Kaʻū News Briefs Sept. 4, 2024

New  Kaʻū Coffee Mill manager Roger Kaiwe (right) joins Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative meeting to
discuss pricing, buying from farmers and future of the industry. Photo by Julia Neal

KAʻŪ COFFEE FARMERS WELCOMED new Kaʻū Coffee Mill Manager Roger Kaiwe and representatives of the adjacent MTZ mill to the Kaʻū Coffee Growers meeting on Sept. 3 in Pāhala to discuss the process of selling coffee to the mills and the pricing.

    The Martinez family, which owns MTZ mill, was represented by its sales manager Slava Bychkov. He told the Kaʻū Coffee Growers that the mill accepts coffee cherry from Monday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. with pricing at $2.50 a pound, less if cherry shows a 20 percent defect. They said they examine the coffee to determine its price in front of the farmers and use a floating method, a microscope and lab to assess the coffee. They said they pay the farmers on the same day they bring in the coffee. If farmers want to bring in coffee later than 5 p.m. it can often be arranged, said the representatives.
   When asked whether they would pick up large loads from farms, the MTZ representatives said not now, maybe in the future. When asked whether they would buy parchment, they said they would meet with farmers to work it out individually. They also committed to return to the farmers the same coffee bags in which farmers deliver their Kaʻū Coffee.

MTZ coffee mill sales manager Slava Bychkov and mill operations
 manager Jose. Photo by Julia Neal

    Farmers lobbied both the Kaʻū Coffee Mill and MTZ representatives to pay a higher price. Kaʻū Coffee farmer and coffee equipment dealer Laura Diaz said Kaʻū Coffee should draw pricing at least as high as Kona's.

    Richard Kaiwe, the new Kaʻū Coffee Mill manager, who has spent his career in Kona coffee, including with Royal Kona Coffee, said that Kona coffee prices vary and some of the pricing is lower than $2.50 a pound. He said, however, that he is willing to match other buyers' prices for Kaʻū Coffee and that the mill accepts coffee Monday through Saturday noon to 5 p.m.

    He said that Kaʻū Coffee Mill is far from profitable and that he wants to rebrand Kaʻū Coffee and get it back into international competitions. He talked about Kaʻū Coffee becoming less dependent on tourism. 

    When asked whether Kaʻū Coffee Mill will lease more acres to farmers, Kaiwe said it is a possibility and that he wants to lease to farmers who want to establish roots here or already have roots here. He acknowledged the growth in the number of famers from the Hispanic community.

     New Kaʻū Coffee farmer Brad Weisz said he was learning from the ground up and acknowledged the challenge in finding pickers. He also said he is interested in knowing how the mills determine the prices they are willing to pay farmers.

    Kaʻū Coffee farmer Trini Marques reviewed the beginnings of the Kaʻū Coffee industry that grew from displaced sugar workers when that industry left Kaʻū in 1996. She also credited the late Ed Olson who founded Kaʻū Coffee Mill. She said she hopes that the new manager will carry on the Olson legacy. She said Olson was a "sweet soul" that inspired hard work that paid off with good prices. 

     Kaiwe pointed to grant opportunities to help farmers with hard costs of protecting the coffee against diseases and other challenges. He also said he is committed to help the farmers make money and become more successful. 

    Kaʻū Coffee farmer Joan Obra asked farmers to report damage from the recent Hurricane Hone in order for her to seek any available support for the growers. She also noted that grant money has gone toward research in Kaʻū that has benefited the growers in the improvement of their crops.

     Madeleine Longoria Garcia, who got her start in the coffee business in Kaʻū and is now a co-owner of Pacific Coffee Research, encouraged the Kaʻū Coffee farmers to ensure high quality with professional cupping sessions. She also noted that farmers who operate fully integrated companies from seed to cup have the opportunity to make the most income. She encouraged farmers to understand the detail of all their costs when making decisions on whether to sell cherry, parchment, green been and/ or roasted coffee.

      Kaʻū Coffee farmer and an organizer of Kaʻū Coffee Festival Myles Maine noted that cash flow is important in each farmer's decision to sell cherry or hold the coffee for processing to a higher level. He noted that farmers need to pay pickers right away. In order for farmers to make more money at a higher level of processing they have to have the money set aside to pay the pickers. He said he sells enough cherry to pay for the pickers and processes the rest to higher levels, including his own brand.

    He also noted that coffee farmers are growing older and some have opted to sell cherry so they will have less work.

    After the meeting, Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba said she hopes that the two big mills will come up with a higher price for the farmers, particularly given the higher prices of inputs that the farmers are facing to run their farms.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

 

This year's Girls Exploring Math & Science event is set for Nov. 19. Kaʻū fifth grade girls can sign up.
Photo from GEMS

IT'S TIME AGAIN FOR KAʻŪ FIFTH GRADE GIRLS to register for GEMS (Girls Exploring Math & Science). Madalyn McWhite-Lamson, who supports the experience for girls from here, said
GEMS is an annual day of discovery which features hands on workshops, led by community women volunteers, who show how they use math, science, and technology in their jobs.

