MEDIA RELEASE

Kona Outdoor Circle will hold its regular Pua Plantasia Plant Sale on Saturday, February 11, 2012, at Old Kona Airport’s Makae’o Events Pavilion from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

More than 20 vendors from around the island will offer plants including landscape plants—native Hawaiian and drought and wind tolerant, anthuriums, potted flowers and ground cover, fruit trees, herbs, and inside plants, bedding plants and seeds and seedlings, a large variety of orchids, bamboo, water plants, ti plants, bromeliads, protea, day lilies, palms, and epiphytes—plants which grow on other plants. Most of the vendors are commercial vendors, but the Kealakehe High School Waveriders will also be there, selling plants from their school garden. Students from Kahakai School are donating some of their plants to the Kona Outdoor Circle “donated plants” booth.

There will be free classes starting at 8:30, with Worm Composting by Worms Hawaii. At 10 a.m., noted landscape designer and lifetime KOC member Scott Seymour will give a workshop on flower arranging. Honaunau Elementary School garden teacher Melissa Chievers will lead a composting workshop at 11:30. KOC will give away ten composting bins as part of the workshop.

There is also a Collectibles Booth, with small to large treasures of all kinds, including items that might be the perfect gift for your Valentine. Items so far include wine glasses, vases, jewelry, two brand new telephones, and collectibles.

Cathee Malapit, who also runs the restaurant Club Fit at The Club, will offer a variety of delicious foods for breakfast and lunch, including Kona coffee, smoothies, egg wraps, turkey chili, oriental chicken, and hot dogs.

The nonprofit organization’s first Pua Plantasia Plant Sale was in 1985. They have held the event almost annually as a means to raise funds, have a fun community event, and increase awareness of the work of Kona Outdoor Circle. KOC was established in 1948, with a mission of helping keep Kona clean, green, and beautiful. In past years they’ve held community cleanups, they’ve done public area plantings, and they get involved with public policy issues that support the mission. They’re now supporting several school garden projects, and will landscape five Habitat for Humanity homes at Laiopua above Kealakehe High School. They are also continuing their focus on education and supporting the preservation of two Scenic Byways, Ali’I Drive and Mamalahoa Highway.

This year, 2012, is also the 100th anniversary of KOC’s parent organization, The Outdoor Circle of Honolulu. The Outdoor Circle is known for its advocacy, most notably getting laws passed by the Hawaii Territorial Legislature in 1927 banning billboards to protect viewplanes and the scenic beauty of the state. Prior to The Outdoor Circle’s advocacy in this area, Waikiki, Diamond Head, and downtown Honolulu were covered with billboards. The prohibition applies statewide and all the Outdoor Circle branches are dedicated to continue their focus on ensuring the prohibition continues. The Outdoor Circle has 10 branches statewide. On Hawaii Island, branches include the Waikoloa Village Outdoor Circle and Waimea Outdoor Circle, in addition to Kona Outdoor Circle.

Cash, checks, and Visa and Mastercard will be accepted for payment for the plants and Collectibles. For more information, contact Kona Outdoor Circle at 331-2426

MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the release of more than $13 million for various Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) that invest in Hawai’i’s local agriculture industry and upgrade the state’s water irrigation infrastructure.

“As we continue to shift Hawai’i’s economy to a sustainable foundation, our investment in New Day Work Projects must include upgrading our agricultural and irrigation systems, which is critical to our food security,” said Governor Abercrombie.

“The priority projects being funded will greatly support and expand agriculture in Hawai’i,” said Russell S. Kokubun, chairperson of the Hawai’i Board of Agriculture. “Much of the state’s agricultural infrastructure is decades old, and it is important to maintain and upgrade them and keep them in service to Hawai’i's farmers, growers and ranchers, now and for the future.”

Projects identified with the help of state Legislators and county officials include:

• $4,150,000 – Pa’auilo Rendering Plant and Slaughterhouse, Hawai’i Island – Funds released to the County of Hawai’i for planning, design, construction and equipment for building renovations, infrastructure improvements and equipment replacement to facilitate economic development of the beef industry for the island
• $2,500,000 – State Irrigation System Reservoir, statewide – Land acquisition, design and construction for safety improvements to irrigation reservoirs, including vegetation removal, embankment lining, and repair and/or replacement of gate valves, spillways, outlet channels, and other features of the system
• $1,250,000 – Moloka’i Irrigation System – Planning, design and construction to replace an above-ground concrete flume with an underground pipeline, installation of a new hydropower plant and structural stabilization of an access bridge on the island of Moloka’i
• $1,850,000 – Waimanalo Irrigation System, O’ahu – Design and construction to replace ditch lining, install supervisory control and data acquisition systems, and various other necessary improvements (photos attached)
• $1,000,000 – State Agricultural Water Use and Development Plan, statewide – Preparation of a comprehensive statewide plan to inventory irrigation systems throughout the state, including preparation of historic descriptions of original irrigation infrastructure, assessment of current conditions, proposing maintenance/improvements and identification of irrigation sources and water use requirements for long-term waster use projections
• $1,000,000 – Hanalei River, Kaua’i – Reinforcement of stream bank and construction of a structure to return water flow to the river’s main channel, feeding the Hanalei National Wildlife Reserve
• $500,000 – Ka’u Irrigation System, Hawai’i Island – Planning and design for renovation of the existing water tunnel system in the Ka’u area (photos attached)
• $500,000 – Waiahole Water System, O’ahu – Planning and design for replacement of nearly century-old siphons and related valves
• $300,000 – Kekaha Ditch, Kaua’i – Planning and design for improvements to the Black Pipe Siphon, Pali Wooden Flume and other structures

Chefs Jonathan Waxman, Tyler Florence, Mauna Lani Executive Chef Sandy Tuason, Ming Tsai and Sam Choy. (Photo courtesy of Mauna Lani Bay Hotel)

Video by David Corrigan | Voice of Stephanie Salazar Big Island Video News

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7

The second annual Celebrity Chef Tour benefiting the James Beard Foundation, brought chefs Jonathan Waxman, Ming Tsai, Tyler Florence, Sam Choy and celebrity cocktail mixologist Manny Hinojosa to the Big Island last week for a slate of gala events and a 3-hour visit to a school garden.

