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| An outdoorswoman and all-around talent, Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva rides horse at Coffee and Cattle Day at Aikane Plantation this morning. She dances hula tomorrow at the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a. Photo by Julia Neal |
KA`U COFFEE MILL HAS BEEN NAMED Best New Business in the editors choice awards, Hawai`i Business Magazine announced last night. According to reporter Gina Gelber, the mill posted sales of about $1.4 million in 2013, with about 50 percent of revenue coming from international exports. The company exports coffee to Europe and China and is planning to sell to other Asian markets, “where the demand for coffee is rising,” Gelber says.
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| Ka`u Coffee Mill team includes, front row from left, Amery Silva, Brenda Iokepa-Moses, Helena Carvalho, Kalikoweo Keolanui-Daniele and, back row from left, John Cross, Louis Daniele, Chris Jara and Lee Segawa. Photos from Ka`u Coffee Mill |
Ka`u Coffee Mill buys coffee cherry from local farmers for $2.20 per pound. Before the mill was up and running, Ka`u farmers would earn about $1.50 per pound in Kona, the story says. “They were told that their coffee was traded at a discount because it was not technically grown in Kona and couldn’t be sold for a premium,” manager John Cross told Gelber. “That just wasn’t a fair situation.”
The story profiles Leo Norberte, who runs a 30-acre Ka`u Coffee farm, “where rich volcanic soil, sunny mornings and rainy afternoons synchronize to yield award-winning crops.
“Despite idyllic conditions, running a business was a nightmare for Norberte and about three dozen other coffee farmers in the area. The rub: there was no local mill to roast their beans.”
The story profiles Leo Norberte, who runs a 30-acre Ka`u Coffee farm, “where rich volcanic soil, sunny mornings and rainy afternoons synchronize to yield award-winning crops.
“Despite idyllic conditions, running a business was a nightmare for Norberte and about three dozen other coffee farmers in the area. The rub: there was no local mill to roast their beans.”
The story describes how Norberte had to drive the long distance to Kona twice a week, once to take his coffee to be processed and another time to pick up the roasted coffee. “It was a real drain on all kinds of resources,” Norberte told Gelber. “Now my commute is three minutes down the road.”
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| Kalikoweo Keolanui-Daniele shows Ka`u Coffee Mill's Diedrich CR-50 roaster, which can roast over 100 pounds of green beans at a time. |
Gelber reports on the mill’s efforts to gain international visibility by entering coffee into high-profile contests, including the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s Roasters Choice Competition, where it received a Top 10 ranking in 2013.
Ka`u Coffee Mill founder Ed Olson told Gelber, “I wanted to help out a community that had been financially depressed by the collapse of the sugar industry.”
“Keeping in line with its philanthropic spirit, the company plans to continue sharing its spoils with the Ka`u coffee farmers,” Gelber says. She points to a larger and more powerful eqiupment that the mill recently purchased “to help expedite the roasting of coffee.”
“My goal is to help out wherever I can,” Olson told Gelber. “I think we are making a difference.”
Ka`u Coffee Mill founder Ed Olson told Gelber, “I wanted to help out a community that had been financially depressed by the collapse of the sugar industry.”
“Keeping in line with its philanthropic spirit, the company plans to continue sharing its spoils with the Ka`u coffee farmers,” Gelber says. She points to a larger and more powerful eqiupment that the mill recently purchased “to help expedite the roasting of coffee.”
“My goal is to help out wherever I can,” Olson told Gelber. “I think we are making a difference.”
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HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES is receiving $466,182 from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration to support conservation and recovery efforts of Hawaiian monk seals, green turtles and hawksbill turtles in the main Hawaiian Islands. Funding will also assist public education and outreach initiatives.
Additional funds, for a total of $3.1 million, will support the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System, University of Hawai`i Marine Option Program and Pacific International Center for High Technology Research.
“As one of the most biodiverse places in the world and our nation’s only island state, it is vital that Hawai`i balances economic growth with natural resources conservation and environmental protection,” said U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono. “These federal funds will promote a sustainable future for Hawai`i through ocean research, education and management efforts.”
HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES is receiving $466,182 from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration to support conservation and recovery efforts of Hawaiian monk seals, green turtles and hawksbill turtles in the main Hawaiian Islands. Funding will also assist public education and outreach initiatives.
