HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 071 04/24/1997 1996-1998 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
G
DATE: April 24, 1997 Re: Comm. No. 212.OJ5
PLACE: Councilroom
TIME: 8:05 A.M.
Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred, Resolution No. 71, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 71, transmitted by Council Member Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd via
Communication No. 212.05 dated April 16, 1997, supports the development and construction of
a private post hazvest treatment facility in the County of Hawaii.
A presentation was made by Mayor Stephen K. Yamashiro in support of a related administration-
initiated capital improvement project measure, Bill 62 (appropriating $2,000,000.00 for a Post
Harvest Treatment Facility). During such presentation, the Mayor opined that the construction of
a post harvest treatment facility, utilizing irradiation techniques, will be a crucial step in
developing agriculture as a main economic element for the east side of the Big Island. He
pointed out the potential for developing a major tropical Fruit industry on the Big Island, which is
presently hampered due to our State's quazantine status as a fruit fly zone. According to the
Mayor, the product has been test-marketed and has been proven to be a viable crop for our island.
He also explained that gamma irradiation or sterilization, the process intended to be used in such
a Facility, is a safe process. 'the Mayor stated that he is hopeful of private sector development of
the facility.
A presentation was also made by representatives from Isomedix, a private company that
specializes in the construction and operation of irradiation facilities. They provided background
information on inradiation technology, the proposed facility acrd safety concerns and guidelines.
Extensive testimony was heard both in support of and in opposition to the construction of an
irradiation facility on the Big Island.
Resolution No. 71, Draft 2, was circulated and clarified the reference to which radioactive
materials must meet stringent federal and state regulations. In addition, Draft 2 also added the
Honorable Benjamin J. Cayetano and U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie to the distribution
list of the resolution.
Your Committee on Finance concurs with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 71, Draft 2,
and recommends its adoption.
rms
Ayes Noes A&E EX
CHUNG X Respectfully submitted
LEITHEAD-TODD X C TEE INANCE
xAY x
SANTANGELO X ~ ~ ~
SMITH X
TYLEe X AARON S.Y. HUNG,1 AIR
YAGONG X FC REPORT N 71
ARAKAKI, E.O.M. X ADOPTED: MAY O 7 ~97~