The tour benefits the James Beard Foundation and once again was hosted by the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel.

The chefs visited local keiki at the Waimea Middle School Malaai Garden on Thursday for a scheduled 45-minute stop. However, the chefs and students found they had so much to talk about, the visit lasted more than 3 hours.

“That was amazing, so cool. The kids were in awe of meeting the chefs. Waimea is a bit isolated, but it’s the foundation’s way – to give back and get kids involved. It’s always so special for the young ones,” said Jeff Black, president of the Celebrity Chef Tour.

“That’s what’s most important,” Choy said. “When this caliber of chef comes to our island, it gives fire to our young students. They can look and say, ‘I want to be like that one day.’

Choy said he was having a great week working alongside the visiting chefs.

“Food has a lot of history and heritage behind it here. Food has come a long way,” he said. “Something like this and the TV shows really showcase what we have and the real exciting thing is farmers getting involved and using their fruits and vegetables.”

Choy even had a tip for parents with fussy eaters.

“How do you get a child to eat more vegetables? You get them to grow and harvest them,” he said.

Waxman said he and the other chefs were looking forward to cooking for the sold out crowd Saturday night.

“We didn’t bring anything with us. We go to market every day we’re here. It’s what we do,” he said. “This year, we found the most fantastic fennel and the Swiss chard is perfect.”

Waxman said Saturday evening’s gala dinner would feature pig as the main dish.

“We’re doing different things. Ming Tsai is young and dynamic and doing every local vegetable and green. I’m going in and playing with it and having fun,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

The Celebrity Chef Tour benefits the James Beard Foundation, whose mission is to “celebrate, preserve and nurture America’s diverse culinary heritage and future.”

To date, the Celebrity Chef Tour has raised more than $950,000.

— Find out more:
www.jamesbeard.org
www.maunalani.com

(Photo courtesy of Mauna Lani Bay Hotel)

(Photo courtesy of Mauna Lani Bay Hotel)

Manny Hinojosa (Photo courtesy of Mauna Lani Bay Hotel)

Video by David Corrigan | Voice of Stephanie Salazar Big Island Video News

Ka‘u has a new mill for farmers but instead of sugar it’s a coffee mill thanks to an the Edmund C. Olson Trust which funded the operation. The mill was blessed on Saturday (Jan 22) and also features a roasting facility and gift shop for visitors.

From the Kona Coffee Farmers Association Legislative Committee regarding support of SB 2097:

On Jan. 19, Sen. Josh Green introduced the Coffee Origin Disclosure Bill in a form similar to that requested by KCFA. The bill has been designated as SB No. 2097 and has been referred to the Senate Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee.

The chairwoman of that committee is Sen. Rosalyn Baker of Maui. Green is also a member of the committee. Under Senate procedures it is the decision of Baker whether SB 2097 is given a public hearing before the committee. If no hearing on the bill is scheduled by Feb. 17, the measure dies.

We need the help of KCFA members to contact Baker and Green to urge the scheduling of a committee hearing, and to emphasize the importance this disclosure bill to coffee farmers in Kona — and in other regions of the state as well.

Please send emails (either separately or jointly) to Baker and Green, and/or call their offices and leave messages asking that a hearing be scheduled.

Contact information for them is:

Baker, Rosalyn H. (D)
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 230
Phone 808-586-6070
Fax 808-586-6071
E-Mail: senbaker@Capitol.hawai…

Green, Josh M.D. (D)
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 222
Phone 808-586-9385
Fax 808-586-9391
E-Mail: sengreen@capitol.hawai…

To provide further background and points to include in communications to the senators, we’ve included an excerpt from the KCFA press release of Jan. 5 along with a copy of SB 2097.

EXCERPT:

The Kona Coffee Farmers Association (KCFA) has drafted a “Coffee Origin Disclosure Bill” for consideration by the Hawaii State Legislature in its 2012 session.

The Bill is designed to provide a modest (but important) step forward toward truth-in-labeling. For labels on packages containing, for example, 10% Kona coffee the measure would require disclosure of the origin of the 90% not grown in Kona. As an illustration, labels would be required to include disclosures such as “Contains: 90% Panamanian Coffee, 10% Kona Coffee.”

Under current law such packages are only required to put “10% Kona Blend” in small print at the bottom of the label; there is no requirement to disclose the origin of the 90%, nor is there a requirement to explicitly indicate that there is, in fact, non-Kona grown coffee in the package.

When the original bill leading to the “10% blend” coffee labeling law was introduced by in 1991, there was a provision mandating disclosure of the origin of all coffee in a blend. However, pressure on the Legislature from the Honolulu coffee blenders resulted in changing this disclosure requirement from “mandatory” to “voluntary.”

In the more than 20 years since passage of the original law, none of the major Honolulu blenders has ever chosen to voluntarily disclose of the origin of the imported coffee in their blends.

KCFA President Colehour Bondera said, “All too often consumers see the word KONA in the brand name in large print at the top of the label and incorrectly assume they are buying ‘Kona Coffee’ when the package is 90% from somewhere else. Even careful consumers who take the time to fully read the labels are confused by the small print at the bottom of the label. Are all Kona coffees are ‘10% blends’? Or is this an indication of a special type of coffee roast? Or does it indicate moisture content? Or is it a blend from 10 different Kona estate farms?

KCFA Legislative Committee Chair Bruce Corker said: “The Coffee Origin Disclosure Bill will inform consumers who read the details on the label as to where the coffee in the bag was grown. That type of disclosure will move Hawaii’s coffee labeling law closer to basic consumer protection and fair marketing principles.”

