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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0212.411 1996-1998 ~~1 COUN7Y U.- HANJAII May 20, 1997 Hon. Stephen K. Yamashiro Mayor County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 RE: Response to your letter dated May 2, 1997 Dear Mayor Yamashiro: This is to respond to your letter dated May 2, 1997 in which you requested to put our position in writing regarding the irradiation facility that the Hawaii County is considering for a post harvest treatment method for locally grown fruits, flowers and foliage. At this time, Vapor Heat Treatment for fruit fly is available for use for quarantine requirements on Big Island. Several quarantine treatment facilities axe also available on Kauai, Molokai, and soon on Oaha The quarantine treatments serve well for papayas exported to Mainland US and Japan. We are aware that you have been pushing for this Irradiation Facility on the Big Island, and for economic considerations, the Hawaii Papaya Industry Association (HPIA) has no objection regarding the installation and operation of an irradiation facility here on the Big Island, for the treatment of tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers and foliage. We certainly can appreciate the opportunities the facility would present to local farmers, as an effort to diversify the current agricultural picture of the Big Island. From an economic stand point, the project looks very promising, however, concerns must be addressed with regard to marketing efforts, and the coordination of efforts directed to managing an irradiation facility. i:om~L.:vv.~ .y~1 230 KEKUANAOA STREET HILO HI 9670 N,. CAP Wit, r~PresemPa ~ f, MAY 2 p 1991 ~~P~ From a mazketing stand point, we have to ask about the impact of this project on our current market, and we have to address issues on boycotts, and in building and maintaining the reputation of Hawavan papayas in Japan and the U.S. Mainland mazkets. We are aware of the actions by anti-irradiation groups that often operate using fear tactics tantamount to an economic sabotage to discredit the positive aspects of the project. We are likewise awaze that the irradiation process has been certified to be safe by reputable agencies of our government. However, we find that the papaya industry's position is so delicate, considering the downtrend of our production, and as much as possible, we do not want to be caught in between highly politicized groups. We believe that keeping our option open to possibilities for a brighter economic future is the best thing to do. In this way, we have been presented with choices, and it is up to our individual members to decide for themselves what is best for them. This is a democractic country. We have options, and we have to exercise these options as it is made available to us. Our association does not want to impose any pazticular option that is available to them, for we believe that our association is composed of men and women who know how to take care of themselves and who have dedicated themselves for progress. Thank you and i am hoping that I was able to convey to you our Association's position on the matter. Very truly yours, ORI,,~NDO i4IANUFL President 13awaii Papaca Industn~ Association (HPIA)