HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0212.164 1996-1998
From to 18089693291 at 04/23/97 03:28p Pg 001/001
FAX _ ~ ~ I Date Apn123, 1997
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GG,~~.,; v~ HAWAII
TO: Hawaii Count~Qdt1P~il' FROM: Dr. Sue Sullivan
25 Aupuni St
Hilo, H196720 91-827 Oaniani Street
Kapolei, H196707-2645
Phone 961-8225 Phone 808-674-1026
Fax Phone 969-3291 Fax Phone 808-688-1479
CC:
REMARKS: ? Urgent ? For your review ? Reply ASAP ? Please Comment
I disagree with K.K. Keana'aina, and urge the Council to APPROVE Bill #62, the request for the
post-harvest irradiation treatment facility. This is an opportunity for the county of Hawaii, and indeed
other counties in the State, to develop a market for crops grown and produced on the islands, and to
offer economic benefits for diversified agriculture.
It is my understanding the technology is safe and has been approved by the FDA, USDA, World
Health Organization, American Medical Association and others. The food products are safe.. The
technology is actually more environmentally safe than the use of methyl bromide or ethylene oxide as
fumigants products that are highly toxic and are banned in certain areas or in the process of
being phased out. It has been used successfully to sterilize many products, both in the food line
and other medical or consumer products such as bandages, drug products, baby bottle nipples and
disposable nurser bottles, cosmetics, and pet food. It has been shown that no chemical residues
are left on products. Many commercial irridation plants exist and operate safely in the United States.
The value of this technology to produce a safer food supply, as well as to provide an avenue for
economic growth in the state, far exceed the very small risk associated with a low level radiation
source, which itself is managed in a safe, effective manner.
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APR 2 3 1997
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