Bondera said “Kona coffee farmers need the support of Hawaii to protect their crop and their livelihoods, and that these goals are best achieved through state-level protection from the consumer deception which is currently permitted. To achieve this goal, consumers (which we all are) and farmers need to communicate the importance of truth-in-labeling to our State Legislators.”

To review the KCFA Policy Statement on the 10% blend law, visit: www.konacoffeefarmers….

The Kona Coffee Farmers Association is a non-profit farmer organization dedicated to the protection of the heritage and reputation of Kona Coffee.

COPY OF SB 2097

SECTION 1. Section 486-120.6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

“(b) A listing of the geographic origins of the various Hawaii-grown coffees and the regional origins of the various coffees not grown in Hawaii that are included in a blend [may]shall be [shown] listed on the label. [If used, this] This list shall consist of the term “Contains:”, followed by, in descending order of per cent by weight and separated by commas, the respective geographic origin or regional origin of the various coffees in the blend [that the manufacturer chooses to list]. Each geographic origin or regional origin [may] shallbe preceded by the per cent of coffee by weight represented by that geographic origin or regional origin, expressed as a number followed by the per cent sign. The type size used for this list shall [not exceed] be at least less than half that of the identity statement. This list shall appear below the identity statement, if included on the front panel of the label.”

SECTION 2. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that section 1 of this Act shall take effect on July 1, 2013.

— Find out more:
www.KonaCoffeeFarmers….

MEDIA RELEASE

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that on Dec. 1, the government of Japan approved Rainbow papaya for commercial shipment to Japan.

The Rainbow papaya is genetically engineered to be resistant to the papaya ringspot virus.

“The market opening in Japan is great news for Hawaii’s papaya producers and even better news for American agricultural exports,” said Michael Scuse, Acting Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services.

“Under the Obama Administration, USDA has continued to expand markets for American goods abroad, worked aggressively to break down barriers to trade, and assisted U.S. businesses with the resources needed to reach consumers around the world,” Scuse said. “This announcement will ensure that Hawaii’s papaya producers help to drive our agricultural economy by expanding exports, creating jobs, and strengthening our nation’s competitiveness.”

In the 1990s, an outbreak of the papaya ringspot virus decimated Hawaii’s papaya crop. Scientists from Cornell University, the University of Hawaii, The Upjohn Company and USDA’s Agricultural Research Service used biotechnology to develop the Rainbow papaya, which is resistant to the virus.

After receiving full clearance from the U.S. government, the Rainbow papaya was commercialized in 1998. Now, the majority of Hawaii’s papaya crop is resistant to ringspot virus through genetic engineering.

Japan was once the major market for Hawaiian papayas, with annual sales reaching $15 million in 1996. These sales dropped to $1 million by 2010 while U.S. exporters awaited Japan’s approval of Rainbow papaya.

With Japan’s approval for import of Rainbow papaya, U.S. papaya producers are set to regain access to this important market, supporting jobs through increased exports.

Currently, the American brand of agriculture is surging in popularity worldwide.

Farm exports in fiscal year 2011 reached a record high of $137.4 billion — exceeding past highs by $22.5 billion — and supported 1.15 million jobs in the U.S. The agricultural trade surplus stands at a record $42.7 billion.

Horticultural product exports are forecast to reach a record of $28 billion, based on steady demand and high prices.

Exports of fresh fruits and vegetables are expected to be strong to Japan, Canada and the European Union.

Strong agricultural exports contribute to the positive U.S. trade balance, create jobs, boost economic growth and support President Obama’s National Export Initiative goal of doubling all U.S. exports by the end of 2014.

— Find out more:
www.usda.gov

MEDIA RELEASE

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must be built to meet the evolving needs of a 21st century agricultural economy, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Monday in presenting USDA’s Blueprint for Stronger Service, a plan that helps producers continue to drive America’s economy by streamlining operations and cutting costs.

“The USDA, like families and businesses across the country, cannot continue to operate like we did 50 years ago,” Vilsack said. “We must innovate, modernize, and be better stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars. We must build on the record accomplishments of farm communities in 2011 with a stronger, more effective USDA in 2012 and beyond.”

The plan will affect the Big Island, as the Hilo hub is one of 43 area and sub offices slated to be closed.

The Blueprint for Stronger Service is based on a department-wide review of operations conducted as part of the Administration’s Campaign to Cut Waste, launched by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden to make government work better and more efficiently for the American people.

The agency took a hard look at all USDA operations, from headquarters to field offices. The end result is a plan that will create optimal use of USDA’s employees, better results for USDA customers, and greater efficiencies for American taxpayers.

“As part of the Campaign to Cut Waste, the President and I asked all Cabinet Secretaries to make tough choices within their departments to save taxpayer money, eliminate government waste, and allow us to invest in the programs and services the American people need. This announcement by Secretary Vilsack is another example of how this can be done,” Biden said.

“By undertaking a thorough and thoughtful review of his Department, Secretary Vilsack has saved taxpayers millions in travel and printing costs and is consolidating more than 700 different cell phone contracts into about 10. What’s more, the Department is finding significant savings by consolidating more than 200 offices across the country while ensuring that the vital services they provide are not cut,” he said.

“In the past few decades, U.S. agriculture has become the second most productive sector of the American economy, thanks to farmers adopting technology, reducing debt, and effectively managing risk,” said Vilsack. “These are lessons from which we can all learn. As we continue to invest in rural communities across the country, USDA has heard from producers about reducing red tape and the need to modernize its services. Today, we are answering the challenge by announcing a series of efforts to help us continue to streamline operations, make the best use of taxpayer resources, and provide the best possible service to the American people.”

The USDA will close 259 domestic offices, facilities and labs across the country, as well as seven foreign offices.

In some cases, offices are no longer staffed or have a very small staff of one or two people; many are within 20 miles of other USDA offices.

In other cases, technology improvements, advanced service centers, and broadband service have reduced some need for brick and mortar facilities.

When fully implemented, these actions along with other recommended changes will provide efficiencies valued at about $150 million annually-and eventually more based on future realignment of the workforce-and will ensure that USDA continues to provide optimal service to the American people within available funding levels.

