HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0931.006 1996-1998
Big Island Farm Bureau
P.O. Box 388 • Mountain View, Hawaii 96771 • Phone 6t Fax (808) 968-6951
RECEIVED
By-
Date
County Council
August 5, 1998
Honorable James Arakaki, Chairman
& Council Members
County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Chairman Arakaki and Council Members:
The Big Island Farm Bureau, representing farmers and ranchers
island-wide, urges this body to vote no on Bill 276, relating to
nuclear energy.
The Farm Bureau supports the development of a commercial post-
harvest irradiation treatment facility in East Hawaii. It is
believed that such a facility will provide for the development of
new markets, enhance transportation and other sectors of the
industry through increased need for services and product, and
provide strong incentives to put our agricultural lands to
productive use once again.
Irradiation offers an alternative post-harvest treatment for
specific commodities. The continued move to phase-out specific
fumigants clearly marks the need for the development of
alternative approaches to prevent the movement of pests and
diseases for both import and export agricultural products.
Not every grower will find that this process opens the door to
new markets, nor will every consumer make irradiated food their
choice. Yet, irradiation is a tested, proven, and recognized
post-harvest treatment; therefore, if the marketplace dictates
then Hawaii should move forward with the development of such a
facility.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Cyrus Wagats~ra, President
1 Big Island Farm Bureau
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