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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 24, 2003 Release #2003-010

Contact: Sen. Fred Hemmings Phone: [phone] (cell)

 

SENATOR FRED HEMMINGS ACKNOWLEDGES THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR QUARANTINE REFORM

HONOLULU—In a brief statement today, Senator Hemmings said the following:

"Recent quarantine reform approval by the Lingle Administration is momentous. It’s extremely important that the people of Hawaii are aware of those responsible for this very positive reform. Because of the House Committee on Agriculture hearing yesterday, it’s important to underscore and acknowledge those who made a difference.

"First and foremost, after decades of the legislature stonewalling change, the Lingle Administration has opened doors to genuine reform. Special accolades should go to the Director of the Board of Agriculture, Sandra Kunimoto and her Deputy Diane Ley.

"This issue was contentious and emotional and Director Kunimoto and her Deputy Ley ferreted out the facts and got the job done. The Coalition for Quarantine Reform, spearheaded by Chris Quackenbush, deserve a tremendous amount of credit along with military leaders who uniformly and consistently testified and supported the changes.

"After yesterday’s House Agriculture meeting, it’s important to point out that the Democratic leadership on the Agriculture committees uniformly killed any legislation that provided reform. It’s ironic that quarantine head, Dr. James Foppoli, who testified yesterday at the House Agriculture hearing was one of the leading opponents of reform. I’m hoping that Dr. Foppoli will continue to support additional reforms, such as reducing fees and the 120-day pre-arrival waiting period."

 

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