These actions and plans to close or consolidate facility, office and lab operations will impact USDA headquarters in Washington and in 46 states and 1 U.S. territory.

Farm Service Agency (FSA): Consolidate 131 county offices in 32 states; more than 2,100 FSA offices remain throughout the United States

Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS): Close 2 country offices; more than 95 FAS offices remain throughout the world

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS): Close 15 APHIS offices in 11 states and 5 APHIS offices in 5 foreign countries; more than 560 APHIS offices remain throughout the United States and 55 remain throughout the world

Rural Development (RD): Close 43 area and sub offices in 17 states and U.S. territories; approximately 450 RD offices remain throughout the United States

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): Close 24 soil survey offices in 21 states; more than 2,800 NRCS offices remain throughout the United States

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS): Close 5 district offices in 5 states; 10 district offices remain throughout the United States

Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Close 12 programs at 10 locations; more than 240 programs remain throughout the United States

Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services (FNCS): Close 31 field offices in 28 states; 32 FNCS offices will remain throughout the United States

In addition, USDA is implementing a series of other changes that will save taxpayers’ money while eliminating redundancies and inefficiencies. The Blueprint for Stronger Service details 133 recommendations that affirm processes already in place, as well as 27 initial improvements, and other, longer-term improvements.

The initial improvements include the following:

* Consolidate more than 700 cell phone plans into about 10

* Standardize civil rights training and purchases of cyber security products

* Ensure more efficient and effective service to our employees by moving toward more centralized civil rights, human resource, procurement, and property management functions, creating millions of dollars in efficiencies without sacrificing the quality of our work.

The Secretary detailed the changes in a speech today at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 93rd Annual Meeting, where he also highlighted the impressive achievements of American agriculture over the past three years.

Currently, U.S. agriculture is experiencing its most productive period in history thanks to the resiliency, resourcefulness, and efficiency of American producers. The Blueprint for Stronger Service will allow USDA to continue the investments that help to make this possible.

— Find out more:
www.usda.gov/strongers…

From Colehour Bondera, president of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association:

The Kona Coffee Farmers Association (KCFA) has drafted a “Coffee Origin Disclosure Bill” for consideration by the Hawaii State Legislature in its 2012 session.

Sen. Josh Green, of Kona, has committed to introduce and support enactment of the bill when the legislative session opens later this month.

The bill is designed to provide a modest (but important) step forward toward truth-in-labeling. For labels on packages containing, for example, 10% Kona coffee the measure would require disclosure of the origin of the 90% not grown in Kona.

As an illustration, labels would be required to include disclosures such as “Contains: 90% Panamanian Coffee, 10% Kona Coffee.”

Under current law such packages are only required to put “10% Kona Blend” in small print at the bottom of the label; there is no requirement to disclose the origin of the 90%, nor is there a requirement to explicitly indicate that there is, in fact, non-Kona grown coffee in the package.

When the original bill leading to the “10% blend” coffee labeling law was introduced by in 1991, there was a provision mandating disclosure of the origin of all coffee in a blend. However, pressure on the Legislature from the Honolulu coffee blenders resulted in changing this disclosure requirement from “mandatory” to “voluntary.”

In the more than 20 years since passage of the original law, none of the major Honolulu blenders has ever chosen to voluntarily disclosure of the origin of the imported coffee in their blends.

KCFA President Colehour Bondera said, “All too often, consumers see the word KONA in the brand name in large print at the top of the label and incorrectly assume they are buying ‘Kona Coffee’ when the package is 90% from somewhere else. Even careful consumers who take the time to fully read the labels are confused by the small print at the bottom of the label. Are all Kona coffees are ‘10% blends’? Or is this an indication of a special type of coffee roast? Or does it indicate moisture content? Or is it a blend from 10 different Kona estate farms?”

KCFA Legislative Committee Chair Bruce Corker said: “The Coffee Origin Disclosure Bill will inform consumers who read the details on the label as to where the coffee in the bag was grown. That type of disclosure will move Hawaii’s coffee labeling law closer to basic consumer protection and fair marketing principles.”

Bondera said, “Kona coffee farmers need the support of Hawaii to protect their crop and their livelihoods, and that these goals are best achieved through state-level protection from the consumer deception which is currently permitted. To achieve this goal, consumers (which we all are) and farmers need to communicate the importance of truth-in-labeling to our State Legislators.”

To review the KCFA Policy Statement on the 10% blend law, visit: www.konacoffeefarmers….

The Kona Coffee Farmers Association is a non-profit farmer organization dedicated to the protection of the heritage and reputation of Kona Coffee. In 2010 the KCFA was awarded the “Parmigiano Reggiano International Origin Award” at the International Slow Food Convention in Turin for its work in defending the Kona coffee name.

Full text of the bill:

A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COFFEE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the marketers of coffee blends that include Hawaii-grown coffees almost never disclose the geographic origin of non-Hawaii-grown coffee in the package. This non-disclosure of the geographic origin of the vast majority (usually 90%) of the coffee in such coffee blends confuses and misleads consumers. Such confusion is particularly likely when the brand names used by the marketers of these coffee blends contain the words “Hawaii” or “Hawaiian” or a Hawaii place name. When, for example, words like “Hawaiian” or “Kona” or “Maui” are used in large type as part of brand names at the top of coffee labels on which there is no disclosure of the origin of the 90% non-Hawaii-grown coffee in a package, consumers are often confused and mislead into believing that they are buying a package of Hawaii-grown coffee. By way of further example, two sessions ago the legislature made an express factual finding that “existing labeling requirements for Kona coffee causes consumer fraud and confusion and degrades the “Kona coffee” name.” (S.C.R. No.102, 2007) In all material respects, the statuary provisions giving rise to that finding of consumer deception and fraud remain in place.

The purpose of this Act is to conform state coffee labeling law to principles of consumer protection and fair marketing and to provide consumers with express label disclosure of the origin of all coffee in coffee blends that include Hawaii-grown coffees.

