HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0212.355 1996-1998 Erway & Associates - -Created: Tuesday, May 13, 1997 10:22 PM - Page 1 of 7
Yo eoh a8o7~7 ~~Y 1 `I R(~
Kailua-Kona, HI 96745 ~ ('1
May 13. 1997 CO~q~.
Mr. James Arakaki COUNrY h~AWAII
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo. HI 96720
Please assign this fax a communication number, place on the
County Council Agenda, and circulate to all Council members. Mahalo.
Re: Bill No. 62
Aloha Mr. Aralcalci land Council Members):
This is a letter to let you know of my opposition to the food irradiator proposal for
the County.
I recently drove from Hilo to Ilona and was very surprised at how much land has
been planted in papaya. It gave me more of an insight as to why some fanners are
aslung the Mayor and many of the Council members to spend S2.000.000 of public
moneys for au irradiator. BuL, as a consumer and a medical professional, I have a
different view.
From what I've read and learned. over many years, I vti~ll not knowingly buy food
which has been irradiated. The consequences of using radiation from Cobalt 60 to
irradiate Yood are not adequately studied by scientific institutions. The proposed
Isomedix plant will use 2.000.000 times stronger radiation than that used in medical
a-rays this could affect the food adversely. We do not need to have Cobalt 60
nuclear sources brought to Hawaii as it brings with it the possibility of an accident
which co>_ild affect many.
Isomedix does not have a good safety record. according to NRC (National Regulatory
Commission) reports. If the taxpayers contribute 82.000.000 for the project. we then
will surely be liable for injuries to Isomedix employees and contractors during
construction as well as during the operation of the plant. This would cost the
taxpayers millions more and our County cannot afford that liability.
Although this may look like a boon to tropical fruits growers, the proposal requires
us to assume an unknown large liability for accidents common to other Isomedix
operations. And the financial benefiting could be easily wiped out if consumers
become aware that fruit from Hawaii is irradiated.
Do not let those who will benefit the most be the only voices you hear. Please vote
no and stop the irradiation plant now.
Respectfully.
`7cyr/y~ tomuz. Dio. 2IZ 355
""'~i Etile Ito.~1D1C~P
Marjorie Ann Erway presented
324-4624 Rtf. 'I'bt
is$t MAY 1 4 1997