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| Ka`u's food growers can find out what crops grow well on their property through an online tool developed by The Kohala Center. Photo from Earth Matters Farm |
A NEW ONLINE TOOL MATCHES CROP varieties to Hawai`i’s microclimates. The Kohala Center recently launched the online tool to help Hawai`i gardeners and small-scale farmers select crop varieties most likely to succeed in their specific geographic areas. The new tool, developed through The Center’s Hawai`i Public Seed Initiative, also offers a detailed representation of local plant hardiness zones based on Hawai`i’s diverse microclimates.
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| Knowing the climate zone their property is in can help Ka`u growers choose proper plants. Map from Hawai`i Seed Initiative |
The Seed Variety Selection Tool for the Hawaiian Islands, accessible online at HawaiiSeedInitiative.org/svst, was created to help seed savers, gardeners and small-scale farmers share information about which crops perform well in their locations. Gardeners and small-scale farmers with at least two years of successful experience growing specific varieties are encouraged to submit their crop-performance data at HawaiiSeedInitiative.org/svst/seed-input. Names, physical addresses and contact information of contributors are kept confidential and are not published on the website.
“What’s unique about the Hawaiian Islands is how abruptly our microclimates change,” said Lyn Howe, coordinator of The Center’s Hawai`i Public Seed Initiative. “A difference of just a mile or two, or a slight increase in elevation, can mean very different soil and growing conditions. This tool is meant to help anyone in Hawai`i determine their specific climate zone and learn from the success of other growers who garden or farm in similar conditions.”
Users are encouraged to submit their feedback and ideas to seedproject@kohalacenter.org.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
“What’s unique about the Hawaiian Islands is how abruptly our microclimates change,” said Lyn Howe, coordinator of The Center’s Hawai`i Public Seed Initiative. “A difference of just a mile or two, or a slight increase in elevation, can mean very different soil and growing conditions. This tool is meant to help anyone in Hawai`i determine their specific climate zone and learn from the success of other growers who garden or farm in similar conditions.”
Users are encouraged to submit their feedback and ideas to seedproject@kohalacenter.org.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
SEVEN PEOPLE IN OCEAN VIEW ESCAPED without injury before fire destroyed a structure they were occupying yesterday. Fire and rescue units responded to a 10:17 a.m. alarm at 92-8841 Coral Parkway.
When crews arrived, the single-story structure was engulfed in flames. The structure was a total loss estimated at $10,000.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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KA`U SENIOR EVAN MANOHA, teaming up with Kea`au senior Lexis Andrade, took first place in double mugging at Hawai`i High School Rodeo Association finals Saturday at Parker Ranch. Manoha also participates in rodeos in Na`alehu. Last year, he and his partner took first place in Junior Dally Team Roping. He also played on Ka`u High’s eight-man football team.
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HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL YESTERDAY passed Mayor Billy Kenoi’s request for a $99.75 million bond issue. Funds go toward projects in all nine council districts.
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| Gov. David Ige and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe |
Nancy Cook Lauer, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reported that departments receiving funding include Parks & Recreation, with $50 million for 18 projects. Public Works has $20 million for projects, including improvements to Mamalahoa Highway. Department of Environmental Management projects costing $10 million include wastewater and recycling project improvements. Funding of $5,000 for Mass Transit goes toward building bus shelters and creating a master plan for islandwide bus routes.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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THE OFFICE OF MAUNAKEA MANAGEMENT has scheduled public meetings regarding its work on content for Administrative Rules for public and commercial activities within University of Hawai`i-managed lands on Maunakea.
The purpose of rules is to provide proper protection of natural, cultural and scientific resources and maintain public safety and welfare.
GOV. DAVID IGE MET WITH JAPAN Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday, his first day of meetings in Tokyo, Japan.
Ige and Chief of Staff Mike McCartney also met with executives at Hitachi Ltd., IBM Japan and Amuse, Inc., a Japanese management, production and publication company.
Yesterday, Ige is met with various airlines and travel agencies before attending an evening reception. Ige is in Japan to boost business and economic development in Hawai`i and promote and expand travel to the Hawaiian Islands.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
Yesterday, Ige is met with various airlines and travel agencies before attending an evening reception. Ige is in Japan to boost business and economic development in Hawai`i and promote and expand travel to the Hawaiian Islands.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
THE OFFICE OF MAUNAKEA MANAGEMENT has scheduled public meetings regarding its work on content for Administrative Rules for public and commercial activities within University of Hawai`i-managed lands on Maunakea.
The purpose of rules is to provide proper protection of natural, cultural and scientific resources and maintain public safety and welfare.
Meetings are from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center County Council Chambers, Bldg A in Kona on Tuesday, June 23; ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo on Wednesday, June 24; and Kuhio Hale, DHHL West Hawai`i District Office, 64-756 Mamalahoa Highway at Mile Marker 55 in Waimea on Thursday, June 25.
For more information, call 933-0734 or email omkm@hawaii.edu.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
TRANS FATS ARE NOW BANNED FROM U.S. FOODS. The Food and Drug Administration finalized its determination that partially hydrogenated oils, the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods, are not “generally recognized as safe” for use in human food and calls for food manufacturers to remove PHOs from products within three years.