SECTION 2. Section 486-120.6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

(b) A listing of the geographic origins of the various Hawaii-grown coffees and the regional origins of the various coffees not grown in Hawaii that are included in a blend [may] shall be shown on the label. [If used,] This list shall consist of the term “Contains:”, followed by, in descending order of per cent by weight and separated by commas, the respective geographic origin or regional origin of the various coffees in the blend. [that the manufacturer chooses to list.] Each geographic origin or regional origin [may] shall be preceded by the per cent of coffee by weight represented by that geographic origin or regional origin, expressed as a number followed by the per cent sign. The type size used for this list shall [not exceed half] be equal to that of the identity statement. This list shall appear below the identity statement [if included] on the front panel of the label.

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and italicized. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2013.

INTRODUCED BY SENATOR GREEN

———

NOTE: In the class action lawsuit brought by a California consumer challenging Safeway’s deceptive labeling of its “Safeway Select Kona Blend” (Thurston v. Safeway, US District Court for the Northern District of California) the plaintiff is asking the court to determine that it is a violation of California consumer protection laws for Safeway to call coffee a “Kona Blend” unless at least 51% is Kona-grown coffee. Wouldn’t it be ironic if the Court rules that California consumer protection laws provide greater protection for Hawaii coffee growers than does Hawaii law?

— Find out more:
www.KonaCoffeeFarmers….

Papaya farmer Lanie Barao amid the 10 acres of papaya trees chopped down in Kapoho in July 2011. Photo by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7

MEDIA RELEASE

A reward of up to $30,000 has been established for information leading to charges in connection with the destruction of 10 acres of papaya trees in Puna in July.

On the morning of July 19, Puna patrol officers responded to a report that trees in three adjoining papaya fields in the Kapoho area had been cut down. Each property belonged to a separate owner. Additional adjoining papaya fields were left undamaged.

The scene, near the area where 8,500 trees were destroyed a year earlier, is located on Alohilani, about one mile north from where it intersects Route 132 near the 6-mile marker. The trees appeared to have been chopped down with a machete sometime between July 18 and July 19.

The reward is being jointly funded by the Hawaiʻi Crop Improvement Association, the Hawaiʻi Papaya Industry Association and the Hawaiʻi County Office of the Mayor.

Police ask that anyone with information about this case call Detective Brandon Konanui at 961-2340 or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

Citizens may call the Police Department’s Kuleana Hotline at 961-2219 if they have information that this crime might have been an act by any organized group.

See related video of the destruction here.

From left: Lew Nakamura, Judy Schilling (Secretary), Sean Spellicy (President), Phil Langager (Vice President), William Steiner (CAFNRM Dean), Laura Girdner, and Roy Shigenaga. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)

MEDIA RELEASE

The Big Island Association of Nurserymen, Inc. (BIAN) pledged $15,000 to establish the BIAN Excellence Scholarship Endowment for students pursuing a degree in agriculture.

The $15,000 contribution will be equally matched thanks to a special scholarship matching program currently available at UH Hilo.

“We’re excited to do our part and plant the much-needed seeds for the future generation of horticulturalists,” BIAN president Sean Spellicy said.

The College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management (CAFNRM) dean William Steiner said the timing for this new scholarship is opportune with increasing tuition and growing college enrollment.

“The number of students pursuing agricultural degrees has been growing and we are especially grateful for the BIAN endowment that will provide ongoing support for CAFNRM students,” Steiner said.

There are approximately 190 students currently enrolled in the CAFNRM, with many of the students in the College specializing in Tropical Horticulture.

This new scholarship will provide financial aid for students who have graduated from a high school in Hawaii and are enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management. Students must achieve a minimum 3.5 GPA.

BIAN was organized in 1968 and includes 73 members. Since the BIAN began, the Big Island has grown to be the hub of a $70 million dollar floriculture and nursery products industry statewide.

— Find out more
www.uhfoundation.org/G…

MEDIA RELEASE

The state Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is currently accepting applications for a new round of organic certification cost-share assistance to organic farmers, organic livestock operators and organic produce handlers.

Renewed federal funding totaling up to $95,000 has been allotted to help Hawaii agribusinesses with the cost of organic certification through two separate cooperative agreements executed between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and HDOA.

Organic farmers and livestock operators are required to have their farms and practices inspected annually and certified by an agent approved by the USDA.

Seventy-five percent of the cost of this inspection and certification (up to a maximum of $750) is eligible for reimbursement under the Agricultural Management Assistance Organic Certification Cost-Share Program (AMAOCCSP), which was authorized under the Federal Crop Insurance Act.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Hawaii has participated in this program. Once again, Hawaii has been allotted $75,000 for the funding period Oct. 1, 2011 through Sept. 30, 2012.

In addition, the USDA has a separate program to assist companies certified as organic processors/handlers. As with the growers, processors/handlers are required to be inspected and re-certified annually.

Under the USDA National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program (NOCCSP), funding of $20,000 has been allotted to Hawaii to reimburse 75 percent of the cost of this certification (up to a maximum of $750).

“This cost-sharing program provides a good incentive for organic farmers to become certified,” said Russell S. Kokubun, chairman of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. “As the organic industry grows, so does the need for certified processors and handlers, who are also included in this program.”

The HDOA has been participating in the USDA NOCCSP since 2004 to assist and encourage the growth of organic farming in the state. The initial program allotted $40,000 to reimburse both growers/producers and processors/handlers over a four-year period.

In recognition of the growth and importance of organic farming in Hawaii and across the nation, the USDA increased the total funding and separated the certification categories into two programs in 2008.

To receive reimbursement, the date of certification or renewal by a USDA accredited certifying agent must occur between Oct. 1, 2011 and Sept. 30, 2012.

