development of food preservation that is safe beyond any
doubts
Whatever one's feelings on the subject of food irradiation, the Protect Kohanaiki 'Ghana does
not_supp4rt~~a_y~r_dollors_b~g used to buttress this techn~gy, especially when many
other critical matters face our county that require their financial attention more than this one.
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Mahalo for your attention In this important matter. pty~ no. fNU ~G~P
Re[. •1bt Prasenf
Sincerely, Eet late APR 2 1_1991
Janice Palma for the Protect Kohanaiki 'Ohona