December 7, 1997
Buy local is the best advice for island holiday shopping

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

Shopping for the holidays is always a challenge but Big Island businesses offer the best opportunities for finding just the right thing for every taste and budget.

This column will concentrate on holiday shopping suggestions for food items to include in gift baskets for business or personal presents.

George Bettencourt and Carol Ann Jitchaku of Paradise Gourmet in Prince Kuhio Plaza near Waldenbooks feature such local wonders as the "Azookie Cookie" from Shishido Manju Shop, jellies, Kona coffee, hot sauces, crack seed, taro and sweet potato chips.

Stop by their kiosk or phone them at (808) 959-2339 for special orders.

Penny and Tip Davis' Broke the Mouth has moved to 374 Kino`ole Street across from the Hawai`i Tribune-Herald building in Hilo, one block from their former location across from the Hilo Farmers' Market. Available are several dressings and sauces from local produce such as the popular Magado (macadamia nut-based) Sauce and Starfruit-Sweet Potato Salad Dressing in addition to baked goods from Hilo Rising. New products include Jammers -- fresh local fruit jams of `ohelo and guava with no additional sugar or pectin.

"It's not set firm like most jams so you can just jam it on your pancakes, waffles or ice cream," said Penny.

Mango-papaya, and poha-pineapple are the other two new "jammer" combinations.

New store hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., web site www.brokethemouth.com or phone them at (808) 934-7670.

Joan Desilets of Kona Wine Market at the King Kamehameha Mall, 75-5626 Kuakini Highway, (old airport side of the corner of Kuakini and Palani) offers a selection of baskets starting at $30 including 100 percent Kona coffee, a cup, chocolate covered spoon, and coconut wood coffee scoop packed in a lauhala or banana leaf basket.

Other possible selections include macadamia or taro pancake mix, syrups, white honey, jams or a whole basket full of local snacks including double chocolate macadamia nut cookies.

Friday (Dec. 12) at 7 p.m. the Kona community chamber orchestra will carol through the shopping center starting at 7 p.m. Kona Wine Market will feature wine, champagne and chocolate tastings that evening. Or contact them by phoning (808) 329-9400.

Kona Wine Market is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. except Sundays when hours are noon to 6 p.m.

Cook's Discoveries at the Spencer House in Waimea (next to McDonalds) carry a wide range of locally produced agricultural value-added products including lilikoi butter, `ohelo jam, spicy Pacific marinade, sunrise papaya seed dressing, Kona estate coffee, macadamia nut oils, Kona coffee jelly, and their famous cookies -- Triple Chocolate Chunk and Captain's Cookies (Bill Cook's favorite).

An addition to a gift basket might include Kauila Maxwell or Theresa Hohu printed tea towels, Tutu Nene hot pads or pot holders, painted mugs, Hawaiian motif cookie cutters and Christmas ornaments.

Cook's Discoveries is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and may be reached at (808) 885-3633.

Entertaining for the holidays? Think of contacting Island Grinds, the lunchwagon ladies at Hilo Bay, who have a new illustrated booklet with all their offerings priced reasonably. In addition, a delicious new basil vinaigrette is available in 22-ounce corked bottles.

Contact Lisa or Norina at (808) 964-5392.

Looking for something special to add to that gift basket? Try Basically Books for books, maps, mouse pads, rubber stamps, cookie cutters and kids' stuff such as glow-in-the-dark stars and planets at their new location at 160 Kamehameha Avenue.

Basically Books may be e-mailed at reedbook@interpac.net or phoned at (808) 961-0144. From outer islands and the mainland, call toll free 1-(800)-903-6277.

The long-time Hilo stop for perfect maps also will try to find out-of-print books about Hawai`i. Extended holiday hours are from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. weekdays, Saturdays 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Many historic downtown Hilo shops will keep the same extended holiday hours including, for the cost conscious, the Hilo Woman's Club Pink Elephant thrift shop at 216 Kamehameha Avenue.

Contact Marlene Lundquist at (808) 935-4095 to arrange donations or volunteer. The larger site allows the Hilo Woman's Club to accept donations of furniture.

Another established local venture has a new location on Kamehameha Avenue. Hana Hou island treasures by Michele Zane-Faridi has moved from Kalakaua Avenue to 164 Kamehameha. Phone (808) 935-4555 or fax (808) 935-0309 for quality antique clothing, furniture, framed prints and new woven hats.

Processed island food products are available at grocery stores and many farmers' markets. Look for the KTA Super Stores' Mountain Apple brand in Hilo, Keauhou, Kailua-Kona and Puainako. Kea`au Natural Foods carry several locally produced items including Lean Green Foods' tempeh burgers and chili.

Hilo Farmers' Market is open across from the Mo`oheau Park bus terminal Wednesdays and Saturdays from 5 a.m. to after 3 p.m. Folks interested in booth space should contact Mike Rankin at (808) 969-9114.

The Kona Farmers' Market is held Saturday and Sunday at Kaiwi Square from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Contact (808) 961-9094. The Kailua Village Farmers' Market is held across from Hale Halawai on Ali`i Drive Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For details, call (808) 329-1568.

In the Ka`u district, look for O'Suzanna's Farmers' Market every Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Highway 11 at Road to the Sea or telephone (808) 936-9451. The Ka`u Farmer's Market is held in Pahala at the old Pahala Clubhouse Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Phone (808) 928-6429.

In Pahoa, "Caretakers of Our Land" Farmers' Market is held Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Sacred Heart Church parking lot. Call Cherie Hamilton at (808) 965-8963. The Akebono Farmers' Market is held on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In Volcano village, try the Farmers' Market at Cooper Center Sundays from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Contact is Betsy at (808) 967-7209.

In Waimea, the Hawaiian Homestead Market features produce, flowers, baked goods, potted plants and crafts at Kuhio Hale every Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon. Contact (808) 885-5672. The Kamuela Farmers' Market welcomes donations to the Hawai`i Island Food Bank at Parker School every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Contact (808) 775-0239.

Another popular item for gift giving is local recipe collections. A Friends of the Library Big Island recipe book will be available at all Hilo public libraries for $12.50. The cover features watercolor artwork by Marian Berger of Volcano.

"More than 300 recipes from librarians and friends of the library cover everything from local style fast and easy dishes to potpourri," according to Jane Webb, president of Friends of the Library.

The Kona Coffee Cookbook is available from the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival designed and printed by Island Heritage Press. More than 160 pages, with history and delightful watercolors, cover everything from how to make a perfect cup of Kona coffee to desserts. Cover art is by Ron Genta and divider page watercolors by Keith McGuire.

Check in to the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival web site at www.konacoffeefest.com, write P.O. Box 1112, Kailua-Kona HI 96745, e-mail info@konacoffeefest.com or telephone (808) 326-7820.

Coming events

Wednesday (Dec. 10) cut flower growers and shippers should attend the marketing workshop in Hilo at 7 p.m. in the Komohana Ag Complex. Contact Kelvin Sewake, (808) 959-9155 for further details.

Saturday (Dec. 13) Friends of the Children's Advocacy Center of West Hawai`i, Prevent Child Abuse and West Hawai`i Family Support Center sponsor a 9 a.m. breakfast with Santa at Kuhio Hale (Hawaiian Homes Hall) in Waimea. Volunteer clerical help and donations needed. Contact Pegi Scully, (808) 885-1777.

Meanwhile, bearing in mind the day and date, when you see a person serving in or retired from any branch of our military service today, please say "Thank You" for all that they do.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board with funding from the Hawai`i County Department of Research & Development and GTE Hawaiian Tel.

Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HC 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511 or phone (808) 966-8565. E-mail to billeger@gte.net

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November 30, 1997
Floral, nursery sales growth boosts our economy

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

Floriculture -- cut flowers and foliage -- and potted nursery plants are important and growing segments of our state's economy. The Hawai`i Agricultural Statistics Service (HASS) estimates the annual wholesale value to the state at $70 million. Nearly half of that comes from the Big Island.

"The Big Island's 316 producers generated $34.7 million in wholesale sales (in 1996), six percent more than 1995," said the HASS annual report.

Beginning in 1992, HASS figures include only producers having total sales of $10,000 or more. HASS counted 690 farms having sales in 1996.

"We love using tropicals, but not just because of their longevity and incredible size," said Las Vegas Mirage Hotel floral manager Gale Neely. "Their bold colors and curious character reflect the intense energy of Las Vegas. And they're great for business -- they make such an impact. People remember the Mirage and its fresh tropical flowers."

Floral designer Jeff Miklos of New Jersey said, "Whether towering and dramatic or graceful and romantic, flowers from Hawai`i have one character trait in common: confidence. And it's their confidence that makes a large arrangement even more immense than its size."

Alika Williams of Alika's Big Island Tropical Flower Farms said, "We've seen a steady increase in sales over the past five years. A major factor has been our 1-800-32-FARMS number.

"Quality of service and quality of product on receipt are most important," Williams continued. ""You can promise a customer anything, but you have to deliver quality product and follow up with quality service or they won't call you back."

"The tropical touch is the ultimate way to send warm wishes for the holidays," said Raymond Tanouye, president of the Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council and operator of Mountain Meadows Inc. "We're eager to continue the Council's efforts to educate and encourage designers to use more Hawai`i tropicals."

As part of this effort, the Council and Florist magazine are sponsoring a design contest -- "Exotics Everyday." In the judging phase now, the contest seeks to encourage FTD Association members and employees to use Hawaiian tropical flowers for nonholiday occasions such as birthday, anniversary, congratulations or friendship.

The finalists' designs will be pictured in the February issue of Florist when readers will vote for the winning design. The winner will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and a trip to Southfield, Michigan, for a four-design photo shoot to be published in the June edition of Florist magazine.

FTD florists gathered in Honolulu for their national convention in August. Following the convention, more than 10 percent of the participants came to the Big Island to tour farms and packing houses. At an HTFC gathering in Wailoa State Park, assisted by the County of Hawai`i Department of Research and Development, florists were treated to lei making lessons.

"It was Kalapana Tropicals Mindi Clark's idea," said Eric Tanouye of the Hawai`i Florists and Shippers Association. "There were fresh orchids on every table with lei needles and cord. They learned to string single and double lei as well as how to make haku."

The florists also learned how to use smaller tropicals in corsages, boutonniere and bouquets. Potted orchids and bromeliads lined every table and were given to the visiting florists.

Volcano's culinary crusader Leslie Hershhorn catered the affair which was complimented by Hilo's local brew -- kegs of Mehana dark beer and light ale.

Another national publication, Professional Design Magazine, has devoted its entire November/December issue to Hawai`i tropical flowers. Full-color photographs of floral arrangements by four top designers are featured with credit to the HTFC for providing flowers.

The HTFC has posters and other printed material available to help growers sell more flowers. Approximately 3,000 flower posters are on hand with a minimum purchase of 50.

In addition to the poster, HTFC has a supply of portfolios with information on the care and handling of anthurium, proteas, tropicals, dendrobiums and potted plants. These items are available at special prices too with a minimum purchase of 50.

Contacts are Mindi Clark on the Big Island, (808) 966-6642, Terrie Roberts of Sunset Tropicals on Maui at (808) 875-1211, Steve Sico of Garden Isle Flowers on Kaua`i at (808) 823-0426, and Creighton Mow of Orchid Plantation on O`ahu at (808) 259-5445.

The HTFC publishes a quarterly newsletter in cooperation with the state Department of Agriculture. The newsletter is distributed to flower growers and shippers, interested government officials and affiliated commodity groups. If you wish to be on the mailing list, please contact your island representative. On O`ahu call Ken Vincent at (808) 259-7826. On Maui call Carver Wilson, (808) 878-1218. On Kaua`i call Steve Sico at (808) 823-0426 and on the Big Island call Eric Tanouyeof Green Point Nurseries at (808) 959-3535.

In California, Macy's stores will feature all Hawai`i products in April 1998 including flowers. Shippers interested in this event should contact their island HTFC representative.

Other efforts include a new web site and a marketing workshop.

The Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council contracted with Alohaweb Communications of Hilo to provide a permanent site "to increase the volume of sales and bring new customers," according to the organization's November newsletter.

The site -- http://www.htfc.com -- lists flower growers and shippers, HTFC officers, and complete sections dedicated to each commodity group: anthurium, orchids, protea and tropicals. Enhanced listings and electronic business brochures are possible. Contact is Larry Joseph of Alohaweb Communications via e-mail alohamaster@alohaweb.com or write 280 Ka`iulani Street, Hilo HI 96720.

Dr. John Halloran, extension specialist in marketing with UH Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), and Kelvin Sewake, county extension agent in cut flowers, will conduct a marketing workshop presenting OmniTrack research results. A discussion of the pros and cons of the strategic plan will follow.

"This session will focus on studies regarding US retail florists, attitudes and awareness of US consumers, and a suggested strategic plan for marketing Hawai`i's flowers," said Sewake.

The workshop will be held Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Komohana Agricultural Complex in Hilo from 7 to 9 p.m.

For details, contact Sewake at (808) 959-9155, e-mail ksewake@hawaii.edu or fax (808) 959-3101. On Oahu, contact Halloran at (808) 956-7692.

Another session is planned after the new year to deal with industry feedback on a computer database program and a hands-on demonstration of the program.

Coming events

In December the UH-Hilo College of Agriculture Focus on Agriculture televised class schedule on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. includes Mac and Nee of Sawade Thai Cuisine (12/4) and Beth-Ann Nishijima of Nori's Saimin and Snacks (12/11).

Thursday (Dec. 4) Light up a Life at Parker Square in Waimea. This benefit for Hospice includes community singing, a bell choir and refreshments. It's a great way to kick off the holiday season.

The annual Pahoa Schools Ho`olaulea starts up Saturday (Dec. 6) with a parade through town at 9 a.m. ending at the school. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be "a killer musical entertainment line-up," according to career counselor and event coordinator Bob Williams. "Albert Mahi and the Paradise Band, Sudden Rush, Kolea, Brother Walter and his Tropical Rhythm Band and a guest appearance by a Na Hoku award-winning artist will be featured in addition to the talents of our own school groups and local halau."

The free annual ho`olaulea also offers food booths, children's activities and a giant craft fair.

"This is one of our School-to-Work projects," said Williams. "The Junior Achievement program will have Christmas craft items and plants for sale."

Groups interested in entering the parade or setting up a booth at the fair should contact Williams, B.J. Snyder or Luana Jones at (808) 956-2150.

Saturday (Dec. 6) the Waimea Christmas Parade, Parker School gingerbread house bazaar and village flea market begin at 10 a.m. The parade route begins at Church Row and ends at Waimea Park. Contact the Waimea Community Association at (808) 885-1539 for information.

December 5 through 13, the fourth annual Hamakua Music Festival will include jazz, blues, classical and Hawaiian music. The festival includes school performances, master classes for music students and scholarships for music education. Advance tickets are available for $10 at Byrd's Audio ($15 at the door), $12 for seniors and children under 12. Call (808) 775-8255 for details.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board with funding from the Hawai`i County Department of Research & Development and GTE Hawaiian Tel.

Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HC 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511 or phone (808) 966-8565. E-mail to billeger@gte.net

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November 16, 1997
Macadamia recipes pose tough choice for judges

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

"It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it," said Honolulu Magazine editor John Heckathorn as he stared at his judge's plate stacked with macadamia nut pie and cake samples.

More than 500 recipes from 26 states and two foreign countries were entered in the second annual Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut recipe contest. A panel of professional chefs winnowed the selection to 70 finalists in eight categories: breads, salads, entrees, cakes, pies, cookies, candies and other desserts.

A field of 26 judges made its way around the tables at the large conference area of Nani Mau Gardens where the Hilo Harvest Moon Festival was held in late October. The festival celebrates harvest season of one of the state's major export crops.

During the 1996-1997 crop year, from 680 farms, many of them on the Big Island, more than 19,200 acres were harvested representing a wholesale value for raw macadamia nut kernels of $69.8 million, according to the Hawai`i Agricultural Statistics Service.

"You look like a real dessert taster to me," said Heckathorn looking at this writer's full plate.

"Gosh, everything is so good," said Carl Okuyama of Sure Save Markets. "How do we choose?"

Taste, texture, appearance and the overall presentation all were factors for judges of every category. The unanimous choice of the judges for both pies and cakes was Waikoloa's Dalo Dela Paz, later revealed as the pastry chef of the Four Seasons Resort on the Kohala Coast. The recipe for his elaborate layered Mac Nut Opera Cake is included later in this column.

Following judging, selections were opened to the public, who filled the room.

The results of the open competition are:

Entree, Stephen Marquard of the Outrigger Hotel Marshall Islands for macadamia nut and wai nui encrusted opakapaka with pandanus burrie blanc and breadfruit relish. The graduate of Michigan State, who worked on the Big Island before his present position, was awarded $250 by the Hawaiian Natural Water Company.

Salad, Thomas Viernes of Kamuela for Pipikaula and Waimea greens with roasted macadamia nut oil, chili ginger vinaigrette. He received $250 from Lone Palm Sprouts Company.

Breads, Elaine Hirai of Captain Cook for Mauna Loa bread with mac nut honey butter. The outstanding presentation on Hirai's entry included elegantly scripted "title cards" written on the leaves of an Autograph Tree (Scotch Contract). Her awards included $250 from Punalu`u Bakery Company and $1,000 from Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company as the Grand Prize winner.

Cakes, Dalo Dela Paz of the Four Seasons Resort was awarded $250 from HFM Food Service for Mac Nut Opera Cake.

Pies, Dela Paz won $250 from Hawaiian Fresh Egg Farm for Mac Nut Cream Pie.

Cookies, Kay Cabrera of Waikaloa created "Millionaire's Shortbread," which drew you-have-to-try-this raves from judge Patti Cook. Cabrera received $250 from Meadowgold Dairies.

Candies, Diane Halferty of Tucson, Arizona, was awarded $500 by Guittard Chocolates for double macadamia nut crunch.

Desserts, Violet Tasaka of Honolulu's Mango macnut mochi garnered $250 from Kemo`o Farms.

Mayor Stephen K. Yamashiro presented a special trophy for a new category, Mayor's Choice, to Casey Nonaka of Kealakekua for her sweet potato ginger cheesecake with macadamia nut crust. Derek Kurisu of KTA Superstores took second place in the celebrity recipe challenge. KITV News anchor Gary Sprinkle once again took first place with a macadamia nut dessert involving a liberal dose of rum.

Amateur and professional chefs wishing to enter next year's competition should have written recipes ready before the end of August. Contest coordinator is Gene Erger of Waimea, (808) 885-0018.

Other activities included in the growing event included free entry to Nani Mau Gardens for the day, a plant sale and country store, a papaya rolling contest, entertainment and several children's events. All in all, a most happy day for farmers and fans of the heart-healthy macadamia nut.

Mac Nut Opera Cake

by Dalo Dela Paz

Ingredients (five steps)

Yellow Sponge Sheet Cake

1 1/2 quarts eggs plus 1 pint egg yolks

4 pounds sugar

3 pounds cake flour

1 pound melted butter

Opera Ganache

3 pounds 4 ounces chocolate (Couveture)

two pounds five ounces milk

one pound one ounce butter

1 1/2 ounces mocha paste

3 ounces mac nut liquor

12 ounces diced mac nuts

Mac Nut Syrup

1 pint water

2 pounds sugar

2 ounces mac nut liquor

Opera Glaze

15 ounces chocolate (couveture)

2 pounds three ounces coating chocolate

6 ounces salad oil

Mac Nut Buttercream

1 1/2 quarts buttercream

3 ounces mac nut paste

Preparation (five steps)

Sheet Cake:

Whip eggs, yolks and sugar on high speed until fluffy.

Fold in cake flour, then fold in butter.

Bake at 350 degrees (F) until done.

Opera Ganache:

Chop chocolate.

Boil milk, butter, mocha paste and add to chocolate.

Add liquor and mac nuts to chocolate and cool.

Mac Nut Syrup:

Boil water and sugar.

Add liquor when above mixture is cooled.

Opera Glaze:

Melt chocolates and stir in oil.

Mac Nut Buttercream:

Whip up buttercream with paste until smooth.

To assemble Mac Nut Opera Cake (12 steps)

Spread melted chocolate onto bottom of chilled sheet cake.

Cut the sheet to fit a square or round ring-type mold.

Moisten the layer with mac nut syrup.

Place a layer of ganache about 3/4 inch thick onto the cake.

Top with another piece of sheet cake and moisten again.

Spread a layer of mac nut buttercream about 1 inch thick over the second layer of cake.

Place a third layer of sheet cake on top and moisten with syrup.

Spread a very thin layer of mac nut buttercream to make the cake even on top.

Cake should just come out to the edge of the ring or mold.

Chill cake.

Glaze with opera glaze.

Cut with hot knife and serve.

Coming events

The Ka`u Federal Credit Union will open a satellite office inside the Kahuku Country Market in the Ocean View Town Center tomorrow (Nov. 17).

"This is the first financial institution to open its doors to the growing population of Ocean View," said manager Bernard Balsis.

President of the Ka`u Federal Credit Union board Janet Rychner expressed excitement about the expansion because "this exemplifies the credit union philosophy of people helping people. We can show the world what a real community-based financial cooperative can do."

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) provided a $5,000 grant to assist with the purchase of new computer equipment. NCUA is considering other financial and advisory aides. The new office will be staffed by Joe Whitney, a long-term resident of Ocean View.

"I am committed to the local community," said Whitney. "By providing professional financial services, the residents will benefit from the view point of convenience and the security they will have from a solid institution helping with their financial needs."

At the same time, services are being improved at the Ka`u Federal Credit Union office in Pahala. On-line services mean members will be able to do almost all financial transactions in Pahala without having to go to the Na`alehu office.

The credit union was chartered in 1938 as an employee credit union of the Hutchison Sugar Mill. It became community chartered in 1966. In 1996, it received low income community development credit union designation from NCUA.

Business hours in Ocean View will be 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except certain holidays. For further details, contact the Ka`u Federal Credit Union by e-mail to kaufcu@gte.net or phone (808) 929-7334.

Happy 50th anniversary to UH-Hilo. A food product expo will be held on the university library lanai Thursday (Nov. 20) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A cooking demonstration will be offered by interim Chancellor Dr. Bill Pearman and the Golden Anniversary cookbook will be on sale.

A celebratory reception is planned for 6 p.m. Friday (Nov. 21) at the Campus Center. Heavy pupus will accompany a video presentation of UH-Hilo history. Cost of the reception is $15.

Festivities move to the College of Agriculture farm in Panaewa on Saturday (Nov. 22) with entertainment, a fun run, hay rides, food booths and balloon animals for the children.

For further details, contact the office of University Relations at (808) 974-7642 or 974-7567.

The Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce will hold it's monthly Business After Hours social at the Shipman House Bed & Breakfast on Reed's Island. Shuttle service will be available from Mo`oheau Bus Depot. For further information and to make reservations, contact the Chamber office at (808) 935-7178.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board with funding from the Hawai`i County Department of Research & Development and GTE Hawaiian Tel.

Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HC 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511 or phone (808) 966-8565. E-mail to billeger@gte.net

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November 9, 1997
Military helps Big Island economy as well as statewide

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

The impact of the United States military on the economy of our state is pretty easy to spot on O`ahu, but not always recognized on the neighbor islands.

