HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0212.248 1996-1998 (C~~
~-n.~ ~ ~ 7
Jeff Haun
77 Keokea Loop Rd.
Hilo, HI 96720
8-mail: jeffhauncgte.net
To: Hawaii County Council May 7, 1997
I want to ask you all if you have done enough research to be
sure that spending $2,000,000 on a food irradiator is the best use
of that money. If you wish, respond to this question by writing,
calling or sending me a-mail. The addresses are on the copies of
my testimony which you will receive. Xou should research all of
the economic development initiatives that are occurring on this
island and evaluating whether or not these projects deserve more
funding. You should place a value on initiatives which will be
lasting, and help make our economy self-reliant. I think you will
find that there are many initiatives that can benefit this
island's economy more than a food irradiator. Also consider the
amount of money that has already been spent developing non-
radioactive post-harvest treatment processes.
Please do not rely on the testimony of those people who stand to
gain from a food irradiator. They are not impartial and they
don't understand the serious risks of using radioactivity. Their
ecomomic points fail to explain that a growing number of people
are trying to eat pure foods which does nat include irradiated
foods. Also other tropical nations are already producing tropical
fruits for export. This means that it is likely our tropical
fruit exports will succomb to the competition in the same way as
sugar but a lot sooner.
Most of the people who speak against an irradiator will not be
directly affected (provided there is not an accidental release of
radioactive materials). Why do people speak against the
irradiator? Why does Senator Daniel Alcaka write to you to tell
to not bring radioactive materials into the county? It's because
these people believe that the life of the land is perpetuated in
righteousness. These radioactive materials are man-made and
highly poisonous. Opposition to an irradiator is large. If you
support an irradiator, you will be creating a large conflict that
will drain the energies of people on both sides of the issue and
damage the reputation of the county. If you oppose the
irradiator, the energies of the people and $2,000,000 can be spent
on more positive economic development and the reputation of our
island as a pristine and healthy place will be protected.
lium~a. Nu. 212. LMt
P11e Nn.
Ref, Toy isenr~^~
set. Date.'
ICY
U 7 1997
~..~..=.-v®.