HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0212.407 1996-1998 B>Is
ls[and
pd d d ~r-r--„
P Y ~ . ,
Growers .97 ~1flY 20 P,f1 8 33
Association
COUNTY Or HAWAII
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:
On behalf of the Big Island Papaya Growers Association (BIPGA), I would
like 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 fox a post harvest treatment method for locally grown fruits,
flowers and foliage.
We know that you support the establishment of an Irradiation Facility on the
Big Island, and we are happy that growers will have a choice on how we market
our produce. Hence, the Big Island Papaya Growers Association (BIPGA) has
no objection regarding the establishment 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
give to local producers, as an effort to diversify the current agricultural
landscape of the County of Hawaii.
"I'he project looks very promising from an economic point of view, however,
there is a need to address marketing efforts as well as the coordination of
efforts directed to managing an irradiation facility.
For the past weeks ox so, there have been extensive publicities on both sides of
the issue, and for this reason, we do not want to be caught in between hAighly
u1[ulu. LVO.~
230 KEKUANAOA STREET HILO HI %720
TEL. NO. (808) %9-1]60 i, ire No. PND C\~
tt~,i. To:PrA P a~ 1.0111~~1~
~'a~- Date- MAY 2 0 1997
Big ~ .
ls[and
Papaya
Growers
Association
politicized groups. We want to keep our option open to possibilities for a
brighter economic future for this is the best thing to do.
Everyday, we are always presented with choices, and it is this freedom that our
association wants to impose on our individual members to decide for
themselves what is best for them. Our Association is here to advice and explain
options and choices. This is a democractic country. We have options, and we
have to exercise these eptions as it is made available to us.
We believe that our association is composed of hazdworking men and women
who know what is best and who know how to live a decent life.
Thank you and I hope that I was able to convey to you our Association's
position on this matter.
Sincerely,
V1
ERO
resi
Big Island Papaya Growers Association (BIPGA)
230 KEKUANAOA STREET HILO HI %720
TEL. NO. (808) 969-1160