On the Big Island, Pohakuloa Training Area, the Coast Guard Patrol Boat Kiska, units of the Hawai`i National Guard, US Army Corps of Engineers, Kilauea Military Camp recreation facility, recruiters, military aircraft operations, and increasingly frequent visits to ports by US Navy ships all impact our local economy.

Pohakuloa certainly covers the largest area and is the largest tactical training area in the Pacific. An estimated $51 million a year is spent on local purchase of supplies, equipment and services according to an economic impact survey conducted in 1995.

The first edition of The Big Island Data Book & Newcomer's Guide notes "the federal government has a strong presence in Hawai`i largely because of the military and the land it controls. The Hawaiian islands are the only major land mass for thousands of miles in any direction, so it's likely to remain of national strategic importance."

In addition there is the Peregrine Foundation funded by the US Army for protection of the alala (endangered Hawaiian native crow).

Perhaps the biggest expenditure to come will be in design and construction of an improved Saddle Road.

Public hearings on the draft environmental impact statement for Saddle Road, the only access to Pohakuloa Training Area, will be held in December. The West Hawai`i hearing will be held Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Royal Waikoloan King's Ballroom from 7 to 10 p.m. The East Hawai`i hearing will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, at UH-Hilo from 9 a.m. to noon. More information is available on the web site www.saddleroad.com

All interested parties are invited to send remarks on the draft to the Western office of the Federal Highways Administration, 555 Zang Street, Lakewood CO 80028, Attention: HPD-16E Saddle Road.

Approximately 175 young men and women join the regular Army or Army Reserve each year, according to local US Army recruiters. This is one way for our young people to receive job training and built up savings for college. The US Navy, Hawai`i Air National Guard and US Air Force also have recruiters on island. They will be busy this week with the annual College and Career Fair in Hilo and Kona and a Girl Scout-sponsored military career day in Hilo.

Nearly 20 men and women are on active duty with the USCG Patrol Boat Kiska homeported in Hilo. Several are here with their families. Some housing is provided by the Coast Guard and other homes are leased. Fuel for the ship is purchased locally. Lease rent is paid on the office in the Customs Building and for parking space at the pier.

Perhaps the most publicly noticeable expenditure is when the cook goes shopping at local grocery stores!

While the more than 8,000 military aircraft operations at Hilo and more than 9,000 at Kona reported by the State Department of Transportation may not have a direct impact on our economy, they do affect airport personnel and services hiring requirements.

A growing segment of the economy is US Navy ship visits to Kona and Hilo. This weekend a Ticonderoga class cruiser the USS Lake Erie will visit Kailua-Kona. Contact the Kona Council of the Navy League, Judy Alderson president, at 322-6696 for details.

The USS Willamette, a Cimarron class fleet oiler, originally scheduled to arrive in Hilo on Friday (Nov. 14) has been called to emergency refueling duty and now is scheduled to arrive Saturday (Nov. 15) morning.

The ship's captain, Commander Nori Ann Reed, and a ship's complement of nearly 220 officers and crew will be in port through Sunday evening.

Free public tours of the ship will be offered at Pier Three Saturday from 9 a.m. (depending on arrival time) to 1 p.m. Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For further details on the ship visit, contact the Hilo Council of the Navy League, K.T. Cannon-Eger treasurer, 966-8565.

Another impact is seen in the volunteer community projects accomplished by visiting ships' crews. During the past two years, pavilions at Leleiwi Park have been re-roofed, Gilbert Carvalho Park ball field improved, weeds pulled in downtown Hilo, floors at the old Henry Opukahaia School near Kea`au were cleared of old carpeting and tile in preparation for the new Hawaiian language high school, and the Children's Advocacy Center in Hilo was repainted.

When the Willamette was last in Hilo, crew members rebuilt the bridge at Happiness Park. This trip, they will be working with the Hilo Council of the Navy League, the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association, police cadets and the County departments of parks & recreation and transportation to refurbish Mo`oheau Park bandstand and bus station.

USS Willamette is coming to Hilo to support a military career day Saturday (Nov. 15).

"Gaining Skills, Growing Strong," a day featuring success stories of women in the military and demonstrating training and educational opportunities, will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at the National Guard Armory (near Hilo Airport). Dignitaries invited to attend include the Girl Scout Council of Hawai`i 1997 Women of Distinction awardees Lieutenant General Carol A. Mutter, US Marine Corps, Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Washington DC (to be represented in Hilo by Major Carol A. McBride); Lieutenant General Claudia J. Kennedy, US Army Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Pentagon (to be represented in Hilo by Colonel Coral Wong Pietsch); Rear Admiral Veronica Zasadni Froman, US Navy, Commander of San Diego Naval Base; Colonel Ann M. Testa, US Air Force, Commander, 15th Air Base Wing, Hickam Air Force Base; and Commander Kathleen M. Donohoe, United States Coast Guard, Commander USCG Group Honolulu.

Also attending will be the Girl Scout Council of Hawai`i 1997 Military Trailblazer honoree Brigadier General Frances I. Mossman, US Air Force retired; and Elinor Johnstone Ferdon, national president of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

Activities geared toward the young women of Hawai`i County include one-on-one sessions with the dignitaries and enlisted personnel, tasting MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), applying camouflage paint, and experiencing equipment from medical services to a HMMWV.

Aircraft will be on display and open for tours nearby at the old Hilo Airport (freight area). Included are a Blackhawk helicopter, an Air National Guard KC-135 Air Refueling Tanker and a Coast Guard helicopter.

Special tours of the USS Willamette are planned for participants in the Girl Scout-sponsored event from 1 through 4 p.m.

Transportation will be provided from some outlying districts. Contact Alberta Dobbe at the Girl Scout office in Keaau, 966-9376, for the bus schedule.

"Gaining Skills, Growing Strong," sponsored by Girl Scout Council of Hawai`i, is free and open to the public. Support for the event has been provided by Mayor Stephen K. Yamashiro, Hawai`i County, Units of the Hawai`i National Guard, Pohakuloa Training Area, US Coast Guard Group Honolulu, Hilo Council of the Navy League of the United States, VADM and Mrs. Robert K.Y. Kihune, Sen. Malama Solomon, Sen. Andy Levin, Rep. Bob Herkes (D-Puna, Ka`u), Rep. Eric Hamakawa (D-S. Hilo & Puna), Rep. Jerry Chang (D-S. Hilo), Councilman John Ray, Aloha Blooms Inc., Floral Resources/Hawai`i, Shipman House Bed & Breakfast, Meadow Gold, Cannon & Eger Public Relations, Professional Secretaries International, Kia`i Kai Bed & Breakfast, Hale `Ohi`a Farms, and the UH-Hilo Athletic Boosters (partial listing).

Coming events

November 13 through 15 the Winter Wine Escape will be held at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Call 880-1111 for details.

The Hawai`i Lama Association will meet Saturday (Nov. 15) at Waimea's North Hawai`i Community Hospital beginning at 11:45 a.m. For more information, please call Linda Lee Cavis at (808) 326-7103.

Saturday (Nov. 15) Hawaiian games will be held at the Keauhou Beach Hotel beginning at 10 a.m. Includes `ulu maika (bowling with stone), ihe pahe`e (short spear throwing), `o`o ihe (spear throwing), hu (spinning top), pala`ie (loop and ball) and moa pahe`e (sliding darts). Call Kathryn Salomon at (808) 322-2441 extension 218 for more information.

The Kona County Farm Bureau and UH Cooperative Extension Service will co-sponsor a panel discussion on agricultural thefts at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the CES office in Kainaliu.

State Representative Paul Whalen, a former deputy prosecuting attorney, and Community Policing Officer Stanley Haanio will discuss current laws pertaining to ag thefts, what farmers and ranchers can do to minimize theft, and proposed changes in State law.

The public is welcome to attend. Contact Virginia Easton Smith at (808) 322-2718.

Celebrate "Christmas in the Country" Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22 and 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center Gallery.

Dietrich Varez will be on hand to autograph his prints. Makaloa weaving demonstrations will be offered on the Gallery porch.

Call (808) 967-7565 for information.

The Big One! The 22nd annual Hilo Christmas Fair will be held Saturday, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Edith Kanaka`ole Tennis Stadium. More than 100 vendors, a wreath contest, door prizes and continuous entertainment make this a Hilo Thanksgiving tradition. For more information, contact Big Island Sustainable Communities Association, (808) 966-6977.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board with funding from the Hawai`i County Department of Research & Development and GTE Hawaiian Tel.

Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HC 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511 or phone (808) 966-8565. E-mail to billeger@gte.net

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November 2, 1997
Ag export assistance program offers free advice

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

The Hawai`i Department of Agriculture in conjunction with the Western United States Trade Association and the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service will offer an export readiness program in Honolulu and Hilo this week.

"If you are serious about exporting for the first time and have a possible export market for your product or if you are expanding to a new export market and want some help, this is an excellent opportunity to get free consultation from an experienced export consultant," said James Nakatani, chairperson of the Board of Agriculture.

"This export readiness program will match you with an experienced consultant who will assist you in assessing your level of export readiness and help you research, plan and develop a target export market for your company's product(s). The program is absolutely free. It requires only your time and commitment."

Mike Doherty, president of the Emerald Empire Group, will lead the workshop. His international business consulting company specializes in start-up ventures, international problem solving and special market assistance.

The program agenda includes such topics as negotiating with the buyer, quoting prices, distribution of your product in a foreign country, consumer trends, and competition. In addition the workshop will cover export programs and assistance available from local, state, federal and foreign sources. These programs provide exporters with matching funds to promote branded products, market research reports, buyer lists, how-to-export expertise and more.

Following each seminar, Doherty will hold one-on-one consultations with companies interested in individual assistance. He will help new-to-export companies assess their level of export readiness. Doherty will be available to discuss export strategies with those companies already exporting.

The Honolulu seminar schedule is tomorrow (Nov. 3) from 9 a.m. to noon at the Department of Agriculture Board room, 1428 South King Street. One-on-one consultations will be held Monday afternoon, Tuesday all day and Wednesday morning.

The export readiness program moves to Hilo Wednesday (Nov. 5) from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nani Mau Gardens, 421 Makalika Street. A no-host buffet dinner will be served.

One-on-one consultations for Big Islanders will be held Thursday and Friday beginning at 8 a.m. at a location to be determined.

Please make reservations by faxing the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture at (808) 973-9590. If you have questions, contact Calvin Lee at (808) 973-9594 or Ann Miyamoto (808) 973-9592.

Coming events

Tomorrow (Nov. 3), eight Federal agencies will offer a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) one-day seminar on grant opportunities for Hawai`i's high tech small businesses. A second workshop on writing successful grants and individual meetings to discuss specific proposals also are scheduled.

The event will be held at the Royal Waikoloan Hotel beginning at 7:30 a.m. and continuing through 6:30 p.m.

The seminar is sponsored by the state High Tech Development Corporation (HTDC) and the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. A registration fee of $60 includes resource material, luncheon and a reception.

Participating agencies are Department of Defense, Commerce, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Energy, NASA, National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, and special panels on venture capital financing and the National Technology Center.

Richard Henderson, president of HIEDB, said "We are pleased to co-sponsor this fifth SBIR conference. We're seeing excellent returns to Big Island-based companies interested in getting their technology innovations to the commercial production stage in disciplines from agriculture to remote sensing."

Henderson urged all Big Island high-tech firms to enquire with HTDC regarding conference participation.

More than $20 million in Federal funds has been allocated to Hawai`i firms through the SBIR program, many of them based on the Big Island. To register, contact Sybil Tsukamoto of HTDC at e-mail sybilt@htdc.org or phone (808) 539-3845.

Tuesday (Nov. 4), the Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce will hear from the Honorable Jim McLay, former Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand. Currently a consultant to national and multi-national companies, McLay will speak on "Changing an Economy by changing its public sector."

The meeting will be held in the Crown Room, Hawai`i Naniloa Resort, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $18 for members, $23 for non-members. Call Lorraine at the Chamber, 935-7178, for reservations.

McLay will deliver the keynote address at "Building a sustainable tuna industry in the Pacific Islands," an 18-nation conference at the Maui Prince Hotel Wednesday through Saturday (Nov. 5-8).

"Just as Hawai`i is exploring ways to restructure government, improve the business climate and better utilize its resources, so too are the island nations of the Pacific," said Diane Zachary, president of Maui Pacific Center, conference organizer.

"In addition to providing great information, our conferences give Hawai`i businesses and consultants an excellent vehicle for acquainting the Pacific island countries with their products and services."

Private sector and government leaders will discuss island goals, policies, financing, and regulatory issues related to their abundant marine resources. Among many speakers will be representatives of Asian Development, the World Bank's Foreign Investment Advisory Service, South Pacific Forum and US National Marine Fisheries Service. The conference also will include presentations by local and international experts in fisheries and industry development, workshops, informal discussions and social activities.

The three and a half day conference will take place at the Maui Prince Hotel. The registration fee of $595 (day rate of $195) includes conference materials and conference meals.

For more information or to register, contact the Maui Pacific Center by e-mail to info@mauipacific.org or telephone (808) 875-2310 or fax (808) 879-0011.

Tuesday (Nov. 4) Dr. David Perry, emeritus professor of ecosystem studies and ecosystem management at the College of Forestry of Oregon State University will speak at 7 p.m. in the UH-Hilo Campus Center room 306. Dr. Perry's lecture will deal with forestry, communities and the environment on the Big Island with a scientific perspective on sustainability.

The free lecture is open to the public. For further information, contact Dr. Walter Steiger via e-mail wsteiger@hawaii.edu or at UH-Hilo, 974-7649.

Another forestry presentation will be made by Andrea Gill Beck, executive director of the Hawai`i Forest Industry Association, at the Waimea Exchange Club's noon luncheon meeting Friday (Nov. 7). Ms. Gill Beck will speak on what it takes to develop a successful diversified forestry industry in Hawai`i.

The meeting will be held at Bree Garden Restaurant. Reservations should be made 24 hours in advance by calling program co-chair Bill Cook, 885-7502.

The Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes will hold a vog and laze symposium Friday (Nov. 7) from 9 a.m. to noon in the UH-Hilo Campus Center.

The free symposium will cover what vog is and what you can do to protect you and your family from its effects, according to director Don Thomas. Jeff Sutton of Hawai`i Volcanoes Observatory will offer an overview. Meteorologist Jim Morrow will speak on how vog and laze move and what it is when it arrives in various locations. A physician and a representative from the state Department of Health also are on the agenda.

The same information will be covered in a West side symposium Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Kona Surf Resort Kamehameha Ballroom. For further details, contact 974-7631.

The University of Hawai`i at Hilo College of Agriculture and the University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH-CTAHR) will hold a workshop and field tour on non-circulating hydroponic culture of plants Friday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no registration fee, however participants do need to sign-in at the registration desk at the UH-Hilo College of Agriculture Farm in Panaewa between 8 and 9 a.m. to receive an information packet and order lunch (optional).

Field tours continue Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Waiakea Experiment Station up Stainback Road and at the Volcano Experiment Station. For further information, contact Dwight Sato, 959-9155, or Bernie Kratky, 974-4105.

Destination Hilo will hold a silent auction and membership drive Friday (Nov. 7) from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hawai`i Naniloa Resort Crown Room. Call 935-5294 for details.

Friday (Nov. 7) downtown Hilo celebrates the 12th annual Black and White Night from 6 to 9 p.m. with entertainment at the Kress Building main stage and activities all over downtown. Keiki and adult costume contests, window display contest, food and prizes are among events planned.

For more details, call Diane Ley at the Downtown Improvement Association office, 935-8850.

Saturday, Nov. 8, the fifth annual Taro Festival will be held at the Honoka`a Gym complex from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Educational exhibits, entertainment, a poi eating contest, farmers' market, craft and food booths, and children's games are planned. The winner of the poi eating contest will receive a poi machine donated by Pai`ai Poi Systems.

Contact Kathleen Baker at 775-0043 or Earl Nakashima at 775-9400.

Coinciding with this event is Taro Days at Cook's Discoveries in the Spencer House in Waimea. Exhibits, talk-story time, taro sampling and kulolo tasting are among events planned.

This whole week is Kona Coffee Cultural Festival time throughout the districts where 100 percent Kona coffee is grown. Many details on the state's oldest food festival were given in last week's column. For more information, check out the web site at www.konacoffeefest.com or look for the magazine-size Festival program.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board with funding from the Hawai`i County Department of Research & Development and GTE Hawaiian Tel.

Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HC 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511 or phone (808) 966-8565. E-mail to billeger@gte.net

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October 26, 1997
Kona coffee -- "Island Grown, Hawai`i's Own"

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

Mythology would have us believe that coffee was discovered by an Arabian goatherd who noticed how frisky his flock was after eating red berries from a glossy green-leafed bush.

Botanical evidence indicates the origin of coffee arabica was on the plateaus of central Ethiopia, several thousand feet above sea level.

Whether you believe the folk tales or the botanists, there's no denying coffee's importance as a morning beverage and an economic force.

Coffee's place in Big Island agriculture is celebrated annually with the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, the oldest food festival in the state. Held this year from Saturday (Nov. 1) through Saturday, Nov. 8, the Festival begins with a coffee picking contest at Greenwell Farm Saturday (Nov. 1). Registration is at 7:30 a.m. and the contest begins at 8 a.m.

Also on Saturday (Nov. 1), Kona Coffee History will be featured at the Kona Historical Society's museum and at Uchida Coffee Farm. Tours of the farm are free Saturday only. During the rest of the week, reduced ticket prices are available to those wearing Kona Coffee Festival buttons.

Buttons feature this year's theme "Kona Coffee -- Island Grown, Hawai`i's Own" graphically represented by Puna artist Amy Young.

Jean Hull and the culinary students of West Hawai`i will serve up a feast next Sunday (Nov. 2) beginning with reserved seating at 10 a.m. and open seating from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kona Surf Convention Center. Contestants in the Miss Kona Coffee pageant will serve as event hostesses.

A Big Island Marketplace featuring estate-grown Kona coffee and other local products opens at the Kona Surf Convention Center at 9 a.m. Sunday (Nov. 2).

Tuesday (Nov. 4) and Friday (Nov. 7) the Kona Coffee Council offers farm and mill tours. Air-conditioned buses will leave from the Royal Kona Resort at 9 a.m. Reservations are required and tickets are $25 which includes a gourmet lunch prepared by Hull's student chefs.

"Visit working farms and mills to learn about the culture of Kona coffee and see the processes involved in getting a ripe, red coffee cherry made into a cup of gourmet 100 percent Kona coffee," said Cecelia B. Smith of the Council.

Call 328-9120 for farm and mill tour reservations.

The Kona Coffee Council also holds its annual dinner and benefit auction during the Festival Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Royal Kona Resort at 6 p.m. Tickets ($25) are available at the Kona Wine Market in Kailua-Kona or Ted's Kona Theater Cafe in Captain Cook.

Proceeds assist in promoting 100 percent Kona coffee at trade shows throughout the world.

Thursday (Nov. 6) beginning at 9 a.m. the Gevalia Kona Coffee cupping competition enters the final round at Kona Village Resort. Previous winners include Keokea Kona Farm, Kona Kulana Farms, Perry Estate Farms and Wailapa Organic.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival's Grand Parade is set for Saturday, Nov. 8. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., entrants will follow Dr. Chisato Hayashi from the new Kona Gym along Alii Drive to the Royal Kona Resort.

Dr. Hayashi, 95, was the fist local-born physician to leave Kona for medical school and subsequently return to practice. He attended to the medical needs of scores of Kona coffee farmers and their families beginning in 1934.

For information on entering the Grand Parade, sponsored by Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate, contact David Miyashita at 329-3519.

During and after the parade, an international market will offer demonstrations, hands-on activities, international foods and entertainment at Hale Halawai until 2:30 p.m.

These are but a few of the many events scheduled for a great Festival. Check out the web site at www.konacoffeefest.com or look for the Festival program for more details.

The August coffee report from Hawai`i Agricultural Statistics Service (HASS) notes that 1,960 acres are planted in coffee on the Big Island, up 10 percent from the previous year.

"Harvested acreage is estimated at 1,620 acres, up 18 percent from the previous season and the highest amount in five seasons," said the HASS report. "Newly bearing acreage accounted for part of the increase, but stepped up activity in rejuvenating previously unharvested acreage also was a factor. Strong farm prices in recent seasons have spurred interest in harvesting all the coffee that is available.

"Most growers and millers in the Kona area of the island are anticipating the harvest of a larger crop during the 1997-1998 season. Generally beneficial weather during the winter months resulted in good flowering throughout the Kona district. A dry April and May apparently did not severely affect fruit set and development.

"Harvesting of the 1997-1998 crop was underway by late-July. Initial deliveries were small, but quality was reportedly very good. No problems were encountered with floaters."

Coming events

Today (Oct. 26) the East Hawai`i Rose Society will meet in the garden of president Les Sakamoto at 2 p.m. Members and those interested in membership are asked to phone 934-7963 for detailed directions to the home off Kaumana Drive past Wilson Store.

Chicken skin scary stories are featured at Borders Books, Music and Cafe in Hilo today (Oct. 26) at noon. P.J. Neri will read from The Shark Man of Kapu Bay, The Missionary's Ghost and The Curse of Pele.

Friday (Oct. 31) it's Happy Halloween time at Borders with costume and pumpkin carving contests beginning at 6 p.m. Call 933-1410 for more details.

Tuesday (Oct. 28) the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce will hold a Business Tips for Breakfast session with Jerry Hirata, economic development specialist with the Small Business Administration, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Paniolo Country Inn in Waimea. There is a $5 charge for coffee, juice, rolls and fruit. Reservations are recommended by tomorrow (Oct. 27) by phone, 329-1758, or fax, 329-8564.

Thursday (Oct. 30) the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce and Lanihau Center will hear "How to increase revenues through store and office design" at a breakfast session from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Royal Jade Garden Restaurant. Speakers include architects Terry Cisco and Bob Nespro, shopping center manager Jim Lightner and Sue Moss of Trans-Pacific Design.

Reservations are recommended by Wednesday (Oct. 29) by phone, 329-1758, or fax, 329-8564.

Friday, Nov. 7, downtown Hilo celebrates the 12th annual Black and White Night from 6 to 9 p.m. with entertainment at the Kress Building main stage. Keiki and adult costume contests, window display contest, food and prizes are among events planned.

For more details, call Diane Ley at the Hilo Main Street/Downtown Improvement Association office, 935-8850.

Saturday, Nov. 8, the fifth annual Taro Festival will be held at the Honoka`a Gym complex from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Educational exhibits, entertainment, a poi eating contest, farmers' market, craft and food booths, and children's games are planned. The winner of the poi eating contest will receive a poi machine donated by Pai`ai Poi Systems.

Contact Kathleen Baker at 775-0043 or Earl Nakashima at 775-9400.

Coinciding with this event is Taro Days at Cook's Discoveries in the Spencer House in Waimea. Exhibits, talk-story time, taro sampling and kulolo tasting are among events planned.

Saturday, Nov. 15, bring the family and spend "A Day in the Taro Patch" with Kia Fronda in Waipi`o Valley. Advance reservations and 4-wheel drive vehicle required. Call Tutu's House at 885-6777 for details.

SARE proposals due

A reminder to those involved with integrated systems of plant and animal production practices: the deadline for submitting proposals to USDA the Hilo Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Programs is Wednesday (Oct. 29).

