Sustainable Living | Hawaii News and Island Information

June 2013
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Three Hawaii University Campuses Join EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge

Posted on June 19, 2013 by Damon

As part of the agency’s expanding efforts to reduce food waste across the state of Hawaii, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is recognizing the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Kapiolani Community College, and Hawaii Pacific University as the newest participants in the agency’s Food Recovery Challenge program.

As participants, UH, KCC and HPU join over 90 other colleges and universities nationwide in pledging to reduce wasted food. In addition to higher education institutions, other participants include grocers and entertainment venues, such as professional sports venues.

“Food waste that ends up in landfills is a particular problem for Hawaii, where disposal capacity is very limited,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “EPA is proud to partner with these universities as they support the environment and their communities by reducing food waste.”

Nationally, food waste is the single largest type of waste sent to landfills and incinerators, accounting for 25 percent of all materials sent to landfills and incinerators. When excess food, leftover food, and food scraps are disposed of in a landfill, they decompose and become a significant source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. In turn, limiting wasted food will reduce methane emissions.

Communities and businesses across the nation are working toward zero waste to landfills and incinerators to protect the environment and create local jobs. Zero waste initiatives design and procure products that reduce waste and implement strong reuse, recycling, and composting programs. Many zero waste communities are reaching over 50 percent diversion from landfills and incinerators, with some achieving as high as 80 percent diversion.

“The University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) and Kapiolani Community College have had a great year by assisting with the drafting of the first sustainability policy of the UH system. The UHM Sustainability Council the UHM administration also followed through with a commitment to ban styrofoam containers at on-campus dining locations,” said Doorae Shin, of the university’s campus wide Hawaii Student Sustainability Coalition. “A system wide sustainability policy in its final stage, and momentum is building up to ensure that our campuses practice environmental stewardship.”

“Hawaii Pacific University is excited to work with the EPA on the Food Recovery Challenge. Food waste is an important environmental issue, and HPU is committed to working towards long-term solutions that reduce the environmental impact of our dining operations,” said Josh Prigge, HPU’s Sustainability Coordinator.

Key Hawaii Food Recovery Non-profit Partners include: Rewarding Internship for Sustainable Employment (RISE), which provides paid internships to implement a variety of sustainability projects across the state including a Food Recovery internship; Aloha Harvest, which gathers quality, donated food and delivers it free of charge to social service agencies feeding the hungry of Hawaii; and The Green House, which runs programs to support sustainable living, gardening, and recycling.

The Food Recovery Challenge is part of EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management Program, which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of food and other widely-used everyday items through their entire life cycle, including how they are extracted, manufactured, distributed, used, reused, recycled or composted, and disposed.

For more information on the Food Recovery Challenge, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/foodrecoverychallenge/

For more information about the RISE Program, visit: http://www.RISEHI.org
For more information about Aloha Harvest, visit: http://www.alohaharvest.org
For more information about The Green House: http://www.thegreenhousehawaii.com

Filed under: Agriculture, Announcements, Environment, Food & Drink, Hawaii, Health, Kids, National Affairs, Opala in Paradise, Something New?, Sustainable Living, UH | Tagged: Food Recovery Challenge, Hawaii Pacific University, Kapiolani Community College, United States Environmental Protection Agency, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa | Leave a Comment »

Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric, and Hawaii Electric Light Company Have Scheduled Meetings

Posted on June 1, 2013 by Damon

Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric, and Hawaii Electric Light Company have scheduled meetings to seek public comment on draft Five-Year Action Plans.

Click to see plans

The Action Plans are part of the Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) process, which looks at how the utilities will meet future energy needs. The Hawaiian Electric Companies intend to file an Action Plan for each company with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) by June 28, 2013.

Hawaii Island

Tuesday, June 4: 6-8 p.m.. Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi St., Hilo
Wednesday, June 5: 6-8 p.m. 96-1149 Kamani St., Pahala
Thursday, June 6: 6-8 p.m. King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona

Oahu

Wednesday, June 12: 6-8 p.m. Farrington High School cafeteria, 1564 N. King St.

Maui County

Thursday, June 13: 6-8 p.m. Pomaikai Elementary School, 4650 S. Kamehameha Ave., Kahului
Wednesday, June 19: 6-8 p.m. Mitchell Pauole Center, 90 Ainoa St., Kaunakakai
Thursday, June 20: 5-7 p.m. Hale Kupuna, 1144 Ilima Ave., Lanai City

The Hawaiian Electric Companies will consider all comments in developing plans that will guide the utilities in coming years.

Information about IRP, including the four energy scenarios that guided the planning analysis, is available at www.irpie.com, the website of the PUC’s independent representative facilitating and monitoring the process.

Ongoing technical analysis of the scenarios is available on the site. The completed analysis and Draft Action Plans will be available for public review on the site after presentation to the citizens’ Advisory Group on Thursday, May 30, 2013.

The PUC initiated the latest round of integrated resource planning in March 2012 and named Carl Freedman of Maui-based Haiku Design & Analysis as the commission’s “independent entity” to oversee the process. The PUC also named a 68-member IRP Advisory Group, composed of representatives from diverse locations and organizations in Hawaii, to provide public input to the Hawaiian Electric utilities in the planning process. According to the PUC: “The goal of integrated resource planning is to develop an Action

Plan that governs how the utility will meet energy objectives and customer needs consistent with state energy policies and goals while providing safe and reliable utility service at a reasonable cost through development of Resource Plans and Scenarios of possible futures that provide a broader long-term perspective.”

Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, Economy, Environment, Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, State Affairs, Sustainable Living | Tagged: Hawaii Electric Light Company, Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric | Leave a Comment »

Kona Charter School “Greening Up” With Community Support

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Damon

Kona Pacific Public Charter School is becoming an island leader in green school practices, thanks to generous community support and the commitment of school administrators, faculty and students.

The first few months of 2013 have been exciting ones for Kona Pacific’s ambitious program of environmental awareness, sustainability and green school practices. Several generous donations from community members and businesses have helped support the school’s various green initiatives.

Solar panels were installed this year on one of Kona Pacific Public Charter School’s new buildings. The school is now 100% solar powered.

