Senator Hirono and USDA Announce First Major Federal Initiative to Fight Coffee Berry Borer

After Hirono Urged USDA To Take Action Against The Highly Destructive Beetle Earlier This Year, Department Agrees To Spend $1 Million Immediately To Set-Up Hawaii Operation To Fight Invasive Species

Senator Mazie K. Hirono and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled the first major federal initiative today to fight the coffee berry borer that has been ravaging Hawaii Island coffee farms for almost three years. The project, a new arm of the USDA’s integrated pest management program, will be a scientifically-based approach to fighting the invasive species. In the immediate term, USDA will spend an initial $1 million dollars to set-up the Hawaii operation.

Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei)

“This new initiative to fight the coffee berry borer is great news for Hawaii and our economy, and I am very pleased that the USDA has recognized the threat of this highly destructive invasive species,” said Hirono. “Our state produces some of the world’s best coffee, and coffee is an important export from our state. But the livelihood of Hawaii Island coffee growers is increasingly being threatened by the coffee berry borer, as many farmers are forced to abandon large portions of their yields due to infestation each year. That’s why I originally urged the USDA to set up this initiative and have been working closely with the department to begin its implementation. USDA, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and the University of Hawaii will collectively work to help coffee farmers combat and contain this invasive species.”

The announcement of the new project comes after Hirono urged the department to set up a Hawaii operation to fight the coffee berry borer. After working closely with Hirono and Hawaii coffee farmers to assess the need for the program, USDA agreed to immediately implement a new initiative to fight the devastating invasive species.

“USDA shares your concerns about the agricultural and economic impacts of this noxious pest,” U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack wrote to Hirono in a letter earlier this month. “As such, I am pleased to announce the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service has funded an Area Wide Integrated Pest Management program to aid in controlling the coffee berry borer in the United States.”

Electronic scan of the coffee berry borer

Members of the Hawaii delegation have been working to get more funding for a possible program in the Farm Bill currently being considered in Congress. Ahead of USDA’s agreement to fund a program, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard introduced a successful amendment which was included in the Farm Bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that authorized funding for a USDA program. Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa cosponsored the measure. Hirono introduced a similar measure in the Senate that was cosponsored by Senator Brian Schatz.

“The coffee berry borer has been a destructive force striking at the heart of Hawai‘i’s multi-million dollar coffee industry,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “In just two years, our treasured Kona coffee industry suffered more than $9 million in market losses, representing a roughly 25 percent revenue decrease. The economic impact has been deeply felt by coffee farms, most of which are small family farms, and coffee processors are being forced to lay off workers or reduce hours. The USDA initiative being established in Hawai‘i will help local coffee growers combat the effects of this invasive and destructive pest.”

The new program will be tasked with distributing effective treatments to local farmers and educating them on the most effective treatment practices, researching the genetic makeup of the coffee berry borer to find its weakness and disposing of infected plants. In his letter, Vilsack explained that the new USDA initiative will coordinate with local coffee farmers, the University of Hawaii and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to use the following techniques to fight the borer:

• Distribute the most effective repellents to farmers and training them on how to best use these treatments
• Research new types of pest controls that could be more effective in killing the beetles
• Create a plant sanitation program that decreases the opportunities for borer to reproduce and spread
• Study the borer to find how the species is similar or different that other agricultural pest in order to develop better methods for controlling the pest

Hawaii Island is home to more than 700 small coffee farms. In 2011, coffee farmers in Hawaii produced more than 8 million pounds of coffee, valued at more than $30 million.

The borer is an insect native to Central Africa that lives, feeds and reproduces in both immature and mature coffee berries. This damage can have a significant negative impact on the quality and quantity of coffee crop yields. As a direct result of the coffee berry borer, many farmers in 2012 have expressed concerns that their yields were in jeopardy. Recent reports have found infestation rates of up to 80% for some Hawaii farms.

Vilsack’s letter to Hirono agreeing to start the program, as well as her initial call for the USDA to create the initiative, read below:

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Kealakehe Regional Park Final Master Plan to be Unveiled

The County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation cordially invites the public to a presentation of the final master plan for the proposed Kealakehe Regional Park.

The master plan will be available for public review from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, in the Community Meeting Hale (Building G) of the West Hawai‘i Civic Center located at 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway in Kailua-Kona.

Kealakehe Regional Park is proposed to be built on a 190-acre site located between the Kealakehe Police Station and the West Hawai‘i Civic Center. The state property, which has been placed under County control, is bordered by Queen Ka‘ahumanu and Ane Keohokālole highways.

Reflecting input gathered from numerous stakeholders, the master plan proposes a soccer/football/rugby complex, a baseball/softball complex and a tennis complex. A covered play court suitable for indoor basketball and volleyball, along with a central plaza featuring an amphitheater, skate park and various other recreational facilities also are part of the park’s design.

People needing accessibility accommodations, a sign language interpreter, or printed materials in alternate form for this meeting are asked to contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at (808) 345-9105.

Additional information is available online at www.kealakeheregionalpark.com or by calling Kimura International, Inc. at (808) 944-8848.

 

 

Big Island Police Searching for 27-Year-Old Kona Man Wanted on Three Bench Warrants

Hawaiʻi Island police are searching for a 27-year-old Kona man who is wanted on three bench warrants for violating probation.

