HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0212.460 1996-1998 Vicki Vierra
HCR 1 Box 5077
Hawaii County Council Keaau, HAwaii 96749
Hilo, Hawaii
Apri124, 1997
RECEIVED
re: Fruit irradiation plant Time_,___..___, B
Dote.---°----
Dear Councilpersons: County Council
I am opposed to having a fruit irradiation plant on our island for several reasons.
1) I understand that the USDA read over 400 studies on food irradiation and
selected only four to consider. I have recently learned that the New England School
of Medicine considers the methodologies of these four studies to be flawed. I think
it would behoove you to investigate this further.
2) To invite an industry to our small island that uses nuclear wastes is dangerous.
We are all familiar with the Peter Principle. Nuclear waste is an accident waiting to
happen. Our island is challenged just managing its garbage.
3) The health giving properties of fruit would be affected by irradiation, while the
fruit per se may not be toxic, neither would it be worth eating without its essential
fatty acids and bioflavenoids.
4) Several of Japans largest produce buyers have stated they would boycott Hawaii
fruit if an irradiation plant opens here, assuming that they would never know what
was irradiated and what wasn't.
Irradiated fruit from Hawaii? Doesn't sound appetising to me.
Think long and hard before handing over two million dollars of our hard-earned tax
money for this meritless project. There is surely a better way to utilize these funds.
Sincerely,
Vicki Vierra v ` v~~- v
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aaie xo.
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