Categorized | Environment

Hawaii Forest Industry Association scores county grant

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Forest Industry Association has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the county ’s Department of Research and Development to elevate the awareness of koa through a campaign entitled Koa: Standing the Test of Time.

With grant monies, HFIA has already begun evaluating existing collateral of its Hawaii ’s WoodTM branding program and making recommendations to revise materials to better encompass more information about koa and other Hawaiian hardwoods.

“Koa’s unsurpassed beauty and durability means it has become a luxury status symbol and highly desired by woodcrafters,” said HFIA Executive Director Heather Gallo. “By broadening and building the awareness of koa, in part through this grant for which HFIA is grateful, we can do our part to help koa ‘stand the test of time.’”

The variability, richness, and luminescence of this prized wood, which is unique to Hawaii, make koa stand out among the most beautiful woods in the world. New strategies are being put into place to broaden the public’s awareness of, desire for, and appreciation of koa while also communicating endeavors to sustain this and other precious forest resources.

In efforts to ensure koa’s survival and its availability to woodcrafters, more than 20,000 acres are now being commercially grown. Koa will remain in restricted supply for at least another 15 to 20 years as these new growths mature.

Hawaii’s Woodshow, the 18th annual statewide juried woodworking show of the Hawaii Forest Industry Association, is scheduled for March 27 through April 11, 2010 at the Academy Art Center, Honolulu Academy of Arts.

Koa: Standing the Test of Time is an award that will be new to the 2010 show. The award’s intent is to further build awareness of this important tree species. Candidates may be individuals or organizations. Entry forms are available at www.HawaiiForest.org

Programming at Hawaii ’s Woodshow will also include a free koa forum 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, March 26 in the Academy’s conference room. The forum’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Paul Scowcroft and the forum will be moderated by Dr. Travis Idol, president of the Hawaii Forest Institute.

The Hawaii Forest Industry Association ( HFIA ) is dedicated to responsible forest management. In addition to its annual woodworking exhibition, HFIA sponsors the Hawaii’s Wood trademark, manages a 76-acre dryland forest preserve, and serves as an advocate for Hawaii ‘s diverse forest industry.

Established in 1989, HFIA is a nonprofit corporation founded by and for people committed to managing and maintaining healthy and productive forests. HFIA’s programs promote healthier forests, increased business in Hawaii ’s estimated $30.7 million annual forest industry, and more jobs within the sector.

— Find out more:

www.hawaiiforestinstitute.org

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