Additional funds, for a total of $3.1 million, will support the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System, University of Hawai`i Marine Option Program and Pacific International Center for High Technology Research.
“As one of the most biodiverse places in the world and our nation’s only island state, it is vital that Hawai`i balances economic growth with natural resources conservation and environmental protection,” said U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono. “These federal funds will promote a sustainable future for Hawai`i through ocean research, education and management efforts.”
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| Ka`u High volleyball team plays in the state semifinals today. Left to right, front row: Chance Emmsley-Ah Yee, Anthony Emmsley-Ah Yee and Lehre Vidal. Back row: Jovan Padrigo, Kihei Serrao, Larry Al-Navarro, Franklin Orcino Jr., Brian Gascon, Cameron Enriques and Candy Hashimoto. Photo from Candy Hashimoto |
KA`U HIGH’S TROJAN VOLLEYBALL boys team defeated Aiea last night in the Hawai`i High School Athletic Association Division II quarterfinals. The match was held at Farrington High School on O`ahu. The Trojans were challenged by Aiea with scores of 16-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-18 and 15-5. Ka`u, the third-seeded team, faces second-seeded Seabury Hall this evening at Farrington at 5 p.m. The Maui Interscholastic League champion Spartans swept Hanalani 25-16, 25-19, 25-17 in their quarterfinal.
During last night’s win, Trojan Cameron Enriques pounded 22 kills, and Larry-Dan Al-Navarro made seven kills and came up with five digs. Other contributors to the win were Anthony Emmsley-Ah Yee with six kills and Brian Gascon with four kills and 28 assists.
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PROTECTORS OF HONU`APO, KAWA ESTUARIES and other migratory bird resting places in Ka`u can join people from around the world in celebrating World Migratory Bird Day tomorrow.
This year’s theme “focuses on the role sustainable tourism can play in conserving one of the world’s true natural wonders: the spectacular movements of migratory birds along their flyways.” The statement from sponsoring organizations says that through a new project led by the United Nations World Tourism Organization and promoted through this year’s World Migratory Bird Day, “some of the world’s estimated 50 billion migratory birds should soon be able to benefit from sustainable tourism development.” Called Destination Flyways, the program aims to develop sustainable tourism at destinations along the world’s major migratory bird routes.
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| The Pacific Golden Plover is a migratory bird in Hawai`i. Photo by Jim Denny |
The project aims to be a vehicle for both environmental and socio-economic sustainability, benefiting wildlife, local communities and tourists. “By providing an adequate framework for sustainable tourism management, diversifying tourism and channeling its revenue back into the conservation of the project sites and the communities around them, Destination Flyways will work to safeguard the birds’ habitats, while creating job opportunities for local communities along the flyways,” according to the statement.
“As tourism continues to grow, so too will the pressures on the environment and wildlife. Without proper management and protection, as well as investments in greening the sector, thousands of magnificent species will suffer,” said UN Under-Secretary-General Achim Steiner.
“Tourism has been identified as one of the ten economic sectors best able to contribute to the transition to a sustainable and inclusive green economy. This important initiative will help to accelerate the transition to the green economy while protecting tourism – a major source of revenue for many communities – and the thousands of species it spotlights,” he added.
“Tourism has been identified as one of the ten economic sectors best able to contribute to the transition to a sustainable and inclusive green economy. This important initiative will help to accelerate the transition to the green economy while protecting tourism – a major source of revenue for many communities – and the thousands of species it spotlights,” he added.
See worldmigratorybirdday.org/statements, World Migratory Bird Day 2014 Events around the world at worldmigratorybirdday.org/events and Destination Flyways at biodiv.unwto.org/content/flyways. Also UNWTO Consulting Unit on Tourism and Biodiversity at biodiv.unwto.org, Convention on Migratory Species cms.int.
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| With Ka`u Coffee trees on the left and pastures on the right, Marie Gerente, from La Reunion island in the Indian Ocean enjoys Coffee & Cattle Day as part of the Ka`u Coffee Festival. Photo by Julia Neal |
AIKANE PLANTATION COFFEE CO. hosted Coffee & Cattle Day this morning at the farm and ranch on Ka`alaiki Road between Pahala and Na`alehu. Coffee farmers Merle and Phil Becker hosted coffee enthusiasts from as far away as La Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, where coffee is also grown on a volcano. Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva was on hand, showing off her ranching skills on horseback. Her talents not only include handling animals at local rodeos, but also singing and hula. She will perform with her Halau Hula O Leionalani tomorrow at the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a.
