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| Livestock husbandry would be included in the new farmer training program proposed in the Hawaiʻi Legislature. See more below. Photo from Hubbles Hog Heaven |
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| China Eastern Air is stopping the only direct flights between China and Hawaiʻi, starting Monday. Photo from China Eastern Air |
Republican state Rep. Gene Ward said the federal government is playing "Russian Roulette" with Hawaiʻi's economy by making it a stopover to check for passengers for Coronavirus. He said it could encourage fear in people who would refrain from vacationing in Hawaiʻi, even though there have been no cases here. "Half of our economy gets decimated if we have just a handful of tourists."
The only direct flights between China and Hawaiʻi are on China Eastern Air six days a week. The last flight before the suspension arrives Monday.
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NEW FARMER TRAINING is the aim of a bill in the Hawaiʻi Legislature, supported by two of Kaʻū's legislators and Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. SB2709 would fund a five-year beginning farmers training program to be administrated by the state Department of Agriculture. It was introduced by east Kaʻū Sen. Russel Ruderman and colleagues. Its companion bill in the state House of Representatives, HB1894, was introduced by west Kaʻū's Rep. Richard Creagan and colleagues.
The bill says the legislature find it is necessary to support beginning farmers by partnering with nonprofit organizations, to provide training opportunities. "The legislature further finds that applicable nonprofit organizations, especially those in rural areas, lack sufficient resources to expand existing training programs. The legislature believes that a beginning farmer training program could increase farming in the state, ensure the continued use of well-developed farming methods, and provide for the cultivation of new farming methods."
The justification for the bill contends that "new and aspiring farmers face a myriad of challenges, including acquiring adequate production, and business knowledge and skills, and accessing the tools necessary to evaluate their resources and develop feasible farming and business plans. However, the State lacks qualified farming method teachers and funding for beginning farmer training. Further, although the United State's Department of Agriculture provides funding for beginning farmers, this funding is limited and unreliable.
"The legislature believes that the future of the state's farming industry, food supply, and agriculture is reliant upon increasing and diversifying the number of new farmers in the state; introducing regenerative farming methods into the state; enhancing the long-term viability of farm businesses; utilizing and building upon existing beginning farmer training methods; providing opportunities for potential farmers who are socially or financially disadvantaged; and increasing support for beginning farmers who already own or manage a farm, and have farmed for five years or less."
The plan calls for implementing "strategies to increase the number of new farmers in the state, with a focus on recruiting low-income persons, disabled persons, and military veterans." It would assist qualified farmer training providers seeking federal and county funding to expand their training offerings.
The bill defines a beginning farmer as one who is "eligible for training for a maximum of one year; qualifies for Hawaiʻi resident tuition or provides proof that the beginning farmer has been farming for no more than five years; maintains satisfactory academic progress; and demonstrates an interest in pursuing a career in the state's agricultural industry."
Trainees would learn skills in planting, tending, cultivating, and harvesting various types of crops; and raising livestock and poultry. The training program would teach soil health; agricultural business operations, including workforce issues, regulatory compliance, and general operations; and industry analysis of the agricultural industry and related markets.
To testify, link to the Senate Bill SB2709 and the House Bill HB1894.
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| Hawaiʻi Farmers Union encourages testimony to the Hawaiʻi Legislature to support new farmer training. Photo from Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United |
The justification for the bill contends that "new and aspiring farmers face a myriad of challenges, including acquiring adequate production, and business knowledge and skills, and accessing the tools necessary to evaluate their resources and develop feasible farming and business plans. However, the State lacks qualified farming method teachers and funding for beginning farmer training. Further, although the United State's Department of Agriculture provides funding for beginning farmers, this funding is limited and unreliable.
"The legislature believes that the future of the state's farming industry, food supply, and agriculture is reliant upon increasing and diversifying the number of new farmers in the state; introducing regenerative farming methods into the state; enhancing the long-term viability of farm businesses; utilizing and building upon existing beginning farmer training methods; providing opportunities for potential farmers who are socially or financially disadvantaged; and increasing support for beginning farmers who already own or manage a farm, and have farmed for five years or less."
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| Skills in planting, tending harvesting, and the business of farming would be taught through the new program. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
The bill defines a beginning farmer as one who is "eligible for training for a maximum of one year; qualifies for Hawaiʻi resident tuition or provides proof that the beginning farmer has been farming for no more than five years; maintains satisfactory academic progress; and demonstrates an interest in pursuing a career in the state's agricultural industry."
