HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0212.456 1996-1998 -1-
April 24, 1997
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720 RECEIVED
Date_._------~i-'~°`-t ~A7----r---------
Dear Council Members, County Council / P•-~~
I am writing to urge you to support the plan for an irradiation processing facilry here on
Hawaii. I am currently farming 4 acres of macadamia nuts, and I am preparing
approximately 10 acres for exotic fruits, especially mangosteen and rambutan. I am
anxious to export competitively to the mainland to improve the economy of my farm
operation, those who work for me, and the community as a whole.
I am not concerned about the safety of the irradiation plant here since similaz technology
operates widely and safely within the medical community. I see a potential increase in
consumtion of fruits and vegetables in the USA due to the promotion programs by major
health agencies encouraging Americans to eat less fat and eat more fruits and vegetables.
The concern over the longterm safety of eating irradiated foods is not a serious one, in my
mind, since most Americans aze awaze that Europe has used this technology for years with
no ill effects. For most Americans, the only alternative is inaccessibility to exotic fruit
due to price point.
I would like to see the profitable expansion of local agriculture and all local industries
involved in getting our produce from the field to the dinner table. The creation of a
lazger, stable agricultural export business in eastern Hawaii will create badly needed jobs
and help keep our island green and rural.
Again, I encourage your support of this honest effort to grow our business and our local
community!
Sincerely,
Charlene Prickett
27-2056 Kapue Street
Papaikou HI 96781
(7~t Diw 2~~
Piir Ra.
$e[. Zoe Prosented pc
liPR 2 4 1997
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