HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0212.427 1996-1998 ~~~~Al WSJ`
~ ° HAWAII MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
2 D ~ 360 SOUTH BERETANIA STREET, HONOLULU, HAWAII 96814 j
4 O TELEPHONE (808) 536-7702 • FAX (808) 528-2376
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COUNTY Oi= HA1NAll
May 15, 1997
Honorable Stephen K. Yamashiro, Mayor
Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chair
and Members of the Council
Dear Mayor Yamashiro, Council Chair Arakaki and Members of the Council:
The Hawaii Medical Association (HMA) would like to raise a concern regarding the safety of [he
proposed cobalt or cesium-based fruit irradiation facility that will be located an the Island of Hawaii. We
are uncertain as to whether there have been adequate studies done to determine if the facility can be
guaranteed to maintain its structural integrity in the event of major earthgttakes that can be anticipated to
occur in this highly geologically active area.
If there is a significant chance that radioactive material could be released during seismic disturbances,
there could be a real potential for the release of gamma irradiation in the vicinity of the facility,
endangering residents in the surrounding azeas and leaving long-lasting radioactive residues that would
be difficult to clean up.
We feel that the public health must be protected in this undertaking. If there have been good studies in
similazly geologically active locales, these should be presented before proceeding with the project. If not,
such studies should be performed before construction and operation of this facility. The potential for
danger to the public and significant liability for [he county is very real.
Sincerely,
~"A
John S. Spangler, M.D. Frederick C. Holschuh, M.D.
President, HMA Emergency Physician, Hilo
G i , _ Past President, HMA
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Steven Moser, M.D., F.A.C.P.
Chair, Environmental Health Committee, HMA
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