Andrew Marshall Wanat

Andrew Marshall Wanat is described as Caucasian, 5-foot-11, 210 pounds with brown eyes and short brown hair. He is also wanted for questioning in connection with a car that was stolen from Kona on May 4. He has no permanent address but frequents the Kona area.

Police ask that anyone with information on his whereabouts call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

FEMA Changing South Kona Floodplain – Questions and Answers for Residents

Why is FEMA changing the South Kona Floodplain?

The purpose of the Preliminary Flood Insurance Study (FIS) is to identify changes to flood hazards in the South Kona district.  This area has undergone an increase in residential and agricultural development since 1977.

There are two phases to the study. Phase 1 is for watercourses 13-20, in Hōnaunau, Keōkea and a small section of Kiilae affecting property owners with tax map keys 8-4-004, 8-4-006, 8-4-008, 8-4-011, 8-4-012, 8-4-014, and 8-4-015.  Residents along watercourses 1-12 and 21-25 in phase 2 will receive notices before the end of summer.

The preliminary FIS analyzed the 10% (10-year), 4% (25-year), 2% (50-year), 1% (100-year), and 0.2% (500-year) chance of flooding events, the floodplain or Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) boundaries, and the Base Flood Elevations (BFE).

The benefits of an updated Flood Insurance Study are:

• Hydraulic modeling, hydrologic methodology and topographic maps are updated.
• A 100-year base flood elevation (BEF) established.
• Community planners and local officials gain an understanding of the flood hazards and public health and safety affecting the community and,
• Home and business owners can make informed decisions about their insurance policy.

How does the new map affect me financially?

For structures in a Zone AE Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), flood insurance is mandatory for buildings with mortgages back by the federal government.  For structures in Zone X (outside of the SFHA), flood insurance is suggested but is not mandatory.

FEMA is offering a “Preferred Risk Policy Eligibility Extension,” a lower cost insurance rate for properties recently mapped into high-risk flood zones on or after October 1, 2008.  http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/prp_extension_information.jsp

What is the next step?

FEMA will begin its statutory 90-day appeal period allowing property owners the opportunity to submit appeals and protests on the preliminary FIS.  FEMA will issue in the local newspapers an advisory of its statutory 90-day appeal period with contact information for submitting appeals.

After the review and appeal periods have ended and all comments/appeals addressed, FEMA will begin final preparation of the FIS, which will both become effective six months later. For detailed information on appeals process, cut and paste in the browser http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=4935

How do I submit an appeal or protest?

A property owner must submit technical and/or scientific data to file a protest regarding the accuracy of the flood study for their property to the County of Hawai‘i Floodplain Manager, Frank DeMarco fdemarco@hawaiicounty.gov  Supporting data will be reviewed if it constitutes a valid appeal or protest. 

If a property owner does not agree with FEMA’s Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)

Owners who believe their property is not in the Special Flood Hazard Area, (SFHA) may contact the County of Hawai‘i Floodplain Manager, Frank DeMarco (961-8042) or Carter Romero (961-8943) cromero@hawaiicounty.gov at the Department of Public Works Engineers’ division in Hilo, weekdays, from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.  Maps are also available Engineers’ office at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center.

FEMA offers an online tutorial to walk the applicant through the stages to have a property removed from a SFHA. Click on http://www.fema.gov/online-tutorials/letter-map-amendment/letter-map-revision-f-tutorial-series-choose-tutorial

Ten (10) percent discount on flood insurance

In 1968, the U.S. Congress passed the National Flood Insurance Act, which created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to reduce future flood losses through local floodplain management and provide protection for property owners against potential losses through flood insurance.  The County of Hawai‘i is responsible for submitting revised flood hazard data to FEMA to revise the FIS, and Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs).  The NFIP map revisions allow risk premium insurance rates and flood plain management requirements based on current data.

The County of Hawai‘i also participates in the NFIP’s Community Rating System (CRS) enabling people with property in designated flood zones to purchase flood insurance at a lower rate.  The County of Hawai‘i has a class 8 rating, offering a ten (10) discount on flood insurance premiums to these property owners.

The CRS objective is to reward communities that do more than meet the minimum NFIP requirements to help citizens prevent or reduce flood losses.  CRS does this by providing incentives to communities to initiate flood protection activities through floodplain management and public outreach.

South Kona Property Owners Receive Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps

Last week the County of Hawai‘i, Department of Public Works sent letters to South Kona property owners with tax map keys 8-4-004, 8-4-006, 8-4-008, 8-4-011, 8-4-012, 8-4-014, and 8-4-015 informing them of the Preliminary Flood Insurance Study (FIS).

The preliminary FIS analyzed the 10% (10-year), 4% (25-year), 2% (50-year), 1% (100-year), and 0.2% (500-year) chance of flooding events, or Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) boundaries, and the Base Flood Elevations (BFE) in Hōnaunau, Keōkea and a small section of Kiilae.

The County of Hawai‘i will use the results of the study to amend FEMA’s FIS and Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

There are two phases to the study.  Phase 1 is for watercourses 13-20 affecting property owners in the tax map keys mentioned.  Residents along watercourses 1-12 and 21-25 are in phase 2 and will receive notices before the end of summer.