Madalyn McWhite-Lamson reminds fifth grade girls to
 apply soon to attend GEMS. Photo by Julia Neal

     GEMS will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at the Kahalu'u Manowai Site in Kona. Registration is first come, first served with a capacity of 160 girls. Lamson encourages registration immediately since capacity may be reached before final postmark deadline of Oct. 11. Girls who sign up ASAP also have a better chance to reserve preferred workshops.
    GEMS is sponsored by the American Association of University Women, Kona Branch, whose mission is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. Registration forms will be delivered by AAUW members this Thursday, Sept. 5 to Kaʻū and all West Hawai'i Schools. Home schooled girls may request an application. by contacting 808-896-7180 or email billandcindyarmer@gmail.com. 

     Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away due to financial need. All girls attending will get breakfast, lunch, and a GEMS tote bag.

    Some of this years workshop topics include : Underwater Adventure; Marine Science and Problem Solving Along Our Shores; Art and Science of Food; A "WHEA' (way) of Life ; Structures; Craters; Monk Seal Mo'olelo; Building Pilina (relationships) with the Corals of Kahalu'u Bay: Veterinary Medicine; Hawai'i Wildlife Center, and more. 

    There will also be varied exhibits to explore before and after workshops. Workshops are designed to stimulate interest and bolster the confidence of girls in a new field and introduce girls to positive female role models which can make a difference to a young girl, and may stimulate interest in a new career goal.
     With any questions, or the wish to sponsor a girl, or for an application for a home schooled girl, call Cindy at 808-896-7180 or email: billandcindyarmer@gmail.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

September 2024, 5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the streets

UPDATED COVID IMMUNIZATIONS are recommended by Hawai'i Department of Health for all persons six months of age and older as well as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization for newborns and infants, pregnant persons, adults over 75 and those 60-74 with certain chronic medical conditions.
    "Getting the updated 2024-2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccines as well as RSV immunization are important steps in staying safe from respiratory viruses and will helping minimize the impacts of these
diseases in our communities," said state Health Director Dr. Kenneth S. Fink. "This is especially important as we approach the holiday season."
    In addition to immunization, U.S. households will also once again be able to request four free COVID-19 self-test kits this season starting Sept. 23 at www.COVIDTests.gov.
    Both 2024-2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccines have been updated to protect against strains likely to be circulating during approaching respiratory virus season. The updated seasonal flu vaccines are a trivalent formulations that protects against H1N1, H3N2, and B/Victoria flu strains likely to circulate. The updated COVID-19 vaccines address recent strains of the Omicron variant and include the mRNA vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna as well as the protein antigen-based vaccine produced by Novavax.
    RSV vaccination for adults is recommended for individuals ages 75 and older, or ages 60-74 who have certain chronic medical conditions, to protect against severe disease. The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, meaning people do not need to get a dose every RSV season.
    RSV immunization is also recommended to protect infants against RSV infection and severe disease. Without immunization, almost all children by age two will develop an RSV infection which even in healthy infants and children too often causes difficulty breathing and hospitalizations. Highly effective RSV immunization is recommended for newborns and infants as well as pregnant persons, as this will provide protection to the newborn at birth.
    COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines can be given during the same visit, simplifying the process of staying up to date with CDC recommendations. There is no minimum waiting period between vaccines. For those who are sick, best to wait until full recovery before getting vaccinated.

    Vaccination providers in Hawaiʻi have already begun receiving the updated vaccines. However, not all providers will have vaccines available at the same time, as shipping timeframes will vary between manufacturers, vaccine distributors, vaccine formulations, and provider locations. Give providers time to ensure vaccines are received in good condition, stored properly, and inventoried in their systems, in order to properly administer and document the vaccination of patients. Contact vaccination provider for availability of the updated 2024-2025 vaccines.
    The statement from state Department of Health says, "Getting immunized is one of several ways to protect your health and your 'ohana from respiratory viruses. Vaccinations are also essential in preventing widespread outbreaks and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. You can help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV by staying home when sick, practicing good hygiene, taking steps for cleaner air, and wearing a mask. Please contact your health care provider or local pharmacy if you have questions, to determine vaccine availability, and to schedule a vaccination visit."
    For more information on DOH respiratory guidance, visit the Disease Outbreak Control Division Respiratory Viruses webpage.

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Saturday, Sept. 7

Kaʻū News Briefs Sept. 3, 2024

ʻŌhelo Kaʻū Lāʻau by Joan Yoshioka

KAʻŪ PLANT OF THE MONTH for September is ʻŌhelo Kaʻū Lāʻau,   Vaccinium calycinum, in the column Lāʻau Letters: Native Plants of Kaʻū by Jodie Rosam, with illustration by Joan Yoshioka. Read about Kaʻū’s native plants and their moʻolelo (stories), uses, preferred habitats, and opportunities to adopt them for stewardship. This column seeks to encourage making new plant friends and to reunite with others. 

