HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0130.000 1998-2000 Big Islar>td Farm Bureau
190 Kamehameha Avenue xl • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • Phone 6t Fax (808) 969-4876
E-Mail: bifb®aloha.net
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January 29, 1999
Honorable James Arakaki, Chairman & Council Members
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Chairman Arakaki & Council Members:
The Big Island Farm Bureau, representing over 525 farm and ranch families, would
like to share with the County Council our strong support for the State Department
of Agriculture's current efforts to eradicate the Banana Bunchy Top Virus from
Kona. This virus must be stopped in order to ensure the future of the Big Island's
commercial banana industry.
The Island of Oahu, once the center of banana production in the state, was hit by
this virus in the late 1980's. Limited control efforts resulted in heavy crop losses
and the disease ultimately put a halt to fruit production. In 1997, Banana Bunchy
Top Virus was found on, Kauai. The Hawaii State Department of Agriculture, with
the cooperation of the community, quickly acted to kill all banana plants with an
injection of a safe herbicide. With timely action and an intense eradication effort,
Kauai was recently determined to be disease free. Homeowners are now replanting
with new stock provided free of charge by the banana industry.
At stake, today is the Big Island's banana industry. Centered in the Puna and Hilo
districts, the area produces some 9.8 million pounds or two thirds of the state's total
production, with an approximate facet-gate value of $3.4 million annually. Future
production is expected to skyrocket, with the recent federal approval of protocol for
export of green bananas to the US mainland.
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Hawaii County Council
January 29, 1999
Page 2.
It is critical that the County Council rally behind this effort and work with the state,
community and banana industry to put an end to the Banana Bunchy Top Virus in
Kona. With short-term cooperation, we can maintain a healthy banana industry and
replant the Kona area with disease free plants.
Your understanding and support is appreciated.
Sin~ceQr~ely~, • n
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Ellen Mehos
President
cc: James Nakatani, Chairman of the State Board of Agriculture
Stephen K. Yamashiro, Hawaii County Mayor
Delan Perry, Big Island Banana Growers Association