JOHN KEAWE PRESENTS A FREE tribute to slack key tomorrow at 3 p.m. Na`alehu Public Library.
DANCING ON EARTH: CREATIVE FLOW and Dance Meditation workshop takes place Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Shizuno Nasu’s workshop is rooted in deep listening and improvisation.
Register at volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
For more information, call 933-0734 or email omkm@hawaii.edu.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
TRANS FATS ARE NOW BANNED FROM U.S. FOODS. The Food and Drug Administration finalized its determination that partially hydrogenated oils, the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods, are not “generally recognized as safe” for use in human food and calls for food manufacturers to remove PHOs from products within three years.
“The FDA’s action on this major source of artificial trans fat demonstrates the agency’s commitment to the heart health of all Americans,” said FDA’s Acting Commissioner Stephen Ostroff, M.D. “This action is expected to reduce coronary heart disease and prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks every year.”
This determination will significantly reduce the use of PHOs in the food supply.
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| U.S. FDA has banned trans fats from food. |
Since 2006, manufacturers have been required to include trans fat content information on the Nutrition Facts label of foods. Between 2003 and 2012, the FDA estimates that consumer trans fat consumption decreased about 78 percent and that the labeling rule and industry reformulation of foods were key factors in informing healthier consumer choices and reducing trans fat in foods. While trans fat intake has significantly decreased, the current intake remains a public health concern. The Institute of Medicine recommends that consumption of trans fat be as low as possible while consuming a nutritionally adequate diet.
“Studies show that diet and nutrition play a key role in preventing chronic health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, and today’s action goes hand in hand with other FDA initiatives to improve the health of Americans, including updating the nutrition facts label,” said Susan Mayne, Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “This determination is based on extensive research into the effects of PHOs, as well as input from all stakeholders received during the public comment period.”
The FDA has set a compliance period of three years. This will allow companies to either reformulate products without PHOs and/or petition the FDA to permit specific uses of PHOs. Following the compliance period, no PHOs can be added to human food unless they are approved by the FDA.
The FDA encourages consumers seeking to reduce trans fat intake to check a food’s ingredient list for partially hydrogenated oils to determine whether or not a product contains PHOs. Currently, foods are allowed to be labeled as having “0” grams trans fat if they contain less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving, including PHOs.
Many companies have already been working to remove PHOs from processed foods, and the FDA anticipates that many may eliminate them ahead of the three-year compliance date.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
“Studies show that diet and nutrition play a key role in preventing chronic health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, and today’s action goes hand in hand with other FDA initiatives to improve the health of Americans, including updating the nutrition facts label,” said Susan Mayne, Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “This determination is based on extensive research into the effects of PHOs, as well as input from all stakeholders received during the public comment period.”
The FDA has set a compliance period of three years. This will allow companies to either reformulate products without PHOs and/or petition the FDA to permit specific uses of PHOs. Following the compliance period, no PHOs can be added to human food unless they are approved by the FDA.
The FDA encourages consumers seeking to reduce trans fat intake to check a food’s ingredient list for partially hydrogenated oils to determine whether or not a product contains PHOs. Currently, foods are allowed to be labeled as having “0” grams trans fat if they contain less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving, including PHOs.
Many companies have already been working to remove PHOs from processed foods, and the FDA anticipates that many may eliminate them ahead of the three-year compliance date.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| Last year's forest stewards on one of several field trips. Photo from UH-CTAHR |
KA`U RESIDENTS INTERESTED in forest stewardship can apply for a program that educates community leaders in good forest land management and empowers them to reach out to their communities to improve forest conservation.
Now in its fourth year, the program consists of an intensive, three-day workshop on forest land management in Hawai`i, including Hawaiian natural history, wildlife habitat, tree farming, invasive species, forest protection, koa forestry, agroforestry, working with professionals, taxes, estate planning, financial matters and Hawaiian culture. Half-day classroom sessions are balanced with afternoon field trips to managed private forests.
Now in its fourth year, the program consists of an intensive, three-day workshop on forest land management in Hawai`i, including Hawaiian natural history, wildlife habitat, tree farming, invasive species, forest protection, koa forestry, agroforestry, working with professionals, taxes, estate planning, financial matters and Hawaiian culture. Half-day classroom sessions are balanced with afternoon field trips to managed private forests.
The program is held at Kilauea Military Camp, with field trips to surrounding forests in East Hawai`i. Lodging is covered by the program. Participants are responsible for transportation to Volcano and their own meals at KMC’s Crater Rim Café or in Volcano Village.
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| John Keawe, here during a past performance at Punalu`u, returns to Ka`u tomorrow. |
For more information, see http://www2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/for-estry/workshops/ForestStewards_2015.html.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
LITO ARKANGEL SHARES HIS ORIGINAL compositions and other Hawaiian favorites this evening at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Free; park entrance fees apply.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
LITO ARKANGEL SHARES HIS ORIGINAL compositions and other Hawaiian favorites this evening at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Free; park entrance fees apply.
JOHN KEAWE PRESENTS A FREE tribute to slack key tomorrow at 3 p.m. Na`alehu Public Library.
DANCING ON EARTH: CREATIVE FLOW and Dance Meditation workshop takes place Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Shizuno Nasu’s workshop is rooted in deep listening and improvisation.
Register at volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
