Ka`u News Briefs Monday, May 12, 2014

The 1924 explosive eruption of Kilauea is the topic at tomorrow's After Dark in the Park program. Photo from NPS

KA`U COFFEE COLLEGE brought in coffee experts to Pahala yesterday. They encouraged farmers and marketers to continue building the Ka`u Coffee brand as distinguished from other regions and particularly from coffee that is blended with coffee from elsewhere.

Blake Hanacek

      Blake Hanacek, of Vancouver, Canada, said that Canada is a fast-growing consumer market for specialty coffee, with Vancouver being the center, quickly becoming the kind of specialty coffee hub that one sees in Seattle, Portland and San Francisco. He said that people are looking for coffee from special places and that Ka`u is more of the kind of place they look for when they think of coffee origins. He talked about the qualities of the place, the longest uninhabited coastline in the state and the unexpected small coffee farms up dirt roads and along walking paths in the mountains. He talked about the farmers and the interest the public has in connecting the coffee they drink with the story of the farmer. He said that Ka`u is an attractive place for coffee origin tours.

      Hanacek also talked about the need to bring young people into the coffee business. He said that increasingly in Vancouver, it is the younger people who are opening up the specialty coffee shops and that many young people are attracted to careers where they can be entrepreneurial and also creative. The same could happen with running Ka`u Coffee farms. Gloria Camba, President of the Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative, said that the co-op is starting to attract younger members since the industry is starting to show that coffee farmers and marketers can make a good living with Ka`u Coffee.
      Hanacek is a roaster and cafe owner. He is also an expert in sustainable business, with a master’s degree in watershed management. He is a co-founder of Agricultural Growers Resource Organization Developing Economic Viability. He campaigns to improve environmental and social conditions in the coffee industry and voices support for the small farmer movement.
      See more on the Ka`u Coffee College in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u's state Rep. Richard Creagan, at right, joined Ka`u Learning Academy Founding
Board members Kathryn Tydlacka and Joe Iacuzzo at the meeting where the
Department of Education granted approval of the charter school. 

KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY HAS RECEIVED APPROVAL to open its charter school. On May 8, Hawai`i State Public Charter School Commission found it to be the only applicant for a charter that meets newly instituted standards set out in state law governing charter schools. At the meeting, Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan expressed strong support for KLA and its goals. 

      Ka`u Learning Academy was established by Kathryn Tydlacka, who taught at Na`alehu Elementary School. Tydlacka is executive director and a member of the school’s Founding Board of Directors. During her nearly 20 years as an educator, she has specialized in working with children from lower socio-economic areas. 

      Ka`u Learning Academy will open in August 2015 and offer grades four through six during its first year. It will expand to grades kindergarten through eight over the following four years and anticipates campuses in Na`alehu and Ocean View. The exact location of the initial campus has not yet been formalized.
      Founding Board member Joe Iacuzzo said KLA will provide a strong academic curriculum along with arts and culture programs and that its goal is to prepare students for college and careers.
      As a public charter school, all students are welcome with no tuition. The curriculum will be “a rigorous academic schedule based on a ‘blended learning’ model that incorporates classroom and computer-based learning,” Iacuzzo said.
      For more information, see kaulearning.com.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

DR. TYRONE HAYES, A PROFESSOR at University of California at Berkeley, comes to Hawai`i Island to tell his findings from 15 years of research on atrazine and his struggle with Syngenta Corporation, maker of the herbicide. His story was recently featured in the New Yorker magazine. 

      Hayes is an advocate for the critical review and regulation of pesticides and chemicals that cause adverse health effects in communities. He says atrazine, one of the most widely used herbicide in America, is a disruptor of the endocrine system, emasculating male frogs and transforming them into fully functioning reproductive females. He has been published in peer-review journals since the 1990s. 

      The free event at UH-Hilo’s Science & Technology Building, Room 108 on Monday, May 19 begins at 6 p.m. with refreshments and an opportunity to meet Hayes. A question-and-answer period follows his presentation.
      Also, Paul Towers, from Pesticide Action Network, presents an overview of pesticide use nationally and internationally and the significant role Hawai`i plays in open-air pesticide experimentation.
      Hayes also speaks on Tuesday, May 20 at Kona Island Naturals’ upstairs meeting room from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
      See the New Yorker article at newyorker.com/reporting/2014/02/10/140210fa_fact_aviv?currentPage=all.
      For more information, email gmofreehawaiiisland@gmail.com.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

“IT’S TIME TO PUT YOUR FEET TO THE FLOOR and start training for the Volcano Rain Forest Runs,” said race director Sharron Faff. “Whether you’re running or walking in the Half Marathon, 10K or 5K, it’s time to give those legs a shake and start exercising.”
      Volcano Rain Forest Runs are set for Saturday, Aug. 16. The Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m., 10K at 7:45 a.m., 5K at 8 a.m. and the kids’ runs at 10 a.m.