Applications and information are available online at the HDOA website: hawaii.gov/hdoa/add/md…

For assistance with the application process, contact:

HDOA – Agricultural Development Division
Market Development Branch
1428 S. King Street, Room 214
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512
Phone: (808) 973-9595
Fax: (808) 973-9590
Email: hdoa.md@hawaii.gov

From Skip Bittenbender, UH Extension Specialist for Coffee, Kava and Cacao:

Aloha Coffee Leaders,

We need more CBB survey responses from farmers. We received 40 responses in the first 24 hours – that’s great, but only a total of 65 in the first week. Its not possible to get every farmer to respond; let’s try to a 100 of the 700 plus growers.

Please remind your members and neighbors about the survey. Even offer to help those farmers without internet access to complete it.

Our goal is to complete the analysis and report back to you before the new year, when sanitary pruning and trapping season arrives.

Below is a link for the on-line survey for coffee farmers and processors to complete about their experience with the Coffee Berry Borer (CBB). The survey is on-line, you need only forward this email or copy the link and send it your coffee organization members.

We are relying on you, the coffee leaders in Hawaii, to see that virtually every coffee growers and processors in the state have an opportunity to complete the survey.

Paste this link in your browser. It will take you to the Survey Monkey website where the survey is located.

www.surveymonkey.com/s…

Thank you,
H.C. “Skip” Bittenbender, Ph.D.
Extension Specialist for Coffee, Kava and Cacao
Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences
CTAHR- College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
University of Hawaii at Manoa
808-956-6043

Video by David Corrigan | Voice of Stephanie Salazar Big Island Video News

MEDIA RELEASE

Ten cowboys were inducted into the Paniolo Hall of Fame at the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council Annual Convention on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.

The Paniolo Hall of Fame was initiated 12 years ago to recognize individuals statewide who have contributed to keeping Hawaii’s paniolo heritage alive. Including the 2011 inductees, there are 116 members, both living and deceased, in the Paniolo Hall of Fame.

“I commend the Oahu Cattlemen’s Association for organizing this wonderful annual event recognizing Hawaii’s cattlemen,” said Sen. Malama Solomon, who represents District 1, encompassing Waimea, Hamakua, South Hilo, Keaukaha and Hilo.

“Congratulations to all inductees of the Hawaii Paniolo Hall of Fame. Their knowledge and guidance have made the paniolo culture legendary in Hawaii,” she said.

Solomon, a rancher herself, attended the ceremony.

This year’s honorees include:

* A. Hartwell Carter
1896 – 1985
Parker Ranch, Hawaii

* Donald G. DeSilva
Parker Ranch, Hawaii

* Dee B. Gibson
1919 – 1991
Koko Head Dairy, Oahu;
Wailua Ranch, Kauai; Saddle City, Oahu

* Peter Kama Sr.
1919-1985
Kahua Ranch, Oahu

* Naluahine Kaopua
1857 – 1961
Thomas White Ranch, Wall Ranch, Hawaii

* Clarence Medeiros Sr.
Magoon Ranch, CM Ranch, Hawaii

* Gary J. Rapozo
Parker Ranch, Hawaii

* Richard K.P. Smart
1913-1992
Parker Ranch, Hawaii

* Harry “Pono” von Holt
Ponoholo Ranch, Hawaii

* Louis von Tempsky
1859-1922
Ulupalakua Ranch, Maui
Haleakala Ranch, Maui

With the 2011 inductees, the Paniolo Hall of Fame now includes 116 members.

— Find out more:
www.hicattle.org

MEDIA RELEASE

Philadelphia International Flower Show

The Hawai`i Tropical Flowers Council (HTFC) is now soliciting local vendors who want to participate at the Philadelphia International Flower Show (PIFS), held from March 3 to 11, 2012. The theme of the flower show this year is “Hawai‘i, Islands of Aloha.”

The HTFC will be offering qualified companies a booth space and/or an assistance package to help defray costs. Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and the Hawai‘i Island Visitor’s Bureau will also be participating in the show to promote Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i County.

This show is the largest fresh flower & products show in North America, with over 250,000 people attending the nine-day event. The flower show will feature a “Hawai‘i Market Place”, which will be designed to showcase local Hawai‘i made products and cultural crafts.

Qualified products and crafts must be Hawai‘i Island made: food products, cultural crafts, Hawaiian music CD’s, fresh flowers or packaged nursery products, value added soaps & lotions, fresh produce, packaged coffee, macadamia nuts, etc. A diverse group of vendors will be selected that have large quantity of product that will be ready to ship to Philadelphia in March. The participating company must have a website with an active shopping cart. “The purpose of promoting our companies to these new mainland buyers is to entice them to re-order from our companies’ shopping carts in the future and allows participating businesses to gain future business from this endeavor,” said Mike Inouye, HTFC President and PIFS Coordinator.

A special informational meeting is scheduled for November 30, 2011, 5:30 p.m. at the Aupuni Center Conference Room, (located across the American Savings Bank and at the corner of Pauahi and Aupuni Street), Hilo. Interested companies are urged to attend this meeting as the vendors must be selected in December.

MEDIA RELEASE

Weather Review

National Weather Service’s Hydronet system of automated rain gauges showed significant rainfall fell especially on the Big Island of Hawaii. The National Drought Monitor showed improved drought condition ratings on November 8, 2011, at 7:00 AM EST compared to the previous week. Extreme drought ratings persisted on the Kohala coast and the extreme southern tip of Maui and Hawaii Islands. Extreme drought conditions were approximately 3 percent compared with slightly below 17 percent one year ago on November 2, 2010. The Seasonal Drought Outlook shows persistence drought tendencies for November 3, 2011, through January 31, 2012, show ongoing drought with some improvement for the leeward coasts of all islands plus most of Hawaii Island.

Hawaii County
The Waimea Irrigation System’s water level was marked at 50.00 feet (51.70 million gallons) on Monday, November 14, 2011, up 10.00 feet or 25 percent from the November 7, 2011 reading. Laupahoehoe (HI80) weather station reported 8.46 inches of rain for this reference week. The conservation status remains unrestricted.

