Kaʻū News Briefs May 31, 2024

IN SUPPORT OF KAʻŪ COFFEE AND ITS FESTIVAL, June 1-8, 'Ohana Foods has announced that it will establish a special section, long term in its Mizuno Superette in Pāhala, for the No Mark Up sales and promotion of Kaʻū Coffee. 'Ohana Foods founder Carl Okumoto said the Mizuno Coffee program will refrain from marking up from the wholesale price of Kaʻū Coffee as a way to make it more affordable to local residents and to visitors. Okumoto also operates 'Ohana Foods adjacent to the '76 in Na'alahu, and 'Ohana Foods in Hilo. 

     Okumoto said he wants to support the Kaʻū Coffee community of small farmers and give them additional opportunities to spread their brand names in the community and beyond. 

    He will be available to talk to farmers and the public at the Kaʻū Coffee Festival Opening Party on Saturday. June 1 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House on the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets.

     Also attending and available to meet the public will be County Council member Michelle Galimba, state Rep. Jeanne Kapela and members of the Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative. In addition, Connie Koi, CFO of Punalu'u Bake Shop will attend and guests will be able to sample the new Voyager, Espresso Energy Bar, made at Punalu'u Bakeshop with local ingredients including Kaʻū Coffee. Another local enterprise at the event will be Volcano Winery with wine tasting. The event will host many sponsors of the Kaʻū Coffee Festival and provide them the opportunity to meet the farmers.

     Entertainment will be by keiki of Debbie Ryder's Halau Hula O Leionalani, The Jazz Gardeners, Bolo and the Mexican dance ensemble Ballet Folklorico La Negra. 

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