Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Pahala vegetables from Hesters farm are sold at Volcano, Na`alehu and Ocean View farmers markets. Photo by Julia Neal

LOCAL FOODS are becoming more accessible to the general consumer, with the expansion of distribution in farmers markets in Ocean View, Na`alehu and Volcano for Ka`u. KTA on the Big Island is continually looking for locally grown foods for supermarket distribution. In addition, according to a Civil Beat article by Michael Levine, more supermarkets in Hawai`i like Whole Foods, Foodland, and smaller businesses are selling locally produced foods.
     Greater access, however, is limited to people’s willingness to pay the higher price. "At the end of the day, what we try to do is buy local whenever humanly possible, but it has to make financial sense," says Corporate Chef Keoni Chang of `Aina Haina Foodland Farms. Another obstacle to local food sales is competition with organic imported food. No local farms produce enough eggs from cage-free chickens for Whole Foods Market, says Community and Vendor Relations coordinator of the chain Claire Sullivan, and so the supermarket carries imported organic eggs over local non-organic eggs. The article is the first part of three on local food production in Hawaii. See civilbeat.com

PESTICIDES MAY THREATEN HONEYBEES, according to Hawai`i Beekeeper’s Association members. Nancy Esco, of Kona Queen Hawai`i, Inc., told Stephens Media that certain pesticides like Imidacloprid could help cause bee colony collapse disorder. There are no reports of beehive collapse disorder on the Big Island. However, beekeepers will explore this and other issues when they meet to discuss  worldwide risks to bee populations and agriculture on Sept. 12 - 15. The gathering of the Western Apicultural Society will be at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. The public is invited and beekeepers are expected to visit some apiaries in Ka`u. Apiary recovery following assaults by Varroa mite and small hive beetles will be one focus of the meetings. Volcano encaustic artist John Matsushita will demonstrate painting with bees' wax Sept. 14. The public is invited to take part in the 2nd annual Hawaiian Natural Honey Challenge that evening at the hotel. 

     After the conference, Larry Connor, PhD., a beekeeping columnist and Wicwas Press publisher, will present a day-long masters' workshop in Hawi on Sept. 16 on rebuilding the apiary after losses.

Alison Yanha, a Ka`u Beekeeper, is concerned about food security as honeybees are threatened. 

BUILDING CODE WORKSHOPS to study proposed changes will be held today, Tuesday, Sept. 6, at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Aupuni Center Conference Room in Hilo from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.. Council member Brittany Smart is reminding her constituents about the workshops as the new building code could affect the cost of construction and also safety issues. County staff from the Building Department will explain and clarify proposed changes. Bill 270, Draft 3, would change the Building Code by adopting the 2006 International Building Code along with a number of state and county amendments. The county is required by state law to adopt a building code using model codes and standards, such as the 2006 IBC, no later than two years after the adoption of the state building code. The state building code was adopted in 2010, and adoption of Bill 270 would bring the county into compliance with state law. To view a copy of Bill 270, Draft 3, go to http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/0/doc/756796/Page1.aspx. To view a copy of the current Hawai`i County Code, Chapter 5, relating to building, go to http://co.hawaii.hi.us/countycode/chapter05.pdf. To view a free copy of the International Code go to http://www.iccsafe.org/Store/Pages/OverviewFreeCodes.aspx and http://www.iccsafe.org/Store/Pages/FreeCodes.aspx 

A plan to put sidewalks on mauka side of Hwy 11 could threaten monkeypod trees.
Photo by Julia Neal

HWY 11 ONE LANE ROAD CLOSURES CONTINUE today through Friday. These alternating lane closures on Mamalahoa Highway 11 in both directions take place between mile markers 69 and 72 near South Point Road, Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for pavement resurfacing and guardrail installation. Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice; all roadwork is subject to good weather. 

COMMENTS ON PUTTING SIDEWALKS along the mauka side of Hwy 11 in Na`alehu are being taken until Sept. 30. The sidewalks would run from Na`alehu Methodist Church to Ohai Road, across from Na`alehu School. It is called the highest priority on the Big Island, according to the draft statewide Pedestrian Master Plan. “Although the makai side has a sidewalk in good condition, the shoulders beyond the serviced area can be narrow for pedestrian circulation,” the plan states. One concern about the plan is the future of the shade making monkeypod trees and stone walls along part of the route. The plan can be read and comments can be made at hawaiipedplan.com or 808-587-6395. Comments are being accepted through Sept. 30.