Volcano Rain Forest Runs director Sharron Faff.

      Keiki can register in the free 100- or 200-yard dash (1-4 year olds for the 100-yard dash; 5-7 for the 200-yard dash), sponsored by Kilauea Lodge. Start/Finish for all events is at Cooper Center in Volcano Village on Wright Road.
      Awards go to the first, second and third place male and female winners in all three races, plus top two male and female for 10-year age divisions in all races.
      Entertainment, face painting, animal balloons, health and fitness booths, food booths and a silent auction await at Cooper Center finish line. The Hiccup Circus will amaze and thrill the audience. “Be one of the participants in the races or part of the cheering crowd welcoming the athletes across the finish line,” Faff said.
      The Dine & Dash Pasta Party on Friday night, Aug, 15 is open to the public as well as race participants, raising money for the Friends Feeding Friends program at Cooper Center.
      To register or volunteer, see volcanorainforestruns.com or call Faff at 967-8240.

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POSTERS CREATED BY PAHALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL students are on display at Pahala Public & School Library through May 18 during the 59th annual Big Island Children’s Book Week sponsored by Hawai`i State Public Library System. The students entered state library system’s Book Week poster contest, doing artwork based on a book that they have read.
     Winners are as follows:
Kindergarten – First place: Isaiah Manila-Louis. Honorable Mentions: Kaden Libunao-Martinez, Krystal Keka-Velenzuela Eder and Chassis Kaleohano.

• First grade – First Place: Kalino Judalena. Honorable Mentions: Cheska Aurelio, Raymond Perry and Jestin Penera. 
• Second Grade – First Place: Erianne Abibilla. Honorable Mentions: Ocean Nihipali-Sesson, Korina Kailiawa-Escobar and Leeroy Koi. 
• Third Grade – First Place: Emman Badua. Honorable Mentions: Marcky Tamayo, Ciara Ortega and Shanialee Silva. 
• Fourth Grade – First Place: Micah Espejo. Honorable Mentions: David Ramos, Zechariah Leialoha-Puentes and Cherrisse Althea Calumpit. 
• Fifth Grade – First Place: Arniel Libuanao, Jr. Honorable Mentions: Rebecca Kailiawa-Escobar, Clarence Travis Cabrera and Elysa Abellera. 
• Sixth Grade – First Place: Sarah Kailiawa-Escobar. Honorable Mentions: Kiara Kailiawa and Alohi Kaupu-Grace.

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Ti leaf kupe`e is worn as an adornment by hula dancers. Photo from NPS

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY GEOLOGIST Don Swanson and volunteer Ben Gaddis discuss the 1924 explosive eruption of Kilauea and how it stacks up against much larger eruptions of the past and, probably, the future at After Dark in the Park. The free program tomorrow begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply, and $2 donations support After Dark programs. 

TEANA KAHOOHANOHANO SHARES HER KNOWLEDGE and love of native hula adornments during a ti leaf kupe`e demonstration Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

A STAFF MEMBER FROM U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD’S office meets with constituents and assists with casework and other issues Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. For more information, call 987-5698.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, May 11, 2014

Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva joins her dancing sisters of Halua Hula O Leionalani at the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

THE 2014 ANNUAL KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A was one of the best attended to date. Farmers, visitors and community members enjoyed music, hula and farm and mill tours. Many of the Ka`u Coffee farmers provided tastings and showed off their international awards at their booths.

The Rising Sun offered tastings of its award-
winning coffee. Photo by Julia Neal

R&G Farms presented its Ka`u Royal
Coffee. Photo by Julia Neal

      Inside Pahala Community Center, the Ka`u Coffee Experience provided brewing and barista skills to showcase a number of Ka`u Coffee brands.
      On behalf of Gov. Neil Abercrombie, East Hawai`i liaison Wendy Cortez-Botelho commended the farmers for their success and those who supported the festival. The governor also proclaimed this week Ka`u Coffee Week.
      The festival’s emphasis was the local economy. A Buy Local It Matters promotion gave Ka`u residents a chance to earn a $1,000 check. Participants turned in business cards or receipts and received one chance in the drawing for each business they patronized. Krystalyn Gascon was the lucky winner of the prize funded by the Ka`u Coffee Festival and the state Department of Agriculture.

