HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0212.395 1996-1998 ~1.~~~~
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Kelly Greenwell ~-,,.lµ ~ ~V
P.O. Box 1779
Kailua-Kona, HI 98745
(808) 329-2774
May 18, 1997
For /mmed/ate Release:
Obviously, to make a wise decision we need to know as much about the subject
as possible.
In the case of the proposed irradiation facility, we have received vast input from
those opposing it as well as from those who endorse it and there is compelling as well
as emotionally charged input from both sides. It is difficult at best to draw an accurate
picture when an issue has become as polarized as this one. In any case, whether we
build the facility or not, the ultimate result will be failure because the greater damage
has been in widening the rift between our people. So, let's see what we can do to
change course and find one we can all agree on.
I don't think there is any disagreement that we all want to help improve our
agriculture industry, get more people into farming and show Hawaii off as a tropical
paradise worthy of its image of sound stewardship and I think its safe to say that if we
could expand our markets to the entire world our market share would be improved and
the awareness of our islands heightened.
I believe we could also agree that the marketability of our fruit products would
be enhanced if they were not labeled "irradiated" and that if we could avoid that
requirement we would all oppose the treatment.
Gram. '~70, 2~
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Itef. 'po:Presente
Ite~. Date _ MAY 2 0 1997
To begin with, let's examine whether we need a facility at all. If it were not
needed we wouldn't build it. So, let's question that "need".
Fruit flies have been around for at least as long as humans so why don't they
already live in Califomia and Washington State? And, why is it that both California and
Washington presently import fruit from known fruit fly zones and do not require that fruit
to be irradiated?
Let's go to the entomologists and find out whether the fruit fly can live in
significant numbers in Califomia and Washington -after some 20 million years on the
planet they are not there so they probably can't. Then, let's go to the Federal Trade
Commission and see if discriminatory exclusion from California and Washington
markets constitutes unfair trade practices - it would certainly seem that is the case.
If this doesrLt demonstrate that an irradiator is not needed let's look at another
option.
To a large extent our visitor industry was sparked by the Dole and Del-monte
pineapple and their product was exported as a processed or canned item. If we were
to expand on this idea we could develop a presence in all the major markets of the
world with premium tropical fruit products such as jams, jellies, preserves, juices etc.,
and my guess is if we don't spoil our reputation by becoming known as purveyors of
irradiated food the "Made in Hawaii" label will perform its magic - and I don't think the
supply could ever outstrip the demand. Furthermore, the best fruit would stay at home
to be shared with our visitors and that is the Host -Guest relationship which will secure
our visitor industry. So, Mr. Mayor, members of the council, everyone, let's start over,
acquire the vision for the future, gather the truths, make the plan and proceed with all
on board -let's look for awin-win.
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