      Description: What did the Nēnē say when she saw her favorite food? ʻŌ-helo! Did you know that Hawaiʻi has an endemic plant cousin to blueberries? Meet ʻōhelo! There are actually three different ʻōhelo species endemic to Hawaiʻi, but this month I want to share with you ʻōhelo kau lāʻau, the largest of the three, earning its nickname of tree ʻōhelo. The species name calycinum is Latin for conspicuous calyx, in reference to the more prominent calyx (or leafy area below the flower) on this species relative to the other two. The name ʻōhelo kau lāʻau can be interpreted as ʻōhelo suspended from trees, but I encourage you to explore other potential interpretations. This partially woody shrub/small tree can grow up to 15 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It has light green, thin leaves that tend to drop for a few weeks during the hoʻoilo (winter) season, making this plant deciduous. The delicate greenish white or pink flowers dangle downwards and really warrant you getting close to them to see and of course smell them. Once pollinated, the flowers produce plump, juicy, reddish orange fruits that - you guessed it - are a favorite snack for the endangered Nēnē. It is likely that ʻōhelo fruits are also an important seasonal food source for the ʻŌmaʻo or Hawaiian thrush, which is a perfect example of how native plant species serve many functional roles within a healthy forest ecosystem. While I encourage everyone to experience the taste of a ripe ʻōhelo berry, please consider leaving most to support the health of our native birds.

    Uses: The orange-red liko (new leaves), berries, and flowers of ʻōhelo kau lāʻau are used to make lei, and can also be used medicinally. The leaves can be mashed and strained, and consumed like tea. Today, ʻōhelo berries are used to make jams, pie fillings, and even in salsas. If you intend to explore ingesting any ʻōhelo, please make yourself familiar with the plant first. Some folks confuse ʻōhelo berries with those of ʻākia (Wikstroemia), which are not edible and can make you quite ill. It is not difficult to distinguish the two, so do your homework.
    Habitat: ʻŌhelo kau lāʻau can be found on all of the main Hawaiian islands but Niʻihau and Kahoʻolawe, at elevations from 1,600 to nearly 6,000 feet. They can be found in wet forests and bogs, and often grow epiphytically (growing on another tree). In Kaʻū, ʻōhelo kau lāʻau can be found growing within parts of the Kaʻū Forest Reserve and in the upper reaches of the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Unfortunately, this is another species that is heavily impacted by feral ungulates and competition by invasive species, so its habitat is restricted to areas that are fenced, ungulate-free, and managed.
    Growing and Purchasing: To support your own consumption habits, consider planting some ʻōhelo kau lāʻau in your space, but please be aware of your elevation and climate. There are some small nurseries that grow this species, so if you are interested, please contact me. Your ʻōhelo will need partial shade, so consider planting it under a large ʻōhiʻa or koa, and will thrive if it is offered ample water. You can also increase its productivity by offering it a diluted foliar feeding of fish emulsion. Remember that it may drop its leaves in the winter, so do not be alarmed. You will soon learn its nuances and come to love all of the intricate beauties of ʻōhelo kau lāʻau!

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KAʻŪ GIRLS VOLLEYBALL LADIES BEAT LAPAHOEHOE at the home game on Tuesday, 25-13, 25-6 and 25-3. Coach Joshua Ortega reports that Zia Rae Wroblewski nailed 15 Kills and One Block. Leahi Kaupu had 9 Kills and 6 Aces. Jezerie Rose Nurial-Dacalio came up with 9 Kills. McKenzie Decoito posted 2 Kills 5 Aces. Kiara Ortega-Oliveira achieved 3 Aces made Jazmyn Navarro: 2 Kills 1 Ace. CaLiyah Silva-Kameis scored with 2 Aces. Aubrey Delos Santos-Graig nailed 1 Kill.
    For the JV game the Trojans hosted St. Joseph which took the first set with 19-25 and second set with 17-25 for the win.
    Pahoa comes to Kaʻū on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Trojans go on the road to Waiakea on Friday, Sept. 13 and again to Kamehameha on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Hilo comes to Kaʻū on Thursday, Sept. 19. Kea'au comes to Kaʻū on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Kaʻū travels to Christian Liberty on Saturday, Sept. 28 and again to LCPCS/SIS on Monday, Sept. 30. Ka Umeke comes to Kaʻū on Saturday, Oct. 5. Kaʻū travels to Hilo on Saturday, Oct. 12 and again to Pahoa on Monday, Oct. 13. Kamehameha comes to Kaʻū on Wednesday, Oct. 16, followed by Big Island Interscholastic Federation playoffs.

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Some of the fresh foods from the Resilience Hub soup kitchen Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Photo from Resilience Hub

NĀ'ĀLEHU RESILIENCE HUB Soup Kitchen hours have changed to Monday, Wednesday and Friday lunches served 12:30 p.m.- 3 pm. Volunteers are welcome to help prepare and serve the food. Donations graciously received. Food served includes donations from local farms, including 'O Ka'ū Kākou's community garden on Ulu Kaʻū Farms. 

    Also Thrift Store hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. All donated proceeds from Thrift Store are used for soup kitchen-operations.
    Location is 95-5695 Mamalahoa Highway Hongwanji building.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

Saturday, Sept. 7