We must move away from tourist-based economy
We must move away from tourist-based economy
I would like to urge Gov. Ige to sign SB1353 and establish a permanent industrial hemp program. Not only is it good at replenishing the soil, but our climate allows for three crops per year, giving us a clear advantage in the marketplace.
With the proper seed money (hello Pierre and Mark, etc.) and enough acreage (Grove Farm, A&B, G&R, etc. come to mind), we could have a marketable product in a relatively short time.
Once the crop is established we could build processing plants for various products and a small ag/business economy will emerge.
We have got to move away from a tourist-based economy. We are only one hurricane away from all of us becoming unemployed. With the weather patterns no longer patterns, it is not if but when that happens.
With an agriculture-based economy, we can use the tourism dollars to add to our county coffers, and enable us to actually afford some much-needed infrastructure upgrades.
Eventually we will be able to phase out the chemical companies posing as corn farmers, as their lands are needed for more hemp.
I would like to add that some of our “honored guests” that have written to this newspaper have been less than “honorable,” in my opinion. With a healthy economy we can ask these “honored guests” to respect our island and our attempts to preserve it for everyone or go elsewhere.
Allan B White, Hanapepe