Kona Pacific is now 100% solar powered. In January, solar contractor P.A. Harris Electric and private benefactors donated and installed a high-capacity rooftop solar power system, which has reduced the school’s monthly electric bill to less than $300.

Due to the school’s new proactive program of careful purchasing, aggressive recycling efforts, compost, and an ethic of re-use, the daily solid waste output is now a single garbage bag, for an organization of almost 300 people, and water use is now 25% of what is considered average for a school of this size.

In March, supported by the “Zero Waste” Initiative of Hawai‘i County’s Department of Environmental Management, students from Kona Pacific pitched in at two major community events, the Kona Brewers Festival and Keoua Honaunau Canoe Club’s Mac-A-Thon, to man zero-waste stations in an effort to minimize the amount of waste material going into the island’s landfill and reduce the events’ impact on Hawaii’s natural environment.

“These efforts are a terrific way to engage students in turning their school into a green school, which is one of Kona Pacific’s strategic goals,” said [who should be quoted?] “It’s the enthusiasm and activism of our young people that will create a green future for our island.”

Kona Pacific, which offers a rigorous academic program inspired by Waldorf education and firmly rooted in the land and culture of Hawai‘i, is located on 40 acres of prime agricultural land mauka of Kona Community Hospital. The school also operates a significant community service, the WHOLE Food Service Program, which provides more than 200 at-risk and disadvantaged students, young children and elderly with healthy meals.
The school’s gardens and biodynamic farm will be integrated with the food service program to ensure the WHOLE Food program’s sustainability and ongoing access to local, affordable and high-quality produce.

Most recently, in April Kona Pacific received a $6,000 grant from the Bill Healy Foundation in support of the school’s dedication to green efforts and community well-being, and this month received a $17,500 grant from the Sam Mazza Foundation for the construction of a “green” nature-based playground, using only natural materials.

For more information about Kona Pacific’s green initiatives, or to learn more about The WHOLE Food Service program, please contact:

Chris Hecht
Executive Director
Kona Pacific Public Charter School
chris@kppcs.org
808-895-3030

Filed under: Announcements, Education, Environment, Hawaii, Kids, Kona, Sustainable Living | Tagged: Kona Pacific Public Charter School | Leave a Comment »

Seven Big Island Organizations Recipients of the 2013 Malama Honua Awards

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Damon

A total of seven (7) Big Island organizations were awarded with the 2013 Malama Honua Award, funded by Aloha Grown. Each received a $500 award towards a specific project, program or initiative that embodies Aloha Grown’s philosophy to “Support Local, Sustain the Aina & Share the Aloha.”

From L-R: Tracey Akau (Parker Ranch Store – Manager), Carl Sturges (Parker School – Headmaster), Holly Sargeant-Green (Malaai – Garden Leader), Hayley Blondin (Waimea Country School – Teacher/Garden Coordinator) and Camille Kalahiki (Parker Ranch Store – Assistant Manager). Missing Dashiell Kuhr (Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture – Executive Director)

Congratulations to the following 2013 Malama Honua Award recipients! Following are their projects/programs that promote sustainability (in alphabetical order):

Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture – “Aloha Classroom” project
Hilo Downtown Improvement Association – “Lets Grow Hilo” project
Hilo Intermediate School Parent & Community Networking Center – “Learning Garden/Aquaponics System” project
Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin – “Grow our Garden” initiative
Malaai: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School – “Farm Stand” program
Parker School – “Kihapai Hooulu” project
Waimea Country School – “Na Keiki Aloha Aina” program

“We were extremely pleased to see such a great response to our Aloha Grown Malama Honua Fund program,” said Aloha Grown Store Manager Tyler Owens. “We received a number of applications and essays from well-deserving organizations.”

From L-R: Connie Kurohara (Aloha Grown – Vice President), Richard Onishi (Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin – Kyodan President), Jon Kirby (Hilo Intermediate School Parent & Community Networking Center – Century 21 Garden Coordinator), Samantha Robinson (Hilo Downtown Improvement Association – Let’s Grow Hilo Coordinator) and Tyler Owens (Aloha Grown – Store Manager).

Parker Ranch Store Manager Tracey Akau noted, “it was inspiring to see how many organizations are committed to sustainability efforts in our Big Island communities.”

Aloha Grown is committed to supporting sustainability efforts on the Big Island. Two percent of every Aloha Grown sale goes to the Malama Honua Fund, which awards local nonprofits, schools, organizations and initiatives with similar sustainability missions.

To view the essays submitted by all 2013 Malama Honua Award recipients, visit www.alohagrown.com/malama-honua-fund.html.

For more information on Aloha Grown, visit www.alohagrown.com.

Filed under: Agriculture, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Education, Environment, Hawaii, Hawaiian, State Affairs, Sustainable Living | Tagged: 2013 Malama Honua Awards, Aloha Grown, Support Local, Sustain the Aina & Share the Aloha | 1 Comment »

Free Value-Added Guide for Hawai’i Producers Released

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Damon

A free 58-page guide entitled, Adding Value to Locally Grown Crops in Hawai‘i: A Guide for Small Farm Enterprise Innovation is now available. Because of the high cost of labor, land, and materials in Hawai‘i, family farms are only economically sustainable if they can produce high-quality products that are valued above cheap imports.

Front cover: Adding Value to Locally Grown Crops in Hawai‘i: A Guide for Small Farm Enterprise Innovation

This guide helps growers add value to all aspects of their farm enterprise and offers resources for further developing their strategies. “If you cherish the farming lifestyle and want to keep farming, you have to make your farm profitable. This guide goes a long way towards showing how to escape from the fatal trap of commoditization by adding value for the consumer,” observes Dr. Kent Fleming, an extension economist who has developed numerous cost-of-production spreadsheets for the University of Hawai’i and other organizations worldwide.

The guide was authored by Craig Elevitch and Ken Love with input from agricultural professionals statewide. Elevitch is an agroforestry educator whose most recent book Specialty Crops for Pacific Islands (2011) provides insights into sustainable cultivation and processing techniques for local and export markets with an emphasis on production methods, postharvest processing, and marketing. Love, widely known as a passionate advocate for the innovative small farm, is co-owner of Love Family Farms in Kona, Hawai’i, which produces a range of value-added products including jams, jellies, dried fruits, and coffee.

