HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-12 Letter to Richard P. Creagan re SB 3087, SD 2 Relating to the Papaya IndustryHarry Kim
Mayor
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Offirr
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
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March 12, 2018
Representative Richard P. Creagan, Chair
Committee on Agriculture
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 312
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Creagan and Committee Members:
Re: SB 3087, SD 2 Relating to Assisting the Papaya industry
Hearing Date: 03-14-18 — 8:30 am; House Conference Room 12
Thank you for this opportunity to support SB 3087, SD 2.
The papaya industry has been of great value in Flawari 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 originally written, was 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 is appropriate to direct the research to the industry as a whole.
I hope you will move forward with SB 3087 SD 2.
Respectfully submitted,
Harry Ki
Mayor, County of Hawaii
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.