For structures in a Zone AE Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), flood insurance is mandatory for buildings with mortgages back by the federal government.  For structures in Zone X (outside of the SFHA), flood insurance is suggested but is not mandatory.

FEMA is offering a “Preferred Risk Policy Eligibility Extension,” a lower cost insurance rate for properties recently mapped into high-risk flood zones on or after October 1, 2008 information here: http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/prp_extension_information.jsp

“Property owners currently paying flood insurance may find their property is no longer in a flood zone.  Others may find they are in a flood zone, “said Warren Lee, director for the Department of Public Works. “If the property is in a flood zone, we highly recommend purchasing flood insurance and taking advantage of the County’s ten percent (10) discount.

Owners who believe their property is not in the Special Flood Hazard Area, (SFHA) may contact Frank DeMarco (961-8042) the County of Hawai‘i Floodplain Manager or Carter Romero (961-8943) at the Department of Public Works Engineers’ division in Hilo, weekdays, from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.  Maps are also available Engineers’ office in the West Hawai‘i Civic Center.

FEMA offers an online tutorial to walk the applicant through the stages to have a property removed from a SFHA. Click http://www.fema.gov/online-tutorials/letter-map-amendment/letter-map-revision-f-tutorial-series-choose-tutorial

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Pualu Awards Tap Nine for ‘Working Together’

The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce (KKCC) recently recognized nine individuals, businesses or organizations with Pualu Awards at its annual Installation and Membership Banquet at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.

Nick Sutton awarded the Chamber Member of the Year

“Meaning to “work together,” Pualu Awards were established in 1979 to honor those in West Hawai ‘i for their dedication and hard work in the community,” explains Vivian Landrum, Chamber president/CEO. There were nine winners in seven categories and they were chosen by an awards committee from nominations received by Chamber members and the general public.

The Community Education Award honors an individual or organization that promotes and supports education and enrichment programs that develop personal skills and lifelong learning.  There were two winners in this category.

The individual recipient is Wayne Iokepa, a staunch supporter of workplace mentoring and exploratory career options for high school students.  Under his leadership at Oceanic Time Warner, 22 students have participated in the Huiana Internship program. Through this model program, interns develop a sense of self worth, understand the career options and opportunities in this field and have the opportunity to experience a positive work environment in which coworkers respect, value and care for each other.

The business award in this category was for an educational tour program that hosts visiting school children from across the state. West Hawaii Explorations Academy ’s Aloha Kai Tour Project is a peer education outreach program hosting over 26,500 students since its inception in 1994.  WHEA high school students present on-campus mini science lessons to children on topics such as marine science, robotics, and endangered native plants. Students from kindergarten on up, and their parents and teachers, experience a novel approach to education that incorporates hands-on learning offered by students to students. This inspires intrinsic motivation and personal buy-in from WHEA students and ultimately creates poised and confident public speakers.

The Environmental Awareness Award taps an individual or organization that exhibits sensitivity and concern for the environment through innovative environmental practices and is awarded to Ann Goody.  Goody is described as someone “who has skills, patience, determination and commitment towards our fragile native wildlife environment as well as the desire for motivating compassion in children and visitors towards all living things.”

Three Ring Ranch Curator, Ann Goody, has provided a vital service to our island for over 14 years. Besides leading the way with innovative care for animals and birds, Ann offers educational programs to youth in our community, many of whom have gone on to become nurses, doctors, veterinarians, scientists and teachers. One pre-vet student said of Ann, “she teaches us all to be aware of the environment and how the environment affects the wildlife in Hawai’i . Her willingness to teach about the animals and the environment is something that I greatly look up to.”  By instilling a passion for the environment she fuels young people’s dreams and inspires them to become protectors of our natural environment.

The Business Innovation Award recognizes a business or organization that is committed to improving or enhancing employee’s lives, or exhibits creative product development, marketing or customer service. Kohala Zipline received this award.

Seeking to differentiate itself from its competitors from the very start, Kohala Zipline designed its aerial trekking course to be a complete experience, not just a ride or attraction. Through the use of interpretive elements, innovative course design and expert guides, guests are treated to stories and legends, conservation practices and a thrilling adventure.

Kohala Zipline designed its course to protect, retain and enhance the natural environment it was incorporated into, all the while incorporating the highest safety standards. Platforms are elevated and supported with minimal penetration and adjust with the growth of the tree. Guests are high above the ground, offering minimal impact     to an otherwise inaccessible area in the ahupua‘a of Halawa, filled with cultural and environmental significance. This unique activity has not only provided jobs for the Kohala region, but helps bring a steady flow of visitors to the area.

The Lifetime Service Award taps an individual who has made a lifelong commitment to the community exemplified by their personal and/or business achievements. This year’s recipient is Carl A. Carlson, Jr.

Carlson has dedicated his life to serving the best interests of Hawai‘i, both the state and the island.  As founder of Hu’ehu’e Ventures, he provided real estate consulting and agricultural property management services.  He served as trustee of the Parker Ranch Foundation Trust and served on the Boards of Parker Ranch, Inc and Waimea Wastewater, Inc.