“Adding value is an essential component of small farm sustainability,” says Love, who has extensive experience working with farm enterprises. “There are many different ways to add value in growing, processing, and marketing products. This guide is about finding ways of adding value to your operation that are best suited for you and that are ultimately profitable.”

The publication was produced with funds from the State of Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, the Agribusiness Incubator Program of the University of Hawai‘i, and the County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development. The guide is available as a free download and a limited number of free hard copies will be available throughout Hawai’i. Distribution locations and a link to download the free guide are listed at www.valueadded.info.

Filed under: Agriculture, aloha, Announcements, Economy, Education, Environment, Food & Drink, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Health, Something New?, Sustainable Living | Tagged: Agriculture, Craig Elevitch, Hawai, Ken Love | Leave a Comment »

DLNR Seeking Streamlined Permitting Process to Restore Fishponds

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Damon

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is taking part in a “Ho‘āla Loko I‘a” initiative with cultural practitioners in Hawaii to assist with the restoration and operation of traditional Hawaiian fishponds.

“Hawaiian fishpond systems, loko i‘a, are some of Hawai‘i’s most significant traditional cultural resources,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson. “To help community organizations and traditional fishpond practitioners revitalize these important resources and navigate the many government regulations approvals,” DLNR is currently pursuing a state programmatic general permit (SPGP) from the federal government,” he said.

“This will allow the State to streamline the permitting process by utilizing a single application process for the restoration, repair, maintenance and reconstruction of loko i‘a statewide, in Hawai‘i,” Aila said.

The draft environmental assessment for the SPGP was published in the Environmental Notice on April 23, and DLNR is seeking public comments on the proposal. Copies of the Environmental Assessment, along with other related documents, are available on the websites for the Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (
http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/occl/manuals-reports
) and Honua Consulting (
http://www.honuaconsulting.com/lokoia/
).

Comments can be submitted via Honua’s website. The official public comment period will run through May 23, 2013.

Project representatives are also available to meet on-site with fishpond practitioners to review the proposal. Interested hui may contact Michael Cain at the Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands at 808-783-2501 or by e-mail at Michael.Cain@hawaii.gov.

Filed under: Announcements, Environment, Hawaii, Hawaiian, State Affairs, Sustainable Living | Tagged: Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Fishponds, Honua Consulting | Leave a Comment »

Lauhala Symposium at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Damon

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo North Hawai‘i Education and Research Center (NHERC) and Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy (HPA) invite the public to a “Symposium on Sustainability and Traditional Pacific Island Arts: The Art of Lauhala, Form and Function,” on May 3 & 4 at the HPA Gates Performing Arts Center. There is no charge for May 3, but there is a $55 fee for May 4.

Girls Weaving Lauhala. From the Hawaii State Archives

The purpose of the symposium is to celebrate and educate people on the important role lauhala fiber work traditions played in the settlement and development of the Pacific region. The two-day event includes lectures, talk story sessions, a fiber arts exhibition, and weaving workshops and demonstrations given by some of Hawaiʻi’s leading lauhala fiber artists.

Date: ca. 1910
Photographer: Gartley, Alonzo, 1869-1921

Special focus will be given to the role native Hawaiian weavers from Hawaiʻi Island have played over the last century in the development and perpetuation of this fiber art form, especially in the making of lauhala hats. A highlight will be a talk story session with Kona resident and master weaver Aunty Elizabeth Lee, who is the founder and director of Ka Ulu Lauhala O Kona, an organization dedicated to perpetuating the art of lauhala weaving.

Call NHERC at 775-8890 for event details.

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Education, Entertainment, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Sustainable Living | Tagged: Lauhala Symposium, Native Hawaiians, University of Hawaii Hilo, Weaving | Leave a Comment »

Hawaii Remains State With Least Stress

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Damon

Residents of least stressed states report highest levels of enjoyment

Hawaii residents remained the least likely in the U.S. to say they felt stressed on any given day in 2012, at 32.1%. West Virginia residents, on average, were the most likely to report feeling stress, at 47.1%.

Five Least Stressed States Five Most Stressed States

These state-level data are based on daily surveys conducted from January through December 2012 and encompass more than 350,000 interviews as part of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. Nationwide, 40.6% of Americans reported feeling stressed “yesterday” in 2012, similar to past years.

Gallup has measured daily stress in its tracking survey since 2008. Hawaii has ranked as the state with the lowest percentage of residents reporting stress on the prior day all five years and is the only state to rank in the top five consistently since 2008. West Virginia, Kentucky, and Utah, have each ranked within the top five most stressed states for the past five years. West Virginia ranked as the most stressed state in 2012, Kentucky was the top state for stress in 2008 and 2011, and Utah was the top state for stress in 2009 and 2010.

For all of the states, stress levels were statistically unchanged in 2012 compared with 2011. Regionally, states with stress levels at or above 42% were clustered in the Northeast and Midwest, but also included Utah, Oregon, and Washington.

Lowest Stress States Report Most Enjoyment

Two of the five states with the lowest stress levels, Hawaii and Wyoming, also boasted the highest levels of enjoyment in 2012. In Hawaii, 89.7% of residents said they experienced enjoyment the day before the survey and 88.8% said so in Wyoming.

Five States with Most Enjoyment

Five States With Least Enjoyment

Rhode Island residents were the least likely to report feeling enjoyment the previous day, at 80.4%, although that is still high on an absolute basis. Residents in other high-stress states, Kentucky and West Virginia, were also among the least likely to experience enjoyment. Both of these states have appeared among the bottom five states for experiencing enjoyment at least three times since Gallup began reporting this measure, including 2012. Utah is unique in that it is routinely ranked among both the highest stress and highest enjoyment states, appearing among the top five in enjoyment in 2008, 2011, and 2012, suggesting a complex relationship between stress and other emotions.

Nationally, 84.9% of Americans reported feeling enjoyment “yesterday” in 2012. States with relatively lower enjoyment levels, below 84%, were primarily clustered in the Northeast and South, but also included Ohio. The states where enjoyment was higher than 86% were located mainly in the Midwest and West, including Hawaii and Alaska.