The purpose of grant efforts should be site specific applications "that will, over the long-term, satisfy human food and fiber needs; enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends; make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole."

Additional funding may be available through the USDA EPA Agriculture in Concert with the Environment (ACE) program.

Final selections will be made by May 1, 1998. For further details, contact Rhonda Miller, program manager, Ag Science Building, Room 322 at Utah State University, e-mail rlmiller@cc.usu.edu or telephone (801) 797-0351.

All calls for proposals can be obtained electronically at http://www.ext.usu.edu/wsare/

Focus on Ag

The television schedule for UH-Hilo College of Agriculture's course Focus on Agriculture for Thursdays in November from 7-8:30 p.m. on cable public access channels features resident chefs using local produce.

Featured are: Henry Shiroma and Scott Saia of Scruffles (11/6), Bill Salvador of Hawai`i Naniloa Resort (11/13), and Sam Araki of Kuhio Grill (11/20).

Tutu's House in Waimea

"Surfing Seniors" is a hands-on way to learn to use the internet with Joan Campbell on Wednesdays in November (5, 12, 19 and 26) from 9 to 10 a.m. at Tutu's House in Waimea's Parker Ranch Shopping Center. Cambell and Waimea school student Kaui Kalani also lead "Kids on the Internet" for ages 10 to 13 on Wednesdays in November from 2 to 3 p.m.

Visit Tutu's House calendar on the web at http://www.planet-hawaii.com/future

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board with funding from the Hawai`i County Department of Research & Development and GTE Hawaiian Tel.

Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511 or phone (808) 966-8565. E-mail to billeger@gte.net

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October 19, 1997
State wide meetings interest farmers, ranchers, researchers

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

Several items of interest to farmers throughout the state crowd the calendar in the next few weeks.

Friday through Sunday (Oct. 24-26) the 7th annual Hawai`i Tropical Fruit Growers conference will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Keokea Maui.

Noble Hendrix of Homestead, Florida, will address growers on the topic of sustainable techniques including water management and pesticide reduction. He grows lychee and other tropical fruits. John Mood, an Aloha Airlines pilot and forester who farms 35 acres on the Hamakua coast, will speak on integrated orchards.

Field trips are planned to Maui Land and Pineapple's diversified crops including blueberries, raspberries, asparagus and organic pineapple.

Ola Pono Health Farms, a certified organic fruit orchard and the site of a hybrid solar dehydrator, also is on the tour schedule.

For details and to register, contact Ellen Mehos 322-0935.

"Hawai`i tropical specialty fruit sales for 1996 totaled one million pounds," according to the annual report published by the Hawai`i Agricultural Statistics Service (HASS). This is 21 percent lower than 1995. "Decreases in star fruit, lychee and specialty pineapple output contributed to most of the decline in fruit sales. Star fruit, mostly processed, accounted for almost 28 percent of the total sales. Partially offsetting the decline in sales were atemoya, mango, rambutan and cherimoya."

HASS shows 580 acres in tropical specialty fruit, with 270 acres in Hawai`i County and the rest split among Kaua`i, Maui, Moloka`i and O`ahu. The number of acres planted state wide increased from 415 in 1995. The number of farms also increased from 115 in 1995 to 130 in 1996, 80 of which are on the Big Island.

"More planting intentions for 1997 are expected for lychee, mango, rambutan and specialty pineapple," according to the HASS report.

Saturday (Oct. 25) the Hilo Macadamia Harvest Moon Festival will be held at Nani Mau Gardens from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. On the schedule are children's crafts and games, a country store and plant sale, food booths, entertainment, cooking demonstrations and a recipe contest.

For more information, call 934-0990.

"Hawai`i's 1996-1997 macadamia nut crop is estimated at a record 56.5 million pounds net, wet-in-shell, 5.5 million pounds above the last crop year," according to HASS. "Improved weather in the major growing areas, maturing orchards and higher prices increased nut production."

Farm prices were up and kernel recovery was higher. Farm price averaged 78 cents per pound, four cents more than last year's average. Macadamia nut kernels totaled 14.3 million pounds compared to 11.4 million pounds last year.

"The farm value for the 1996-1997 crop is estimated at $44.1 million, 17 percent greater than the previous year due to the higher production and prices," according to HASS. "The equivalent wholesale value was $69.8 million with an average wholesale price of $4.68 per pound."

The 50th annual Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation convention will be held at the Ala Moana Hotel Tuesday through Friday, Oct. 28-31. A joint effort with several commodity groups is planned as is a trade show. Charter members will be honored at the Golden Anniversary.

"This celebration is not only for leaders in the Farm Bureau," Grant Hamachi, president of the HFBF said. "The 50th anniversary celebration also represents a period of transition for the Farm Bureau and for the agricultural industry statewide. No longer are sugar and pineapple the primary commodities driving the agricultural industry. The focus now is on the smaller, yet largely diverse commodity based industries. This is an exciting yet very uncertain period as established and new agribusinesses begin to find themselves in this agricultural awakening."

Panel discussions involving all commodity groups in the state will focus on post harvest treatment methods, food quality and affordable surface shipping rates.

Tours of the Hawai`i Agriculture Research Center and UH-College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources facilities are planned as well as a heavy equipment show.

The Hawai`i Beef Industry Council, Hawai`i Cattlemen's Council and Hawai`i Pork Industry Association among others have joined in this effort.

Commodity groups are invited to a special workshop on unifying the voice of agriculture Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Ala Moana Hotel. The meeting is free and open to the public.

"The purpose of the meeting is to work collaboratively with commodity groups to identify common issues and develop a plan of action to those most important issues," Douglas Duarte, HFBF vice president. "Commodity groups are asked to come prepared to discuss three questions. First, what are your most important issues? Second, of these issues, which need a collaborative effort to be addressed effectively? Third, in what ways will your group participate in this effort?

Contact HFBF at (808) 848-2074.

In preparation for the state convention, the Hilo County Farm Bureau meets Thursday (Oct. 23) at 7 p.m. in the Komohana Ag Complex room B. Members and interested folks will hear from James Nakatani, chairman of the State Board of Agriculture, on Department of Agriculture programs. Nakatani will be available to respond to industry questions and concerns.

For details, contact Diane Ley at 968-6951.

Saturday, Nov. 1, through Saturday, Nov. 8, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival fills the island calendar with activities, contests, displays and a parade. Check out the web site at www.konacoffeefest.com or contact Current Events at 326-7820 for more information.

A delightful guide is available at major hotels, offices of the Hawai`i Visitors and Conventions Bureau -- Big Island Chapter, Hawai`i County Department of Research & Development offices, First Hawaiian Bank branches on the west side, and many area shops including: Lava Java, Kimura's Lauhala Shop, Kona Wine Market, Holuakoa Cafe, Hilo Hattie stores in Kona and Hilo.

Coming events

Today (Oct. 19) Keith Adams of New Plymouth, New Zealand, will speak to growers of vireya rhododendrons at the Komohana Ag Complex from 1-4 p.m.

A slide-illustrated lecture is planned featuring plant hunting trips to Sabah Borneo and other locations in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Today (Oct. 19) Kane`ohe-based author Constance Han Stewart will read from her latest published work Lost in Paradise at Borders Books in Hilo at noon.

Also at Borders, Leon, of Leon and Malia, and David "Kawika" Kahiapo will perform selections from their CD Slack Key Praise at 2 p.m.

Free hunter education classes will be held from 5:45 to 9 p.m. for four consecutive sessions Wednesdays and Thursdays (Oct. 22 and 23, 29 and 30) at the Waimea Civic Center. Sponsored by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, the classes will cover firearms and archery safety, survival and first aid, wildlife identification and conservation, hunting rules and regulations, game care and outdoor responsibility.

Persons interested in attending must pre-register. Contact Keith King or Tessi Iha at 887-6050.

The first Big Island Retail conference will be held Friday (Oct. 24) at the Mauna Lani from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are required. E-mail the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce at konakcc@gte.net or phone 329-1758.

The Kohala Cultural Country Fair will be held Saturday (Oct. 25) at Kamehameha Community Park in Kapa`au from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featured will be ethnic foods, crafts, entertainment, games and exhibits. Sponsored by the Hawai`i County Department of Parks and Recreation. Call 889-5532 for further details.

Hawai`i Preparatory Academy's annual Pumpkin Patch Picnic will be held Sunday (Oct. 26) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the HPA upper campus. Pick your special Jack o'Lantern from more than 500 pumpkins growing in the patch. Create a scarecrow to take home.

Proceeds benefit the school. For more information, call 329-3201.

Ka`u Farmers' Market

Every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until pau (approximately 11 a.m.) fruit, vegetables, coffee, cut flowers, taro and other goodies are available from Ka`u area farmers at the old C. Brewer clubhouse in Pahala.

Sponsored by Huliau O Ka`u, the community-based economic development corporation, the market has booths available to growers and crafts people for a maximum of ten percent of the first $50 of sales. To reserve space or find out more information, contact Rowena Puakela at 928-6429 or Albert Ledergerber at 928-6255.

Blue-green revolution

"The manipulation of seasons, photoperiods and microclimates is creating a breakthrough in tropical agriculture dubbed the Blue-Green Revolution," Priscilla Billig said in an article in Makai, the University of Hawai`i Sea Grant newsletter.

"For the first time since its founding in 1990, the Common Heritage Corporation (CHC) will open its cooperative garden for public demonstration on Saturday (Oct. 25) at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai`i at Keahole Point on the Big Island. The quarter-acre plot has yielded more than 100 varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs -- all having a surprisingly high sugar content and aroma.

"The garden uses cold seawater pumped from an ocean depth of 2,000 feet and run through black plastic irrigation pipes embedded in the soil at root depth. As condensation occurs, the plants are watered. The temperature difference between the root and the fruit pumps nutrients into the plant, much like Mother Nature does in Spring or Fall. This manipulation produces three or four harvest cycles in one year -- a veritable Super Spring 365 days a year."

UH-Sea Grant provided seed money for CHC's initial test crop of strawberries. To find out more, go to the web site at http://www.aloha.com/~craven/

Design course offered

A permaculture design course will be held at Hui Ho`olana, a 77-acre retreat center at Kala`e Moloka`i. The two-week intensive course in sustainable systems design will be taught by Michael Pilarski of Friends of the Trees Society, horticulturist Douglas Bullock, Bruce Hill manager of Kanahena Farm Nursery, and horticulturist and educator John Valenzuela.

Course graduates will be certified as Permaculture Design Trainees and after two years experience will be eligible for Applied Permaculture Design diplomas. Single day attendance also is available for a reduced fee.

Contact Hui Ho`olana at P. O. Box 99, Kualapu`u HI 96757 or telephone (808) 567-6430.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board funded in part by the County of Hawai`i Department of Research & Development and GTE Hawaiian Tel.

Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511 or phone (808) 966-8565. E-mail to billeger@gte.net

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October 12, 1997
Volcano artists find inspiration, gallery sales

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

One of the more well known communities of Big Island artists is in the Volcano area. Writers, dancers, painters, ceramicists, jewelers and woodworkers there find inspiration in their surroundings and venues for display and sale.

"My inspiration comes from living in a rain forest," said Ira Ono. "Volcano Village is blessed with so many artists, writers and dancers that I'm right in my element."

In addition to contemporary paintings, collages and sculpture, Ono is known for collectible ceramic masks, "garden goddesses," Japanese paste paper journals and Hawaiian dream boxes. His latest creation is the "Ono Yoyo."

On the Big Island, his work is carried by the Volcano Art Center, Showcase Gallery, Under the Koa Tee, Woodworkers Gallery in Honomu, Pevian Logic and Ets'ko in Hilo. On other islands he is represented in the offerings of The Village Gallery and Maui's Best, the Contemporary Art Museum and Martin & MacArthur.

"Economically, it's a challenge. Contemporary art is more difficult to sell than realistic art," Ono said.

He supplements sales by teaching and consulting.

"I'm part of the Artists in the Schools program and just returned from Lana`i. I recently taught classes at Hui Noeau and Kaunoa Senior Citizens Center on Maui and the Temari Institute in Honolulu. I'm also a contractor with the Small Business Development Center at University of Hawai`i at Hilo and consult with people wishing to start up art or craft businesses."

He will participate in the annual Christmas Craft Fair at Edith Kanaka`ole Tennis Stadium Friday and Saturday, Nov. 14-15.

Ono is one member of the Volcano Village Artists' Hui, which will hold its annual open house and sale at artists studios Friday through Sunday, Nov. 28-30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Pam Barton is another member of the Hui, a paper maker and basket weaver who teaches classes.

"Everybody's a basket case so it's not hard to get a basket making class together," Barton said. "Paper making has had a resurgence in the past eight years, in part because of the growing interest in recycling.

"The Volcano Art Center Gallery is a great draw and its been in business for quite some time. Classes they offer sometimes are full with waiting lists and sometimes nothing. There are transition times like before or after Christmas or right after school lets out or just before school begins. There's nothing right before tax time."

Barton also noted that East Hawai`i is "fortunate because we have two facilities offering display venues to artists. One is owned by the state and one by the county: Wailoa Center under the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the East Hawai`i Cultural Center on lease from County."

Marilyn Nicholson, executive director of the Volcano Art Center founded in 1974, said one of the reasons for its success is "the tremendous number of visitors we have during the course of a year. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park attracts more than a million visitors. From that, we have between 150 to 250 Gallery visitors a day, 80 percent of which come from out of state and the remaining 20 percent split among neighbor island and local visitors."

In the VAC annual report it is noted that the Gallery pays artists between $350,000 and $400,000 for "the work we sell on their behalf each year.

The VAC Gallery will hold its annual Christmas in the Country display and sale Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 5p.m.

"What we are most excited about is the new site for Volcano Art Center facilities. Although the Gallery will stay where it is near Kilauea Visitors Center in the Park, and we will continue to use Kilauea Theater in KMC for performances, we will move most of our staff and educational programming to buildings constructed on the new site," Nicholson said.

The 7.4 acre site, on long-term lease from the State of Hawai`i, is on Old Volcano Highway on the Park end of Volcano Village. For details on VAC class schedule, Elderhostel program and membership, contact Nicholson at 967-8222.

Dietrich Varez, Brad Lewis and Avi Kiriaty are among many of the Volcano Art Center Gallery success stories. All have gone on to international renown.

One new offering is "Click Hawaiian Art" from the collection of Varez, which offers 180 images for computers on CD-ROM or diskette for $99. Contact Coconut Info through the web site www.coconutinfo.com or telephone (808) 947-6543 (voice) or 947-6544 (fax).

Happy Birthday

Wish a sailor Happy Birthday on Monday, Oct. 13. The US Navy is 222 years old. Visiting Hilo Harbor for the occasion is USS Frederick (LST-1184), which arrived Friday. Tours are open to the public today (Oct. 12) from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. and Monday (Oct. 13) from 9 to 11 a.m.

The officers and crew have a busy schedule visiting area high schools, fixing up Carvalho Park, volunteering with the Big Island International Marathon (today in Hilo), plus finding time for soccer, golf and softball.

Island Grinds, Hilo's bayfront lunchwagon, celebrated two years in business Friday with an ono lilikoi cake. Norina Page, Lisa Werner and the gang are back on the beach after taking on a film cast and crew catering job for Lani-Loa -- The Heavenly Passage.

To get a menu with the weekly specials by fax or place an order for delivery within the HIlo area, call 895-0625 after 9 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Five Mountain update

The Five Mountain Medical Community has a new executive director, Betsy Cole, and new address. Cole may be reached via e-mail at FMinfo@fivemtn.org or telephone 885-9227. The web site is http://www.fivemtn.org and postal address is 65-1235 A Opelo Road, Haina Cottage #2, Kamuela HI 96743. Facsimile number is 885-9863.

Floriculture marketing

A series of three workshops will be held statewide to present the results of a marketing study by OmniTrack. The three-year study focused on wholesaler and retailer perceptions of Hawai`i's cut flowers and potted plants.

The project was funded under a USDA Federal Floriculture Research grant to assist Hawai`i's floriculture industry in marketing and promotional efforts.

Hilo's first workshop in the series will be held Wednesday (Oct. 15) at Komohana Agricultural Complex from 7 to 9 p.m. Among topics to be discussed is computer program development for an industry database and an update from the Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council by new president Raymond Tanouye.

Presenters include Dr. John Halloran, extension specialist in marketing with the University of Hawai`i at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH-CTAHR) and Kelvin Sewake, county extension agent in cut flowers.

Part one of the series for O`ahu residents will be held Thursday, Oct. 16, in Honolulu at the Department of Agriculture board room and for Maui growers Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Cooperative Extension Service building on the Maui Community College campus.

Subsequent workshops (schedule to be announced) will cover industry strategic plan pros and cons and a hands-on demonstration of a computer database program.

For further details, contact Sewake by e-mail ksewake@hawaii.edu or telephone 959-9155. On O`ahu, contact Halloran at (808) 956-7652.

HTFC new officers

Congratulations to the new officers of the Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council. Serving terms from 1997-1999 are president Raymond Tanouye of Mountain Meadows, vice president Clarence Ono of Kona Orchids, secretary Terrie Roberts of Sunset Tropicals in Kula Maui, and treasurer Eric Tanouye of Green Point Nurseries.

Aloha and fare thee well to Linda Huffman, former executive director of HTFC, who has relocated to the Atlantic coast to be near her grandchild.

Coming events

Friday through Sunday, Oct. 24-26, the seventh annual Hawai`i Tropical Fruit Growers conference will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church hall in Keokea, Maui. Contact Ellen Mehos 322-0935.

Be sure to put the Hilo Macadamia Nut Festival at Nani Mau Gardens on your calendar. The all-day event, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25, includes selection of winners in a recipe contest by a panel of 25 judges.

"We received more than 500 recipes from Hawai`i, the mainland, Canada and the South Pacific," said contest organizer Gene Erger. "A panel of professional chefs selected 70 finalists."

The public may view judging from theatre seating at 9:30 a.m. After prizes have been awarded, the viewing audience can taste the finalists' entries.

At 11 a.m., the Celebrity Recipe Challenge will pit last year's winner, KITV's Gary Sprinkle, against Erica Kauffman, 1997 Miss Hawai`i, Councilman Aaron Chung, entertainer Carol Dabney, entertainers Willie K and Amy Gilliam, KTA Super Store executive Derek Kurisu, Hilton Waikoloa marketing manager Vicky Kometani and KBIG news director Russ Roberts.

Contact Jeanne Herbst 966-9301 for further details of the festival or Erger at 885-0018 on the recipe contest.

The 50th annual Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation convention will be held at the Ala Moana Hotel October 28-31. A joint effort with several commodity groups is planned as is a tradeshow. Contact HFBF at (808) 848-2074.

Another "must go" annual event on the Big Island is the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival November 1 through 8.

An elegant guide to all the activities, with cover art by Keith McGuire, is available. Contact Current Events 326-7820.

Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 5-6, the Kona Coffee Art Show will be held under the hau tree arbor at Kona Village Resort.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511 or phone (808) 966-8565. E-mail to billeger@gte.net

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October 5, 1997
Art fills the soul and, on Big Isle, pocketbooks too

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

The artistic communities of the Big Island are many and varied. Several artists have reported finding great inspiration here. They also are finding markets for their work.

"This is probably the easiest location in my career," said Kathy Long of Waimea. "Normally, it takes three years to get re-established. An artist can be really well known in one locale, but when you move, it's starting all over again.

"Here in Hawai`i, however, the press is open to doing articles on artists, the state supports the arts as do the communities and tourists," Long said. "Art is such a good investment, especially if you buy what you like. Art is portable and easy to sell. It will be in your living room longer than your sofa."

Artists in Hawai`i who Long would love to collect include Macario Pascual, Harry Wishard and Hiroki Morinoe. Her move to Waimea from Houston several years ago was actually a homecoming.

"I lived on the Big Island as a kid. Moving was even better than coming home. Hula kahiko was not seen when I left. The first time I saw it was at Halema`uma`u for the opening of Aloha Festivals.

"Now, the island offers much more rich environment culturally. People are taking pride in their many cultures. Waimea has such a wonderful mix."

Long is well known for her portraits of the Kanaka`ole sisters and Halau O Kekuhi produced as posters by the Big Island Chapter of the Hawai`i Visitors Bureau. The first of a series, Hula Halau, originally sold in the late 1980s for $65 with the poster framed in koa.

"It's $550 now, if you can find one," Long said. "Economically, this is an excellent location. We benefit from the return traveler who develops an appreciation for Hawai`i.

"Art is a business," Long said. "When people bring their children to me for classes, I always suggest business classes be taken too. And it's a great business. You can keep doing it. It's not something you have to retire from and you can do it anywhere. You get to do things that are creative, make people happy and be surrounded by beauty."

Long learned early the benefits of art as a career. Her mother is Mary Koski.

"In my early teens, watching her, I learned you can have a career and a family too."

Koski, creator of "The Stowaway Fairy in Hawai`i," will appear at Borders Books in Hilo Saturday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m. to personalize copies of her books.

Long's husband Bertil has been curator at Parker Ranch's historic home Puopelu for the past 10 years.

"Kathy and I met in high school in Finland," said Bertil. "My degree from the university is in art history. At Puopelu, we get as many as 20,000 visitors in a year. It's an incredible art collection."

The home and neighboring Mana Hale are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for major holidays. Among projects celebrating Parker Ranch's 150th anniversary are restoration and expansion of the gardens.

Kathy continued that venues for artists are sometimes hard to find.

"There are about 25 galleries around the state [representing local artists]. O`ahu is the hardest place [for local artists to find entry]," Long said. "I've been really lucky. I don't have a bad story to tell. I've never been cheated by a gallery or by a client. Hawai`i is one of the best places in the world to paint. You can do anything -- landscape, floral or even Western." Puna makai display artist Allen Morelli agrees with Long regarding availability of venues and the business of art.

"We are so happy Peavian Logic exists in Hilo and provides a venue for local artists," Morelli said.

He and several collaborators prepared window displays depicting local scenes and featuring Barbie dolls -- one for Merrie Monarch Festival in 1996, one at Christmas last year and two recent windows featuring Kehena Beach and Keawe Street stores. The Keawe Street scene remains in the right front window and will get new characters from time to time. Watch for some Halloween treats and tricks. The left window display now features the work of Patrick W. McKinney.

"It's surreal and fun," said McKinney. "Everything in the window has leopard spots on them from paper bag art to decorated boxes."

Peavian Logic is described by founder Martin Peavy of Volcano as "a mixture of a gallery and a funhouse." The store features well made old-style childrens' toys, fragrant soaps and lotions and also offers greeting cards by Morelli, Joe Hampton assemblages and Mary Walsh photographs. First opened on Furneaux Lane in 1993, the store relocated to 104 Keawe Street next to Bears' Coffee.

"We want to show more local artists' work," said Peavy, whose own assemblages were recently featured in the Biennial of Hawaiian Artists at the Contemporary Museum of Art in Honolulu.

"The store has gotten great publicity [from the Barbie doll display] and business is walking in the door," Morelli said. "When you follow your heart and do what you love, everything goes well. People react and the money comes. Even with such a simple thing like Barbie, it can become one's livelihood."

Next week: more on the business of Big Island art

Coming events

Today (Oct. 5), continuing the Kanaka`ole legacy is Kekuhi Kanahele, a teacher of Hawaiian language and culture and daughter of Pua Kanaka`ole Kanahele and Ed Kanahele. Kekuhi's compact disc Hohani Mai will be featured in performance at Borders Books in Hilo at 2 p.m. She will be available to sign CDs after the performance.