Rusty's Hawaiian 100 Percent Ka`u Coffee
is another award winner. Photo by Julia Neal 

Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu, under the direction of Kumu Ab Valencia, performed at Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a.
Photo by Julia Neal

      Vendors at the ho`laule`a ranged from local community groups raising funds for their activities and sports to Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperation raising money for their programs.

Ali`i Hawaiian Hula Hands is an award-
winning Ka`u Coffee. Photo by Julia Neal

      Skylark, who has emceed at the ho`olaule`a for years, emphasized the success of the farmers after nearly two decades
of developing a new industry following the collapse of sugar.
      Mayor Billy Kenoi also commended the farmers. He said he wants to help the farmers with their land security issues so they will not fear losing their lands after most of their leases have expired.
      Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan, who attended the festival, said farmers can look forward to funding to fight the coffee berry borer that extends beyond the half million dollars approved by the state Legislature. He said that a barrel tax and funding provided to fight invasive species could be tapped to fight the pest that threatens to take down the industry. The funding, which could amount to millions of dollars, will be administrated by the state Department of Agriculture.
      Chris Manfredi, chair of the Ka`u Coffee Festival, also commended the farmers on building their industry and noted the growing reputation of Ka`u Coffee worldwide.
      Ka`u Coffee College, the final event of the 10-day Ka`u Coffee Festival, takes place today The reverse trade mission and educational series features speakers 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.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE THIRD NATIONAL CLIMATE ASSESSMENT REPORT by the U.S. Global Change Research Program shows an urgent need for Congress to renew energy efficiency and renewable energy legislation and for the Environmental Protection Agency to be able to curb carbon, said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. The report details potentially devastating impacts around the country, including in Hawai`i and the Pacific, where coastal flooding, decreasing freshwater availability and impacts on animal populations are real and pose threats to food and water security, infrastructure and public health and safety.

Science Camps of America founder Mike Richards shows science experiments
to Miss Peaberry Second Princess Shania Lee Silva and Miss Peaberry
Madison Okimoto. Photo by Julia Neal

      “Climate change is happening. The new National Climate Assessment report is a harsh reality check for anyone who thinks we don’t need to act on climate change,” Schatz said. “Rising ocean temperatures and sea levels have and will continue to threaten Hawai`i’s food and water security, unless we act now. We can’t afford to wait.”
      Schatz also called on climate deniers in Congress to stop their repeated attempts to strip the government of its ability to reduce carbon pollution through limits on EPA authority and attempts to approve the Keystone XL pipeline.
      “In the same week that another sobering report is released, the Senate is again faced with attempts by Republicans to weaken the government’s ability to fight climate change,” said Schatz. “We should be moving forward with comprehensive climate legislation, not having to defend reality against those who refuse to believe in science or are in the pocket of big oil or big coal interests.”

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Mayor Billy Kenoi commended Bull Kailiawa and all Ka`u Coffee farmers for
building an industry after losing their jobs in sugar nearly two decades ago. Kailiawa
has promoted Ka`u Coffee over the past five years at coffee conventions in
Anaheim, Houston, Portland, Boston and Seattle. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD IS COSPONSORING two bipartisan bills to increase affordability and efficiency in the healthcare industry. 
“All people deserve access to affordable, quality healthcare and a system of care that is transparent and efficient,” Gabbard said. “It is absolutely unacceptable that some auditors and insurance companies take advantage of our healthcare system for their own monetary benefit by fraudulently denying Medicare payments or making prescription drugs unaffordable to people who need them the most. I am cosponsoring two bills that will reduce inefficiencies and wrongful payment denials, and also make sure that certain drugs are affordable, especially for people fighting cancer, multiple sclerosis or chronic arthritis, for example. No sick patient should lose access to treatment or have to pay excessive prices because of blatant abuse, inefficiencies or fraud in the system. No patient should be forced to choose between medicine or groceries because of skyrocketing prescription costs.”
 
 

      The Medicare Audit Improvement Act establishes limits for the number of medical records requests that can be made by Recovery Audit Contractors. RACs are private organizations that contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to identify and collect improper payments made by Medicare to healthcare providers. RACs are paid on commission, which incentivizes them to make inaccurate denials and create inefficiencies in the process. RACs often deny claims similar to those that have been overturned on appeal, gaining their commission and forcing health providers to go through the same appeal process repeatedly.

Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, of Halau Hula O Leionalani, entertains the crowd at
Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a. Photo by Julia Neal

      The Patients Access to Treatments Act prohibits insurance companies from charging more for specialty drugs in a Tier-4 prescription category. Currently, companies typically charge for Tier-1 generics, Tier-2 brand medications and Tier-3 off-formulary brand medications, increasing in price in each tier. Insurance companies have moved toward using a Tier-4 category for specialty drugs and charge a percentage of the drug cost instead of a co-pay. If patients are charged this way, the cost of specialty drugs could jump from hundreds of dollars per month to thousands of dollars, making it unaffordable for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis or cancer, for example, to receive the treatment they need.

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KA`U OFFERS SEVERAL OPPORTUNITIES to celebrate Mother’s Day.

      Hana Hou Restaurant in Na`alehu has several breakfast and lunch specials for the ladies. The dinner menu includes prime rib, surf and turf, crab pasta and fresh ono. Earnie Kalani provides entertainment this evening. Call 929-9717 for reservations. 

      South Side Shaka’s restaurant in Na`alehu is offering prime rib and snow crab, along with live entertainment. Call 929-7404.

      Mother’s Day Buffet is available at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Menu includes prime rib, shrimp alfredo with mushrooms, Asian-infused Hawaiian ono, salad bar, green beans, red potatoes, rice, chocolate chip cake, ice cream bar and a beverage for $27 for adults and $14.50 for children age 6-11. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

Hannah's Makana `Ohana shared their hula at Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

PEGGY STANTON TEACHES ACRYLIC PAINTING to all levels tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Free for VAC members; $20 for non-members. For more information, email peggystanton007@yahoo.com.

Krystalynn Gascon not only danced for the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaulea with
Halau Hula O Leionalani, she won the $1,000 Buy Local It Matters drawing, sponsored by
state Department of Agriculture and Ka`u Coffee Festival.
  Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

THE 1924 EXPLOSIVE ERUPTION OF KILAUEA is the topic at After Dark in the Park Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Don Swanson and volunteer Ben Gaddis address what happened, what caused the explosive eruption and how it stacks up against much larger eruptions of the past and, probably, the future. Free; park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support After Dark programs.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, May 10, 2014

Ka`u Coffee Festival stargazers at Makanau last night could see the glow from Kilauea Caldera as it light up the clouds above, at far left. Photo by Peter Anderson

LAST NIGHT’S STARGAZING EVENT was a rousing success. Visitors from Vancouver, Calgary, Germany, Japan and a Peruvian-raised coffee expert witnessed the skies to see the Hokule`a star from the top of Makanau, the sacred mountain. Hawaiian rancher Tyler Johanson showed the `ili `ili stones that are found on the top of the mountain, these stones used in hula having been carried from the shoreline to the tabletop of Makanau. The story of Koha Ikalani, Thunder from the Heaven, was shared with the visitors by John Cross. Tom Giballe, lead astronomer at the Gemini Telescope on Mauna Loa, described the stars and planets that could be seen last night.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u Coffee growers listen as a representative of Gov. Neil Abercrombie reads a
commendation and proclamation of Ka`u Coffee Week. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS RECEIVED A COMMENDATION from Gov. Neil Abercrombie and also a declaration for Ka`u Coffee Week. The announcements came as the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a began at Pahala Community Center this morning.
      Free activities until 5 p.m. include coffee tastings, food and entertainment introduced by Skylark. Farm and mill tours and Ka`u Coffee Experience are also available. The winner of a drawing this afternoon receives a $1,000 Visa Gift Card.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL WRAPS UP 10 days of events with Ka`u Coffee College tomorrow at 9 a.m. at Pahala Community Center. The reverse trade mission and educational series features speakers 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.

      For more information, call 928-9550.

Phil and Merle Becker man the information booth at Ka`u Coffee Festival
Ho`olaule`a. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS VOTED to support geothermal energy. The 58-28 vote at last Saturday’s convention in Hilo came after members debated whether or not to include language about geothermal in the party platform. The platform calls for “energy independence via geothermal as the base load carrier.”