Bottom Line

For the past five years, Hawaii has consistently ranked as the least stressed state, while West Virginia, Kentucky, and Utah have been among the most stressed states. Despite this, Utah residents join Hawaii residents in reporting among the highest levels of enjoyment in the U.S., while West Virginia and Kentucky residents report some of the lowest levels of enjoyment.

While the relationship between stress and enjoyment is not clear, states with the highest stress levels tend to report less daily enjoyment. Further investigation into what drives stress, how it impacts people, and ways to mitigate its effects are important, as 40% of American adults consistently report experiencing it a lot of the day “yesterday.”

About the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index

The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index tracks wellbeing in the U.S. and provides best-in-class solutions for a healthier world. To learn more, please visit well-beingindex.com.

Survey Methods

Results are based on telephone interviews conducted as part of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index survey Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2012, with a random sample of 353,564 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, selected using random-digit-dial sampling.

For results based on the total sample of national adults, one can say with 95% confidence that the maximum margin of sampling error is ±1 percentage point.

The margin of sampling error for most states is ±1 to ±2 percentage points, but is as high as ±4 points for states with smaller population sizes such as Alaska, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Delaware, and Hawaii.

Interviews are conducted with respondents on landline telephones and cellular phones, with interviews conducted in Spanish for respondents who are primarily Spanish-speaking. Each sample includes a minimum quota of 400 cell phone respondents and 600 landline respondents per 1,000 national adults, with additional minimum quotas among landline respondents by region. Landline telephone numbers are chosen at random among listed telephone numbers. Cell phone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods. Landline respondents are chosen at random within each household on the basis of which member had the most recent birthday.

Samples are weighted by gender, age, race, Hispanic ethnicity, education, region, adults in the household, and phone status (cell phone only/landline only/both, cell phone mostly, and having an unlisted landline number). Demographic weighting targets are based on the March 2012 Current Population Survey figures for the aged 18 and older non-institutionalized population living in U.S. telephone households. All reported margins of sampling error include the computed design effects for weighting.

In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.

For more details on Gallup’s polling methodology, visit www.gallup.com.

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Economy, Environment, Hawaii, Health, National Affairs, State Affairs, Sustainable Living, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: Gallup, Gallup Poll, Hawaii Least Stress | Leave a Comment »

Student Rates Announced for the 2013 Hawaii Conservation Conference

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Damon

The Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance in partnership with Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation proudly announces the 2013 Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference Student Rate Program.

Under this program, Hawaiʻi high school students, college students, and emerging professionals may be qualified to attend this yearʻs Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference at a special rate of $50.

Muralist Wyland and others at the 2012 Conservation Conference

Our neighboring island recipients will also receive at $200 travel stipend.

Please visit the following link for more details, eligibility requirements and applications (printable & fillable pdfs). Applications are due by May 30th, 2013.

http://hawaiiconservation.org/activities/hawaii_conservation_conference/conferences/2013/student_rate

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Education, Environment, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Health, State Affairs, Sustainable Living, Technology | Tagged: 2013 Hawaii Conservation Conference, Biodiversity, Hawaiian Islands | Leave a Comment »

Mars Mission on the Big Island Delayed 24 Hours – What Would You Cook on Mars?

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Damon

The Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) project was scheduled to begin today on the Big Island.

More Photos available through the HI-SEAS website.

It will begin tomorrow following a small delay.

The HI-SEAS crew spent the morning at the Ka'ohe Restoration Area helping with reforestation efforts on Mauna Kea. This is part of the crews week long pre-mission cultural experience.

The HI-SEAS crew spent the last week at the Ka’ohe Restoration Area helping with reforestation efforts on Mauna Kea. This was part of the crews week long pre-mission cultural experience.

The HI-SEAS Project is a project that NASA has developed to figure out how to cook food on the Planet Mars, in a Mars like environment here on the Big Island.

The site is set up at an undisclosed location on Mauna Kea.

Today they stated that the project’s initial start was pushed back 24 hours:

One of the crew members posted the following on Facebook today:

You can follow them on Twitter at #HISEAS or follow their website: Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation.

Filed under: Agriculture, aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Education, Environment, Food & Drink, Hawaii, Health, National Affairs, Something New?, Sustainable Living, Technology, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: Big Island of Hawaii, Food on Mars, Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, HI-SEAS, Mars Mission, Mauna Kea Research, Mission to Mars | Leave a Comment »

School Garden Thrives at Hale Kiaaina – State of Hawaii and Volunteer Groups Plant Lessons of ‘Seed to Table’

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Damon

With Earth Day on April 22, the adoption of a very special garden by St. Andrew’s Priory School students – and the lessons it instills – is taking on extra significance.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Dr. Nancie Caraway have welcomed the sixth and seventh grade students to the grounds of historic Washington Place and the Governor’s residence, Hale Kiaaina, to learn about growing fresh food in the thriving organic garden that serves as a living, outdoor classroom.

“The New Day school garden project represents our commitment to food self-sufficiency and the importance of instilling that value – as well as the knowledge and skill to do it – in the next generation,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “Growing our own food and connecting our keiki to the land through hands-on environmental education can plant lifelong lessons that students will carry with them throughout their lives.”

The New Day Garden was first planted in 2011 as a collaborative effort led by Dr. Caraway and supported by a diverse group of non-profit organizations, state agencies, local businesses, volunteers, and students. The garden is dedicated to Dr. Caraway’s mother, Ellen Caraway.

“My mother Ellen’s greatest joy was seeing green things grow,” Dr. Caraway said. “She absorbed all the beauty the earth provided. We wanted her spirit of Malama Aina to inspire us all.”

Gardening at Washington Place has proven to be a source of inspiration for the students and teachers. For some of the students, this is their first time in a garden. Jessie, a sixth grade student, said she signed up for the Garden Club because she just “wanted to learn about plants.”

But her classmate, Genevieve, not only expressed the benefit of having fun with other people while gardening together, but also the thrill of harvesting. “It is exciting because when you finish planting you can eat everything you planted,” she said.

One of the seventh grade students, Nevaeh, has more expertise than her peers in this area and could already identify many of the plants growing in the New Day Garden. “It feels great because I can share my knowledge with those who don’t know,” she said.