On hand at 4 p.m., continuing the grand opening weekend festivities, is Nedward "Nicky-Boy" Kaapana with songs from his CDs His Own Man and Second Time Around.

Polo season begins today at Waiki`i Ranch and continues every Sunday through December 14. Gates open at noon and games begin at 1 p.m. There is an admission charge and tailgate picnics are encouraged. Call 322-3880 for further details.

Friday (Oct. 10), the USS FREDERICK (LST 1184) pulls in to Hilo for a gala weekend of touring the Big Island, community service and celebrating the Navy's 222nd birthday. Public visiting hours aboard the landing craft carrier begin Friday at 1 p.m. and continue through 4 p.m. Hours on Saturday through Monday are 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

One of the crew's community service projects while in Hilo will be fixing up Gilbert Carvalho Park with the UH-Hilo Vulcan Wahine softball team on Saturday (Oct. 11). A softball game will follow. A soccer game with the Makule League will be held Saturday after 3 p.m. along Hilo's Bayfront.

Persons interested in assisting Hilo's Navy League and organizations interested in special group tours should contact Hilo Council president John Davis at 935-8575 by Wednesday (Oct. 8). You also may call treasurer K.T. Eger at 966-8565 or email billeger@gte.net.

There are two Newport Class landing craft carriers left in service -- the LaMoure County homeported at Norfolk, Virginia, and the Frederick, which just returned from a four-month Western Pacific deployment that included delivering books, sewing machines, medical supplies and toys to the Kingdom of Tonga as part of Project Handclasp. Crewmembers also provided medical and dental services to the Tongan citizens. Fourteen corpsmen and two doctors treated more than 200 patients in three days.

More than 250 officers and crew are led by Commander Thomas E. Johnston. During the four-month deployment, "Frederick Sailors and Marines steamed more than 17,000 miles through 10 oceans or seas and 12 straits, and visited 12 ports in eight countries," said Ens. Amy Monroe in Hawai`i Navy News. A series of bilateral exercises were conducted "with forces from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The training included mass casualty drills, flight operations, damage control seminars, and amphibious planning and training. The Frederick crew conducted 10 amphibious assaults in three countries."

The Hilo Council of the Navy League is finalizing the ships' visit information binder to be placed on US Navy and Coast Guard vessels in Hawai`i. Big Island enterprises interested in inclusion should contact Bill Eger at 966-8565.

Tuesday (Oct. 7), Don Thomas of the Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes will speak to the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board Science and Technology Committee at 10 a.m. in the UH-Hilo Campus Center, Room 313. There is a $1 charge for parking on campus. For details, contact Myra Ikeda or Liz Barton at HIEDB, 966-5416.

Tuesday (Oct. 7), the new Kawaihae Harbor Business Association meets from 11 a.m. to noon at Gecko Moon. Future meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of the month at different area restaurants. Call Dee Chapon of the Kohala Kollection Art Gallery, 882-1510, for details.

Thursday (Oct. 9) the Inter-Chamber Golf Tournament will be held at Volcano Golf Course. Tee time is 10:30 a.m. This is the first leg of the quarterly tournaments among the Hawai`i Island, Portuguese and Japanese Chambers. For details and to register, contact Lorraine at 935-7178.

Halloween starts early this year with readings by Rick Carroll from "Hawai`i's Best Spooky Tales." The local-style ghost stories will be shared with students from Waimea Elementary and Intermediate School, Waimea Country School and Hawai`i Preparatory Academy on Friday, Oct. 10.

Carroll will be at Cook's Discoveries for book signing noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, and at Borders Books in Hilo at 4 p.m. the same day.

Friday, Oct. 17, the Waimea Exchange Club will hear from Andrew Perala, communications manager of W.M. Keck Observatory, on what's happening at the summit of Mauna Kea. Perala, an honors graduate from Hawai`i Preparatory Academy in 1972, joined Keck in 1992 after college and working as a reporter and editor for the Anchorage (Alaska) Daily News where he served on a news team that won a Pulitzer Prize in 1989.

The luncheon at noon will be held at Bree Garden Restaurant and is open to the public. Reservations are required. Call program co-chair Bill Cook at 885-7502.

Saturday, Oct. 18, the 20th Ironman Triathlon World Championship starts at at 7 a.m. in Kailua Bay with a 2.4-mile ocean swim followed by 112-mile bike race and a marathon (26.2 miles) that finishes on Ali`i Drive.

For the first time in the history of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship, the event this year will include divisions for physically challenged athletes. Any competitor, to be an official finisher, must complete the event within 17 hours [midnight]. During the day, there will be limited access along Queen Ka`ahumanu and Akonepule Highways. Drive carefully, please. Call 329-0063 for more information.

Hawai`i Orchid Growers Association third conference will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Ala Moana Hotel, Honolulu, to coincide with the 58th annual Honolulu Orchid Society Show and Sale Oct. 16-19.

Contact Robert Burkey or Cassandra Phillips at 968-8825.

Monday, Oct. 20, is the deadline for receipt of entries in the Kona Coffee Art Show to be held in conjunction with the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. Photographs of submissions and their titles should be mailed to Rita Cowell, P.O. Box 783, Captain Cook HI 96704 or delivered to the Kona Art Center in Holualoa. For further information, contact Cowell at 328-9175.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board with assistance from Hawai`i County's Department of Research & Development and GTE Hawaiian Tel.

Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511 or phone (808) 966-8565. E-mail to billeger@gte.net

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September 28, 1997
Films and photos filling Big Island work schedules

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

Hawai`i County is becoming known as the place to come for filming everything from movies to catalog stills.

"For economic development for any venue, this industry produces," said Marilyn Killeri of the Big Island Film Office in Hawai`i County's Research and Development Department. "We're getting more established as a filmmakers destination as our credit list grows."

It's not all Waterworld, the movie that brought an estimated $35 million into the Big Island's economy. Last year Wheel of Fortune, a Japanese prime time travel show, Kirin Beer, a BBC special called Global Sunrise, BBC Golf with Peter Arliss, a Korean travelogue, Smithsonian's Cosmic Voyaging, Discovery Channel's The World of Wonder, National Geographic's Explorer, and two Imax features all brought work to Hawai`i County.

In addition there were commercials for Nike, Reebock, Honda, Pontiac, and Sony. A Jeep commercial in a "rainforest" was shot in a Kapoho backyard and put 30 people to work. A Quantas commercial recreated the end of the Ironman Triathlon and hired 200 extras, according to Killeri. Print ads and catalogs included Nordstrom, Fila, Benson & Hedges, Honda, Land's End and Neiman Marcus.

Tropical Visions Video Inc.'s production VolcanoScapes V -- Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park won a Kahili Award in the HV&CB's Keep It Hawai`i program and a Silver Telly Award in the television documentary programming category on the 18th annual Telly Awards in Ohio.

The tape is a feature presentation at Volcanoes National Park visitor center auditorium and may be purchased there. Other outlets include Volcano House, Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, Hilo Hattie stores in Hilo and Kona, Pueo Book Shop in Waimea and Joy's Aloha Wear in Kona.

This year there are even more commercials, parts of series, scenes for feature films, travelogues and so forth, which Killeri estimates will exceed last year's $5 million in business. Among major movies filiming on the Big Island earlier this year was "Krippendorf's Tribe," a production of Walt Disney and Touchstone Pictures.

"It's a clean industry and it puts people to work. They buy supplies, they stay in hotels, they hire caters, and they rent luas, to name a few of the production support needs."

Killeri estimates the film office fields 30 to 50 new requests a month from the industry. The Big Island Film Commission is adding to its data base daily to meet the needs of the industry.

"We want to be able to say "yes" to everything a production company needs," Killeri said. "We're expanding the equipment base. This year we have two grip trucks on island."

This week, production staff for Lani-Loa -- The Heavenly Passage, were seeking an early 1980s silver Nissan four-door sedan, in addition to arrangements for catering, equipment rental and hiring of support staff. The ladies of Island Grinds closed at Hilo Bay on Friday to cater meals for Lani-Loa.

"It's our first movie catering job," said Lisa Werner, "and we're really excited."

Killeri said, "For production support, we are very happy to send out or fax forms to anybody who thinks they could be of service to the film industry from people who rent luas to people who have donkeys to people who own land with a special feature. We're open to new locations and new production support suppliers."

Liloa Willard's landscaped waterfalls are an example of special land features. Close to town and accessible, the site still offers privacy enough for Playboy magazine to lease.

The film office also seeks to add to the data base persons with experience in the film industry -- everything from makeup and lighting to set decoration and acting. The Big Island film office has crew profile and company profile forms that may be requested by e-mail film@bigisland.com or by phoning the County film office at 961-8366.

"We get an awful lot of help from everyone in this community," Killeri said, mentioning the Hawai`i Visitors and Conventions Bureau, hotels and car rental firms. She also said firms dealing with the film industry must be able to accept two givens: they're always in a hurry and they always change their minds.

Killeri hopes to expand the web site http://www.filmbigisland.com to include necessary permit forms, an interactive map and more photographs. Her wish list includes stills from recent productions on the web page and a video of shoots from the Big Island.

"We're constantly trying to show the diversity of the Big Island," Killeri said. "It's a perfect island for filmmaking. Producers and location scouts fall in love with this island. And we've got great people. Wheel of Fortune raved about our crew. When they called a couple of months later they were still complimenting folks here.

"Thirteen climate zones and talent plus the aloha spirit make it all happen."

Killeri went back to school in communications after a first career in counseling. She interned at Channel 2 (NBC) then went into independent production.

"I got captured by the Big Island," she said. "My husband and I moved over here six years ago. I can't think of anywhere else I want to call home."

Navy tour book

Have you got a tour, product, store or place of entertainment that would appeal to visiting US Navy sailors?

Hilo Council of the Navy League, with assistance from the County of Hawai`i Department of Research and Development, is preparing a three-ring binder of information on the Big Island to be presented to each of the 82 ships based in Pearl Harbor. The books will also go to Navy commands and Coast Guard ships.

The object is to encourage more military tourism to the Big Island. Some materials already on hand include the Hawai`i County Data Book, Hawai`i Visitors and Conventions Bureau -- Big Island Chapter maps and drive guides, the new paniolo history and events brochure, and a guide to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

"In previous years, visiting admirals, ship's captains and staff have toured the facilities atop Mauna Kea. Golf and mountain bicycle outings have been arranged for officers and crew. Picnics near hot ponds, rides to church services, hikes to waterfalls and specialized tours of flower packing facilities all demonstrate the variety of experiences and abundant aloha spirit of the Big Island," said project organizer Bill Eger.

"Ships surveyed following a Hilo port visit have reported within two months more than ten percent of the sailors return with their families to see more of the Big Island.

For further details, contact Eger by e-mail billeger@gte.net or telephone 966-8565.

Coming events

Saturday (Oct. 4) The Big Island Press Club celebrates 30 years since its founding in Walt Southward's basement. Charter members Bill Arballo, Hugh Clark, Maxine Hughes, Don Miller, Lillian O'Connor, Kiyoshi Okubo, Southward, Eugene Tao, Jim Wilson, Alice and Ray Yuen, Clift Tsuji and Paul Mannen will be honored at a luncheon in the Kilohana Room of the Hawai`i Naniloa at 11:30 a.m.

For details and reservations, contact Hunter Bishop or Haunani Ogata at 935-6621.

Saturday also is the signature event of Aloha Festivals on the Big Island. An all-day lei making festival will be held at Kauaha`ao Congregational Church, Waiohinu, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets ($25) include all the lei you can make, entertainment, lunch and a tour of the grounds. Tickets are available at Hilo Hattie stores in Hilo and Kona, Sig Zane Designs, Kohala Realty, Cook's Discoveries and at the church. For more details, call (808) 885-8086.

And Saturday is the grand opening of Borders Books, Music & Cafe featuring Bernard Waber's popular children's book character Lyle the Crocodile in the morning for photographs (10 a.m.) and story time (11 a.m.). Author Sandi Takayama and illustrator Esther Szegedy will be on hand at 2 p.m. to autograph their latest book, Sumorella. With them will be Pat Hall, illustrator of Takayama's Musubi Man, Hawai`i's Gingerbread Man.

The Kona Outdoor Circle and the UH-Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources will sponsor a Master Gardening Program Wednesday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. October 8 through November 19 at the Kona Outdoor Circle building in Kailua-Kona.

Classroom work, guest lectures, field trips, plant materials, soils, pest management, water, fertilization, and maintenance are among items to be covered under the direction of Norman Bezona, UH-CTAHR professor emeritus.

Fees, which include books, materials, field trips and refreshments, are $25 for Kona Outdoor Circle members and $50 for non-members. Enrollment is limited. Contact the Kona Outdoor Circle at (808) 329-7286.

In late October, the Small Business Development Center Network begins a new series of seminars for existing and potential entrepreneurs.

In "First Steps to Entrepreneurial Success," participants will learn how to perform market research, sources of funding for start-up businesses and issues of today's business world.

Part one will be held Tuesday, Oct. 21, and part two Thursday, Nov. 6, in the UH-Hilo Manono Campus multi-purpose room from 9 a.m. to noon.

"Winning Customers through Effective Marketing" will cover organization of marketing activities into a marketing plan and the best ways to reach customers. It will be held Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon at the UH-Hilo Manono Campus multi-purpose room.

"Business Planning: Keys to Success" will cover financial analysis and formation of effective and efficient organizations. It will be held Thursday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon in the UH-Hilo Campus Center room 316.

Space is limited, and pre-registration and pre-payment of fees are recommended. Call 969-1814 for additional information.

The Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation will hold its 50th annual convention at the Ala Moana Hotel October 28 through 31. Fellowship night, Wednesday Oct. 29, the convention body has been invited to Washington Place by Governor Cayetano.

For further details, contact the HFBF office in Honolulu at (808) 848-2074.

Hilo port calls

Wednesday (Oct. 1) Star Princess arrives in Hilo Harbor. Sunday (Oct. 5) Legend of the Seas makes her fourth port call to Hilo between visits to Lahaina and Kona. Tuesday, Oct. 7, Tropicale returns to Hilo for her third visit from Vancouver to Kona. Wednesday, Oct. 8, Statendam arrives in Hilo from Nawiliwili on her way to Ensenada. The ship returns Friday, Oct. 24, for another day visit.

Wednesday, Oct. 15, Tropicale stops in Hilo from Honolulu to Kona then Ensenada. Star Princess pulls in Friday and Sunday, Oct. 17 and 19. Saturday, Oct. 25, Star Princess returns to Hilo for a day visit.

Focus on Ag

UH-Hilo's College of Agriculture televised course, Focus on Agriculture, appears Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on cable public access channels statewide. The October schedule includes Perry Topo Gigio of Topo Gigio's (10/2), Ted Kuo of Banyan Hibachi (10/9), Kay Okuda of Kay's Lunch Counter (10/16), Derrick Kurisu of KTA Super Stores Mountain Apple Brand (10/23), and Roberto Fisher of Island Bistro (10/30).

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511 or phone (808) 966-8565. E-mail to billeger@gte.net

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September 21, 1997
Health care holds job, career potential for Hawai`i

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

The health care industry holds great potential for economic development on the Big Island according to those involved with Na Kuahiwi `Elima, the Five Mountain Medical Community.

"This field is really new for me," said Diane Quitiquit, director of the County of Hawai`i Department of Research and Development. She and Vivian Ho of Queen's Medical were granted fellowships from Five Mountain to promote recognition of the healing qualities of the island.

"The goals of the organization include improving the health statistics of our region and creating jobs in the health care and healing fields for our people," said Quitiquit.

Toward those goals, president Earl Bakken outlined six points to the Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce economic development committee. Bakken is the inventor, in 1957, of the first external transistorized pacemaker. The energetic electrical engineer remains a director emeritus of Medtronic Inc. in Minnesota and has "retired" to Hawai`i.

According to Bakken, a resource center, hospital, jobs and careers, educational incentives, healing reimbursement and measurement are needed to improve the health and welfare of our people.

"We can provide extremely good health care for our local population and attract patients to the Big Island from throughout the Pacific Rim," Bakken told the Chamber committee. "We can leverage the assets we have here to bring economic growth to our people."

The solutions proposed to the six needs identified by Bakken include Tutu's House as a resource center and the North Community Hospital. Other resources in the Five Mountain region include Lucy Henriques Clinic, the Hawai`i Center for Integral Healing, North Hawai`i Hospice, the Cancer Retreat Center, Elder Spa and resort hotel spa helath and fitness programs.

Already, the North Hawai`i Community Hospital, opened 18 months ago, is attracting clients from other islands. Bakken, president of the hospital's board of directors, envisions "thousands and thousands" of patients coming from other areas creating jobs for residents.

"Most hospitals are built as warehouses for sick people rather than as healing places," Bakken said.

Among differences he cited are the proper orientation of the North Hawai`i Community Hospital building to the world's largest mountain, skylights to keep patients and staff "chronobiologically connected" to the sun, fine food, an excellent music system, a friendly atmosphere and "it doesn't smell like a hospital."

Among the hospital's goals are providing genuinely patient-centered care "within a total healing environment" and "empowering patients and families to become actively involved in their own health care choices."

The Five Mountain Medical Community promotes the integration of mainstream medical approaches with what he terms "complementary" treatments such as healing touch, aromatherapy, lomi lomi and la`au lapa`au.

"The wisdom of the Hawaiian people teaches us that the Waimea area, at latitude 19.5 north, is the center of five mountains producing an energy vortex, mana. The spirituality of Waimea is noticed by visitors from all over who describe a feeling of <@145>home town,<@146> of comfort."

This natural asset was noticed long ago by author Isabela Bird who in 1890 wrote: "The climate of the plain is most invigorating. Waimea, with its cool, equable temperature, might become the great health resort of invalids from the Pacific ... It is truly delightful climate and mode of living, with such an abundance of air and sunshine. My health improves daily.

"Unlike the health resorts of the Mediterranean, Algeria, Madeira and Florida where great summer heats or an unhealthy season comple half-cured invalids to depart in the spring, to return the next winter with fresh colds to begin the half-cure process again, people can live here until they are completely cured, as the climate is never unhealthy, and never too hot."

Bakken also cited the abundance of outdoor activities necessary to recovery.

"Here we can be outdoors all year round. The Caribbean, Florida and Texas all get cold. Here we have no big city, no pollution. Golf and other outdoor activities make this a very attractive place. The hospitals are crowded in Tokyo. Here we can offer the same level of care with more personal attention. It's especially good to note the direct flights (from Asia) are increasing."

Other solutions proposed to the needs identified include incentives for students, medical savings accounts and measurement of results.

"Our young people have to see a future or they won't do well in high school or go on to college. We need to spend a lot of time with our young people showing them why this is valuable for their own health and for the future of the community," Bakken said.

Quitiquit said, "He firmly believes in medical savings accounts, a plan that he implemented in his company."

Bakken calls such savings accounts, "a way to control costs and get people healthy on their own. Managed care is going to fail. It is not managing costs and it is destroying the doctor-patient relationship. Each of us has to become educated about our own health. Conversations with a health care professional should be between adult and adult, not adult and child."

For measurement of results, the Five Mountain Medical Community is working with the public health department on a survey.

Bakken recommended several books including 21st Century Miracle Medicine by Alexandra Wyke of The Economist, Patient PowerG by John Goodman and Gerald Musgrave, and The Water of Life by Rita Knipe.

For further details on the opportunities, check out the web site at http://www.fivemtn.org or e-mail at fivemtn@bigisland.com or write P. O. Box 7079, Kamuela HI 96743, telephone (808) 885-6773.

Coming events

Today (Sept. 21) is the Sam Choy Poke Recipe Contest at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Contact Gloriann Akau, 326-8086.

The blessing and "soft opening" of Borders Books, Music and Cafe was yesterday at the corner of Kanoelehua and Makaala Street. Grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4.

Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Alice Moon is the new store's community relations associate responsible for developing events and activities. Call 933-1410 for more information.

Monday, Sept. 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jerry Konanui will speak on taro with exhibits and sample taro plants at the Mountain View Public Library.

Co-sponsored by the Puna Outdoor Circle and the library, the meeting is free and open to the public. "A Handbook of Kalo Basics" will be available for $3. The 36-page booklet covers planting, care, preparation and eating of taro.

For further information, contact the Puna Outdoor Circle at 965-6626 or the library at 968-6300.

Year of the Paniolo

Governor Benjamin Cayetano declared 1998 the Year of the Paniolo. The Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board, working with support from the County of Hawai`i Research and Development Department, State of Hawai`i Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism and the Hawai`i Visitors and Conventions Bureau Big Island Chapter, has produced a brochure detailing paniolo history and the ranching way of life on the Big Island.

A companion website www.rodeohawaii.com is under construction, according to Current Events, and will include a calendar of rodeo, parade and equestrian events.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511 or phone (808) 966-8565. E-mail to billeger@gte.net

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Focus on the Economy
Hawaii Island Economic Development Board

September 14, 1997
Aquaculture school breeds shrimp, fish -- and jobs

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

Graduates of the aquaculture program at UH-Hilo have one thing in common, everyone got work with no problem at all.

"Some have gone to work for the state on the mullet project down by Hilo Iron Works," said aquaculture professor Kevin Hopkins of the joint program of the Oceanic Institute and DLNR. Others are at Keahole (ocean science technology park).

"They may not all be here on the Big Island. Some have gone to work for the Oceanic Institute on O`ahu."

Graduates with an entrepreneurial bent have set up their own systems and are in commercial production. Wayne Melchow and Jeff Gomes are two former students, each with an ornamental fish business.

In yet another area, UH-Hilo's coordination with UH-CTAHR Sea Grant College Hamakua aquaculture extension project has trained several former sugar workers.

"We're trying for 20 systems," Hopkins said. "Five or six people in the program are expanding on their own. One tank can supply a neighborhood."

And all this from one half acre on the UH-Hilo 120-acre teaching farm at Panaewa used by seven College of Agriculture programs. The aquaculture program has six to eight more acres into which it can expand.

"We need water to expand," Hopkins said. "The College has had a request in for a well since before I came here more than nine years ago. It's a matter of priorities. When we get a well, the program can expand into ponds."

Aquaculture professor Kevin Hopkins looks over the Russian sturgeon in a research project at the UH-Hilo College of Agriculture farm.

The program began with six collapsible tanks in a shade house and currently utilizes several different sizes and types of tanks.

"Most everything here was built by the students," Hopkins said. "Every student gets experience with commercially important fish."

Koi, Chinese catfish and tilapia are the three main "teaching fish," according to Hopkins. With koi, the use of an artificial grass mat, timing, light and mimicking a flood are all important triggers to spawning.

"Chinese catfish don't spawn very well naturally in Hawai`i," Hopkins said. "They need a change in temperature."

Here, Chinese catfish are given hormone injections, then the eggs are stripped and fertilized externally. Another hormone technology is used with tilapia.

"Male tilapia grow faster so we feed small fish an hormone to convert all to males. We have a special FDA permit for that research."

The technology, now used all over the world, was worked out 20 years ago in Alabama, where Hopkins was part of the original research team. Forty millionths of a gram (40 micrograms) of the hormone is used per gram of feed.