He also served a term as chair of the County of Hawai‘i Board of ethics, served two terms on the Hawai‘i State Board of Agriculture, is a former member of the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation and the Hawai‘i Chapter of the Nature Conservancy.  From its inception, he served as vice president of the Kohala Center and currently sits on the Advisory Committee of the Kukio Community Fund, a charitable fund administered under the umbrella of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation.  Carlson has twice served as Chairman of the Hawai‘i Leeward Planning Conference, twice been a board member of our Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, is a full member of the Urban Land Institute, and is a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Carlson represents the Island of Hawai‘i on the University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents, serving as Vice Chair of the Board, Chair of their Budget and Finance Committee and sits on the Planning and Facilities, and University Audits committees.

The Visitor Industry Marketing Award is presented each year to that person or group who diligently works to promote the visitor industry in West Hawai ‘i. Congratulations to this category’s two winners, Linda Zabolski and Greenwell Farms.

Linda Zabolski, co-owner of Captain Zodiac, not only promotes her own company, but also serves as an unofficial ambassador for Hawai`i Island in everything she does. Linda singlehandedly established the first trade booth for the State of Hawai ‘i at the annual Cruise Shipping Miami/Seatrade conference, a premier trade show for the cruise industry. Due to her diligent efforts, HTA now recognizes the value and importance of this event for Hawai‘i, and participates as a key player. In addition, when the state considered levying extra fees on cruise ship tours, she actively fought and successfully defeated the measure which would have had dire consequences on cruise ship traffic to Hawai‘i. Currently, Linda is working with the Big Island Film Office on an innovative and unique social media marketing program designed to attract more reality television programming to our island.

The business recipient is Greenwell Farms.  As the fourth generation of this now multi-faceted agribusiness, these “farmers” have proven that utilizing savvy marketing and media technology can enhance your business as well as promote our destination.

Greenwell Farms organizes media, travel agent and industry familiarization tours from Hawai‘i’s major market areas as well as internationally. Travel writers and journalists who experience the farm first-hand share photos and write compelling stories in publications throughout the world, actively promoting the Kona-Kohala coast, Kona coffee and Hawai‘i Island.

Each of these national and international stories captures and communicates our island destination and a Kona coffee farm ag tourism experience to targeted audiences that translates to opportunities for increased visitor arrivals, longer stays and repeat visitors. Exceptional use of social media marketing tactics and a strategically developed website add to the conversations that lead to awareness, desire and intentions to visit our island.

The Culture & Heritage Award is awarded to an individual or organization that has exhibited, through its actions, practices that promote island traditions and preserves our multi-cultural heritage. This year’s recipient is Thomas Hickcox, whose unique life passion promotes traditional Hawaiian lifestyles.

Hawaiian culture is his passion. Sharing knowledge is his calling. The consummate cultural practitioner, Hickcox serves as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ahu’ena Heiau.  He is instrumental in continuing this 20 year old organization’s goal of preserving and maintaining ancient Hawaiian structures, foundations and burial sites and promoting the appreciation of Hawaiian history. Ahu’ena’s motto is Malama I Ko Kakao Ho’olina – Preserving Our Past, and recipient Tommy Hickcox lives to accomplish just that.

Chamber Member of the Year recognizes the individual who advocates, promotes and supports the mission of KKCC through active participation on committees, events, membership and/or community service. This year KKCC honors Nick Sutton.

Sutton was elected to the KKCC Board of Directors in 2010 and immediately became a valuable asset to the Chamber. In 2011 he took the position of Vice Chair for North Kona . He chaired the Ambassador Subcommittee for one year and then moved to Chair of our Membership Services Committee. He annually spearheads the KKCC membership drive, making it one of their most successful events, this year bringing in 19 new members from that one-day endeavor. What really sets this gentleman apart is his consistent promotion of the Chamber of Commerce. He truly is an Ambassador, as he represents the Mission , Vision and core competencies of KKCC at every opportunity. Not only officially, as he staffs their membership table at the Governor’s and Mayor’s luncheons, Building & Design Expos, golf tournaments, but informally as well, as he meets with business clients throughout our community. He continually shares the value of chamber membership and encourages those not already “in the family” to join the KKCC Ohana.

Kona Crime Prevention Committee Recognizes Officer Justin Gaspar as “Officer of the Month”

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recognized Officer Justin Gaspar as “Officer of the Month” for July in a luncheon ceremony Wednesday (June 3) at Huggo’s restaurant in Kailua-Kona. Gaspar was honored for a traffic stop that led to arrests for multiple felony offenses.

Officer Justin Gaspar

On May 4, Gaspar was assisting another officer with a traffic stop near Honokōhau Road when he observed drug paraphernalia associated with crystal methamphetamine inside the vehicle.

After the two women occupants were arrested, a man in another car approached the scene and stopped. Officer Gaspar recognized him as someone with three outstanding bench warrants for his arrest and ordered him to stop and get out of the vehicle. The man reversed the car and sped away and then placed the car into drive and began speeding toward the officers, causing them to jump out of the way to avoid being hit. Other officers then stopped the car and arrested the driver.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the man’s car and found a glass smoking pipe and plastic packets containing crystal methamphetamine, along with a pair of brass knuckles. The man was arrested on the bench warrants as well as for two counts of reckless endangering, two counts of terroristic threatening, resisting an order to stop, driving with an expired drivers license, promoting a dangerous drug, possessing drug paraphernalia and possessing a prohibited deadly weapon.