Trainees would learn skills in planting, tending, cultivating, and harvesting various types of crops; and raising livestock and poultry. The training program would teach soil health; agricultural business operations, including workforce issues, regulatory compliance, and general operations; and industry analysis of the agricultural industry and related markets.
To testify, link to the Senate Bill SB2709 and the House Bill HB1894.
GIVE INPUT ON A RESOLUTION TO REDUCE HERBICIDE USE in Hawaiʻi
County on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 9 a.m.
Hawaiʻi County Council's Committee on Agriculture, Water, Energy, and
Environmental Management will hear testimony and hear a progress report from County
Administration in the Hilo Council chamber, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1401.
Interested members of the public are encouraged to testify in person in Hilo ,
or via videoconference at the Council's courtesy sites in Nā‘ālehu, Pāhoa,
Kapa‘au, Waimea, and Kona.
The legislation
is introduced "In an effort to reconcile the expressed public priority of
reducing herbicide use," after Bill 101, to stop use of 23 herbicides on
county land, was vetoed last year by Mayor Harry Kim. The council did not have
enough votes to counter the veto. Resolution No. 475-20 would "move toward
eliminating herbicide exposure to the public by reducing its use on land
managed by the County."
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2019 Mosaics in Science intern MyLynn Phan displays
her curriculum in Washington, D.C. NPS Photo
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The new approach
proposed "encourages the establishment of a vegetation management advisory
commission that could investigate solutions, generate ideas for workable
legislation that balances risks and benefits, and would draw on a wide variety
of expert advice to help the Council and the Administration make good
decisions," states the announcement
from the council.
TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO APPLY for Mosaics of Science, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's 12-week paid summer internship position. The internship is designed to engage university students and recent graduates with on-the-ground work experience in the National Park Service. A $4,800 stipend is provided and all travel costs are covered, including a week-long career workshop in Washington , D.C.
The internship is open to U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents ages 18-30, and to military veterans up to age 35. Funding is provided under a cooperative agreement for youth conservation activities as part of the Public Lands Corps program, which mandates that these age ranges are followed.
The selected intern will assist with the development of education curriculum for Kīpukapuaulu and Pu‘u Loa trails in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
For more information, contact Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Education Specialist Jody Anastasio by email at jody_anastasio@nps.gov. To apply go to go.nps.gov/mosaics or mosaicsinscience.org.
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| A 4.2 earthquake south of Volcano and a small quake at Pāhala shook the communities this evening. USGS map |
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A 4.22 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE shook southeast Hawaiʻi Island at 8:37 p.m. Sunday. The epicenter was 4.35 miles south of Volcano Village. Depth was 4.3 miles. Shaking was felt as far away as North Kona. Immediate "Felt" reports indicated the quake was "light to moderate." No damage nor tsunami alerts were reported as of 9:20 p.m.
Numerous earthquakes have been shaking the Pāhala and Volcano areas during the last two weeks. See volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hvo_earthquakes.html.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
See daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more at kaucalendar.com.
Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.
A 4.22 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE shook southeast Hawaiʻi Island at 8:37 p.m. Sunday. The epicenter was 4.35 miles south of Volcano Village. Depth was 4.3 miles. Shaking was felt as far away as North Kona. Immediate "Felt" reports indicated the quake was "light to moderate." No damage nor tsunami alerts were reported as of 9:20 p.m.
Numerous earthquakes have been shaking the Pāhala and Volcano areas during the last two weeks. See volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hvo_earthquakes.html.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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See Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. See Kaʻū exercise,
meditation, daily, bi-weekly, and weekly recurring events.
Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 6,250 mailboxes
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
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Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball
Wed. thru Sat., Feb. 5-8 HHSAA on Oʻahu
Boys Basketball
Tue. and Wed., Feb. 4 and 5 BIIF @ Kealakehe
Thu. thru Sat., Feb. 13-15 HHSAA on Oʻahu
Soccer
Wed. thru Sat., Feb. 5-8 Girls HHSAA on Oʻahu
Sat., Feb. 1 and 8 Boys BIIF
Thu. thru Sat., Feb. 13-15 Boys HHSAA on Oʻahu
Wrestling
Sat., Feb. 8 BIIF @Konawaena
Fri. and Sat., Feb. 21 and 22 HHSAA
Swimming
Fri. and Sat., Feb. 14 and 15 on Maui
UPCOMING
TUESDAY, FEB. 4
Spotlight on Artist Diana Miller, Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5
OKK Farmers Market in Nāʻālehu, Wednesdays beginning Feb. 5, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., mauka on Hwy 11 at the old Nāʻālehu Fruit Stand and future home of the Nāʻālehu Senior Housing Site. Contact Sue Barnett for vending, 808-345-9374.
