112 



introduction of exotic pests and to control these pests where they have been intro- 

 duced. 



This completes my testimony. Dr. Sesco and I will be pleased to answer any ques- 

 tions you may have. 



U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 



Washington, DC. 

 Dr. Isi A. SiDDiQui, 

 Division of Plant Industry, California Department of Food and Agriculture, 



Sacramento, CA. 



Dear Dr. Siddiqui: This is in response to your letter of August 19 on mail inspec- 

 tion in Hawaii. We appreciate your offer of assistance in this program. We are cur- 

 rently examining ways to improve Hawaii's program, to initiate a program in Puerto 

 Rico, if possible, and most recently to implement a congressionally mandated pro- 

 gram to protect Hawaii from pests which may enter that State from other States. 



We have been aware of the limitations on Hawaii's program since its inception. 

 We have examined the very problem you pointed out. It was found that very few 

 parcels of quarantine interest are mailed from the islands on Fridays and weekends 

 because postal patrons are aware of the effect of delays on the soft fruits that are 

 of most concern to us. In addition, the delay problems with the mail and the inabil- 

 ity to obtain warrants are very real ones. 



The postal inspection system in Hawaii was set up after a long period of study 

 and is operating on a delicate and carefully preserved balance of cooperation among 

 the Postal Service, the Federal court system and APHIS. Quarantine is an art rely- 

 ing on many factors for its successful accomplishment, not an absolute science. We 

 have found that the present program has substantially cut down the number of par- 

 cels being mailed. We are continuing our public relations efforts in the present fiscal 

 year. The selected officers involved are most familiar with the mail system and be- 

 lieve the system now operating is the best presently available. 



We will continue our efforts to assure quarantine security. We will strive for max- 

 imum improvement as we negotiate with the Postal Service, the Hawaii Department 

 of Agriculture, and the Department of the Interior on mail inspection both in and 

 out of Hawaii. Mr. Jim Reynolds indicated at the National Plant Board meeting that 

 we would contact the Postal authorities concerning changes in operational proce- 

 dures. We have contacted the Postal authorities in Honolulu to request their co- 

 operation in permitting us to perform inspections on the weekend and hold parcels 

 until a warrant can be obtained on Monday morning. We have not yet received a 

 reply. However, they have indicated they are studying the applicable Postal regula- 

 tions for a more positive interpretation. Should the present interpretation not 

 change, we will pursue the matter at the national level. 



We will continue to encourage legislation to permit mail inspection with a less on- 

 erous warrant system. At this time, we request only your support for such enabling 

 legislation. 



Sincerely, 



B. Glen Lee, 

 Deputy Administrator, Plant Protection and Quarantine. 