The students also recognize that their school garden is located at an extra special venue. When asked what she liked best about gardening at Hale Kiaaina, seventh grader Brianne replied, “The hard work we put into it will be shown to the Governor.”

Teachers Murielle Sipola and Kaipo Walsh bring their personal experiences and passion to the garden as they weave lessons of “seed to table” into the curriculum. Sipola’s primary goal is to help her students eat a healthier diet that includes more vegetables. This semester, she is integrating the after-school Garden Club with the nutrition and cooking classes for the middle school students. As the world languages teacher, Sipola plans to feature the botanical names from the garden in her Latin classes next year as well.

Walsh learned about gardening from conversations with vendors at her local farmer’s markets. She is offering a garden design class as part of Priory’s summer school program. Her students will have the opportunity to design and construct raised bed gardens on the campus, modeled after the New Day Garden, to expand and connect their efforts.

The garden project represents the concept of laulima, or cooperation. The full list of organizations and individuals that have helped the garden to thrive are listed below.

New Day Garden Helpers

Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Hawaii Department of Transportation
UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
Fresh Start Organics, 1st Look Exteriors
Leyla Cabugos, Grow Hawaii
Matt Lynch, Asia-Pacific Center of Regenerative Design
Kokua Hawaii Foundation
Jacqueline Kozak Thiel, Hawaii Invasive Species Council
Jeremai Caan
Voyager School
MAO Organic Farms
Whole Foods
Cameron Heen
Kokua Market
Town Restaurant
MOA Foundation
Hawaii Carpenter’s Union
Kainalu Elementary Garden Club
Koolau Farmers
Mike Davis
St. Andrew’s Priory School

Filed under: Abercrombie, Agriculture, Announcements, Education, Environment, Food & Drink, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Health, Kids, Sustainable Living | Tagged: Nancie Caraway, Neil Abercrombie, Washington Place | Leave a Comment »

Top 10 U.S. Electric Utilities For Solar Power Usage

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Damon

The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) has released a new list of the 10 U.S. electric utilities that have added the most new solar power to their systems and the most solar on a watts-per-customer basis in 2012.

This annual ranking, which identifies the companies that are integrating solar into the nation’s power grid, is part of SEPA’s sixth annual Utility Solar Rankings report. The full report, which will be released next month, identifies industry trends, such as total installed capacity, market share and industry growth rates.

Utilities ranking in this year’s top 10 (by solar megawatts) accounted for 73% of all capacity integrated in 2012, a slight increase from 2011. Among the top three in the rankings are some of the nation’s largest utilities – Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E), Southern California Edison and Public Service Electric & Gas Co. – which often rank highly in this category due to their expansive customer solar programs and utility purchasing programs.

Rounding out the list are Arizona Public Service, NV Energy, Jersey Central Power & Light, Tucson Electric Power Co., Progress Energy Carolinas, Sacramento Municipal Utility District and Hawaiian Electric Co. All were previously ranked in 2011, with the exception of Progress Energy Carolinas, which is in its first year on the list.

This is the fifth year that PG&E has topped the list, SEPA notes.

Separately, the rankings of the top 10 utilities by solar watts per customer take into account the number of customers each utility serves relative to their solar megawatts installed, giving small utilities a more competitive opportunity to measure their solar energy capacity.

Leading these rankings are many municipal utilities, including the City of St. Mary’s, Ohio; Kauai Island Utility Co-op in Hawaii; and Bryan Municipal Utilities in Ohio. Both Ohio utilities were not previously ranked, and Kauai moved up from No. 12 in the 2011 rankings.

The remaining top 10 providers include Hawaiian Electric Co., Chickasaw (Tenn.) Electric Co-op; Maui (Hawaii) Electric Co.; Imperial Irrigation District in California; Tucson (Ariz.) Electric Power Co.; City of Napoleon, Ohio; and Vineland Municipal Electric Utility in N.J.

Complete rankings can be found here.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative No. 2 utility in U.S. for solar energy (bizjournals.com)

Filed under: Announcements, Economy, Environment, Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, National Affairs, Sustainable Living, Technology | Tagged: Electric utility, SEPA, Solar power in the United States, Utility cooperative | Leave a Comment »

DLNR Participating in Statewide Earth Month Events

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Damon

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is celebrating Earth Month in collaborations with several Earth Day events to share stewardship tips with the public. Together we can all protect our natural and cultural resources for a healthy environment and a clean world.

“DLNR is attending these events, along with several other organizations, to draw attention to the care of our resources during Earth Month. We encourage anyone to bring the family out to celebrate Earth Day and learn more about what the Department is doing, and what individuals can do, to be good stewards of Hawaii’s resources,” said Chairperson William J. Aila, Jr., “We’re thankful for the hard work and commitment of the organization hosting community events focusing on our environment.”

Scheduled Events

Oahu

April 13, 2013
Saturday 9 am – 2 pm
Mauka to Makai Oceans Day at Waikiki Aquarium

This family-friendly event will have hands on educational displays and showcase more than 20 city, state, and federal agencies that are aimed to preserve and protect Hawaii’s environment. The City & County of Honolulu and State of Hawaii Department of Health host this Earth Day celebration at Waikiki Aquarium with an emphasis on the Island’s unique water resources from mauka to makai.

The event is free; trolley service from Waikiki Elementary school will start at 8:45AM.

DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources Sea Urchin Hatchery, Commission on Water Resources Management, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and the co-managed Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary are participating and will have informational booths and activities for kids. DAR Sea Urchin Hatchery is donating 200 native collector sea urchins to the Waikiki Aquarium as part of the Mauka to Makai Expo.

For more information visit
www.waquarium.org/news-events.html or www.cleanwaterhonolulu.com/storm/

April 13-14, 2013
Saturday 9 am – 7 pm and Sunday 9 am – 5 pm
Ocean Expo at Neil Blaisdell Convention Center – Exhibition Hall

DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and the Aquatic Invasive Species; DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) will team with the USCG Auxiliary, Honolulu Sail and Power Squadron, Hawaii Ocean Safety Team (HOST); and the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) are participating to meet and greet the public and provide information and family activities. Special guest appearance of Coastie the Safety Boat.

