Hawaii's papaya harvest fell to 30.9 million pounds in 2008, a 1 percent decline from the previous year, according to a report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

There were 2,410 acres of papaya trees growing in December, up 9 percent from September, and 17 percent above December 2007. Harvested area totaled 1,465 acres in December, up 14 percent from September and 17 percent from December 2007.

Papaya growers received 38 cents a pound for fresh fruit in December, 1 cent less than in November and 1.7 cents less than in December 2007.

Cool, wet weather prevailed during most of December, spurring tree growth in drier areas, the NASS said. Other areas suffered soil erosion from heavy rains and flooding. As a result, crop progress was slowed and field maintenance was hampered, according to the report.