In addition to this incident, Officer Gaspar investigated 32 incidents, one traffic accident and 29 miscellaneous public complaints during May. During the same time, he made 19 adult arrests and issued 33 traffic citations.

As “Officer of the Month,” Gaspar is eligible for “Officer of the Year.”

Mangos and Mantas at Fifth Annual Mango Festival

Free juicy fun is on tap at the fifth annual Mango Festival Saturday, July 20 on the Hawaii Lawn of the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. This year’s festival theme of Mangos & Mantas features displays on agricultural sustainability and marine conservation from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mangos—the richly hued summer orbs that seduce island residents each year with their juicy flavor and fragrance— will be showcased in a variety of horticultural and culinary activities. In addition, festival goers can enjoy mangolicious treats and smoothies offered by vendors.

Foodie fun includes an amateur recipe contest. See how local residents are using mangos in salads, entrees and desserts and cheer on your favorite entrants. Spearheading the contest is foodie blogger and cookbook author Sonia Martinez; find recipe entry details at www.mangofest.org.

The Sheraton’s Rays on the Bay will offer samplings of tasty mango-inspired pupus at the festival. These tasty morsels will be featured on the restaurant’s menu after the festival, along with refreshing, mango-inspired beverages.

For green-thumb wannabes, enjoy a presentation by Harold Moodie on grafting mangos and the trees will also be for sale. The West Hawaii Master Gardeners will provide free advice for home gardeners at their friendly question-and-answer booth. The Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers Association is offering info and samples for the many varieties of mangos grown statewide.

The annual agricultural-themed panel discussion expands to encompass this year’s festival theme, “Keep the Culture in Agriculture While Protecting Our Marine Environment.” Panelists include Dr. Hector Valenzuela, vegetable crop extension specialist with University of Hawaii at Manoa; soil authority Graeme Sait of Nutri Tech Solutions Australia and James Wing, a local manta ray expert and representative for the Manta Network, a nonprofit dedicated to the protection and conservation of mantas worldwide.

Browse among arts and crafts booths and enjoy non-stop entertainment featuring Kumu Keala Ching, Bolo, Maka, Poncho Man, Auntie Irma’s Kahikina Nahenehe Ohana and Incense & Nouveau Gypsy with Stephanie Bolton.

Also on display will be original festival art by Bruce Sherman and event t-shirts. For information, visit www.mangofest.org.

Mango Festival: The 2013 Mango Festival is sponsored by Sanctuary of Mana Kea Gardens, Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers-West Hawaii and Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay.

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18th Hawaii Coffee Association (HCA) Conference and 5th Cupping Competition

The 18th Hawaii Coffee Association (HCA) Conference and 5th Cupping Competition is July 18-20 at the Kauai Beach Resort. Offering a full lineup of informative activities, the annual event attracts statewide coffee industry growers, processors, roasters, wholesalers and retailers.

2010 Cupping Winner

The gathering is also open to the public and the 2013-2014 season marks the 200th anniversary of coffee cultivation in Hawaii.

The conference includes workshops covering green grading, label compliance, quality control of roasting and packaging, cupping and eradication of the coffee berry borer beetle. Also on tap are legislative updates and reports from UH’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center (PBARC) and the Synergistic Hawaii Agriculture Council (SHAC).

Other activities include an expo, silent auction, election of HCA officers, tour of Kauai Coffee Company and networking reception at the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Winners of the cupping competition are announced Saturday at a dinner headlined by TV business reporter Howard Dicus.

The prestigious, annual cupping competition is an evaluation of coffee based on flavor, aroma, “mouth-feel,” acidity, sweetness and aftertaste. Last year, a panel of three lead judges, using standardized blind procedures, cupped a field of 117 Hawaiian coffees hailing from eight districts. Top honors were given to Heavenly Hawaiian Farms in Kona and the Big Isle’s Wood Valley Coffee Co. in K’au.

For more information and to register, visit www.hawaiicoffeeassoc.org/Events.

The Hawaii Coffee Association’s mission is to represent all sectors of the Hawaii coffee industry, including growers, millers, wholesalers, roasters and retailers.  The HCA’s primary objective is to increase awareness and consumption of Hawaiian coffees.  A major component of HCA’s work is the continuing education of members and consumers. The annual conference has continued to grow each year and has gained increased international attention. For information, visit www.hawaiicoffeeassociation.com.

 

 

Hulihe’e Event Remembers Palace Builder John Adams Kuakini

The Daughters of Hawai‘i and Calabash Cousins present Afternoon at Hulihe‘e 4 p.m. Sunday, July 21 at Hulihe‘e Palace to remember the late John Adams Kuakini. Enjoy the voices of the Merrie Monarchs and Hawaiian performing arts by Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawai‘i.

John Adams Kuakini, 1791-1844,  Governor of Hawaii Island.
Original sketch by Rev. William Ellis (Hawaii State Archives)

Afternoon at Hulihe‘e is part of the palace’s series of free monthly events that honor Hawai‘i’s past monarchs and historical figures; donations are appreciated. Kindly bring a beach mat or chair as seating won’t be provided.