For more information visit
www.hawaiioceanexpo.com/

April 20, 2013
Saturday, 9:30 am – 3 pm
Honolulu Zoo Earth Day

DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary are participating in a family friendly Earth Day event coordinated by The Honolulu Zoo. DLNR DOFAW staff are participating to share information on Project Learning Tree and forestry information on landowner assistance programs along with samples of educational posters, coloring books, and activities for kids. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary booth will share information about the sanctuary program, the humpback whales and the disentanglement program and children’s marine science activities.

Note: Event requires zoo admission.

For more information visit
www.honoluluzoo.org

April 20, 2013
Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm
Earth Day at Windward Mall Center Court

DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) is participating in a family friendly Earth Day event coordinated by The Nature Conservancy. Along with informational booths the Aquatic Invasive Species booth will have invasive algae samples, juvenile urchins, a Super Sucker video and the Marine Wildlife Program will have a hands on activity to teach kids how to make barbless circle hooks and to share information about the population, diet, and responsible viewing of monk seals and sea turtles.

For more information visit
www.windwardmall.com/event/earth-day-at-windward-mall/

April 20, 2013
Saturday, Noon – 4 pm
Earth Day at Sea Life Park

Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii and Sea Life Park are hosting the annual Earth Day Cleanup and continuing the fun with an Arts & Music Festival. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary booth will share information about the sanctuary program, the humpback whales and the disentanglement program and children’s marine science activities.

For more information visit
www.facebook.com/SeaLifeHawaii

April 20, 2013
Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm
Earth Day at Pearl Harbor

Hosted by Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) will team with the USCG Auxiliary to provide boating safety outreach materials for ocean users and make custom ColorOn t-shirts for children. Special guest appearance of Coastie the Safety Boat. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary will share information about the sanctuary program, the humpback whales and the disentanglement program and children’s marine science activities.

Note: The event is open to NEX patrons and those that can obtain access to the base.

For more information visit
www.hookelenews.com

April 22, 2013
Monday, 10 am – 1 pm
Navy Earth Day 2013 at NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor, Kilo-8 Pier

DLNR Division of State Parks, Division of Aquatic Resources – Aquatic Invasive Species Program, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and the Waianae Mountains Watershed Partnership are participating with informational booths and family activities at this event hosted by Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor.

Note: The event is open to anyone can obtain access to the base.

April 24, 2013
Wednesday, 1 – 4 p.m.
Earth Day Festival at Schofield Barracks at the Kalakaua Community Center

DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary are participating with informational booths and family activities at this event Sponsored by Island Palm Communities and the U.S. Army Garrison Directorate of Public Works.

For more information visit
www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/sustainability/EarthMonth/IPC_EarthDay_24thPoster.pdf

April 27 2013
Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm
Earth Day at Fort Shafter

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary booth will share information about the sanctuary program, the humpback whales and the disentanglement program and children’s marine science activities at this event Sponsored by Island Palm Communities and the U.S. Army Garrison Directorate of Public Works.

For more information visit
www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/sustainability/EarthMonth/IPC_EarthDay_27thPoster.pdf

Molokai

April 19, 2013
Friday, 5 pm – 9 pm
Molokai Earth Day at Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai

DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) are participating in a family friendly Earth Day event coordinated by The Nature Conservancy. DAR staff will share information on the Hawaii Marine Recreational Fishing Survey, measurement guides, fishing regulations, etc. DOFAW staff will share information on Project Learning Tree and landowner assistance programs along with samples of educational posters, coloring books, and activities for kids.

For more information visit
www.molokaievents.com/

For more information on the Department programs visit
dlnr.hawaii.gov or find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/HawaiiDLNR to keep up with the latest events, activities, and news. Or feel free to call or stop by a DLNR office, contact information is available under the “contact us” tab.

Filed under: Agriculture, aloha, Announcements, Community, Education, Environment, Hawaii, Health, National Affairs, Opala in Paradise, State Affairs, Sustainable Living | Tagged: 2013 Earth Month | Leave a Comment »

Big Island Water Resources Meeting Addresses Freshwater, Coastal Water Resources

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Damon

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo recently hosted over 40 researchers from universities, local and federal agencies, as well as natural resource managers and community planners to share information about their past, current, or future projects regarding freshwater and coastal water resources on the Big Island at the 2nd Big Island Water Resource Meeting held March 25th on the UH Hilo campus.

Effects of climate change, invasive species, development, and pollution on Big Island water resources, as well as cultural and traditional Hawaiian management use and practices were discussed by presenters, specifically ecohydrology, hydrology, ecology, and biogeochemistry of freshwater and coastal resources.

“This meeting was a great opportunity for the water resource community to share information about their ongoing projects and brainstorm on collaborations that will allow us to more effectively manage and protect our island’s water resources,” said Dr. Tracy Wiegner, associate professor of marine science and event chair. “We hope to make this meeting an annual event.”

UH Hilo, Hawaiʻi EPSCoR, and Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science (PIPES) funded and provided logistical support for the meeting.

Highlights of the presentations can be found at:
http://www.epscor.hawaii.edu/content/big-island-water-resources-conference-ii
.

Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Education, Environment, Hawaii, National Affairs, Rumors, State Affairs, Sustainable Living, Technology | Tagged: Big Island Water Resources Meeting, Oceanography, University of Hawaii Hilo, Water resources | Leave a Comment »

State of Hawaii Invests in Innovative Zero Waste Biofuel Program – Governor Presents $200,000 to Hilo-Based Project

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Damon

Governor Presents $200,000 to Hilo-Based Project, Recognizes Local Researcher Dennis Gonsalves, Ph.D.

At a special open house event at the USDA Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center (PBARC), Gov. Neil Abercrombie today presented a $200,000 check from the state Department of Agriculture that will go toward the Hilo center’s zero waste biofuel and high protein feed program.

PBARC along with Florida-based BioTork Hawaii LLC have invested more than $1 million to successfully develop an economically sustainable zero waste conversion project producing biofuel and high protein animal feed from unmarketable papaya. The conversion process takes 14 days to cycle in a heterotrophic environment, meaning no sunlight is needed using organically optimized algae/fungi developed and patented by BioTork.