Maui County
The Molokai Irrigation System water level was marked at 12.00 feet (264.00 million gallons) on Monday, November 14, 2011, down 0.25 foot or 2 percent from the November 7, 2011 measurement. Drought condition ratings improved especially for windward slopes of Maui Island. Phase III mandatory conservation measures remained in effect. Measures included a MANDATORY 30 percent conservation in usage from all non-homestead users.

Honolulu County
The Waimanalo Irrigation System water level was marked at 22.50 feet (9.90 million gallons) on Monday, November 14, 2011, down 0.50 foot or 2 percent from the November 7, 2011 reading. Rainfall was heavier in the higher elevations and mountains as Mililani (HI14) received 1.87 inches of rain with the majority falling on Tuesday through Friday. Windward slopes and coast were no longer rated being in some stage of drought conditions by the Hawaii Drought Monitor. Effective October 17, 2011, a Phase I – Modified Conservation Measure is in place requiring a 10-percent mandatory water conservation was declared.

Kauai County
Kauai County was partly cloudy throughout the week with measurable rainfall which echoed Honolulu County patterns. Similar to Honolulu County, the windward coast was no longer rated being in some stage of drought.

Agricultural Highlights

Orchards
Rainfall and irrigation (where available), coupled with clear skies, were beneficial for crop development. Coffee and macadamia nut harvest activities continued with no delays attributed to weather conditions.

Vegetables
Vegetables were mostly in good to fair condition depending on location and availability of irrigation water.

Livestock and Pasture
Rains on the mountain and windward slopes enhanced forage growth, but more moisture was needed especially on pastures located on the leeward slopes.

Hawaii 24/7 Staff

The USDA has released fact sheets for each of the state that provide information on population, income, education, employment, federal funds, organic agriculture, farm characteristics, farm financial indicators, top commodities, and exports.

Links to county-level data are included when available.

www.ers.usda.gov/State…

The KCCF Classic winners. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Editor

Kanaliu Kona Coffee Company was named the top coffee Thursday at the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival’s cupping competition.

Grown on the western slopes of Mauna Loa in the heart of Kona coffee’s growing region and in the shade of a higher elevation, Kainaliu Kona Coffee Co. produces a smooth mellow Kona coffee rich with body and flavor.

“This is a great day for all of us. Our farm family is quite large and we’ve all known each other for about forty years. It’s this long-standing relationship with each other that makes us a winner,” Randy Bohannon said.

Partners Bohannon and Richard Wicklander and Bohannon produce five estate labels including 100% Kona Coffee, Pele Dark Roast, Kona Princess, Kilohana Kona, Leilani Kona and Alana Kei Kona.

The cupping competition is a blind tasting and to be eligible, the coffee must have been harvested in Kona. Once it is accepted, the coffee is assigned a number to protect its anonymity.

As entries advanced to the final round of competition, assignment numbers were changed, keeping the judge’s palettes alert through the final round.

Trent Bateman is the cupping event’s master miller and roaster.

The cupping competition was judged by head judge Sherri Johns, founder of WholeCup Coffee Consulting; Tonoko Nagase, UCC Ueshima Coffee Company (Japan); Andrew Hetzel, founder of CafeMakers, a global coffee industry consultancy; and John King of Harold L. King and Co., one of the oldest and most respected coffee importing companies in the country.

“It was silky smooth. That was the most impressive part of this farm’s entry. The coffee entry had a bright tartness to it,” King said. “I had a good idea of the entry throughout the finals but the entries are all numbered when we cup so we do not know names. But I know I liked it the first round and I know I liked it the second round as well.”

After Wednesday’s preliminary cupping rounds that included 50 of Kona top crops, King said he was still waiting for one coffee to rise above the others.

“We’ve had some good coffees, but I’m waiting for one to really pop,” he said. “We’ve had snap and crackle, but not the pop yet. I’m sure something will pop in the final round.”

Fellow judge Hetzel said he was pleased to finally join in the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival’s marquee event, as he usually is traveling during November.

“There were some excellent coffees and a good variety,” he said. “The top 13 were picked for their balance, flavor and consistency. We were looking for that sweetness, the profile that traditionally is identified as Kona coffee.”

Hetzel said a year of drought conditions and the impact of the coffee berry borer beetle likely resulted in the greater variety of coffee quality and profiles.

“There were a few that were above the rest,” he said.

Brazen Hazen Kona Coffee, Castaway Bay Kona Coffee, Happy Trees Farm, Heavenly Hawaiian Farms, Kaiwi Farms, Kona Café LLC, Kona de Pele, Kona Mountain Coffee LLC, Kona Rising Coffee Company, Kowali Farm, Lehuula Farms LLC, Moki’s Farm, Nishina Farms and Yamagishi Farm were named finalists.

In the crown competition, Arianna Farms Ono Kona Coffee was the winner. Arianna Farms is a lush 40-acre farm on the original “Kona Coffee Belt” along the historic Mamalahoa Highway.

Second place was awarded to Hawaiian Queen Coffee Farm.

The annual cupping contest, considered the most prestigious for Kona coffee, was sponsored by WholeCup Coffee and UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee.

Gold sponsors included Hawaiian Isles Kona Coffee Co. and Mountain Thunder Premium 100% Kona Coffee.

The cupping competition was presented by Kamehameha Schools and Keauhou Resort and is a signature event of the 41st Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

The KCCF Crown winners. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)

Crown Competition Winners

2011 Arianna Farms Ono Kona Coffee

2009 Kona Coffee & Tea Company

2008 Kowali Farms

2007 Arianna Farms Ono Kona Coffee

Kona Coffee Cupping Hall of Fame

2011 Kainaliu Kona Coffee Company

2010 Buddha’s Cup

2009 Wolf Farms

2008 Hoshide Farms

2007 Kona Old Style/Kuahiwi Farm

2006 Pearl Estate Organics

2005 Rancho Aloha

2004 Lafayette Coffee

2003 Kona Coffee & Tea Company

2002 Koa Coffee Plantation

2001 Wood Captain Cook Estate

2000 The Other Farm

1999 Dragon Roast Coffee

1998 Brockston Gate Estate

1997 Terry Fitzgerald Estate

1996 Keokea Kona Farm

1995 Kona Kulana Farms

1994 Perry Estate Farms

1993 Keopu Mauka Lani Plantation

1992 Kona Kulana Farms

1991 Wailapa Farms

1990 Island Girl Coffee

1989 Wailapa Farms

1988 Faye Takashiba

1987 Tojiro Motokia

MEDIA RELEASE

The competition is heating up at the prestigious WholeCup Coffee Consulting and UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee Cupping Competition preliminary round.