Kuakini was a cousin to Kamehameha I and governor of Hawai’i Island. A Russian explorer, Captain Otto von Kotzebue, described Kuakini in 1816 as a “herculean figure.”

“Kuakini first built Moku‘aikaua Church, finishing in 1837,” details Casey Ballao, Hulihe‘e docent coordinator. “That same year, he started construction on Hulihe‘e, with the excavation of the cellar. Kuakini employed craftsman and laborers that had jumped sailing ships to build his grand home and it was completed in 1838. It was a great source of pride.”

Kuakini didn’t enjoy his mansion for long; he died at the age of 54 in 1844. His obituary stated he was “the sole survivor of the iron-hearted chiefs that constituted the household of Kamehameha I.”

Hulihe‘e Palace is open for docent-guided and self-guided tours. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; with the exception of the palace open 1-4 p.m. the Monday following the monthly Kokua Kailua Village stroll.  Palace admission for a self-guided tour is $8 for adults, $6 for kama‘aina, military and seniors, and $1 for keiki 18 years and under. Docent-guided tours are available upon request. For details, contact the palace at 329-1877, the palace office at 329-9555 or visit www.daughtersofhawaii.org. The gift shop, open 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, can be reached by phoning 329-6558.

Caretakers of Hulihe‘e Palace are the Daughters of Hawai‘i. The organization was founded in 1903 and opens membership to any woman who is directly descended from a person who lived in Hawai‘i prior to 1880. Helping the Daughters in its efforts since 1986 are the Calabash Cousins; membership is available to all.

Kona and Kauai to Get New WestJet Flights From Canada

WestJet today announced new, daily service between Vancouver and Hawaii Island (Kona) and between Vancouver and Kauai (Lihue), starting this December.

On December 12, 2013, service between Vancouver and Hawaii Island increases to daily from four times weekly last winter. Service between Vancouver and Kauai also increases to daily, beginning December 14, 2013, from three times weekly.

“WestJet is the airline of choice for Canadians who love the Hawaiian Islands,” said Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development. “With seamless connections from many cities across Canada and no need to pick up your bag before you pre-clear U.S. customs in Vancouver, it’s never been easier to take that fabulous Hawaiian vacation you’ve been waiting for.”

In addition to increased service to Hawaii Island and Kauai, WestJet also offers twice-daily service from Vancouver to both Honolulu and Maui.

Flights are now available for sale at westjet.com.

WestJet Vacations has something for everyone, offering 29 hotels and condos situated on Hawaii Island from Kailua-Kona to Waikoloa, and on Kauai from Poipu to Princeville. Hawaii Island is inspirational with its diverse beauty and Kauai, the tropical island of discovery, is visually spectacular. More information on vacation packages is available at westjetvacations.com.

About WestJet
WestJet is Canada’s most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 86 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer, WestJet now has more than 9,000 WestJetters across Canada. Operating a fleet of more than 100 Boeing Next-Generation 737 and Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world. This year, WestJet launched its new regional airline, WestJet Encore.

 

Low Flying Helicopter Scares Kona Residents

The Hawai’i Police Department is not conducting any operations involving the use of a helicopter in the Kona area.

A private company is conducting a GPS mapping survey in the Kona area, which will continue until later this afternoon.

The Hawai’i Police Department has received several complaints about a low flying helicopter.

The company’s name is Fugro Aerial Mobile Mapping.

 

Kona’s Kohanaiki Beach Park Dedicated

A public blessing, dedication and opening ceremony for the new Kohanaiki Beach Park in Kona was held today at the park’s halau.

Situated along 1.5 miles of coastline, Kohanaiki is one of North Kona’s most popular surfing, diving and camping areas. The park’s completion represents years of collaboration between lineal descendants of the area, community groups, the County of Hawai‘i, and Kohanaiki Shores. Ongoing responsibilities for the park will be shared between Kohanaiki Shores, the County and the community.

“This grassroots effort by the community is an excellent example of collaboration between the public, a landowner, and county government. It will ensure that Kohanaiki remains the special place that we have cherished for generations,” said Mayor Billy Kenoi. “Mahalo to everyone in the Kona community who worked so hard to make the opening of this shoreline park possible.”

The park includes bathrooms and outdoor showers, designated camping areas, a halau for cultural practices, improved and additional parking, and improved roadways to and along the shoreline and within the park. Portable toilets, which have been in use while new facilities were being developed, will also remain in place.

“The Kohanaiki Shoreline Park is the result of years of collaboration and negotiation; it represents a willingness on the part of all stakeholders to share in the stewardship of this very special place,” said Hawai‘i County Council member Karen Eoff, who represents District 8. “A Good Faith Agreement, forged in 2003, establishes Kohanaiki as the first County park on Hawai‘i Island where management and maintenance will be a shared responsibility between landowners, County and community.” Councilwoman Eoff has been involved with the project in various capacities since its inception.

Following the dedication, the park will be open daily and available for camping five days a week for up to 80 campers a night. Park hours for day use will be from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Camping administration will eventually transition to the Department of Parks & Recreation, but is currently handled by Kohanaiki Shores. Camping permits are issued at the beach on a first come, first served basis. For more information and for reservations, call 329-6200.