       David Corrigan, of Big Island Video News, was on hand to tape the debate. One speaker explained that the U.S. only recognizes three base load carriers, which are used to create firm electricity – fossil fuels, geothermal and nuclear. Another said geothermal would help lower costs of electricity, while another said the six companies that have submitted proposals for geothermal production here have not said “geothermal would ever lower their costs.” He also said, “There are health problems that no one’s looked into.”
      The platform reads, “We support energy independence and self-sufficiency, first for Hawai`i County and over time, statewide, through conservation and development of indigenous, sustainable, reliable, low-cost alternative energy sources. We are committed to finding immediate and long-term ways to reduce the high cost of electricity here on Hawai`i Island, including energy independence via geothermal as the base load carrier.”
      The platform also encourages government officials to require utilities to provide for “the unlimited use of solar power.”
      See bigislandvideonews.com.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

The Ka`u Coffee Experience introduces participants to favorite brewing methods.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HIGH BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAM meets Honoka`a today at 1:30 p.m. at Blaisdell Arena on O`ahu, playing for the third place berth in the state tournament. Seabury Hall overcame the Trojans during yesterday’s semifinal match in three close games with scores of 25-23, 25-22 and 25-16.
      During the regular season, the Trojan’s won their match against Honoka`a to become Ka`u High’s first ever Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division II boys volleyball champions.
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THE ENRIQUES BROTHERS OF PUNALU`U helped Kamehameha-Hawai`i reach finals in the state Division I volleyball tournament. Senior Evan had 40 kills, 16 digs and five aces. Junior Emmett had 17 digs, and freshmen Avery and Addison together had 46 assists. The team, coached by their father Guy Enriques, overcame second-seeded Moanalua 3-2 with scores of 24-26, 25-23, 18-25, 25-23 and 16-14.

      The third-seeded Warriors play top-seeded Punahou for the championship tonight at 7 p.m. at Blaisdell Arena on O`ahu.

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TIANI CASTANEDA PARTICIPATES IN THE STATE JUDO Championships today at Stan Sheriff Center on O`ahu.

KA`U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE in Hawai`i County government meetings this week. Committees meet Monday, with Public Works and Parks & Recreation meeting at 9 a.m.; Government Relations & Economic Development, 9:15 a.m.; and Finance, 10:15 a.m.
      Hawai`County Council meets Tuesday at 9 a.m.
      A special meeting of the council takes place Wednesday at 9 a.m. for the first reading of Operating and Capital Improvements Projects budgets.
      All meetings occur at Council Chambers in Hilo. Videoconferencing is available at Ocean View Community Center.
      Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

Volunteers can sign up through Monday to help Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes
National Park remove invasive faya plants. Photo by Carol Johnson  

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FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK host a volunteer Forest Restoration project this coming Friday, May 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
      This month they will be removing invasive, non-native faya plants in an area of cindery soil. Most of the faya will be ones that have grown since they worked in the area two years ago. Many faya will be seedlings that pull easily; a few are maturing trees that we will cut with handsaws. “This is a wonderful `ohi`a forest with a nice variety of native understory plants,” said coordinator Elizabeth Fien. “We’ll also learn about the park’s native forest restoration and invasive plant control programs.”
      Volunteers should be at least 12 years old and be able to hike at least one mile over uneven terrain through brush in an area with a moderate slope. Sturdy walking shoes and long pants are required, along with gear for variable weather conditions plus drinking water and a snack.
      Those interested in volunteering can contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373 by Monday evening, May 12. Include your first and last name, email address and a phone number.

Stargazers on Makanau last night point to one of the many stars visible in Ka`u's
clear skies. Photo by Peter Anderson

KA`U FARMERS AND DISTRIBUTORS CAN FIND OUT HOW TO SELL farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to local schools during a free informational meeting with Glenna Owens, director of the School Food Services Branch of the Hawai`i Department of Education.
      The USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program provides funding that enables eligible schools to purchase locally grown produce for morning and afternoon snacks.
      This is an opportunity for farmers and distributors to introduce local fresh fruits and vegetables to public schools and provide island keiki with healthy, nutritious food grown on the island.
      Farmers will learn how to participate in the FFVP and which fruits and vegetables are in highest demand, and Owens will explain to distributors the process of purchasing for and selling to Hawai`i’s FFVP.
      The meeting is at CTAHR Komohana Station, 875 Komohana St. in Hilo Tuesday, May 13 at 4 p.m.

      Registration is free, but space is limited. RSVP by May 12 online at ffvp.eventbrite.com or call The Kohala Center at 887-6411.

A FARMERS RESOURCE WORKSHOP will be held in Hilo Friday, May 23 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Aupuni Center. This free workshop is a collaborative effort between state and federal agencies and the university to provide information on a variety of agriculture-related issues such as pesticide use, financial assistance, marketing, conservation, sustainable farming systems and food safety certification.
     Registration is not required, but RSVP is requested to Steve Russo at 973-9409 or steve.russo@hawaii.gov.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.