HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-01 Letter to Mike Gabbard re SB 3087 Relating to Assisting the Papaya IndustryHarry Kim
Alayor
until
Office
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy A 1671741qt/7g Director
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February 1, 2018
Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair
Committee on Agriculture and Environment
Hawall State Capitol, Room 224
Honolulu, 1 96813
Dear Chair Gabbard and Committee Members:
Re: SB 3087 Relating to Assisting the Papaya Industry
Hearing Date: 02/02/18 — 1:15 pm; Conference Room 224
Thank you for this olopo unity to support SB 3087. The papaya industry has
been of great value in Hawaii County, particularly in the Puna District. It is our #3
edible product, behind only coffee and macadamia nuts.
However, papaya has faced its share of economic problems. Considerable
damage was done by Hurricane iselle, and production is slowly recovering. Your
assistance in funding research that could improve the product and enhance its
commercial viability would certainly be welcomed.
Part of the focus of SB 3087, as currently written, is on Solo papaya. My experts
tell me that the production of the Solo variety (non-GMO) has been greatly reduced
because of the Papaya Ringspot Virus. The Rainbow and SunUp varieties are now the
major ones (both are genetically modified). So to maximize the benefit of SB 3087, it
might be appropriate to direct the research to the industry as a whole. On the other
hand, it may be the Legislature's intent to restore the Solo variety to its former level,
because of its non-GMO status or otherwise.
In either case, 1 hope you will move forward w h so e version of SB 3087.
Respectfully submitted,
Mayor, County of Hawaii
County of 1Iawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.