Other projects include guppies to eat mosquitoes, fresh water (Malaysian) prawns, brine shrimp for catfish and algae for shrimp food, and water lilies which involves the community through the Big Island Water Garden Club.

A cooperative student program and research effort is conducted with Maku`u Aquafarms.

"We act as a quarantine station upon request," Hopkins said. "We have a closed water system and keep shrimp long enough to ensure they are virus free."

A major research project involves Russian sturgeon. It took three years to get the permits to bring in sturgeon.

"The thing that will save the sturgeon is the aquaculture industry," Hopkins said. "Yes. Overfishing is happening. We need to overproduce in captivity and make it less attractive to tear up the wild. Hawai`i is the perfect place. We're isolated and we don't have any sturgeon in the wild."

Hopkins would like to add more ornamental fish as he sees a growing market in that area. Money from marketing catfish, tilapia, koi and other fish comes back to run the research farm.

"There's a great potential here," Hopkins said.

He countered those who say there's no future in aquaculture or agriculture in Hawai`i not only with tales of former students but also with a personal story.

"Our daughter is still in school here. She says, `I want to live in Hawai`i and the only way I can afford it is to farm.' She's going into tissue culture and potted orchids. She teases me all the time that soon she'll be making more than I do."

For more information on UH-Hilo College of Agriculture programs, contact the college at 974-7393, e-mail Dean Jack Fujii jfujii@hawaii.edu or write 200 West Kawili Street, Hilo HI 96720-4091.

Coming events

Tuesday (Sept. 16) the Big Island Water Garden Club will hear from Sean Callahan of the Hawai`i Tropical Botanical Garden on the basics of water gardening.

The club meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Komohana Ag Complex. For further information, contact club president Elda Rae Yoshimura, (808) 935-0689.

Tuesday and Wednesday (Sept. 16-17) as part of Aloha Festivals, there will be a canoe building demonstration by Kai`opua Canoe Club on the lawn at Kona Inn from 10:30 a.m to 2 p.m. Hands-on participation. For further information, (808) 331-5521.

Kai`opua Canoe Club also hosts a ho`olaulea Friday (Sept. 19) with music, dancing, entertainment, food booths and the Royal Court. Ali`i Drive will be closed to traffic from King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel to Hualalai Road, Kailua-Kona, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. For information, call (808) 326-7246.

Other Aloha Festivals events include the Aloha Friday luncheon with George Naope and the Royal Court at Keauhou Beach Hotel, a ho`olaulea in Holualoa Saturday and paniolo salutes at Lanihau Center, Friday, and in Waimea, Saturday.

The Waimea event promises to be extra special with a salute to the 150th anniversary of Parker Ranch. The paniolo parade begins at 10 a.m. Be sure to stop in Cook's Discoveries and check out the Hawaiian cowboy traditional hat lei contest.

Wednesday through Sunday (Sept. 17-21) the County Fair will be held at Hilo Civic Center.

Friday (Sept. 19) the USDA Rural Development five-year strategic plan final draft will be the subject of an all-day working session from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Double Tree Alana Waikiki Hotel `Ohelo Room. RSVP to Steve Payton, administrative director, by tomorrow (Sept. 15) at (808) 933-3015.

Saturday (Sept. 20) the Big Island Dendrobium Growers Association and the Cooperative Extension Service are sponsoring an orchid farm tour with Dr. Heidi Kuehnle. The tour will cover Kalapana Tropicals, Orchid Isle Dendrobiums, Newman's Nursery, Hawaiian Tropicals Direct and Asia Pacific Flowers.

Contact CES agent Kelvin Sewake at (808) 959-9155 or write the association attn: Wally at P. O. Box 4153, Hilo HI 96720.

The marvelously inventive Trash Art Exhibit continues at the East Hawai`i Cultural Center on Kalakaua Avenue in Hilo through Sunday, Sept. 28. Check with the Center for hours at (808) 961-5711.

Hurrah for all the folks who've made it happen for seven years, especially Volcano artist and educator Ira Ono.

Watermelon watch

An August 1997 vegetable crops update on cucurbit (cucumber, zucchini, watermelon, pumpkin, etc.) pest control from UH-CTAHR warns of a bacterial fruit blotch in watermelon. This has not yet been detected in Hawai`i, but potentially is a serious disease.

"Pseudomonas pseudolcaligenes subspecies citrulii Schaas et al (not yet determined for certain), was first detected in the Marianna Islands in 1987. In the US, the disease was almost simultaneously detected in 1989 in Florida, South Carolina, Indiana and other eastern states. The disease is still mainly concentrated in eastern states, but already reached Arkansas, Iowa, and is widespread in Oklahoma.

"In August 1994, Asgrow, Petoseed, Rogers and Harris Moran suspended sales of watermelon seed in the US due to bacterial fruit blotch, which can be transmitted by seed. A national committee was then assembled which got all parties together and allowed continuation of seed sales along with proper labels warning growers of the potential risks with fruit blotch. The best method currently available is testing of 10,000 seeds from each seed lot, but no tests can guarantee 100 percent non-infection.

"First symptoms are small greasy-looking, watersoaked areas a few millimeters in diameter. Lessions with irregular margins expand rapidly into large dark-green watersoaked lesions several centimeters in diameter. The entire fruit surface, except the ground spot, may be covered within a few days. A white bacterial ooze may be seen exuding from the fruit."

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511 or phone (808) 966-8565. E-mail to billeger@gte.net

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September 7, 1997
Big Island ag events to combine for spring fest

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

The popularity of the annual Mealani Forage Field Days specialty dinner has grown rapidly, experiencing so much growth that it's stretching its wings.

"Next year, we'll be saluting ranchers and farmers of the Big Island by featuring forage grown beef, lamb and goat plus adding more vegetables and salad fixings," said planning committee member Gene Erger of Waimea. "We hope to involve even more local chefs in the effort to further promote local products by joining with Bank of Hawai`i's Old Hawai`i on Horseback."

Old Hawai`i on Horseback is a huge community celebration in Waimea held in the late spring. Activities in the past have included historical presentations, best dressed cowboy and cowgirl contests, arts and crafts fair, farmers' market, Hawaiian quilt exhibits, horseback pageant, antique carriage rides, paniolo concert, line dancing, paniolo stew cook-off, high school rodeo competitions and films.

Forage Field Days planning committee member and caterer Faith Ogawa said, "From last year to this I've seen an evolution. There was more interest on the part of the ranchers in trying to raise meat for the local market and to please these fine chefs. The quality is improving and I'm excited to think we'll have enough meat to supply the island's restaurants."

What's the big deal about forage fed meats?

"Most of the meat offered for sale in supermarkets comes from animals finished in feed yards on grain. Ruminants such as cattle, sheep and goats are designed to eat grass," said pasture specialist Burt Smith of the Cooperative Extension Service.

"When fed their natural diet, the meat is leaner. These animals are cared for on well maintained pastures and handled with low-stress herding techniques. Further, forage fed meat is locally produced. Grain fed meat comes from the mainland US. By the time it arrives in Hawai`i, it often has accumulated more 'frequent flyer' miles than the average resident."

Yong-Soo Kim of UH-CTAHR Department of Animal Science said, "Diet is one of the most important factors affecting carcass and meat quality. Forage-finished carcasses have less fat that grain-finished carcasses. Considering that consumer demand for lean beef is increasing, the leanness of forage-finished beef will be a strong marketing point."

This year's Taste of the Range event, a fund raiser assisting the livestock producers' education fund, attracted more than 500 people to Prince Kuhio Hall in Waimea. Once again, it was a challenge to get all the way around the room, tasting some of everything.

The island's top chefs received random cuts donated by Hawai`i Natural Meat, Kahuku Ranch, Parker Ranch, Chong Farm, Island Harvest, Kahua Ranch, Yurth Farm, Boteilho Hawaiian Enterprises, Winters Farm, Hawai`i Beef Packers and Palama Meat Company.

Michael Barton of Kamuela Pride helped with delivery of meat and invited chefs into the van to pick whatever fruit and vegetables they wanted.

"It was like the old days of market delivery," said Barton. "The chefs loved it."

Maha Kraan of Maha's Cafe at Cook's Discoveries served Kahuku Ranch top sirloin marinated in a gingered vinaigrette over Kahua butter lettuce and topped with parsley polonaise.

Bernd Bree of Bree Garden Restaurant prepared veal lasagna using carrots, leeks, onions and mushrooms with marinara sauce and three kinds of cheese.

Roussel's Waikoloa offered Beef Grillades in which the beef had been tossed with thyme, garlic, onion, black pepper, cayenne, and paprika. After sitting and searing, onions, celery and green bell peppers were added with stock.

Kevin Nutt of West Hawai`i Foodworks served beef tacos with ginger, scallions and chili sauce.

Four Season's Hualalai chef Michael Goodman created Big Island beef crisps in panko served with roasted spicy chili mayonnaise, herb cheese and goat cheese. A second dish utilized beef cheeks in a Mexican dish with ground cilantro, tomato, and guacamole. "If you're on a diet, you won't like the temptations of this station," Goodman joked.

Roy's Waikoloan prepared a spicy braised lamb tostada served on blue corn chips with lettuce, mozzarella cheese, red onion, red cabbage, poblano peppers, lime zest, cilantro, carrots and red bell peppers.

Bob Bates, supervising producer of KHET public television's show Hawai`i Cooks with Roy Yamaguchi was on hand to film the event and interview chefs. Footage will appear on a future program.

The series is a co-production of Melanie Kosaka Productions and Hawai`i Public Television, with Kosaka as executive producer. Funding is provided by Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation, Hawai`i State Department of Agriculture and the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

Fourteen full-color recipe cards featuring all 26 recipes used on the second season of Hawai`i Cooks with Roy Yamaguchi are available for $8.50 (includes shipping) from Hawai`i Cooks, c/o Hawai`i Public Television, 2350 Dole Street, Honolulu HI 96822. Make checks payable to Hawai`i Cooks.

Mauna Kea Beach's Chris Fagan served a variation on his grandmother's stuffed loin of veal using fontina and Puna goat cheeses, fresh herbs including thyme and Italian style bread crumbs.

"The secret is to grind some of the veal trimmings and add it to the stuffing," Fagan said.

That pasture veal was one of the evening's favorites with Kohala dairyman Eddie Boteilho, state statistician Don Martin, and Volcano resident Mahina Maxey.

Gene Erger raved over Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel's spicy Big Island goat with coconut and basmati rice.

Another crowd pleaser was The Orchid at Mauna Lani executive chef David Reardon's cabbage slaw with crispy mountain oysters. The dish topped the list of favorites for Raymond Kawamata, Bill Cook, Bill Eger and Gene Erger.

Reardon's recipe calls for four mountain oysters to be boiled with one quart chicken stock, a bay leaf and one sprig of thyme in a sauce pan until tender. Let cool and slice thin then julienne. Toss with one cup flour and a pinch of salt and white pepper and fry till crisp and golden brown.

For the slaw, julienne two cups cabbage, one half cup carrots, one half cup snow peas, one half cup red cabbage and one quarter cup cilantro. Combine vegetables with one half cup crispy mountain oysters and one quarter cup chopped macadamia nuts. Top and toss with one quarter cup soy vinaigrette.

For the soy vinaigrette, whisk together one cup salad oil, two cups soy sauce, one cup rice vinegar, one cup mirin, one cup sugar, two teaspoons chopped garlic, one tablespoon chopped ginger, one seeded and diced Jalapeno pepper, one teaspoon sesame oil and the juice of one lime.

Other specialties on hand were beverages from Kona Brewing Company and Wakayama Store.

"This is the first time we're serving ginger ale," said Mattson Davis, general manager of Kona Brewing Company. "It's been so popular that we'll be serving it in the pub at the brewery. We use fresh Hawai`i-grown ginger and of course Hawaiian pure water."

The pub is located on the Pahala side of the North Kona Shopping Center by Zack's Photo. They may be reached by telephoning (808) 334-1133.

Al Wakayama was pouring "out of the ordinary" non-alcoholic beers including Erdinger and Paul Aner. Also on hand was Thomas Kemper root beer.

"We now have this root beer available in kegs for children's parties," said Wakayama, who may be reached at (808) 885-4674.

Coming events

Happy Grandparents Day!

Today (Sept. 7) is the last day of the Big Island Farm Fair noon to 10 p.m. at Old Kona Airport Park.

Today is the Sixth Annual Kindy Sproat Falsetto and Storytelling Contest at 2 p.m. Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. It will be broadcast live on KCCN.

Today is the first day of a specialized educational series with Michael Cullen sponsored by the Hawai`i Forest Industry Association for woodworkers. Cullen is a distinguished woodworker, designer, and engineer who lectures at the Academy of Art in San Francisco.

The two-day seminars will be held in Holualoa on the Big Island, Kahakuloa on Maui (Sept. 10-11) and at Martin & MacArthur in Honolulu (Sept. 13-14). The first day concentrates on design. The second day focuses on techniques including hand tools, veneering and applied finishes.

For details, contact HFIA's training committee: Alan Wilkinson, (808) 456-1006, or Marian Yasuda, (808) 538-0448.

Friday (Sept. 12), an ukulele festival will be held at Keauhou Shopping Center. Also included are lei contest, arts and crafts, and Hawaiiana demonstrations. Call (808) 322-3000 for further details.

Tuesday, Sept. 16, the Big Island Water Garden Club will hear from Sean Callahan of the Hawai`i Tropical Botanical Garden on the basics of water gardening. Callahan came to the Onomea garden with 18 years experience in California commercial water gardens.

The club meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Komohana Ag Complex. For further information, contact club president Elda Rae Yoshimura, (808) 935-0689.

Saturday, Sept. 20, the Big Island Dendrobium Growers Association in cooperation with UH-CTAHR will host a farm tour through Kalapana Tropicals, Orchid Isle Dendrobiums, Newman's Nursery, Hawaiian Tropicals Direct and Asia Pacific Flowers.

Contact Cooperative Extension Service agent Kelvin Sewake at 959-9155 or write the association attn: Wally at P. O. Box 4153, Hilo HI 96720.

Sept. 23-25 The 15th annual Pacific Island Coastal Zone Management conference will be held at the Aston Wailea Resort on Maui. Theme of this year's gathering is "Natural Resource Economics and the Coastal Zone." Contact Claire Cappelle, Hawai`i CZM Program, fax (808) 587-2899. e-mail jccapel@dbedt.hawaii.edu

Port calls

Time to welcome overseas cruise ships back to Big Island waters. Thursday, Sept. 18, Rhapsody of the Seas arrives for a Hilo day visit before sailing to Kona. Rhapsody of the Seas returns for a visit Sunday, Sept. 28, from Lahaina on her way to Kona. Tuesday and Thursday, Sept. 23 and 25, Sky Princess visits Hilo for a day. Friday, Sept. 26, Legend of the Seas arrives from overseas for a day visit in Hilo before going on to Kailua-Kona.

Advance notices

Three commodity groups -- papaya, orchids and tropical fruit -- with their roots on the Big Island will hold state-wide membership conferences off island this fall.

The 33rd annual Hawai`i Papaya Industry Association conference will be held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26-27, at the Ocean Resort Hotel in Honolulu.

The agenda includes discussion of plans for a papaya ring spot virus-free quarantine zone by Myron Isherwood of the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture pest control branch, the status of licensing for use of PRV seed by Emerson Llantero of the Papaya Administrative Committee, an update on PRV resistance research and deregulation by Dr. Richard Manshardt of UH-CTAHR Department of Horticulture, Kapoho field trials for PRV resistance by Dr. Steve Ferreira of UH-CTAHR Department of Plant Pathology, evaluation of transgenic fruit by Prof. Catherine Cavaletto of UH-CTAHR Department of Horticulture, transgenic seed production by Dr. Tim Wenslaff of the Hawai`i Agriculture Research Center and the distribution plan for transgenic seed by Delan Rusty Perry of the research and development subcommittee of the Papaya Administrative Committee.

For details and to register, contact Cooperative Extension Service at 875 Komohana Street, Hilo HI 96720 or telephone the Papaya Administrative Committee in Hilo at (808) 969-1160.

The Hawai`i Orchid Growers Association third conference will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Ala Moana Hotel, Honolulu, to coincide with the 58th annual Honolulu Orchid Society Show and Sale Oct. 16-19.

The day-long conference will focus on issues of production, culture and marketing. Speakers include Yung-Yu Lin, phalaenopsis hybridizer with Brother Orchid Nursery in Taiwan; Andy Easton, owner-operator of Geyserland Orchids in Rotorua, New Zealand; Howard Liebman, University of Southern California Professor of Medicine and oncidium expert; Wallace Nakamoto of Honolulu known for his expertise in cattleya and vanda; S. "Ram" Ramakrishnan, molecular biologist and distributor of eco-friendly products such as Coir (coconut) Fiber; and Takayoshi Katsuura of Shoyoen Orchid Company in Osaka, Japan.

Also featured will be a panel presentation by Richard Takafuji of The Orchid Center; Roy Tokunaga of H&R Nurseries; Sheldon Takasaki of Carmela Orchids; and Robert Burkey of Glenwood Orchid Acres.

For information and to register, contact HOGA by e-mail burkphil@gte.net, telephone (808) 968-8825, fax 968-8890 or by writing P. O. Box 2152, Kea`au HI 96749.

Hawai`i Tropical Fruit Growers will hold their seventh annual conference at Ulupalakua Ranch on Maui Friday through Sunday, Oct. 24-26. Early registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 17.

The agenda includes presentations on the integrated orchard by John Mood, sustainable fruit production, flower forcing of cherimoya and atemoya by Stephan Reeve, culture and production of white dessert guava by Francis Zee of the USDA National Germplasm Repository located outside Hilo, and integrated pest management with Vince Jones of UH-CTAHR.

Several tours are scheduled. The first, on Saturday, is Maui Land and Pineapple's fresh pineapple packing facility and diversified agriculture operations including organic pineapple, raspberry, blueberry and asparagus.

Sunday's tour includes Kanahena Farm in Ulupalakua to view agroforestry, permaculture and diverse fruit orchards; Ola Pono Health Farm in Ha`iku, a 25-acre certified organic fruit orchard; and Makani Gardens in Ha`iku where various hardwood timber trees are interplanted with fruit trees.

For details and to register, contact Ellen Mehos at (808) 322-0935 or write HTFG, P. O. Box 1390, Kealakekua HI 96750.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511 or phone (808) 966-8565. E-mail to billeger@gte.net

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Focus on the Economy
Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board

August 31, 1997
Special `limu' big success at Natural Energy Lab

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

One of the biggest success stories of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai`i Authority (NELHA) at Keahole is Cyanotech Corporation.

Founded in 1983, Cyanotech has become the world's largest producer of spirulina, a dried microalgae used as a nutritional supplement by athletes, seniors and persons with special nutritional needs. Several of the ponds are certified organic making Nutrex Spirulina Pacifica the world's only certified organically grown and processed algae.

What's in spirulina? Beta carotene, chlorophyll, B-vitamins, complete protein, a number of enzymes and minerals, and fatty acids such as GLA (gamma linolenic acid) from which the body creates prostaglandin E1, a natural anti-inflammatory compound.

In 1993, market demand for spirulina surpassed production capabilities and more ponds were added to the site. By mid-1996, microalgae production grew by 245 percent.

Market demand for spirulina and other microalgae continues to grow and more ponds are being added. More than 70 people are employed full-time right now with several more temporary employees during the construction phase.

The new expansion will bring the company to roughly 170 acres in the ocean science technology park nearly doubling its size from the present 90 acres. Cyanotech leases land from NELHA at $1,200 per acre per year or two percent of gross sales, whichever is greater.

Mike Atwood, director of distribution, talked about the company during a recent tour.

"I moved to the Big Island in 1970 and worked at the energy lab in 1975 diving for the experimental pumps. In 1985, when I started with Cyanotech, this was just graded lava. There were no buildings and we started with just four ponds.

"This has been on-the-job training," Atwood said. "I majored in journalism in Northern California at Merritt College."

An avid outrigger canoe paddler, Atwood joined Kai `Opua in 1972 and now paddles with Keauhou Canoe Club. He is treasurer for Moku O Hawai`i.

Pure, deep ocean seawater, pumped from a depth of 2,000 feet, is used in the ponds as a source of nutrients and in the company's patented Ocean-Chill Drying process. Carbon-dioxide recovered from drying is fed back to the ponds as a key nutrient for the algae cultures, resulting in production cost savings. Water with nutrients and algae too small to be harvested are recycled.

Spirulina is pumped from the ponds through filters to a vacuum process to remove most of the water. After the patented drying process, the product comes out as a powder that is packaged, protected from oxidation, for bulk sales or for further processing into flakes with lecithin or tablets, manufactured in Kona without any added fat, binders or heat processing.

"The flakes mix easily with juice," Atwood said. "It's good sprinkled on rice and used other ways."

As for distribution, "we're going pretty much all over the world: to mainland China, Russia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, France and a number of places in Europe, Canada, South America and the mainland US. Mexico used to be a pretty big producer, but not anymore. We're shipping there too."

Production is year-round with slight variations due to more sun during the summer months. Spirulina production is around two tons a day. Average price is $20 a kilo or about $8 per pound.

"We ship via Matson, Young Brothers, SeaLand, United Airlines, DHL, Federal Express -- pretty much every carrier you can think of," Atwood said.

Market demand for spirulina and another microalgae, astaxanthin, drives the current expansion. Of an estimated $19.8 million planned for the project, $16.6 million will be used for astaxanthin, a red pigment used in aquaculture.

Occurring naturally in the world's oceans, astaxanthin gives salmon and shrimp their characteristic pink color. It must be provided in aquaculture feed to achieve the same color. Astaxanthin also has pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications because of anti-oxidant properties.

A third microalgae is moving beyond the pilot production stage. The natural soil toxin, Bti (Bacillus Thuringinsis var. israelensis), has been genetically engineered into Synechococcuss, a blue-green algae -- a food for mosquito larvae -- making it a promising mosquitocide.

Molecular biologist Dr. Scott Franklin recently joined the company's research and development team. Prior to joining Cyanotech, Dr. Franklin conducted research at the University of Wyoming on natural bacterial toxins for use against mosquitoes and blackflies.

For those with an internet connection, Cyanotech's web site address is http://www.cyanotech.com

NELHA's URL is http://bigisland.com/nelha

For NASDAQ stock quote, enter "Cyan."

Coming events

Today (Aug. 31) Daughters of Hawai`i and Calabash Cousins of Hulihe`e Palace will hold afternoon tea 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the palace. Tickets are $45 at the door.

Tomorrow (Sept. 1) is the last day to register for the Parker Ranch trail ride to be held Sunday, Sept. 21. Contact Patti at the ranch, (808) 885-7311.

Tomorrow also is the deadline for written recipes to be submitted to the second annual Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Recipe Contest. Categories are salad, bread, pie, cake, cookie, dessert, entree or main course, and candy. All recipes must include a macadamia nut product in the list of ingredients. Fax to Gene Erger (808) 885-0018.

Selected recipes will be judged at the Hilo Macadamia Nut Festival at Nani Mau Gardens Saturday, Oct. 25.

Thursday (Sept. 4) the Waimea Community Association will hear from Mike Robinson of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Jeanine Lum of the state's Waimea tree nursery and Guy Cellier of Hamakua Timber on the impact of forestry in Waimea.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in Kahilu Town Hall. Contact association president Peter Young for further details, (808) 885-4200.