From Gov. Abercrombie’s Facebook page.

The state’s $200,000 investment will assist PBARC in moving the project to pilot scale as a prelude to commercial production. The State of Hawaii’s Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) will become a venture partner to globally export the rapid conversion technology in association with PBARC and BioTork Hawaii LLC.

“This patented evolutionary technology is unique to the marketplace and places Hawaii in a leading position in the area of biofuel and feed research,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “With this technology, farmers can turn agricultural waste into an additional revenue stream, and local production of biofuel can lower dependence on Hawaii’s import of fossil fuels.

“Aside from the benefit of producing biofuel, this technology has the ability to create another revenue stream for papaya and other tropical agriculture farmers. Local high protein feed production – another by-product of this process – can greatly benefit cattle, hog, chicken and aquaculture farms through competitive market pricing.”

The state also hopes to develop a long-term revenue generator as a partner exporting this technology. At full scale, more than 1,000 jobs are projected.

While papaya was chosen as the initial feedstock, this technology can be applied to any plant material as a carbon source. In Hawaii, other identifiable feedstock are unmarketable sweet potato, sugar cane, mango, albizia and glycerol. Invasive trees like albizia could be used as feedstock in this zero waste program.

“This Hawaii-based technological development is a major breakthrough that focuses on key components hampering the sustainability efforts of other microorganism based biofuel projects,” said James Nakatani, ADC executive director. “These obstacles include the high cost of feedstock. Approximately 70 percent of the cost for production is consumed in this area. Using unmarketable plant and other waste materials drastically reduces this cost driver.

“While past lab projects have not translated into robust performances when scaled-up, BioTork’s solution promotes rapid and dynamic evolution of microorganisms that are robust even in ‘suboptimal’ conditions.”

Research and development funds will be used for customizing feedstock formulations to create Hawaii’s zero waste conversion technological library. The library will be available for export and sale to other states and countries. The United States alone produces up to 20 million metric tons of culled produce from which as much as 1.7 billion gallons of renewable lipids could be made.

Dr. Dennis Gonsalves Day
Also at the event, the Governor honored Kohala-born Dennis Gonsalves, Ph.D. by proclaiming April 6 “Dr. Dennis Gonsalves Day,” recognizing his research efforts at PBARC to improve and develop sustainable agriculture crops and programs in Hawaii and around the world.

Dr. Gonsalves served for 10 years as PBARC’s director and recently retired. He is most noted for his efforts that saved Hawaii’s papaya industry from the ringspot virus. The transgenic “Rainbow Papaya” that he and his team developed and released to growers in 1998 helped to bring the industry back after ringspot virus had reduced Hawaii’s papaya production by 50 percent.

Filed under: Abercrombie, Agriculture, Announcements, Big Island, Education, Environment, Food & Drink, Hawaii, Hilo, Something New?, State Affairs, Sustainable Living, Technology, Transportation | Tagged: Biofuel, Dennis Gonsalves, Neil Abercrombie, PBARC, United States Department of Agriculture, Zero Waste Biofuel Program | Leave a Comment »

Konawaena Student is Driving Force Behind Sustainability Resolution

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Damon

Two years ago an essay contest on sustainability caught the attention of Trevor Tanaka, currently a senior at Konawaena High School on Hawaii Island. He realized that he did not know a lot about sustainability and, more importantly, while private schools incorporated sustainable education into their courses, it was woefully absent from the public school curriculum.

Trevor Tanaka

Trevor’s journey to do something about this began at the Hawaii State Student Council’s Secondary Student Conference in the fall of 2011 where he presented a resolution requiring public schools throughout the State to incorporate sustainable education into their science curriculum. At the conference, the resolution garnered the support of 85% of the student delegation. He was then nominated by Nancy Redfeather from The Kohala Center to join the Sustainable Hawaii Youth Leadership Initiative (SHYLI) and presented his resolution at the 2012 Youth Leadership Summit for Sustainable Development in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, last July and at the SHYLI Youth Leadership Forum in Kamuela in January 2013.

In addition to drafting HCR 178 and its companion SCR192, Tanaka solicited officials like Mayor Billy Kenoi and other Big Island community leaders to submit testimony. Earlier this week Trevor came to Honolulu to testify on his resolution before the House Committee on Education. HCR178 passed the House committee and will go to the full House for a vote before being sent to the Senate for its consideration.

“When I meet someone like Trevor I know that the future of Hawaii is in good hands,” said Rep. Denny Coffman (District 5: Na’alehu, Ocean View, Capt. Cook, Kealakekua, Kailua-Kona) who introduced the resolution on Trevor’s behalf.

“Trevor discovered a gap in his school curriculum and decided to take the initiative and do something about it. We could all learn a thing or two from this exceptional young man,” Coffman added.

Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, Education, Hawaii, Kids, Legislature, State Affairs, Sustainable Living | Tagged: Hawaii State Student Council's Secondary Student Conference, Konawaena High School, Rep. Denny Coffman, Trevor Tanaka | Leave a Comment »

Blue Earth Announces MOU for ~$4.5 Million to Build & Operate 3 Megawatts Solar PV in Hawaii

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Damon

Blue Earth, Inc. a renewable energy and energy efficiency services company, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Xnergy Inc., entered into a binding Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with a major renewable energy company to construct about 3 MWs of solar PV projects in Hawaii. Under the MOU, Xnergy will provide engineering support, procurement for majority of the equipment and complete construction (“EPC”) services for the approximate 3 megawatts of solar PV projects. The EPC revenue for the Company is expected to be approximately ~$4.5 million.

Procurement and Construction is expected to commence in April and be concluded during the fourth quarter. The parties are concluding final EPC and O&M contracts prior to the start of construction.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to provide EPC and Operational services for a major renewable energy company. We expect to soon be the largest by MW’s installed in the great State of Hawaii and leverage that into more opportunities,” stated D. Jason Davis, CEO of Xnergy, Inc. “Expanding our EPC business activities in HI will be beneficial to the ramp up of construction of our HI solar PV pipeline, including the Waianae project, which is now under construction.”

“Constructing these projects in conjunction with the completing the Sun Valley projects and commencing our first HI projects will continue the rapid ramp up in revenue growth and help the Company achieve revenue as presented in previous presentations,” according to Dr. Johnny Thomas, CEO and President.

