Ka'u News Briefs March 21, 2012

Years ago, Derek Kurisu began promoting locally produced foods with television, print and visiting Ka`u and other schools.
Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture

DEREK KURISU, who started the Mountain Apple Brand label for locally grown foods, has been appointed to the Agribusiness Development Corp. ADC is the quasi government agency considered important for restoring old plantation water systems for the future of agriculture in Ka`u. Kurisu has been a commencement speaker at Ka`u High and brings his flare for cooking with local ingredients to the campus for presentations. He produces cable TV shows Living in Paradise and Seniors Living in Paradise. Kurisu is Vice President of Purchasing and Executive Vice President of Perishable Operations at KTA Super Stores. He has worked at KTA for 44 years.

      Gov. Neil Abercrombie also submitted the name of Letitia Uyehara for reappointment to an at-large seat on the ADC. She is director of marketing and special programs at Armstrong Produce, Ltd., following 30 years with the state where she was Deputy Director of Agriculture and Director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control.
      The governor also appointed developer Patrick Kobayashi for the Honolulu seat on the Agricultural Development Corp. He is President and CEO of Kobayashi Group, LLC, and worked for the National Association of Home Builders in Washington, D.C.

THE STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE could see two new members appointed by the governor. Glenn Hong is President of Hawaiian Tug & Barge Corp. and Young Brothers, Ltd. He is completing his third year as Board of Governors Chair of the Hawai`i Employers Council. Lynn DeCoite is appointed to the Maui County seat. She is owner and manager of a sweet potato farm, L&R Farm Ent., LLC, and V-8 Ranch in Ho`olehua. Ka`u has a representative on the Board of Agriculture, rancher Michelle Galimba. All of the appointments require confirmation by the state Senate.

INVEST IN AMERICA would provide new opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs, says Rep. Dan Akaka. After opposition from such groups as AARP, the AFLCIO and some investment groups, he co-sponsored an amendment to the Act before congress. He said his amendment would “help capital in a way that protects investors, provides financing so businesses can expand and hire more workers, and encourages U.S. companies to export and compete in a global marketplace.”

     Akaka said it would “ensure banks and other large companies, with lots of shareholders, are subject to basic transparency, integrity, and accountability protections; and reauthorize the Export-Import bank, which provides crucial funding to American businesses and supports almost 300,000 jobs yearly.”

      “In order to keep our nation on the path to economic recovery,” declared Akaka, “we must help small businesses access capital and reduce barriers for start-ups. However, we should not do so at the price of consumer safety or market integrity. We must be very careful to do all we can to promote robust capital investment, and at the same time, ensure investor protections are securely in place.”

COMMENTS ON THE KA`U DISTRICT Gym & Shelter Draft Environmental Assessment are due Friday. The Draft Environment Assessment is available at Pahala and Na`alehu Public Libraries and online at hawaii.gov/health/environmental/oeqc/index.html. Comments can be sent to Tammy Kapali, Planner, PBR Hawai`i & Associates, Inc., 1001 Bishop Street, Suite 650 Honolulu, HI 96813 or faxed to 808-523-1402. Comments can also be sent to County of Hawai`i Department of Public Works, Attn: David Yamamoto, Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7, Hilo, HI 96720 or faxed to 808-961-8630.

Waipio, First Light. Robert Frutos offers a class in Volcano Saturday.  
Photo by Robert Frutos

WATCH FOR THE HURRICANE this weekend. The original three-act murder mystery is set for this Saturday, 4 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center; doors open at 3:30 p.m. The performance benefits the Food Pantry. Attendees are asked to bring canned food equivalent to $10 or a check to Hawaiian Food Pantry for the same amount. For more information, call 929-7236 or email marge@hawaii.rr.com.

DEMYSTIFY YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA, a class offered through Volcano Art Center by Photographer Robert Frutos, is scheduled for this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Frutos will show participants how their cameras work and teaches how to optimize ones’ camera depending on the specific need. All are welcome; participation fees are $68 for VAC members and $75 for others. Call 967-8222.