Thursday evening, the HIEDB Agriculture Committee will meet at 6 p.m. in the Komohana Ag Complex. During a Hawai`i-grown pot-luck supper, the formation of an ag commodity organization will be discussed. Also on chairman Tony Hanley's agenda is a report on shipping to Guam.

Please confirm your attendance with Myra or Liz at (808) 966-5416 and advise what pot-luck you'll bring.

The Big Island Farm Fair will be held September 4 through 7 at the Old Kona Airport Park. The Fair opens Thursday and Friday at 5:30 p.m. and continues to midnight. Saturday hours are noon to midnight and Sunday noon to 10 p.m.

Livestock and agricultural exhibits and demonstrations, a country market, cooking demonstrations, E.K. Fernandez carnival rides and games and great entertainment are on tap each day.

The entertainment schedule includes master hypnotist Tony Angelo Thursday; Diana Aki and Kole`a Friday; The Ho`opi`i Brothers, Kona Aerials, Darlene Ahuna and Manawale`a Saturday; and Fortee, Pekelo, and Walter Boy Tavares Sunday.

A "movie star" appearance is scheduled at the livestock show. Look for Priscilla the zebra from George of the Jungle.

Activities include sheep shearing on Friday and Saturday, dairy milk industry games, photo opportunities for keiki and small animals, and a daily drawing for compost.

Exhibits and agricultural sales will feature home and garden plants, tropical fruit trees, shrubs, bedding plants, orchids, bromiliads and more. Displays by commodity groups include papaya, tropical fruits, bamboo, and 100 percent Kona coffee.

The Country Market will offer Island Fresh vegetables and fruit including ice cold watermelon. Samples of fruit and corn will be available daily.

Admission is $2.25 for adults, $1.25 for children. Farm Bureau members and children under three years of age are admitted free. On Sunday, the first 1,000 people will receive free admission.

For information on the Fair or programs of the Farm Bureau, contact Diane Ley at (808) 968-6951.

Friday (Sept. 5) is the deadline for submitting your favorite recipes to the Hawai`i Island Friends of the Library cookbook. Take your recipe to your local library. Names will be published along with recipes.

The book, a project of the Mountain View and Pahoa Libraries involving all Big Island libraries, will be available for Christmas. Call the Mountain View Library for any further details, (808) 968-6300.

Saturday (Sept. 6) join the Hilo Council Navy League's "Mahalo" to the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Kiska for all they do and welcome new officers and crew with a pot-luck at 12:30 p.m. To make the event really special, UH-Hilo athletic director Bill Trumbo is bringing the Vulcan Wahine softball team for a fast pitch game with the Coast Guard at Walter Victor Field at Civic Center.

For further information, contact event co-chairs Tory Mospens (808) 982-9256 and Bob Lamson (808) 935-6559 or council treasurer K.T. Eger (808) 966-8565.

Saturday (Sept. 6) the Puna Outdoor Circle needs help planting 30 trees at the Pahoa Community Aquatic Center starting at 8 a.m. Holes already will be dug by backhoe. Volunteers are needed to move trees, backfill, water and mulch.

For further details, contact president Rene Siracusa at (808) 965-6626.

Advance notice

The Kona Outdoor Circle and the UH-Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources will sponsor a Master Gardening Program Wednesday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. October 8 through November 19 at the Kona Outdoor Circle building in Kailua-Kona.

Classroom work, guest lectures, field trips, plant materials, soils, pest management, water, fertilization, and maintenance are among items to be covered under the direction of Norman Bezona, UH-CTAHR professor emeritus.

Fees, which include books, materials, field trips and refreshments, are $25 for Kona Outdoor Circle members and $50 for non-members. Enrollment is limited. Contact the Kona Outdoor Circle at (808) 329-7286.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511 or phone (808) 966-8565. E-mail to billeger@gte.net

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August 24, 1997
Big Island activities pointing to better economy

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

A rosy outlook for the Big Island's economy was presented to the Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce and Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce this week by First Hawaiian Bank senior vice president and economist Dr. Leroy Laney.

"At mid-1997, Hawai`i County's economy continues along an upward path that started almost two years ago," Laney told large audiences at both gatherings. "Long-distance direct flights into Kona Airport, thanks to its extended runway, undoubtedly have been the biggest boost for tourism-oriented West Hawai`i.

"Three weekly flights between Kona and Tokyo made Kona an international airport in mid-1996. Arriving Japanese tourists were greeted with a much more pleasant customs clearance and a Hawaiian vacation experience far different from Waikiki."

These remarks compare to last year's report, delivered in early September, when there still was uncertainty on how Japanese visitors would react to Hawai`i County.

The 1996 report said, "First-time Japanese tourists tend to be less independent, and may be less compatible than Western visitors with the Big Island's wide open spaces. A large share of Japanese visitors to Hawai`i remain more interested in shopping than nature, culture, health and fitness, and other aspects in which the Big Island has a comparative advantage."

For 1997, Laney said, "Generally, Japanese visitors to the Big Isle report high satisfaction with their newfound Hawai`i destination. Independent Japanese travelers find themselves increasingly at home with the Big Island's spread-out destinations -- Kailua-Kona town, Waimea, and Kilauea volcano as well as the resorts of the Kohala Coast.

"The added bonus of daily direct US mainland flights, plus the return of direct Canadian service that always did its customs clearance at the other end, brought Kona and the Kohala Coast business activity it has never seen before. More flights are expected in the future."

Hotel hiring accounted for much of the job growth, Laney said noting higher occupancy rates all along the Kohala coast. He also noted the emergence of the bed and breakfast industry as a lodging alternative.

"In East Hawai`i, progress in diversified agriculture to replace sugar has been impressive. To a greater extent than many realize, Hawai`i County is the core of the state's farm sector. One million of the state's 1.8 million acres of ag land are on the Big Island. And 45 percent of the total state agricultural workforce was found on the Big Island."

Big Island farm jobs dropped from 6,350 in 1992 to 4,850 in 1995. In 1996, even after the close of the mill at Ka`u, farm jobs rose to 5,000. Those job figures and the state percentage are after the close of the county's sugar industry, but do not include all self-employed or part time farmers, one of the harder groups to count.

"With the island's varied micro-climates, there does exist a very firm foundation on which to build a healthy diversified agriculture sector," Laney said.

The farm value of diversified crops rose nearly eight and a half percent in 1996, according to the Hawai`i Agricultural Statistics Service and Department of Agriculture.

More coffee is being planted, some in areas that used to support a thriving coffee industry such as Ka`u. New genetic strains of papaya, resistant to the ringspot virus, hold promise for one of the island's major crops.

"Experiments are underway on the Hamakua Coast with bananas and exotic fruits such as rambutan, lychee, mangosteen, durian and heart of palm. Not all crops will be successful in the long run, but Big Island farmers are now far ahead of schedule in testing what works best. That progress might have amazed the skeptics when sugar died."

Laney also mentioned the importance of an irradiation facility and improved transportation to the success of marketing these crops.

The ranching industry looks "forward to better times in the next few years, with higher projected beef prices and lower feed costs," Laney said, specifically mentioning Parker Ranch. "Waimea is home to Parker Ranch, at 225,000 acres the largest privately-owned ranch in the US. As the ranch celebrates its 150th anniversary, it also finds itself on firmer financial footing, having reduced and restructured debts. It is proceeding with previously postponed plans to renovate and expand retail operations at Parker Ranch Center."

Waimea as a health and wellness center came in for recognition as an economic force.

"The new 50-bed North Hawai`i Community Hospital, opened in June 1996, has begin attracting doctors to practice in the area.

"The Big Island's Five Mountain Medical Community, founded last year, spearheads a movement to make Waimea an international destination for medicine, health and healing -- not just for the body but for the mind and spirit. This organization hopes eventually to bring thousands of foreign patients to the Big Isle."

Efforts to diversify Hawai`i County's economy include high technology with the growing astronomy industry atop Mauna Kea and at UH-Hilo's Research Technology Park. In addition, the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai`i Authority at Keahole saw an 8 percent rise in tenants and a 30 percent increase in land leased during the past year.

"The most successful tenant, Cyanotech, started from a backyard operation to become the world's largest producer of spirulina, a nutritional product made from a microalgae that grows well in Kona sunlight. The firm now believes a new microalgae product -- astaxanthin, which is used as a red pigment in salmon aquaculture -- will be even more profitable."

According to Cyanotech literature, currently, petrochemical-based astaxanthin enjoys annual sales exceeding $150 million. "Cyanotech seeks to capture a share of this market with an all natural product."

Also on the horizon at Cyanotech is a new, natural mosquitocide from a blue green algae, synechococcuss, into which a natural soil toxin, Bti, has been genetically engineered.

It wasn't good news all around, however. As was true last year, the construction industry has seen better days.

"Lack of demand continues to dampen residential activity," Laney said. "Most private activity tends to be commercial. Much of that work relates to buildout of retail operations, some of it aimed at the local market but also with an eye toward tourism.

"Inspection of schedules for cement demand, usually a good leading indicator of building activity, shows less activity this year than last, with a greater share on the public sector side -- schools, police and fire stations, road paving. The construction job count, another good gauge of the industry, stayed flat at about 2,200 jobs island-wide over the 12 months ended in June 1997."

For a copy of Dr. Laney's report, contact First Hawaiian Bank and ask for the July/August research department newsletter, Economic Indicators, with the Hawai`i County profile insert.

First Hawaiian Bank, Research Department, P. O. Box 3200, Honolulu HI 96847.

Coming events

Aloha Festivals on the Big Island are officially under underway following the investiture of the Royal Court yesterday. Tomorrow, (Aug. 25) learn the value of taro, how to plant and how to prepare, with Kia Fronda, Kekena Lo and Ka`ai Leong at 11 a.m. at Hilo Hattie in Kona.

Also at Hilo Hattie Hawaiian quilting will be demonstrated by Bonnie Miki at 10 a.m. Tuesday and weaving coconut and lauhala Christmas ornaments with Ata Murata on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Call (808) 329-7200 for further information.

Next Sunday (Aug. 31) the Daughters of Hawai`i and the Calabash Cousins of Hulihe`e Palace will hold afternoon tea at the Royal Summer Palace from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Activities include a silent auction and fashion show of Hawaiian attire from missionary times to the present, with music of the period. Tickets are $35 in advance or $45 at the door. For information, call (808) 329-9555.

Thursday (Aug. 28) the University of Hawai`i at Hilo College of Agriculture Focus on Agriculture televised course begins at 7:30 p.m.

"The purpose of this course is to provide students and the community an opportunity to become acquainted with the many aspects of diversified agriculture in Hawai`i," said Dean Jack Fujii. "This semester, the course will focus on local restaurant chefs cooking various dishes emphasizing local produce."

Paolo Bucchioni of Paolo's Bistro will appear Thursday. Dorothy and Ray Frasco of Dotty's Coffee Shop & Restaurant are scheduled for next week followed by Daniel Wadahara of Empire Cage (9/11), Laben Yamamoto and Kenny King of King's Hideaway Cafe (9/18) and Roger Hawes of Kea`au Junction (9/25). Classes continue, with a break for Thanksgiving, through December 11.

Questions may be directed to the guest speakers by phoning (808) 974-7726 or 974-7727. Neighbor island viewers may call collect (808) 961-9046.

The program appears in East Hawai`i on channel 4, in West Hawai`i on channel 13, in central O`ahu on channel 55 and in Hawai`i Kai on channel 21. To register to take the course for credit, contact the College of Agriculture by e-mail jfujii@hawaii.edu or telephone (808) 974-7393.

Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 30-31) the Queen Lili`uokalani Long Distance Outrigger Canoe Races will be held in Kailua-Kona. Competitors in the world's largest long distance (18-miles) event include paddlers from Canada, mainland US and the Pacific. Last year, more than 2,500 paddlers were registered in various age groups and boat classifications.

Call Fern Gavelek, (808) 329-0833 for more information.

The deadline for reservations for the Parker Ranch trail ride is fast approaching. Monday, Sept. 1, is the last day to contact Patti at (808) 885-7311.

Riders are required to furnish their own horses for the six-hour ride. The $50 cost includes barbeque lunch and entertainment. Registration is limited to 250 riders and more than 150 folks are registered as of the writing of this column.

Non-profit commodity organizations and commercial vendors wishing display space at the Big Island Farm Fair in Kona Sept. 4-7 should contact Diane Ley at (808) 968-6951.

Tables and lattice walls will be provided inside the exhibition tent. Power outlets and water are available upon request.

No fees will be charged to non-profit commodity organizations for display booths with an assessment to be made on sales. Commercial vendors' 10 foot by 10 foot spaces are available at 20 percent of gross or a flat fee of $300. More than 24,000 people are expected to attend the four-day fair.

Big Island Farm Fair pre-sale tickets are available. Each ticket includes admission to the fair, three ride tickets and valuable coupons from local merchants.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511 or phone (808) 966-8565. E-mail to billeger@gte.net

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August 17, 1997
Bright spots in island's economic picture on display

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

Annually for 23 years, First Hawaiian Bank economists have studied Hawai`i County's economy and have presented an economic forecast. For eight years, that task has fallen to Dr. Leroy Laney, chief economist and senior vice president.

The 23rd Annual Economic Forecast will be presented in Hilo at the Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce general membership meeting Wednesday (Aug. 20). The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. in the Hawai`i Naniloa Resort Crown Room. Cost is $15 for Chamber members and $20 for non members. Make reservations with Lorraine at the Chamber office, (808) 935-7178.

During this year's research tour, provided in part by Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board, industries and enterprises surveyed by Dr. Laney included construction, diversified agriculture, cultural tourism and other activities.

"We're having our busiest year ever," Bruce Hansen, president of Concept Development, told Laney. "We're having to turn down work."

Hansen's company oversees the conversion of the former Wainaku sugar warehouse into C. Brewer's new corporate headquarters, Wainaku Executive Center. Concept Development also is at work on a medical facility on Komohana. Previous work includes the Hata Building and Kress Building in Hilo.

"Our completion date is December 31," Hansen said. "I imagine Doc Buyers will have some fireworks ready to celebrate."

Among things to celebrate is the building's solid foundation. Plasterers were hard at work the morning of Dr. Laney's tour. Several days later, when a strong earthquake shook the Big Island and collapsed about five feet of coastline along Highway 19 in the Wainaku area, no damage was done to the Wainaku Executive Center.

"We don't have even one crack in the plaster," Hansen said.

Concept Development may be reached by writing 235 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo HI 96720 or telephone (808) 935-0279.

C. Brewer's diversified agriculture land manager John Cross noted that "all the koa to be used in this building comes from C. Brewer land on the Big Island."

The tour continued along the North Hilo coast through lands leased to diversified agricultural enterprises. Laney saw fields of taro, ginger, asparagus, sweet potato, papaya and banana.

Richard Ha of Keaau Banana Plantation has expanded operations to the Pepe`ekeo area.

"The bulk of bananas now sold in Hawai`i comes from Central America, but island homemakers can tell the difference and prefer locally grown varieties," Ha said. "On this land, we have no nematode problem and I can duplicate the quality of a banana tree cared for by my grandfather in the backyard."

David Holtzman of Aloha Farms on O`ahu noted that local farmers currently supply 44 percent of all the bananas sold in the islands.

"Because of improved farming techniques and the availability of more acreage under cultivation," Holtzman predicted "local farmers will supply 100 percent of all bananas consumed in Hawai`i by the first quarter of 1998."

Contact Cross at (808) 964-3294 for information on land leases.

Up Chin Chuck Road, Laney walked through Manelo Orchards with Brian Paxton to view mature exotic tropical fruit trees.

"We harvested 350 pounds of rambutan off six year old trees," Paxton said of his first major crop. "The average is about 150 pounds per tree."

Paxton also cultivates kaimana lychee, mangosteen and durian among other crops on 19 acres of former sugar cane land and serves as a consultant to growers on another 150 acres. Marketing is accomplished through the Hawai`i Tropical Fruit Growers Cooperative. Contact Paxton at (808) 963-6283 or write P. O. Box 11463, Hilo HI 96721

"The climate here is perfect, provided that you give plantings a windbreak," Paxton said.

A little further up the coast near Ninole, Aloha Airlines pilot John Mood is creating an exotic botanical garden on 35 acres, six of which are in peach palm. The farm was the site of Dr. Charles Clement's doctoral research into the Brazilian tree from which palm heart may be harvested at 18 months.

"A seven-foot section will yield about ten pounds of product," Mood told Laney. "We're selling to restaurants at $7 per pound. In Brazil, this is as much a staple as rice is here.

"The orchard demands constant maintenance because I use no sprays except along the fence line. We had to install an electric fence to keep the pigs out. They love palm heart and can clean you out."

A forester and ethnobotanist by training, Mood retired from the Air Force and has been flying for Aloha Airlines for 10 years. He has worked the Ninole property in his "spare" time for seven years. His efforts won "best farm" recognition in the Hamakua soil and water conservation district last year.

Rambutan, durian, pili nut, and saba coffee, are among more than 180 different kinds of fruit trees under his care along with a collection of flowering gingers from around the world.

"I maintain a nursery on O`ahu and have supplied stock to Lyon and Waimea Arboretums."

Contact Mood by writing 59-515 Akanoho Place, Haleiwa HI 96712.

The floriculture industry, especially on the Big Island, is expanding into the potted plant market, as Laney learned from third-generation grower Sheldon Takasaki at Carmela Orchids.

"We have 17 full time employees, a third of them family, and ship world wide," Takasaki said. "We also provide contract growing to O`ahu nurseries. Tissue culture has made a big difference to the business.

"Before, specimen orchids commanded high prices from the hobbyist and collector market. Now, when a hybridizer gets one great plant, he can make thousands. Anything blooming is a good seller right now."

Carmela Orchids' world famous tissue culture lab produces in excess of 50,000 flasks a year with 60 tiny orchid plants in each flask.

Contact Carmela Orchids by writing P. O. Box H, Hakalau HI 96710 to phone (808) 963-6189.

During his survey of East Hawai`i, Laney stayed at the Shipman House Bed & Breakfast and viewed several sites along the Plantation Heritage Corridor.

Of the Reed's Island mansion, Laney said it was "a treat to stay in this beautiful home and hear tales of famous visitors from Jack London to Queen Lili`uokalani. I'll be telling friends about this place."

Contact Barbara-Ann Andersen at bighouse@bigisland.com or telephone (808) 934-8002 or toll free from the mainland (800) 627-8447.

An all-local-produce picnic lunch was prepared by Island Grinds and served at Kolekole Beach Park. Fresh fish, taro and potato salad, liliko`i macadamia nut cole slaw, tossed mixed greens with vine ripened tomatoes and "home made" dressing demonstrated the variety and quality of our island's products.

The Island Grinds lunchwagon parks at Hilo Bay between the canoe hale and Suisan Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vegetarian choices, weekly specials and custom orders are available in addition to burgers and plate lunches. They deliver lunches in the Hilo area between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for an additional 50 cents. Place delivery orders or get on the weekly "specials by fax" list by calling their cellular phone after 9 a.m. (808) 895-0625.

The return drive took Laney along the scenic route at Onomea past the new Hawai`i Tropical Botanical Garden headquarters to the top of the Alaloa Trail segment known as Donkey Trail.

"I've always wanted to take this road," Laney said, "but I always seem to be in a hurry to get from one place to another. You always show me something new."

Dr. Laney's review of prior predictions and 1997-1998 Economic Outlook will be presented at 11: 30 a.m. to the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce general membership meeting Thursday (Aug. 21) at the Kona Surf Resort.

For reservations, e-mail konakcc@gte.net, call (808) 329-1758 or fax (808) 329-8564 by Tuesday.

Coming events

Today is the last day of the second annual Made in Hawai`i Festival sponsored by First Hawaiian Bank at Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall in Honolulu from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. More than 100 booths and pavilions are selling fresh produce, exotic plants and gift items.

The Agriculture Committee of HIEDB will meet Wednesday (Aug. 20) in the Komohana Ag Complex at 6 p.m. Please confirm attendance with Myra Ikeda or Liz Barton at 966-5416.

Aloha Festivals begins with the investiture of the Royal Court at noon Saturday (Aug. 23). Halau O Kekuhi will perform for the event at the rim of Halema`uma`u Crater.

Admission with Aloha Festivals ribbon. Each $5 ribbon comes with a schedule of nearly 50 events scheduled through Saturday, Oct. 4. Ribbons are available from Hawaiian Civic Clubs around the island. Ribbons also are available at Cook's Discoveries in Waimea, Hulihe`e Palace, Alapaki's in Keauhou Shopping Center, Hawaiian Accessories in Prince Kuhio Mall and from Uilani Archangel at the Hawai`i Naniloa Resort.

Tickets are on sale this month for the Kauaha`ao Congregational Church day-long lei making festival to be held in Waiohinu Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Celebrity lei makers for the Aloha Festivals' signature event involved so far include Robert Cazimero, Leina`ala Heine, Pua Kanaka`ole Kanahele, Diana Aki, Nani Lim, Kaipo Hale, Nina Keali`iwahamana, Bill Kaiwa, Steven Hall, Kauanoe Kamana, Moses Crabbe, Dennis Keawe, Nalani Kanaka`ole, Nelson Ray Parker, Kalena Silva, Namaka Rawlins, Sig Zane, Ed Yap, Scott Seymour, Paula Akana, Kimo Kahoano, Pamela Young, Barbara Meheula, Marie McDonald, Alice Ahuna and Sam Moniz.

Ticket cost of $25 includes materials for all the lei you can make, a tour of the grounds, lunch and Hawaiian entertainment. Tickets are available at Sig Zane Designs, Hilo and Kona Hilo Hattie stores, Kohala Realty, Cook's Discoveries in Waimea and at the church. For more details, call (808) 885-8086.

Cuisines of the Sun will be held at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel Saturday through Wednesday, Aug. 23-27. This year's theme, "The Spices of Life: Celebrating Fragrance and Flavor," includes the work of chefs Charlie Trotter of Chicago, Emeril Lagasse of the televised Food Network, Raji Jallepalli of Tennessee, Alan Wong of Honolulu, Rafih Benjelloun of Atlanta and Vail, and Mauna Lani Bay's Trey Foshee.

For further details, contact Cuisines of the Sun at (808) 885-6622 or toll free from the mainland 1-888-424-1977.

Sunday, August 24, 4th annual Mo`ikeha Cup Hawaiian sailing canoe race is part of Aloha Festivals. This very difficult course begins at Kawaihae Harbor and goes past Puako to Mahukona where a crew member swims to shore to retrieve a kukui nut necklace from the ancient navigator's heiau. Upon the swimmer's return to his/her canoe, the crews sail back to Kawaihae.

There are five divisions: long course traditional single hull six-man crew, traditional six-wahine, long-course traditional six-man and under double hull, short course single hull sailing canoe four members, and short course single hull sailing canoe two members and under crew. Call Current Events for registration forms, fees and further details. E-mail greatpr@ilhawaii.net or phone (808) 326-7820.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511 or phone (808) 966-8565. E-mail to billeger@gte.net

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August 10, 1997
Retirement community to build, sales quota met

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

The Big Island's first retirement community designed to enable active seniors to "age in place" is nearing the construction phase.

