Comment from Richard C Johnson

I am the President of Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers (HTFG), a Hawaii state-wide organization of farmers, packers and distributors of tropical fruit. On behalf of Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers, I full endorse Representitive Abercrombie?s recent request to extend the notice and comment period for this Proposed Rule. I have received feedback from HTFG members who are seriously concerned about pest and disease issues as well as the economic implications to the rule. The Proposed Rule has very serious implications for Hawaii's growing tropical fruit industry and we feel that additional time is appropriate to allow our members and others to gather relevant information and to submit meaningful comments. I ask that you extend the notice and comment period for the Proposed Rule by four months at the very least. This would push back the deadline for submitting comments to January 25, 2006. Sincerely, Richard C. Johnson