HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-20 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran re SB 3087, SD 1 Relating to Assisting the Papaya Industry (2)Harry Kim
ho'or
Wil Okabe
A lanagnig 1)irector
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
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February 20, 2018
Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211
Honolulu, HI 96813
Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Dela Cruz:, Vice -Chair Keith-Agaran and Committee Members:
Re: SB 3087, Si) 1 Relating to Assisting the Papaya Industry
Hearing Date: 02/21/18 — 10:08 am; Conference Room 211
Thank you for this or. portunity to support S 3087, S
8
The papaya industry has been of great value in Hawaii County, particulaq in the Puna
District. It is our #3 edible product, behind only coffee and macadamia nuts.
But papaya has faced its share of economic problems. Considerable damage was done
by Hurricane IseIle, nd 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 SE 3087, as originally written, was on Solo papaya. My experts tell
me that the production of the 3olo variety (non-GMO) has been greatly reduced because of the
Papaya ingspot Virus. The Rainbow and SunUp varieties are now the major ones (both are
genetically modified). So to maximize the benefit of SB 3087, it was appropriate to direct the
research to the industry as a w ale.
I hope you will move forward with SB 3087, SD 1.
espectfully submit ed,
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Hawaii
(Iwntv ofllawei is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.