Xnergy is a full-service EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) firm, which has engineered, installed, and/or commissioned over a 100 MW of traditional and alternative energy systems. Energy provides a broad range of comprehensive energy solutions including the design and implementation of energy savings projects, energy conservation, energy infrastructure outsourcing, power generation and energy supply and risk management. Xnergy serves private and public clients from all industries throughout the Western United States, including Hawaii and helps them minimize their energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint.

Filed under: Announcements, Economy, Environment, Hawaii, Something New?, State Affairs, Sustainable Living, Technology | Tagged: Blue Earth Inc., Hawaii, Photovoltaic system, Xnergy | Leave a Comment »

Over Sixty People Attend Agricultural Talk-Story Session with Council Member Ilagan

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Damon

Over sixty people gathered at the Pahoa Community Center for an agricultural talk-story session on March 22. The Interim Dean of the University of Hawai’i at Hilo’s College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management (CAFNRM), Dr. Bruce Matthews, industry experts from the Hawai’i Island Papaya Association, and County Council Member Greggor Ilagan of District 4, discussed the current state of agriculture and concerns for the future of food with the community.

Council Member Greggor Ilagan, District 4

The community had questions regarding issues of soil fertility, community gardening and resources available to remedy the increasing concern with food safety and sustainability. “This right here, is what we need more of,” said Council Member Ilagan, as he facilitated communication between the community and UH Hilo Interim Dean, Dr. Matthews.

“Everyone agrees; we need more collaboration, cooperation and action between the individuals in the community, agencies and schools, and the policy makers,” said Council Member Ilagan.

Also in attendance was Representative Faye Hanohano, Eileen O’Hara, a representative from Senator Russell Ruderman’s office, and Dennis Kauka Jr., Council Aide to Council Member Zendo Kern of District 5.

Council Member Ilagan, District 4 and Dr. Bruce Matthews)

Friday’s talk-story session was a prelude to Council Member Ilagan’s continued collaboration with community members to increase efforts and efficacy in agriculture. “It’s our time to take action. We need to hear from the community and responsibly direct dwindling resources to the highest areas of need.”

Council Member Ilagan continued, “We don’t live in a bountiful economy, but we do have the land to cultivate bounty. Talents and skills exist within every individual; collectively, we can accomplish so much. Let’s work together and creatively use what we have available to address food needs in the community.”

For more information call Council Member Greggor Ilagan’s office at 965-2712, or E-mail at gilagan@hawaiicounty.gov.

Filed under: Agriculture, aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, County Council, Education, Environment, Hawaii, Highway 130, Pahoa, Puna, Sustainable Living | Tagged: Agriculture in Hawaii, Councilman Ilagan, Dr. Bruce Matthews | Leave a Comment »

Gov. Abercrombie to Attend Blessing of Pohoiki PV Solar Farm in Puna

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Damon

Tomorrow, Governor Neil Abercrombie will be in attendance to oversee the initial launch and blessing of the Pohoiki PV Solar Farm in Puna. Aunty Mahealani Henry will conduct the blessing, and music will be provided by Dewi Maile Lim and Friends.

Greenpower Solutions LLC designed the solar farm to produce energy, food, and employment- three priorities for the state of Hawai`i. The plant is composed of 400 solar panels mounted on 9′ tall structures. The structures act as a frame for a greenhouse and aquaponic food growing system. Electricity is produced from the plant and is sold to Helco under a 20 year feed-in-tariff contract. The plant will produce enough energy to supply about 25 homes in Puna.

The Pohoiki PV Solar Farm is an example of the business potential of solar power in Puna and in the state. Electrical engineer and owner Raj Budhabhatti moved to Hawai`i in 2005 and started Greenpower Solutions to address Hawai`i’s energy needs. Greenpower aims to deliver innovative technical and financial solutions to turn energy challenge into energy opportunity.

The plant connects the local landowner with a private investor and uses technology created by Greenpower Solutions LLC. The landowner receives a percentage of the energy harvested monthly for the next 20 years. After that time the plant will belong to the landowner. The plant was designed and built using an all local professional workforce.

The plant was inspected by HELCO on March 13, 2013 and is currently in operation.

Filed under: Abercrombie, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Environment, Hawaii, Puna, Sustainable Living, Technology | Tagged: Neil Abercrombie, Pohoiki PV Solar Farm, Solar Power | Leave a Comment »

Friday – Pahoa Talk Story Session with Agriculture and Industry Experts

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Damon

This Friday, March 22, at 5:30 p.m., bring your ideas, concerns and questions to the Pahoa Community Center for a talk story session with agriculture and industry experts.

“Food is a basic necessity that many struggle to obtain. Cultivating sustainable farming and encouraging agricultural development is necessary for our community, our island, to not only survive, but to thrive,” said District 4 Council Member, Greggor Ilagan.

Councilman Greggor Ilagan at his kickoff for the County Council Seat.

Friday’s community discussion will include individuals from the Hawai’i Papaya Association and the University of Hawai’i at Hilo’s Agriculture programs.

“We need to get boots on the ground to help people with all aspects of gardening and agriculture,” said Bruce Mathews, PhD, Interim Dean of UH-Hilo’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management (CAFNRM).

An overview of the UH Hilo Agriculture programs, workshops, education and possibly grant funds will be discussed. “We want to get to know your [Puna’s] concerns and needs, and offer our assistance to farmers in vital agriculture sectors,” said Mathews.

A sign-up sheet for future vermicomposting workshops given by Horticulturist, Dr. Norman Arancon, will also be available at the talk-story session. For those interested in learning more about composting with the power of earthworms, E-mail Dr. Arancon at normanq@hawaii.edu.

“Everyone is invited. Whether you’re a home gardener, local business, farm expert or beginner, get your ideas and concerns heard,” said Council Member Ilagan.

For more information regarding the talk story session on Friday, contact Council Member Ilagan at 965-2712, or E-mail at gilagan@hawaiicounty.gov.

Filed under: Agriculture, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Education, Food & Drink, Guest Commentator, Hawaii, Pahoa, Puna, Sustainable Living | Leave a Comment »

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