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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0212.459 1996-1998 Hawaii Farm Bureau F E D E R A T I O N 2343 Rose Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 • Phone: (808)848-2074 Fax: (808) 848-1921 E-Mail: HFBF ~ aloha.net April 24, 1997 RECEIVED '"t Hawaii County Council 1Tme____.__..... . By...._.~. Committee on Finance `''t~'i'~C~~ Dare.-------- - - Aaron Chung, Chair County Council / ~ John Ray, Vice Chair SPECIAL MEETING ON IRRADIATION Comm. 212 (Bill 62) and Comm. 212.05 (Res. 71) Development of a Post Harvest Irradiation Facility Chairman Chung and Council members: My name is Alan Takemoto, administrative assistant, for the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation. The Hawaii Farm Bureau is a non-profit, non-governmental and voluntary organization representing 2,000 farm family members statewide. we protect and advance the social, economic and educational interests of Hawaii's farmers and ranchers. The Hawaii Farm Bureau strongly supports the development of a post harvest irradiation treatment facility project in Hawaii. we believe this irradiation facility is the most critical marketing tool that will help the future expansion of Hawaii's diversified agriculture. As we make this historic transitional phase from sugar production to other diversified crops, we need to take advantage of every opportunity that will fully explore the potential of Hawaii's agricultural industry in a global market. Currently, Hawaii's fresh tropical fruit, vegetable and foliage products is limited to our local market because of our pest problems. The construction of an irradiation facility along with Hawaii's year round growing season will give us the opportunity to export our fresh products anywhere in the world at any time. Therefore, on behalf of our members, we strongly urge your support for the development and construction of a post harvest irradiation treatment facility in Hawaii. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to testify on this very important issue. C'o~. ;uo. 2~S 9 x®. ~ ~e Presented F Re;, D~ ~IPR 2 4 1997