THURSDAY, FEB. 6
Hula Voices, Thursday, Feb. 6, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Presents an engaging, intimate talk story session with Hawai‘i Island kumu hula and features Volcano musician Joe Camacho. volcanoartcenter.org
FRIDAY, FEB. 7
Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū - Community Mtg. andMembership Drive 6:30 p.m. at the Nāʻālehu Community Center. Topics include revival of annual Prince Kūhio Day Hoʻolauleʻa, to be held Saturday, March 28 at Nāʻālehu Park, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature music and hula, food, arts and crafts, and Hawaiian cultural activities. Anyone wanting to be a vendor, host a booth, and become a member should also come to the meeting. The annual membership dues are $10 per person or organization. Contact Terry-Lee Shibuya at terrylshibuya@gmail.com or treasurer Kehau Ke at hunneygurl15@gmail.com.
Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū - Community Mtg. and
SATURDAY, FEB. 8
16th Annual Love the Arts Volcano Arts Center Fundraiser Gala, Saturday, Feb. 8, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Theme is The Roaring 2020s, highlighted by unique decorations, decadent food, fine wines and beer, and dancing. Features appearances by members of Harmony on Tap and opera singer D'Andrea Pelletier. Live and silent auctions: bid on artwork, jewelry, hotel stays, restaurants, local products, services, and gift certificates to businesses and attractions. Tickets $70, $65 VAC Members. Purchase at VAC's Niʻaulani Campus in the village or Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
SUNDAY, FEB. 9
Kaʻū Clean-Up with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, Sunday, Feb. 9, and Saturday, March 21. Volunteer spaces limited. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.
ONGOING
Beginning Improv for Adults, Thursday, through Feb. 13, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. "Learn to live more in the moment, think on your feet, let go of self-judgment, bring more joy in your life, and recapture your playful spirit in the 6-week workshop series with improv legend Keli Semelsberger." Attendance to all 6 classes is not required – classes may be attended individually. No prior experience is necessary. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Sharp Turns – The Creative Art of Woodturning, Volcano Art Center Gallery exhibit, featuring the works of Aaron Hammer and Mark and Karen Stebbins, continues daily,9 a.m. to 5 p.m. , through Feb. 16. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Aloha Kidney in Kaʻū, Thursday afternoons, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. , through Feb 20, Kaʻū Resource Center, 96-3126 Puahala St. in Pāhala. The free class series on Chronic Kidney Disease lead by retired kidney doctor Ramona Wong. Bring a pen and whomever cares/cooks/shops for the person(s) with CKD. See alohakidney.com. Call (808) 585-8404 to enroll.
PETFIX Spay and Neuter Free Clinic for Cats and Dogs, Thursday and Friday, March 5 and 6, Ocean View Ranchos. Registration: contact Bridget at (808)990-3548 or petfixbigisland@gmail.com.
T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League: Ocean View Team - Mondays and Wednesdays, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice. T-Ball, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511
Sharp Turns – The Creative Art of Woodturning, Volcano Art Center Gallery exhibit, featuring the works of Aaron Hammer and Mark and Karen Stebbins, continues daily,
Register for a Free CERT Basic Training Course, four Saturdays starting Feb. 22 through March 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center
Register for ʻO Kaʻū Kākou's 12th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament and Canned Food Drive through Wednesday, Feb. 19 at noon . Event takes place Saturday, Feb. 22, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Poles, gear, and bait, and lunch for all, provided. Each child receives a prize, chosen during registration, in the order they register; register early. Keiki one to 14 years old register online at okaukakou.org, or pick up form at Nāʻālehu Elementary School, Nāʻālehu Ace Hardware, Pāhala Elementary School
Clay – High Fire!, Sunday, through Feb. 23, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or 2:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. 8-week morning or afternoon pottery series with Erik Wold. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
PETFIX Spay and Neuter Free Clinic for Cats and Dogs, Thursday and Friday, March 5 and 6, Ocean View Ranchos. Registration: contact Bridget at (808)990-3548 or petfixbigisland@gmail.com.
Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, Sunday March 8, 6:30 p.m. , Pāhala Plantation House. The concert will feature music that will celebrate native plants of the Kaʻū Dryland Forest and will raise funds for Hoʻomalu Kaʻū.
Performers will include: Maya Hoover , Hawaiʻi based Mezzo-Soprano at Professor at University of Hawaiʻi
Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment, features classes on block printing, lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, and more. A free guided Cultural Forest Tour, and a Mele and Hula ‘Auana performance are also slated. Visit the website events calendar for the full lineup. volcanoartcenter.org
Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
