HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0931.022 1996-1998 AUG. -06' 98 (THU') 08 : 39 BOH BUS B'.\h\G 4155 TEL: 808 935 9045 P. 001
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Japanese ::{-ark:p -, on C:T:nnierce & Industry of Hawaii
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r RECEIVED "`
County Council
August 5, 1998
Councilman James Y. Arakaki
Chair &Presiding Officer
Council
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo,-Hawaii 96720
Re: Communication 931 -Certificate of Sufficiency
Dear Councilman Arakaki and members of the County Council;
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce && industry of Hawaii supports the
expansion of our local agricuitura) industries. We see the development of post
harvest treatment programs as one of the essential ingredients that is needed to
help our agricultural industries grown. And, the responsible development and
operation of an irradiation facility is considered to be a significant improvement
over all of the other post harvest treatment programs tried up to this point in
time. Existing methodologies of the steam vapor heat treatment, methyl
bromide, and other processes all have their drawbacks.
Opponents of irradiation have surfaced safety issues as one of their primary
concerns. Yet, we are unaware of any deaths or injuries being linked to a
procedure that was pioneered more than 30 years ago. And,we're talking about
technology that has been refined over the years. We're not advocating that the
residents of our county be guinea rugs. This is not "first generation" technology
by any means. When you think o the number of deaths that are linked to
smoking and automobile accidents you would think that their time and energies
would be put to better use canri :ai _7-iing e.g,ainst cars and cigarettes.
Opponents also cite nonacr<<n a ,c of surod.1Jcts by consumers. It would seem
that their misleading literature; J ic?:catin and promotion of unfounded claims at
the point of sale has more to do with nonaccaptance than the product itseLf.
Comm. Ne. 1. z�
Waia_kca Villas =tri. Spire 200 - Hilo,Hawaii 96720 /-1-CC—/6Ct\(
F File No.
Phort,-;.: f C*1j 9-34-0177 - F,.: (80)9�4-01 7°
Ref. To:QrPcented Can,/ l�
M. DateA_G ®9s
.AUG, -06' 98ITHCI 08 : 39 BOH BCS Byh\G #153 TEL: 808 955 9045 P. 002
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The irradiation post treatment program has the capability to treat a number of
our fresh fruits making them suitable for export to California and Japan,as well
as extending the shelf life of certain products that might otherwise not be
exported because of their otherwise short shelf life. This treatment process has
the potential of greatly expanding the marketplace for our produce.
We thank those on the council who voted to deny the petition and to place it on
the ballot for the voters of our county to decide. To our one councilman who
voted in favor of the petition, we can only hope that we will be able to convince
you in the near future that irradiation is safe and can be effectively used in the
manner intended. Let us not short change ourselves by denying our farming
communities access to technology that could greatly enhance their access to new
and existing markets.zSinc rely,
\_ J 5
Michael D. Miyahira
President