Kohanaiki Park Beach

“The new park at Kohanaiki is a great addition to our growing West Hawai‘i community,” said Parks & Recreation Director Clayton Honma. “The new facilities make this a safe place for our families to spend time together, and make it possible for more members of our community to enjoy this treasure.”

In addition to improved vehicular access, park goers can use an already established pedestrian trail, which runs the length of the shoreline and is part of the longer Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. Beyond the paved turnaround, the trail will be used to access the halau and the southern boundary of Kohanaiki.

“It’s been a journey of diplomacy, compromise, and collaboration,” said Rebecca Villegas, president of Kohanaiki ‘Ohana, an active member of the community partnership that worked toward establishment of the shoreline park. “We’ve created a model for future coastline developments, bridging the gap between government, developers, and community interests.”

A preservation and cultural plan, guided by the lineal descendants of Kohanaiki, is in place to guide the conservation of historic and cultural sites at the park, as well as ongoing cultural practices at the halau.

Related articles

• Public Invited to Blessing and Dedication of Kohanaiki Beach Park (damontucker.com)
• VIDEO: Kohanaiki park dedication gets Hawaii County approval … (prgnewshawaii.com)

Big Island Police Searching for 15-Year-Old Kona Girl Missing Since May

The Hawai´i Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a 15-year-old Kona teen.

Reina Aldorasi

Reina Aldorasi was last seen on Monday (May 27, 2013) at about 2:55 p.m. in Kailua-Kona and may possibly be in the Hawaii Ocean View Estates.

Aldorasi is 5’04” tall, weighing about 115 pounds, with dark brown hair, and was last seen wearing gray sweat pants with “PHAT” letters in pink and a gray t-shirt with “KAU HIGH” in maroon letters going across the front and also having a black hoodie.

Police ask that anyone with information on Aldorasi’s whereabouts to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Officer Robert Sakata at 326-4646 ext. 276.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

Kona Brewing Company Announces Summer Sweepstakes

Everyone’s got a summer bucket list, especially Kona beer fans, who will likely take their Kona brews to the beach, pool, hiking and paddling on their local lakes and rivers this summer. Starting on June 24, 2013, fans of Kona Brewing Company are invited to share their summer fun photos by posting them at the Kona Brewing Summer Bucket List sweepstakes. One grand prize winner will, in turn, be treated to an endless summer of bucket list activities in the surf, sun, and sand in Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Click for more information

The Kona Brewing Summer Bucket List sweepstakes centers around a “bucket list” of activities where participants are encouraged to document summer activities photographically for the next ten weeks of summer. Each photo posted will result in one entry, so the more times entered, up to 10 total possible entries per person, the better the odds of winning. Participants are encouraged to post photos corresponding to the following summer dates and themes:

• June 24            Water (sports) – One with the water
• July 1            Music – Good vibrations
• July 8             Barefeet – Barefootin’ off the beaten path
• July 15             Relaxing – Stone cold chillin’
• July 22            Food – Local Grinds
• July 29            Happy Hour – Pau Hana
• August 5            Sunset – Summer sunset
• August 12            Hiking – Enjoying the wide open
• August 19            Biking – Pedal power
• August 26            Party – Party time

The grand prize winner will not only receive travel vouchers and six nights at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, but will also win a full bucket list of activities as part of the grand prize package. The winning package includes guided tours for snorkeling, hiking and cycling, tickets to the famous Island Breeze luau, a Body Glove sunset cruise, massage for two and of course, dinner and tour at Kona Brewing Company’s flagship brewery and pub.

“I think it’s cool that our Kona Summer Bucket List helps Kona’s mainland fans document their summer fun, and one lucky winner gets to experience what we get to do everyday here in Kona,” said company president Mattson Davis. “We know our fans are active and this bucket list sweepstakes is a simple and engaging way for them to capture and share their active pursuits. If summer finds you in a boat or on a board, post that photo. If you’re sharing beers at happy hour, enjoying the summer sun setting, or simply relaxing in your rubber slippers, capture it, post it and you’re entered to win. I’m stoked to see what our fans are doing this summer!”

Utility Work in Kona to Replace Underground Cables

Hawaii Electric Light Company announces utility work in the Kilohana Subdivision of Kona to replace underground cables. Work will continue for approximately 5-6 months. Work hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and may vary.

Work begins at the Lako Street intersection, proceeds toward Koko`olua Way, and includes all side streets. Speed is reduced in the work zone and traffic is limited to one lane only. The community is advised to avoid this area as much as possible and drive with caution through the work zone. Please use alternate routes if possible.

Power outages will be minimal. Hawaii Electric Light will work with affected customers individually to ensure a safe and smooth transition to the new system.

The improvements are being made to provide the community power at a high level of reliability. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation. If there are any questions or concerns, please call 969-6666.

 

31st Annual Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club Show is Coming Up

“A Rainbow of Orchids” is the theme of the 31st annual Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club Show and Sale 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, July 28 at the Daifukuji Soto Mission Hall. Admission is free and the annual event offers complimentary refreshments, plus an orchid boutonniere corsage—while they last. Cameras are welcome.

The 31st annual Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club (KDOC) show and sale is coming up

In addition to an elaborate indoor display of blooming orchids showcasing the many colors found in numerous hybrids, the show offers a specialty collection of United States Postal Service orchid stamps and colorful orchid badges from clubs across the nation. The unique display includes a selection of antique and modern magnifying glasses to examine the stamps by club historian Carol Zakahi.

