Hawaii 24/7

A front to the north of the islands diminished trade winds throughout the week, bringing light rain and sunny days to most windward areas and an increase in precipitation for many leeward areas of the Big Island. Rains decreased later in the week, with the trades culminating in a beautiful, sunny weekend.

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The Kona Orchid Society is hosting its annual Mother’s Day Weekend Orchid Sale and Show.

The sale and show also runs 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 12 at the Old Airport Events Pavilion.

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MEDIA RELEASE The Ocean Stewards Institute has applauded a decision by a Federal judge to grant summary judgment to NOAA in a lawsuit over a permit issued for aquaculture research in the open ocean. Judge Susan Oki Mollway released her decision last week, clarifying and affirming NOAA’s authority to grant a permit for aquaculture under [...]

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On April 24, 2012, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported no change in drought conditions from those of last week. A total of 60.07 percent of land area was rated as being in some stage of drought. The seasonal drought outlook for Hawaii from April 19 through July 31, 2012 indicated drought conditions are likely to either persist or intensify for leeward areas in Hawaii and Maui Counties.

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Special to Hawaii 24/7 By day, Bernard Matatumua-Vermeulen is a Soil Conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) in Kealakekua — and in his spare time he is one of the green thumbs behind a food forest project at the Kona Seventh Day Adventist Church. The church is adjacent to the Amy [...]

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MEDIA RELEASE House Finance and Senate Ways and Means conferees have agreed to support Agriculture inspectors statewide by funding the positions through the state general fund rather than a special fund, freeing up more money to fight invasive species. Currently, 20 inspector positions at airports and harbors on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island, are [...]

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The past week was relatively dry, with light intermittent rains in windward areas and few scattered showers in select leeward areas. Light precipitation fell over most windward areas throughout the week, most consistently in the Puna district. There was also plenty of sun, which resulted in continued healthy growth. Leeward areas did not fare as well, with very little rain, bringing no relief to drought- stricken areas.

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The Hawai’i State Department of Health (DOH) Clean Air Branch has amended Hawai‘i Administrative Rules 11-60.1 (related to air pollution control) by adding new restrictions on open burning of trash and green waste. These additions will improve the Agricultural Burning Permit process and expand the issuance of field citations.

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MEDIA RELEASE The Hamakua North Hilo Agricultural Cooperative has announced it has land available for lease. * Lot sizes from 5 to 20 acres 
* Irrigation water available
* Long term lease expires 2033 
* No residential use allowed
* $150 per acre/ year+$300 admin fee
* Must meet Department of Agriculture qualifications 
For further information, contact Hamakua [...]

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This week was fairly dry island-wide until rains picked up in windward areas over the weekend with strengthening trade winds. The highest recorded 24- hour rainfall total was 1.90 inches on Sunday at the Kawainui Stream gage in the north Kamuela area. The light rains coupled with intermittent sun continued to encourage growth in windward areas.

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Hawaii 24/7 Staff Kona Coffee Farmers Association is urging the governor to veto HB280 (Repeal of Mandatory Inspection and Certification of Green Coffee), which appears likely to be adopted by the Hawaii Legislature at the request of the blenders/processors. The KCFA legislative committee contends the bill would be disastrous for growers of Kona and other [...]

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MEDIA RELEASE Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan has announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking grant applicants for the 2012 Farmers Market Promotion Program. Approximately $10 million is available for marketing operations such as farmers markets, community supported agriculture and road-side stands. The grants, which are administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, are available [...]

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