Lyman Gardens, a 113-unit planned development located along Pukihae Stream in Hilo's Wainaku area, reached and surpassed the lenders' required level of pre-sales in the first week of August. Ed Rapoza, vice president of The Maryl Group, and Nancy Cabral, principal broker of Coldwell Banker Day-Lum Properties, anticipate residents moving in at this time next year. A future residents meeting is planned for September.

Early this morning, the former home of the Orlando Lyman family will be moved from the property to be renovated on land owned by Jim and Maggie O'Brien in the North Kulani area. When construction begins, the model units also will be moved.

The aging population is an increasing force in our nation and state. According to US Census Bureau statistics, by the year 2000 the group aged 55 to 64 is projected to grow by about ten percent to 23.8 million people, 65 to 84 will increase by nearly 30 percent to 29.9 million and those 85 and older will grow by more than 130 percent to 5.1 million.

People are living longer and more active lives. In addition, American Demographics magazine notes that economic incentives are pushing up the age of retirement. Developed communities such as Lyman Gardens are predicted to be hot sellers. The Maryl Group estimates approximately 10,000 people in the Hilo area are probable clients.

"If you haven't seen the model yet, come on down," Cabral said. "Our biggest problem is we're not built yet. We have people in the Hilo area who would move in tomorrow if we were built today."

Hilo residents Donald and Elaine Carncross signed up about three years ago.

"We know the project's going to make a go of it," Elaine Carncross said. "They're coming along beautifully. We love the idea and are anxious to see it built and move in. It's really exciting to see this kind of service come to Hilo."

In a standard condominium, monthly maintenance fees cover such expenses as water, sewer, trash collection, utilities, groundskeeping and common area maintenance. At Lyman Gardens, fees also will cover services such as basic cable television, fitness and exercise classes, a putting green, pool and spa, weekly maid service, mini-van transportation, and security guard among others.

A library, art and crafts workshops, beauty shop, ice cream parlor, dining room and cocktail lounge are among other amenities, some at an additional cost.

"Everything about Lyman Gardens is structured around good physical and mental health," Cabral said. "Wellness programs, gardening, pets, card games, dedicated emergency response, optional assisted living services, and fee simple ownership are among qualities that make this project unique and attractive."

Ten floor plans are offered for one bedroom/one bathroom and two bedroom/two bathroom units ranging in size from slightly less than 700 square feet to slightly more than 1,000 square feet, including lanai.

"I like to tell people that they're not downsizing to a smaller living area," Cabral said. "They're expanding with a putting green, woodworking shop, pet run, gardening area, library, classrooms and all the other extras."

Regency Pacific, with 30 years experience in the business, will be the service provider. Long term care is provided by Regency Pacific to retirement communities, assisted living communities and nursing homes in Hawai`i, Nevada, Washington, Idaho and Oregon.

"When people move in here, they won't have to move again," Cabral said. "When assisted living services are needed, three levels offer a variety of choices at prices ranging from $15 to $35 per day."

Level one includes protective oversight with spot checks every two hours, daily bed making and medication reminders. The options increase through assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming through dealing with incontinence.

"People want to stay close to home, near neighbors and family," Rapoza said. "This concept is appearing in the proposal stages on Maui and O`ahu. I predict that in three years there will be communities like this throughout the state."

A 1977 graduate of Konawaena High School, Rapoza served in the Air Force immediately after graduation. Four years later, when he left military service, he had his brokers license and worked in the Dallas area before returning to the Big Island in 1987. He has been with Maryl for 9 years.

The Maryl Group has its roots on the Big Island from its inception ten years ago with four employees. Nearly 40 full time employees now are occupied with architecture, development, real estate, construction and landscaping divisions.

"Our base is on the Big Island," Rapoza said. "Our focus is statewide with commercial development, senior housing and residential housing. We are getting involved with the public sector leasing land from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for shopping centers and bidding on housing for DHHL."

The model unit at 245 Wainaku Street is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Call the Coldwell-Banker Day Lum sales division at (808) 935-0399.

Coming events

Friday through Sunday (Aug. 15-17) Pu`ukohola Heiau National Historic Site will celebrate its 25th anniversary with workshops and an Hawaiian Cultural Festival.

Members of Na Aikane O Pu`ukohola and the general public may attend weaving, chanting, medicine and plant workshops Friday at park headquarters beginning at 9 a.m.

Saturday festivities begin at 8 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. A performance by Keola Lake's halau Lawaha La Lani will cap the day at 7 p.m. Participants in the workshops will share their work.

Sunday festival hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Daniel Kawaiaea (808) 882-7218 or Ma`ulili Flip Dickson (808) 885-8676 for details.

Friday and Saturday (Aug. 15-16) the YMCA will sponsor a free diving invitational tournament. Makule division (50 plus) Friday beginning at 10 a.m. in Kailua-Kona. Saturday events begin at dawn at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel lu`au grounds.

Seafood banquet will follow involving top chefs of the island. On hand will be Sam Choy of Sam Choy's restaurant, Glenn Alos of Kona Village, Bob Black of Merriman's, Rico Carrera of Rico's Mexican Food, Matthew Pike of King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, Amy Ferguson-Ota of Oodles of Noodles, Vernon Wong of Keauhou Beach Hotel and others.

Contact the YMCA at (808) 885-7420 or Kona Family YMCA at (808) 329-9622. Diving registration required and banquet reservations highly recommended.

ALOHA -- All Lamas of Hawai`i Association -- which includes llama and alpaca owners in the state, will hold a pot luck luncheon at noon near Holualoa on Saturday (Aug. 16).

"Alpacas and llamas are some of the oldest domesticated animals in the world," said ALOHA secretary Linda Lee Cavis of Lani Kona Farm. "They haven't been domesticated as long as dogs and cats, but they're older than horses."

Cavis cited more than a dozen Big Island farms raising one or another of the lama family, which also includes wild members such as guanacos and vicunas. There are approximately 18 farms in the state.

A young male (under two years), untrained, sells for around $500. A young, unproven female sells for between $1,500 and $2,000.

For further information, e-mail Cavis at lcavis@aloha.net or telephone (808) 326-7103.

The Hawai`i Organic Farmers Association will hold its annual meeting Saturday (Aug. 16) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kona Outdoor Circle. The agenda includes updates on Federal organic certification requirements.

Vendors are welcome and should contact the main HOFA office on Maui at e-mail hofa@aloha.net or telephone (808) 573-0995 for details. Membership in HOFA is not restricted to organic farmers. Those interested in supporting organic and sustainable practices may join as associate members.

A nominal fee for the meeting includes organic local lunch featuring easily grown produce in Pacific Rim recipes.

For details and to sign up for the annual meeting, contact HOFA in East Hawai`i, (808) 965-9206; O`ahu, (808) 947-3683 or Maui, (808) 573-0995.

Dr. Leroy Laney, chief economist for First Hawaiian Bank, will present the annual Hawai`i County economic forecast to Chambers of Commerce next week. On Wednesday, Aug. 20, the Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce will meet in the Hawai`i Naniloa Crown Room for 11:30 cocktails and noon luncheon. Price is $15 to members and $20 for non-members. Reservations may be made with the Chamber office in Hilo at (808) 935-7178.

Also at the luncheon, First Hawaiian Bank, GTE Hawaiian Tel and Island Business Magazine will announce the Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce business awards for entrepreneur of the year and humanitarian of the year.

Dr. Laney will address the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce at the Kona Surf on Thursday, Aug. 21. For reservations, call (808) 329-1758.

The Agriculture Committee of HIEDB will meet Wednesday, Aug. 20, in the Komohana Ag Complex beginning with the popular Hawai`i-grown pot luck supper at 6 p.m.

Chairman Tony Hanley's agenda items include formation of an agricultural commodity advocacy organization, shipping to Guam, and a status report on RETA-H projects (Rural Economic Transition Assistance-Hawai`i).

Please confirm your attendance with Myra Ikeda or Liz Barton at (808) 966-5416 and advise what pot-luck you'll bring.

Advance notices

A reminder for creative cooks: the deadline for entries in the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut recipe contest is Monday, Sept. 1. All recipes must include a macadamia nut product in the ingredients. Categories include salad, bread, cake, cookie, dessert, main course and candy.

Mail recipes to Gene Erger, P. O. Box 2934, Kamuela HI 96743. For further details, telephone (808) 885-0018 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Deadline for registration in the Parker Ranch trail ride also is Monday, Sept. 1. The six-hour trail ride is part of the ranch's 150th anniversary celebration.

This is the first time scenic areas of Parker Ranch will be seen by folks other than their paniolo. Cost of $50 includes lunch and entertainment. All riders must provide their own horses.

Space is limited to 250 riders. Contact Patti at Parker Ranch, (808) 885-7311.

Tickets go on sale this month for the Hilo Outdoor Circle's tour of private gardens, "Personal Edens." The garden tour is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The $15 tickets are available from Paradise Plants, Kea`au Humane Society, East Hawai`i Cultural Center and Hilo Outdoor Circle.

Ticket holders must pick up packets with maps and other information about the five sites at the East Hawai`i Cultural Center from 8 to noon on the day of the tour.

For further information, contact Anne Plack, (808) 935-1308, or Toni Thomson, (808) 982-9287.

Tickets are on sale this month for the Kauaha`ao Congregational Church day-long lei making festival to be held in Waiohinu Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For details, call (808) 885-8086.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1 Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565, or e-mail billeger@gte.net

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August 3, 1997
Good communications crucial to business success

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

Quality business seminars are one of the benefits of living in a place published authors wish to visit.

Keith Bailey, author of "Customer Service for Dummies," one of a very popular series of guides written in easily understood terms and with humor, recently spoke to more than 100 East Hawai`i participants in the 7th annual GTE Hawaiian Tel business customer seminar.

"A lot of our jobs are like life in a blender," Bailey opened. "You go to work, jump in and turn it on. The day goes by in a blur and at the end of the day you turn it off and go home."

He stressed the importance of recognizing the difference between the functions and the essence of a job. Daily functions might include taking orders, answering the telephone, paying bills, ordering supplies or answering letters and e-mail. The essence of the job is communication and establishing relationships.

"If you don't do the essence of your job, you won't have the functions," Bailey said. "Should the phone ring 20 times before it's picked up, you have already communicated a negative impression before you've answered the call.

"It all comes down to attitude. Do you perceive the customer as an interruption of your job? Or do you have the attitude that the customer is your job."

Noting that technology can be used to create closeness or distance, based on one's basic attitude, Bailey advised those with modern equipment never to lose sight of doing business with customers the way they want to do business with you. One of the ways to improve customer service, Bailey suggested, is to survey clients.

"One of the enemies of good service is assumption," Bailey said. "Always use technology to enhance business relationships, not replace them."

GTE Hawaiian Tel president Warren Haruki told the group of $1.5 billion dollars invested in the past decade in statewide modernization efforts. More than $635 million is budgeted for expansion and maintenance through the end of the century.

On the Big Island there are 23 switching stations, 16 of which are digital. Within the next 16 months, the company anticipates Big Island switching stations will be 100 percent digital.

"Digital is the language of computers, and digital switching makes a wide varitey of advanced wireline and wireless services possible," Haruki said. "Digital technology also imporves the reliability and accuracy of internet connections and everyday voice calling requirements."

Haruki spoke of 63 new and advanced services and expanded business hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays plus Saturday service.

"Competition is in full swing in Hawai`i," Haruki said. "Already, 106 companies are entering this market."

He advised business customers to "read the fine print" and gave an example of pay phone service. GTE offers 15 percent of gross sales whereas one competitor offers 30 percent of net sales. On a sample pay phone taking in $150 a month, the difference to the customer in income is $22.50 with GTE and $8 with the competitor.

"Nobody knows the Hawai`i market like we do," he concluded. "Nobody goes beyond the call like we do."

Coming events

Saturday and Sunday (August 9 and 10) the third annual Nick Rott Memorial Bike Fest will be held on Parker Ranch and at Waikoloa Beach Resort as a fund raiser for PATH (Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawai`i) and Waimea Trails & Greenways. Expanded to two days for the first time, activities this year include a product and food expo, road circuit race with prize money, stunt riding exhibitions, a children's track for riders under the age of 14, a "ride-n-tie" duathlon, live music jam, silent and live auctions, and camping.

More than 1,000 participants are expected compared to 250 the first year at Pu`ulani Ranch and 650 last year at Parker Ranch.

The Bike Fest commemorates the life of Nick Rott, an avid Big Island cyclist who was killed in a cycling accident in August 1994. All ages and levels of ability are included in the events.

The road circuit race is 10 two and a half mile loops around the Waikoloa Beach Resort. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the mass start is at 8 a.m.

Registration for events opens at 10 a.m. at Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena. A guided mountain bike tour of the Ranch begins at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The bike rodeo, kids' track and bike polo matches with teams of five begin at the same time Saturday. The jam session begins at 6:30 p.m. and activities continue through 9:30 p.m.

Stunt bike exhibitions are at 4 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. The breakfast booth opens at 7 a.m. Sunday followed by registration at 8 a.m. and bike rodeo at 9 a.m. Mountain bike races have beginner, sports and expert categories. Events continue through 6 p.m. Sunday. For further details on fees, times and events, contact the Hawai`i Sports Connection at e-mail sports@ilhawaii.net or telephone (808) 329-9718, fax (808) 326-7504, or write 73-362 Hoene Street, Kailua-Kona HI 96740.

Saturday and Sunday the Pro Am Rodeo will be held at Panaewa Equestrian Center. Tickets are available for $5 in advance or $6 at the gate.

Events begin Saturday at 8 a.m. with slack roping followed by the rodeo at noon. Sunday opens at 11 a.m. Bull riding, barrel races, calf roping, team roping, bareback and saddle broncs are among events scheduled.

Sunday, the Kona Orchid Club will hold its 15th annual show and sale from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kona Daifukuji Mission next to Teshima Restaurant at Honalo.

The Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council will host national florists after the FTD convention in Honolulu this week. For tour details, contact Linda Huffman at (808) 961-5555.

One more mahalo

Many thanks again to all the Kamehameha Schools alumni and friends who made possible the donation and placement of the King Kamehameha statue near Wailoa Center. It is a thrill to see it there, backed by tall graceful palms. It is a treat to catch a glimpse of the gleaming cape from afar. It's a delight to notice how many people stop in and leave their lei on the stone wall.

"We still need to purchase a plaque for the front wall," said Terry Plunkett. "We have two lights installed and we're working on the landscaping."

Support is needed. Contact Terry Plunkett at (808) 969-9988.

A belated mahalo to Henry Leong, one of the masons who did cap rock work on the wall, for his ho`okupu on dedication day, June 10. His hobby is raising Hawaiian varieties of taro and he presented `ula `ula moano, `elepaio and uahi-a-Pele representing the ocean, mountain and smoke of an active volcano.

"This is to symbolize the history of Hawaiians living on this island from the sea to the mountain," said Leong.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1 Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone (808) 966-8565, e-mail billeger@gte.net

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Focus on the Economy
Hawaii Island Economic Development Board

July 27, 1997
Study opens way for major National Trail in Hawai`i

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

One of the Big Island's great local and eco-tourism resources -- the Ala Kahakai -- is under study by the National Parks Service for inclusion in the National Trails system.

Enabled by legislation introduced by Hawai`i Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, Congressional action in the fall of 1992 funded the study. A new draft of the study is due to be released by the National Parks Service Pacific Western Region in early August and will be the subject of public hearings tentatively scheduled for the Big Island in late August and September.

A national trail study addresses the issues of significance, feasibility and desirability. The Ala Kahakai appears to meet requirements for a National Scenic Trail, and a 1995 study also noted "the overriding importance of the trail lies in its historic and cultural values.

"To be nationally significant, a historic trail must meet all three of the following criteria," the study said. "The trail is established by historic use and is historically significant as a result of that use. The trail is nationally significant with respect to broad patterns of American history, including the history of native Americans. The trail has significant potential for historical interest based on historic interpretation and appreciation."

The feasibility area of the study looks at both physical development and financial possibilities. Desirability, while not specifically defined in the National Trails System Act, "relates to the extent to which private groups and public agencies, other than the federal government, would participate in acquiring and managing necessary lands, the impacts of public outdoor recreation on the historical and archaeological features and settings, and the economic benefits."

The ancient "trail by the sea" covers nearly 200 miles from Upolu Point in Kohala down the west coast and around Ka Lae to the Hilo-side border of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park near Wahaula Heiau. E Mau Na Ala Hele (Perpetuate the Trails for Walking), a non-profit community group formed nearly 20 years ago, organized a year-long series of day hikes to draw attention to the trail and study process.

Each segment includes historical sites and cultural resources such as fish ponds, salt pans, shrines and petroglyphs. The organization is seeking participation from hikers, hiking teams, leaders, school groups, church groups, families, businesses and professional organizations. Persons with specific knowledge of individual segments also are needed.

National Trails Day (June 7) kicked off the year-long celebration. In June, residents and visitors covered sections from Upolu Point to Pu`ukohola. In July, following the trail took folks from the heiau to `Anaeho`omalu and today's event continues from there to Kiholo.

Sunday hikes scheduled this month are Aug. 3 from Kiholo to Kona Village, Aug. 10 from Kona Village to Mahai`ula, Aug. 17 from Mahai`ula to the Natural Energy Laboratory Hawai`i, Aug. 24 from NELHA to Honokohau and Aug. 31 from Honokohau to Kailua-Kona.

Four Saturday hikes are scheduled for September taking interested participants from Kailua Pier to Pu`uhonua o Honaunau.

For details on parking and car pool sites, hike leader and changes, contact Gerrie Morisky, events coordinator for E Mau Na Ala Hele at (808) 328-9786.

"The average distance of each segment is about five miles," Morisky said. "Please wear hiking shoes and bring sunscreen, lunch, two to three quarts of water and a swimsuit. We usually meet at the destination and car pool back to the beginning. That way, at the end of the hike when people are tired, their cars are in sight."

Hugh Montgomery, president of E Mau Na Ala Hele, said he wasn't sure if any one person would complete the entire route, "but two items go on every hike. There's a koa walking stick carved by Ski Kwiatkowski with the image of Lono at the top and Les Wishard's name at the bottom. This celebration is dedicated to the memory of Les who did so much for the Kona Hiking Club and for this effort."

At the end of the trail, the walking stick will be presented to the Wishard family. Son and artist Harry Wishard created the image used on E Mau Na Ala Hele T-shirts.

"The other item taken along on every trip is a koa and leather bound book made by Jesus Sanchez," Montgomery said. "It serves as a register of participants and a log of the journey."

As the study process continues, Morisky said. "We as a community will have to show not only an interest in the trails but also a willingness to participate in management and maintenance. A National Trail designation has the potential to bring major dollars to the island.

"Eco-tourism and cultural travel are growing segments of the visitor market. Recognition of Ala Kahakai as a National Trail would bring national and international focus to the Big Island as an ideal and enduring eco-tourist destination."

The National Parks Service invites community associations to request copies of the new report and review it with their members. Contact Meredith Kaplan by e-mail meredith_kaplan@nps.gov or write her in care of National Parks Service, Pacific Western Region, 600 Harrison Street # 600, San Francisco CA 94107.

Copies of the report also will be in the local libraries.

For those with an internet connection, E Mau Na Ala Hele has a web site with photographs. http://www.hitrade.com/alakahakai

Crafts wanted

The Friends of Panaewa Rainforest Zoo gift shop seeks locally made crafts related to animals, especially those at the zoo. Call Lynise Tarring and make an appointment, (808) 959-9233.

Coming events

Today (July 27) is the Mango and Music Festival sponsored by Ka`u Outdoor Circle at Pahala Community Center from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday (July 29) the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce sponsors Business Tips for Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in Great Wall Chop Suey, Waimea Center. Topic for the morning is Waimea's first Aloha Festivals window display contest.

"This program will cover how to look good, build employee and community support and excitement, and attract customers to your door," said program co-chair Peggy Steckert.

Anyone interested is invited to attend. Membership in the Chamber is not required. A $5 charge includes pastry and a bottomless cup of coffee.

Guest speakers will include Mary Lou Foley, specialist in marketing, promotions and special events and former executive director for the statewide Aloha Festivals celebration; Jennifer Bryan, Waimea-based interior designer; and Kelly Wakayama of Kamuela Liquors which took first place in the 1996 Bank of Hawai`i Old Hawai`i on Horseback window display contest.

Reservations are required. Contact Steckert at (808) 885-7046 or the Kona-Kohala Chamber office at (808) 329-1758.

The HIBA Pro Am Billfish Tournament continues through Friday (Aug. 1). The top ten teams receive invitations to the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament Aug. 4-8.

Teams entered in either event may participate in the Pacific Ocean Research Foundation "Aloha Friday" Shootout August 1. Call Mike Nelson at (808) 329-6155 for details.

Saturday (Aug. 2) the 45th annual state outrigger canoe championship races will be in Hilo Bay. The last time the state championships were held here was 1991. More than 10,000 people from 65 clubs are anticipated to attend. There are 11 clubs on the Big Island with a total membership approaching that of Oahu's more numerous clubs.

Races begin at 8:30 a.m. with 36 events scheduled all day from quarter-mile to two-and-a-half mile races. Information and registration for either event contact Moku O Hawai`i president Maile Mauhili, (808) 935-0067 message phone, or write to 395 Todd Avenue, Hilo HI 96720.

"This is a great boost for our economy over here," said Mauhili. "Paddlers fill the hotels and other visitor accommodations, buy gas and food, and go shopping."

Saturday evening (Aug. 2) Avi Kiriaty's latest exhibit opens at Volcano Art Center with a reception from 6-8 p.m. The exhibit continues through August 31. Contact (808) 967-7511.

August 1 through 10, the Hawai`i State Farm Fair celebrates its 25th anniversary. Events, rides, displays and entertainment at Aloha Stadium. Contact Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation in Honolulu, (808) 848-2074.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1 Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone (808) 966-8565, or e-mail billeger@gte.net

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July 20, 1997
Hawai`i forestry initiative starts, coordinator named

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

Hawai`i efforts to revive forestry as a major economic force have taken a giant step forward.

A newly expanded coalition of five state and three federal agencies, individuals and community organizations interested in community-based economic development and diversification in the forest industry was announced this week.

Mike Robinson's selection as coordinator of the effort also was announced. The Hilo resident has been active for many years in the Hawai`i Forest Industry Association -- as executive director and board member -- and in replanting koa.

The Hawai`i Forestry and Communities Initiative (HFCI) is an effort of the Hawai`i State Departments of Land and Natural Resources, Labor and Industrial Relations, Hawaiian Home Lands, Agriculture and Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies of Forest Service, Rural Development and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The coalition includes input and support from private industry, land owners, non-profit organizations, and individuals interested in forestry.

HFCI is built on four principles: healthy sustainable forests, economic development and diversity through forestry, land stewardship that is responsive to people's values and community partnerships.

Funding was obtained with the support of Sen. Daniel Inouye. USDA Forest Service provided a $500,000 Rural Development grant to implement HFCI. Required matching funds were obtained from the 1997 Hawai`i State Legislature and the private sector with in-kind contributions pledged by private industry and state agencies.

"The Hawai`i Forestry and Communities Initiative outlines strategic management objectives that will be used to complement the July 1994 Hawai`i Tropical Forestry Recovery Action Plan," said HFCI coordinator Mike Robinson. "This action plan stimulated a large public outreach effort to address issues affecting Hawai`i's forest resources. Several hundred people contributed time and effort to make the plan reflective of pubic values in Hawai`i.