Fifty Kona coffee farms entered this year’s Classic competition, all vying to be named the winner and awarded first place.

Cupping entries are blind tastings of Kona’s finest coffee and are assigned a random number to assure anonymity. Judges are looking for high marks in fragrance, aroma, taste, nose, aftertaste and body.

To keep the judges’ palates alert between Wednesday’s preliminary and Thursday’s final round, these numbers are changed as the entries progress in the competition.

“We tasted some very interesting coffees early in the preliminary round,” said Sherri Johns, Head Judge, WholeCup Coffee Consulting and UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee Cupping Competition.

This year, the cupping competition welcomes four well-known industry professionals, Sherri Johns, Head Judge, and founder of WholeCup Coffee Consulting; Tonoko Nagase, UCC Ueshima Coffee Company; Andrew Hetzel, founder of CafeMakers, a global coffee industry consultancy based in Waimea here on the Big Island; and John King, of Harold L. King & Co, one of the oldest, largest and most respected coffee importing companies in the country.

Thirteen Classic finalists were selected to advance to the final round of competition.

Presented by Kamehameha Schools, the 2011 WholeCup Consulting and UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee Cupping Competition finalists are:

* Brazen Hazen Kona Coffee
* Castaway Bay Kona Coffee
* Happy Trees Farm
* Heavenly Hawaiian Farms
* Kainaliu-Kona Coffee Company
* Kaiwi Farms
* Kona Cafe LLC
* Kona Mountain Coffee LLC
* Kona Rising Coffee Company
* Kowali Farm
* Lehuula Farms LLC
* Moki’s Farm
* Yamagishi Farm

The public is invited to attend this final round of the coveted WholeCup Coffee Consulting and UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee Cupping Competition starting at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the Keauhou Beach Hotel.

Also Thursday at the hotel is the art exhibit, coffee label and website display and Ultimate Barista Jam.

— Find out more:
www.konacoffeefest.com

MEDIA RELEASE

Weather Review

The National Drought Monitor showed minimal changes in drought condition ratings on October 25, 2011, at 7:00 AM EST compared to the previous week. Extreme drought was reported on the Kohala coast and the extreme southern tip of Hawaii Island. Extreme drought conditions, at 2 percent, were approximately 26 percentage points lower compared to ratings on October 19, 2010. All available weather stations reported measurable rainfall with the exception of Waianae (HI17) on Oahu. The Seasonal Drought Outlook shows persistence drought tendencies for October 20, 2011, through January 31, 2012, show ongoing drought with some improvement for the leeward coasts of all islands plus most of Hawaii Island.

Hawaii County
The Waimea Irrigation System’s water level was marked at 41.50 feet (39.30 million gallons) on Monday, October 31, 2011, down 5.00 feet or 11 percent from the October 17, 2011 reading. The conservation status remains unrestricted.

Maui County
The Molokai Irrigation System water level was marked at 12.75 feet (281.00 million gallons) on Monday, October 31, 2011, down 0.50 foot or 4 percent from the October 24, 2011 measurement. Statewide, only the windward coasts of Maui Island continued to not be rated in some form of drought intensity. Phase III mandatory conservation measures remained in effect. Measures included a MANDATORY 30 percent conservation in usage from all non-homestead users.

Honolulu County
Skies were mostly clear during the week with some isolated showers in the evening. The Waimanalo Irrigation System water level was marked at 23.00 feet (10.30 million gallons) on Monday, October 31, 2011, down 13 percent or 3.50 foot from the October 17, 2011 reading. Effective October 17, 2011, a Phase I – Modified Conservation Measure is in place requiring a 10- percent mandatory water conservation was declaired. All of Honolulu County was rated as abnormally dry drought condition according to the National Drought Monitor.

Kauai County
Kauai County was partly cloudy throughout the week with measurable rainfall mostly in the latter portion of the reference week. Severe drought conditions were reported for the extreme southern portion of Kauai Island according the National Drought Monitor.

Agricultural Highlights

Orchards
Rainfall and irrigation (where available), coupled with clear skies, were beneficial for crop development. Coffee and macadamia nut harvest activities continued with no delays attributed to weather conditions.

Vegetables
Vegetables were mostly in good to fair condition depending on location and availability of irrigation water.

Livestock and Pasture
Showers were appreciated, but more precipitation was needed to boost forage growth for grazing.

MEDIA RELEASE

The 22nd Annual Hawaii International Tropical Fruit Conference is set for Sept. 14-16, 2012 at the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus.

Presented by the statewide Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers (HTFG), the event is geared for farmers, educators, orchard managers and proponents of sustainable agriculture. In 2011, the main conference was on Hawaii Island with smaller gatherings on Oahu, Maui and Kauai.

Ken Love, HTFG president, says the 2012 conference will have breakout sessions on specific crops.

“We will also delve into a wide range of topics like food safety, marketing, fruit nutrition and value-added product development,” adds Mark Suiso, conference chair.

The gathering is open to the public. Registration forms and fee schedule will be available in April at www.htfg.org

Or contact Love at kenlove@hawaiiantel.ne… or Mark Suiso at suiso@aloha.net.

Incorporated in 1989 to promote tropical fruit grown in Hawaii, HTFG is a statewide association of tropical fruit growers, packers, distributors and hobbyists dedicated to tropical fruit research, education, marketing and promotion.

— Find out more:
www.hawaiitropicalfrui…