Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.658 2012-2014 PIPS M C C0114,4 271 To: Madame Chairwoman Brenda Ford and Hawai'i County Council Members: Karen Eoff Greggor Ilagan Dru Mamo Kanuha Zendo Kern ` _n w On Dennis'Fresh'Onishi c © Valerie Poindexter r- J.Yoshimoto r From: Karen K. Umehara tot >.� Subject: Testimony, Hawai'i County Council Bill 79 Amended +a. — My name is Karen K. Umehara, and staff person of the Hawai'i Papaya Industry Association. My representation today is on behalf of the 175 growers, packinghouses and industry supporters of our association. Very soon you may be casting your vote for or against Bill 79. At that time you will make a choice to either support or the choice to vote against this Bill. We, as the group supporting our local farms, local farmers,are simply asking for the same consideration that you have and that is CHOICE! Our local farmers grow crops that feed your family and mine by CHOICE! Our papaya farmers choose to only grow crops that are not susceptible to diseases as they know all too well the experience of devastation but that science gave them a second chance! Our farmers are hard-working, minding their own business trying their best in an occupation that is physically taxing. Their sweat-to-toil is proven every day by their CHOICE! They should be the ones who should have a CHOICE as to what crops they will grow. No farmer will grow a crop that would be detrimental to our health and safety; nor would they grow without concern of regulated and effective pesticides. We decide with our wallets on what and how we will spend our money by CHOICE. Every trip through the supermarket requires us to make conscious decisions: local or mainland (or other); organic or traditional; pre-bagged or loose;GMO or non-GMO and now, Bring-Your-Own-Bag or Pay-For-One. Don't be influenced by a vocal minority to take away the livelihood of our farmers.Save Our Farmers! Farming is an endless, demanding and oftentimes a thankless job. Appreciate Our Farmers! From farm-to-table; to grow crops that are safe for us and delicious to eat. From our personal experience at a Produce Marketing Association Exposition our Rainbow papaya was referred to as the "Rolls Royce-of-Papaya". How great a compliment is that?! VOTE "NO" BILL 79! Thank you. Comm. No 2-1 I. •S`� Ref.To: J� , Ref. Date •1 L 0 2 Z1113