MEDIA RELEASE

Kamehameha Schools stewards about 180,000 acres of agricultural lands as part of its statewide portfolio. On Hawaii Island alone, more than 72,000 acres of high-value agricultural lands help support a reliable food source, local jobs and a sustainable future for Hawaii.

Prudent management of the Schools’ natural and cultural resources is essential. Kamehameha Schools Land Assets Division (LAD) forged a strategic agricultural plan to provide goal-based initiatives for optimal agricultural management.

Roughly 800 Kamehameha Schools agricultural tenants are actively farming a variety of crops on Hawaii Island. These agricultural tenants play a vital role in providing Hawaii’s bountiful harvest and supporting Kamehameha Schools’ mission of creating educational opportunities to improve the capability and well-being of people of Hawaiian ancestry.

Makahiki heralds this time of year where abundance and the harvest is celebrated. With more than 70 percent of Kona coffee grown on the Schools’ lands, Kamehameha Schools is honored to participate as a sponsor of the 40th annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

Les Apoliona, Kamehameha Schools North Kona land manager, said, “Farmers are the ambassadors of the Kona coffee brand worldwide.”

On of the highlights of the festival comes when the Kona coffee industry gathers at Keauhou Beach Resort to witness the prestigious judging of Kona’s finest coffees at the Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping. The final round of cupping begins 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11.

The public is invited to meet these Kona coffee ambassadors and to judge a bit for themselves at the Keauhou Resort Kona Coffee Label and Website Competition, and the art exhibit.

Dave and Trudy Bateman, KS agricultural tenants and owners of Heavenly Hawaiian, will be on hand alongside Kamehameha Schools to share farm information and samples of their 100% Kona coffee.

Also Thursday at the Keauhou Beach Resort, join Kamehameha Schools and its featured agricultural tenant – the family-owned Kona Coffee & Tea Company, the 2009 winner of the Gevalia Cupping Contest. The Private Reserve and Malia Ohana roasts will be available for sampling and purchase.

Following the Kamehameha Schools Kona Coffee Grand Parade on Saturday, Nov. 13, the Schools will join the festivities and cultural events at the Makaeo County Pavilion. KS agricultural tenants Hawaii Island Gourmet and Kona Cowboy Coffee will be featuring food pairings.

With three generations of paniolo, Onaka Ranch proudly makes its special Kona Cowboy Coffee available for all to taste and savor.

Hawaii Island Gourmet, known to many for their signature Atebara potato chips will also be available for sampling and purchase including taro, sweet potato and shrimp chips and cookies.

Also this week, the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs is convening its annual convention at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort. Kamehameha Schools will be exhibiting and sharing its land stewardship and strategic agricultural plans with convention attendees.

For more information on how to support local farmers or to view Kamehameha Schools agricultural tenants with commercial businesses, visit www.ksbe.edu/land