In addition to being one of the local Ka`u businesses that has extended the Ka`u Coffee Festival from two to ten days, Aikane Plantation owners manage the information booth at the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a each year. At their farm and ranch, they employ not only local residents to farm and process their coffee, they support several families on O`ahu who sell the Aikane brand at local markets. The history of growing Ka`u Coffee for the Aikane familly dates back to the late 1800s.
See aikaneplantation.com and visit the Beckers between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center tomorrow during the Ho`olaule`a.
KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL’S STARGAZING ON MAKANAU takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. this evening. The fee is $35 with refreshments. Call Ka`u Coffee Mill at 928-0550 to sign up.
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| Aikane Plantation Coffee Co. is one of the local entities that help take the Ka`u Coffee Festival from a two-day to a ten-day event. Photo by Julia Neal |
A HOST OF COFFEE FARMER, EDUCATIONAL AND VENDOR DISPLAYS will greet the public at tomorrow’s Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Among them are Ali`i Hawaiian Hula Hands Coffee, Ka`u Coffee Mill, Ka`u Royal Coffee, Ka`u Specialty Coffee, Kehau’s Coffee Farm, Paradise Meadows, Pumehana’s Coffee Farm, Rusty’s Hawaiian Coffee, The Rising Sun Coffee and Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative with a food booth.
Also on hand will be Ka`u Farm Bureau, 4-H Livestock Division, Aikane Plantation Coffee farm hosting the Information Booth and Flyin’ Hawaiian Ka`u Coffee Wagon.
Here are more of the organizations that will be represented: Keoki Kahumoku’s music school; Hawai`i Life Flight; `O Ka`u Kakou, Orchid Isle Auto Center; Big Island Poi Company; CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union; Ka`u Rural Health Community Association; Ka`u Police Department Agricultural Theft Division; Tutu & Me; state Department of Agriculture Marketing Division; state Department of Agriculture Pest Control Division; Clippie Couture; Friends of the Ka`u Libraries; Strictly Native Gear; Provision Solar; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hawai`i Islands; Charlene Carlos Massage Therapy; U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Soil and Water Conservation District. Ka`u Learning Academy and Science Camps of America will also be represented.
Vendors include Diane’s Ceramics, Hawai`i Tart Co., Maka`ala Nui, Crystal McIntosh with Avon products and baked goods, Operation Christmas Child, Bay Clinic and Family Health Center, JJ’s Mini Orbits, Ada De Mayo with baked goods, Southside Volleyball, Pahala Filipino Club, Ka`u High School Class of 2016 and Holy Rosary Church. Admission is free.
Also on hand will be Ka`u Farm Bureau, 4-H Livestock Division, Aikane Plantation Coffee farm hosting the Information Booth and Flyin’ Hawaiian Ka`u Coffee Wagon.
Here are more of the organizations that will be represented: Keoki Kahumoku’s music school; Hawai`i Life Flight; `O Ka`u Kakou, Orchid Isle Auto Center; Big Island Poi Company; CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union; Ka`u Rural Health Community Association; Ka`u Police Department Agricultural Theft Division; Tutu & Me; state Department of Agriculture Marketing Division; state Department of Agriculture Pest Control Division; Clippie Couture; Friends of the Ka`u Libraries; Strictly Native Gear; Provision Solar; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hawai`i Islands; Charlene Carlos Massage Therapy; U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Soil and Water Conservation District. Ka`u Learning Academy and Science Camps of America will also be represented.
KA`U COFFEE COLLEGE RETURNS with its reverse trade mission and educational series on Sunday. Speakers include Blake Hanacek,
founder and CEO of A.G.R.O. Roasters and AGRO Café, Inc., Mark Inman,
trader with Olam Specialty Coffee and Rob Curtis,
acting branch manager of Plant Pest Control with Hawai`i Department of Agriculture.
FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK host a Walk in the Park tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cheryl Gansecki leads a four-mile exploration of Kilauea Iki Crater. Participants should bring a bag lunch. Free for FHVNP members; nonmembers can join the organization in order to attend. Annual memberships are $30 for individuals and $45 for families Call 985-7373 or email admin@fhvnp.org.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf. |