Attendees are also invited to view the just-completed Orchid Grotto on the grounds of the mission. The grotto was completed by club volunteers and was recently named a 2013 Landscape & Beautification Award winner by Scenic Hawaii.

The Daifukuji Taiko drummers offer a rousing performance in the parking lot at 10 a.m. and harpist Bonnie Mitchell will also provide morning entertainment.

Got growing questions? Veteran members will staff a Question and Answer Booth where attendees can get expert advice on caring for orchids. The club boasts eight charter members who each have been growing orchids at different Kona elevations.

In addition to the other displays, the annual event offers an outdoor sale of high-quality orchid species and hybrids, plus expert tips on how to grow them.

The Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club is West Hawai‘i’s oldest orchidaceae organization with a mission to learn and foster orchid culture and promote fellowship among orchid collectors. The club meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Daifukuji Soto Mission Hall on Hwy. 11 at mile marker 114, just north of Kainaliu. For information, contact Sarah Fogelstrom, 808-328-8501.

 

DLNR Closes Kekaha Kai State Park Today after Shark Incident

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) this afternoon closed Mahaiula and Kua Bay sections of Kekaha Kai State Park due to a shark incident earlier today. The park is located 2.6 miles north of Keahole airport in Kailua-Kona.

Shark warning sign posted at Kua Bay, Kekaha Kai State Park. Photo by DOCARE.

At about 12:55 p.m., the victim, a 28-year-old male from Kailua-Kona, was swimming in waters off of Mahaiula Beach when he was bit by a shark.

The Hawaii County Fire Department responded and transported him via medevac helicopter to North Kona Community Hospital for treatment.

The helicopter overflight also revealed what appeared to be a large tiger shark in the vicinity of the location where the victim was attacked.

DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers and State Parks staff evacuated Mahaiula Bay, closed access to the bay and posted shark warning signs. Kua Bay is being evacuated as well and access closed.

Closure of these two bays will continue until at least noon Wednesday, following a flyover by Hawaii County Fire Department helicopter to assess offshore waters for any presence of sharks.

Carvers of Hawaii-Themed Carousel Drop Chips At Kona Home Depot

Paradise Ponies, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, intends to construct and operate a unique Hawaii-themed carousel, called the “Carousel of Aloha,” along the Volcano Heritage Corridor on Hawai’i, the Big Island.

Paradise Ponies is demonstrating traditional hand-carving techniques being used for the carousel figures at the Kona Home Depot store this Saturday, June 15^th starting at 9am. The demonstration is open to anyone who just wants to watch or learn more about the project and the age-old art form.

“This demonstration will help us spread the word about the community project. Mahalo to the Home Depot in Kona for their community support” said Juanette Baysa, founder and visionaire of the project. Baysa has been studying under Master Carousel Carver Ken Means for 15 years. “Ultimately, the Carousel of Aloha will be the focal point of a bigger park and pavilion that will serve our community and bring everyone together,” Baysa said.

The Carousel of Aloha will feature hand-carved Hawaii-themed menagerie figures like a monk seal, a green sea turtle, pa`u style horses and a “nightingale,” (the coffee-bean toting donkeys once used on coffee plantations island-wide). It will feature seating benches, scenic panels, mirrors and other colorful carousel amenities carved and painted by volunteer artisans throughout Hawaii. An expansive pavilion will house the carousel, gift shop and other indoor spaces available to the community for art and cultural activities, recreation and entertainment. An adjacent park will add outdoor space for cultural events, and activities for families, residents and visitors to the east side of Hawaii Island.

Volunteers, donations, corporate sponsors and major benefactors are needed. For information on classes or how to help, go to website www.CarouselOfAloha.org or contact Katherine Patton at 808-315-1093.

An informational display, including carousel figures in progress, is shown at the Hilo Coffee Mill in Mountain View every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Coast Guard Rescues Three After Boat Runs Out of Fuel Near Kailua-Kona

Three adults are safe after being rescued from a recreational vessel that ran out of fuel 21 miles northwest of Kailua-Kona Sunday morning.

Three adults are safe after they were rescued from their vessel that ran out of fuel 21 miles northwest of Kailua-Kona June 9, 2013. Several Coast Guard crews responded, took the vessel in tow and returned them safely to Kawaihae harbor. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received a call from a friend of the vessel’s crew, notifying Coast Guard watchstanders that the 21-foot pleasure craft was running out of fuel.

A Coast Guard 45-foot Response Boat Medium crew from Station Maui, a HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Air Station Barbers Point and the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska were launched to the scene.

The aircrew arrived on scene at 5:15 p.m., and dropped provisions, flares and a radio in a watertight container and was able to establish communications with the vessel’s captain.

At 7:10 p.m., the response boat crew took the vessel in tow and returned them safely to Kawaihae harbor.

The Coast Guard strongly encourages boaters to remain aware of their vessel’s fuel capacity and other limitations while operating offshore of the Hawaiian Islands. Filing float plans, installing a VHF marine band radio and frequently checking safety equipment like flares and life jackets can greatly increase your survival in an emergency or help avoid an emergency altogether.

For more information on boating safety visit www.uscgboating.org