"A Governor's forestry conference was concluded in January 1997 to develop projects for protecting and sustaining Hawai`i's forest resources and industry.

"Carl Masaki of DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Sybil Kyi of DLIR Workforce Development Council and Len Newell of USDA Forest Service Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry were part of the original working group that got this going," Robinson said.

Kyi recalled the "cabinet level members went to the Pacific Northwest and toured several areas last year. During the late summer, several government and community people from there came to Hawai`i. We've been able to benefit from their experience."

Part of that experience, according to Masaki, was the advice to hold a Governor's conference. It was co-sponsored by the Hawai`i Forest Industry Association (HFIA), an active partner in encouraging the formation and funding of HFCI.

"Last fall was spent planning the conference," said Kyi. "What the working group did was to make sure all community groups were invited to the conference held in January at UH-Hilo.

"My particular interest is in training and education," Kyi said. "We are already at work on one of HFCI's first year projects in the School-to-Work effort. We need a local curriculum from grade school through college levels to develop our own labor force with a consciousness of this environment. Forest, land, ocean and air are all connected and things happen more quickly in an island system.

"What we're about is building new industries. Forestry isn't exactly new, but it has taken a back seat to sugar all these years."

Robinson said, "We've had a great deal of ongoing assistance from the University of Hawai`i Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai`i at Hilo and the UH-Hilo College of Agriculture."

Among 16 projects selected for first year funding is an effort to establish an extension forestry program in Hawai`i. Currently, there is no Cooperative Extension Service agent in forestry in our land-grant university system.

Other first year efforts will provide basic business skills training to entrepreneurs and contractors interested in developing and servicing forestry projects, survey and inventory state forest lands, review state policies for leasing state lands to stimulate value-added forestry, and complete the Division of Forestry and Wildlife's management resource classification of public forest reserve lands.

"The inventory is going on now in the Waiakea Forest Reserve," Robinson said. "In addition to expansion of reforestation, marketing and promotion programs for value-added koa, we want to encourage planting and use of other high value hardwoods such as Queensland maple, toona, and mahogany."

One alternative marketing effort is "Woods of Hawai`i 1997," a juried exhibition of the state's finest woodwork, slated to open at Aloha Tower Marketplace in mid-September. Under the rules of the show, created by HFIA, usage of four native and Polynesian-introduced woods -- kamani, koa, milo and `ohi`a -- is restricted to ten percent or less by volume of any piece. No rare or endangered Hawaiian tree species are admitted.

The rules allow unrestricted usage of Hawaiian-grown introduced tree species. For details, check in to the web site at www.koaseeds.com and click on "wood." Show chairperson Lin Butts discusses the show's purpose and rules and lists highlights of the 1996 program.

Another of the HFCI projects for the coming year is further research on selection, improvement and management of Acacia koa.

"These 16 projects will involve most of the people interested in forestry now," Robinson said. "We are working on a wish list of other projects for additional funding for next year and following years."

Fact sheets on each project will be forthcoming. Contact Robinson at HFCI by telephone 974-4221, e-mail merobi@hilo.net or by writing P. O. Box 4849, Hilo HI 96720.

The forest industry in Hawai`i contributed $28.9 million and more than 800 jobs to the state's economy, according to 1991 figures. At that time, the industry used less than one million board feet of wood. Its payroll exceeded $21 million with $14 as the average hourly wage.

Robinson said, "Most of this industry is dependent on the sale and value-added processing of a single tree species, the native koa. Acacia koa is a world class wood that has not yet reached its marketing potential. We need to plant more.

"Since Hawai`i's sugar industry is greatly reduced and land is available, expansion of the highly successful forest industry is a new opportunity for the state. Many agencies are at work on this effort. Our job is to coordinate activities to smooth out implementation process."

Masaki said, "A Governor's Forestry Conference will be held in 1998, possibly on Kaua`i. This is where we'll report on the activities of the first year and get input for the second and following year projects.

"What we learned from the Pacific Northwest is that it takes everybody to support such an initiative for it to succeed: government, business and the community," Masaki said.

Proceedings from the 1997 Governor's Forestry Conference will be available in August or September. Contact Masaki on O`ahu at (808) 587-0166 or write to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife at 1151 Punchbowl Street room 325, Honolulu HI 96813.

Children's summer seas

Ho`omalu I Ke Kai (Protecting the Sea) is a coloring book celebrating the 1997 International Year of the Reef. Published by Hawai`i Coastal Zone Management, the activity book was prepared with the assistance of UH Sea Grant Extension Service, the Waikiki Aquarium and the Hawai`i Department of Health.

Copies are available from the Office of Planning, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (808) 587-2880.

UH Sea Grant has a new addition to its web site -- Sea Squirt '97 -- designed for middle school students. It premiered with a special focus on coral reefs, according to Makai, the UH Sea Grant newsletter.

New items will be added weekly. Discover Sea Squirt at http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/SEAGRANT

and SEAGRANT must be all capitals. Ag radio on hold

According to Gail Kawamoto of KKOA-FM, the proposed early morning ag show is "on the back burner" until sponsors can be located. Folks interested should contact her at 961-0651.

Coming events

Today is the last day of the Hilo Orchid Society 45th annual show and sale in the butler building at Hilo Civic Center. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Growers will be on hand to advise on selections.

Today is the Slack Key Guitar Festival from noon to 6 p.m. at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. Admission $5 (children under 12 free) for a great show.

Today, public visiting hours aboard the USS Paul Hamilton are 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. at Pier One in Hilo Harbor. The 505-foot US Navy ship is the third to bear the name of the nation's third Secretary of the Navy. Officers and crew total a ship's compliment of nearly 350.

Tuesday (July 22) Celebrating Coral Reefs will be Dr. Karla McDermid's topic "After Dark in the Park" at 7 p.m. in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Dr. McDermid is with UH-Hilo Marine Science Department.

Designing and building with bamboo, a demonstration and series of seminars with Dr. Jules Janssen, will be offered Friday through Monday (July 25-28) at the Hawai`i Naniloa Resort in Hilo. Dr. Janssen is a civil engineer and bamboo researcher from the Netherlands.

Contact the sponsor, Hawai`i Chapter of the American Bamboo Society at e-mail pmlk@ilhawaii.net or (808) 982-5039.

Saturday (July 26) is the 15th annual Athletes for the Arts Kilauea Wilderness Run in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Contact race director Basil Takeda, (808) 982-7783, for details.

The Big Island Water Garden Club will hear from UH-Hilo graduate Huy Tran of Aquatic Ecosystems of Florida Saturday (July 26) during a 9 a.m. to noon visit to the ponds at the UH-Hilo Farm Laboratory. Contact president Elda Rae Yoshimura at 935-0689 for details.

The Mango and Music Festival will be held Sunday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Pahala Community Center. Mango specialties, children's activities, plant sale and live music are among events planned. Contact Ka`u Outdoor Circle at (808) 928-8270.

The HIBA Pro Am Billfish Tournament will be held July 26 through August 1. The top ten teams receive invitations to the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament Aug. 4-8. Call Mike Nelson at (808) 329-6155 for details.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1 Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone (808) 966-8565, or e-mail billeger@gte.net

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July 13, 1997
Upgrading visitor communications taught in workshop

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

More than 60 individuals and community association representatives gathered at Tex Drive In in Honoka`a last month to learn the benefits of cooperation and to hear the basics of "Communicating with Visitors."

Keynote speaker for the interpretive planning workshop was Oregon specialist David Bucy.

Among sites, trails, and information centers in the planning stage along the 40-mile Hilo Hamakua Coast are a Hakalau Cultural and Historic Center, Alaloa Coastal Trail segment at Onomea, Laupahoehoe Train Station, a visitor center in the former Hamakua Sugar Plantation Industrial Relations building and Honoka`a Town Heritage Center.

The benefits of coordinating efforts along the heritage corridor include the increased probability that people driving from Hilo to Waimea will tarry along the way.

"One attraction may pique their interest in other attractions in the area," said Bucy noting that it's easy to say, "As long as you're here, why not go down the road and see ...

"The key to successful tourism is keeping visitors around long enough to make it worthwhile to develop attractions. To communicate, you must put your message into a form the recipient is able and willing to understand. It involves translation of your cultural or natural history effectively so you stop the recipient's mind, hold their attention and give your message."

Bucy reviewed several mainland and Hawai`i attractions utilizing slides. He reviewed time studies on what holds people's interest.

"A visitor center is a good attraction. The average stay is about 15 minutes and the number one attraction is rest rooms. Number two is water fountains and number three is orientation information such as a map, or brochures on lodging and what to see.

"Orientation is a need; interpretation is an option. People have to feel comfortable in their environment first before they can absorb your interpretive message."

Bucy suggested putting out menus of information listing what is possible if visitors have half a day, three hours or other options.

"Most people come to visit an area, not a specific attraction. They won't come to a train station only. You want to give them information about the whole coast. Build excitement about the experience."

Bucy then reviewed some basics about trails and signs. He noted the holding power of a good self-guided walk is 45 minutes. Regarding signs, he showed slides of several in use in Hawai`i.

"Signs are good in some places for some reasons. They are not good in areas of high vandalism, high salt spray or heavy corrosive fumes. If it's not important enough to maintain, it is not important enough for me to read."

Regarding the amount of text on signs, he noted that there are "Skimmers, browsers and gorgers. The average length of time a person spends at a sign is 30 seconds to a minute."

In that time, 75 words can be read. Bucy described a test in which 150 words were placed on a panel. People were timed how long they stayed in front of the sign and tested on what they retained. When the text was split into three 50-word panels, researchers found that people stayed longer and retained more.

In passive types of learning such as reading, hearing words and looking at pictures, levels of retention vary from ten to 30 percent. People remember more as their level of involvement rises from passive to active through watching a movie, looking at an exhibit, seeing a demonstration, participating in a discussion to simulating the real experience or doing the real thing.

"Signs are visually intrusive. People may miss information in brochures, but they can't miss a KAPU sign. If a sign excites, maybe the visitor will pick up a brochure and take a self-guided walk."

Other means of communication Bucy discussed were brochures, tour guides and interactive videos.

"Brochures often provide too much to read. They are useless in low light situations, but good on a tour bus where they can read as people ride along. Brochures are mobile so information can be taken along on walk and therefore are good in areas where you are trying to maintain esthetics.

"Tour guides are not usually vandalized or found littering the trail but they are not useful in large groups where the message can't be heard at the back of the line. "If you cannot repair an interactive video quickly, don't use it. If an interactive video takes 15 minutes and your place is open 8 hours, only 32 people can use it in a day.

"Different people buy different experiences. Children will buy things that get them physically involved, things they can get their hands on. Adults want a place to sit down, a place to rest.

"Most people visit in groups, even groups of two. If you have things that people can group around or all get involved in at once, you will hold them longer.

"You need to send the message `we're friendly, we're interested in you, this is an interesting place to visit.' Part of this results in social selling: if a person has a good time, he or she will go and tell five people. They're going to believe their friend's recommendation over your printed materials. People are friendly here. It's a big selling point."

The major message of the workshop was the necessity for planning.

"Everything sends a message. Make sure it is a consistent message," Bucy advised. "If you fail to plan, plan to fail."

The workshop was sponsored by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board, the Hawai`i Visitors and Conventions Bureau -- Big Island Chapter, Hawai`i County Department of Research and Development, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism -- Cultural Heritage Program.

The booklet outlines for organizations what documents are of historic interest and advises on matters of confidentiality.

Dolly Strazar of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts explained the History and Humanities program and provided several helpful booklets including grant guidelines and application forms. One of the more popular publications was the SFCA History and Humanities Program booklet "Your records as Hawai`i's History: Why and how to preserve them."

"If you are preserving local history, you are helping us accomplish our goal," Strazar said.

For further information and to sign up for the next eco-tourism presentation, contact HIEDB at 966-5416 or write 200 Kanoelehua Avenue #103-281, Hilo HI 96720. For information on the History and Humanities Program, contact the State Foundation at (808) 586-0771 or write 44 Merchant Street, Honolulu HI 96813.

Coming events

Hilo Orchid Society 45th annual orchid show and sale will be held in the Hilo Civic Center Butler Building Thursday through Sunday (July 17-20). Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

This is a quality event with participation from growers of nearly every kind of orchid you can name. Orchid fanciers come from the mainland and other islands to see one of the finest displays there is. Admission is $1.50.

Register for the Hawai`i Coffee Association second annual conference by Friday (July 18) and save $10 on program fees. Slated to be held Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26, at the Keauhou Beach Hotel, the conference includes presentations on irrigation techniques and water conservation with Dave Young of WAI Engineering, a semi-dry method of coffee processing with Carlos Brando of P&A International in Brazil, cover crops for coffee orchards with Carl Evensen and Joseph DeFrank of UH-CTAHR, trends in genetic engineering of coffee with Herculono Medina of the Campinas Research Station in Brazil, and Colombian low water processing with Loren Gautz of UH-CTAHR.

A panel discussion on the issue of certification of origin for Hawai`i coffees will be led by Jonathan O'Bergin of the Hawai`i Coffee Association and Sam Camp of the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture. Tips and techniques for the small roaster will be offered by Dave Gridley of The Coffee Store, Sam Schenck of Lion Coffee and Nick Matichyn of Maui Coffee Roasters and Nicky Beans. This is a partial listing of topics on the agenda.

The second day offers an optional field trip in the afternoon to Kona coffee groves to discuss production, processing and roasting techniques. Equipment displays will include a hand-held harvester that may be of interest to Kona growers.

For complete program, registration and membership information, contact Ellen Mehos at 322-0935 or write P. O. Box 1390, Kealakekua HI 96750.

Thursday through Sunday the Waimea Chapter of Ahahui Ka`ahumanu, a benevolent society for women of Hawaiian ancestry, salutes its 90th anniversary with the Hilo Chapter, also founded in 1907. Members of eight other chapters statewide have been invited to festivities at the Royal Waikoloan Hotel. Contact Aloha Tanimoto, president of Waimea Chapter, 885-4901, or anniversary coordinator Mabel Tolentino, 885-4037, for details.

Friday (July 18) the USS Paul Hamilton, a US Navy destroyer, arrives in Hilo around 6:30 p.m. Help the Hilo Council of the Navy League welcome the ship at Pier One. Or come back Saturday and Sunday for public visiting hours 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. For more information on the Hilo Council of the Navy League, contact president John Davis, 935-8575. Saturday (July 19) the Big Island Wood Show opens at Wailoa Center with wood carving, furniture and other items. Continues through Aug. 30. Contact 933-4360.

Saturday (July 19) Moku O Hawai`i Outrigger Canoe Racing Association championships will be held at Kawaihae Harbor starting at 8:30 a.m. Kawaihae Canoe Club will host the 36-event championship. Contact Manny Vincent at 885-4498.

Saturday (July 19) hands on experience in weaving makaloa will be offered at the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook beginning at 9 a.m. Call 323-3318 in advance to register.

Forage Field Days

A big feast is set for Thursday (July 17) at Kuhio Hale (Hawaiian Homes Hall) 6-8 p.m. when two dozen Big Island chefs will prepare delicious samplings to demonstrate the quality and tastiness of lean, healthy, range-fed beef and lamb.

Forage Field Days continue with a conference and field trips Friday and Saturday.

Contact Gene Erger, 885-0018, for ticket information or UH-CTAHR Cooperative Extension Service, 885-7318, for details on the conference.

Slack Key Festival

The 8th annual Big Island Slack Key Guitar Festival will be held Sunday (July 20) at Afook-Chinen Auditorium from noon to 6 p.m.

Twelve masters are on the line up: Cindy Shriver, David Gomes, Firmin Oliveira, Albert Mahi, Wailau Ryder, Raymond Kane with Michael Maluhia Lowe, George Kahumoku, Bla Pahinui, Ozzie Kotani, The Rev. Dennis Kamakahi, Cyril Pahinui, and Ledward Ka`apana.

Tickets are $5 for the entire event with children 12 and under admitted free. Advance tickets are available at Sig Zane Designs, Music Exchange in Hilo and Waimea, East Hawai`i Cultural Center, Island Grinds lunchwagon, and Mamo Used Books and Art.

This great music event is sponsored by the East Hawai`i Cultural Council with Hawaiian food prepared by the parish community of Malia Puka O Kalani Catholic Church in Keaukaha.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565, or e-mail billeger@gte.net

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July 6, 1997
Visitor stats look good for isle events and activities

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

People planning events and activities along the North Hilo-Hamakua coast have a great opportunity to tap into that segment of the visitor market interested in eco-, educational or cultural tourism, according to speakers at a recent gathering.

Hawai`i Visitors and Conventions Bureau statistics indicate the average age of visitors coming to the Big Island is 45, 80 percent of whom come from the mainland United States. These visitors frequently are making their fourth or fifth visit to the island and stay about one week. They are in search of a deeper understanding and "off the beaten track" sites.

They tend to spend more per day on neighbor islands than on O`ahu, are avid book readers, enjoy hiking and historical tours and will visit swap meets and museums.

"We congratulate the Hilo/Hamakua Coast communities for their outstanding efforts to identify, interpret and develop educational and cultural tourism activities on the Plantation Heritage Trail," said Rick West, chairman of the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board Tourism Committee.

Working with the History and Humanities program of the Hawai`i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA), HIEDB co-sponsored a two-day workshop on communicating with visitors. Emphasis was on several sites along the Hilo Hamakua Plantation Heritage Corridor project.

Millicent Kim described efforts as having begun with the encouragement of the U.S. Department of Transportation scenic guideways program. With funding from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism through the Big Island Resource and Development Council in 1995, the Hilo Hamakua Heritage Corridor project surveyed needs, assets and historic features along the 40 mile stretch of rural coastline. Road shoulder improvements, signage, rest stops, and information centers are the kinds of things possible.

As part of planning how to continue to develop or augment areas such as the Alaloa Trail in the Onomea area, the old Laupahoehoe Railway landing, the Hamakua Sugar Plantation Industrial Relations Building in Pa`auilo and all of Honoka`a Town, participants in the workshop heard from and David Bucy, interpretive planner from Corvallis, Oregon.

Bucy has worked on sustainable tourism projects such as the Island of Lana`i Interpretive Plan, the Hawai`i Plantation Village in Waipahu and at the Kona Historical Society. Projects in Hawai`i have brought him to the state during the past nine years.

"Every time I come to Hawai`i, I recognize the depth of my ignorance," Bucy opened. "I commend the people who have worked on the heritage corridor project. Some very good work has gone into those documents.

"The technology of communication changes all the time, but the planning process and psychology will not," Bucy said. "As planners, we tend to make three fundamental errors. First we assume communication is easy when actually a multitude of factors can interfere such as noise, weather, or language barriers.

"Second, we assume visitors will participate in our communication because they `should' or because it's `good for them' when we must ask what people want to do, especially when they are on vacation.

"Third, we assume that everyone is like us."

Bucy encouraged those planning to attract visitors to a particular site or activity to begin with what the visitor wants and needs rather than what they perceive is important or necessary to impart.

"Communication is a market product: people can choose to buy it or not. The coin they spend is time and effort. Visitors most often ask `Yes, I know it costs $5 but how long does it take? I only have an hour.'

"Eco-tourism has holding power. It means learning about the place, taking information down into your heart. You have to look at what kind of experience visitors will buy. Find out where they staying, for how long, and what they expect then go out and advertise specifically to that group of people."

Bucy also advised testing communications products such as brochures, exhibits, and signs on the intended audience rather than on others in the planning group.

More in next week's column on what works and what doesn't.

Coming events

Saturday (July 12) Hale Kea Farms' roping series finals begin at 9 a.m. in Waimea. The last in a series of six events, the finals involve ropers from the Big Island, O`ahu and Kaua`i.

Roping ability garners each entrant points and each is rated from one to nine. A rating of one indicates a beginner and nine a national finals professional cowboy. For further details on this and future roping events, contact Morag Rice 885-7881.

Thursday through Sunday (July 10-13) Hawaiian and other American-style quilts will be featured in Quilt Hawai`i '97, an exhibit and contest with lectures, demonstrations, fabrics and a vendors' mall with new products at the Royal Waikoloan. Call Dawn Castelli at 322-7962 for details.

Forage Field Days kicks off next week Thursday, July 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. with an all-you-can-eat feast from two dozen island chefs at Kuhio Hale (Hawaiian Homes Hall) in Waimea. Tickets may be purchased at Kona Wine Market or Kona Specialty Meats, Bank of Hawai`i in Waimea, Kamueal Liquors, KM Seed Company, R.R. Olson's, Sugar N' Spice, Cook's Discoveries or the Cooperative Extension Service.

In Hilo tickets are available at Nori's Saimin, Kuhio Grille and the CES office at Komohana Ag Complex. Contact Gene Erger, 885-0018, for further gourmet feast details.

Emphasizing the quality and tastiness of lean, healthy, range-fed beef and lamb Forage Field Days continues with a conference and field trips Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19. The conference will begin with registration and coffee at 8 a.m. at Mealani Research Station in Waimea.

Workshop topics include mineral nutrition with Dr. Brad LeaMaster, use of papaya as a supplement with Dr. Jim Carpenter, getting paid to fertilize with Dr. Halina Zaleski, estimates of the loss of state revenue by shipping calves to the mainland by Dr. Ping Sun Leung, characteristics of grass finished beef with Dr. Yong-Soo Kim, nutrition with Dr. Chin Lee, training and herding with Dr. Burt Smith, low-stress herding and positive reinforcement techniques with Roger Ingram of the University of California and Marlee Breese of SeaLife Park, colts and green horses with Joel Nelson and Randy Rieman.

Contact UH-CTAHR Cooperative Extension Service, 885-7318, for details on the conference and field trip.

Next week, it's orchids, orchids, orchids. Thursday through Sunday, July 17-20, the Hilo Orchid Society holds their 45th annual show and sale in the butler building at Hilo Civic Center. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Friday, July 18, Robby Hind, livestock manager for Parker Ranch, will address the luncheon meeting of Waimea Exchange Club on ranch plans for its 150th anniversary this year.

The meeting will begin at noon in Bree Garden Restaurant. Cost is $12 and reservations are required 48 hours in advance. Meetings are open to the public. For information and reservations, contact program co-chair Bill Cook, 885-7502.

Saturday, July 19, Moku O Hawai`i Outrigger Canoe Racing Association championships will be held at Kawaihae Harbor starting at 8:30 a.m. with 36 events. Kawaihae Canoe Club is the host.

Guavas jam with tropical fruit

The Hawai`i State Guava Association will merge under the umbrella of the Hawai`i Tropical Fruit Growers, according to HTFG president Sally Rice. The guava growers and processors will form a chapter under the umbrella organization and hold workshops, seminars and meetings specific to their needs.

HTFG is a non-profit organization representing growers of lychee, rambutan, mango, starfruit, moya, specialty pineapple, guava and other exotic and unique fruit. The annual conference is slated for October 24-26 on Maui.

For information on membership, conference and meeting information, contact Ellen Mehos at 322-0935.

The Hawai`i Agricultural Statistics Service annual guava report for 1996, issued last month, shows "processors on Hawai`i island received 7.5 million pounds of guava, up four percent from the previous year and partially offsetting the decline on the other islands. Some Big Island growers reported they had more guava to sell but demand was limited."

Of the state total of 920 acres in crop, 440 are on the Big Island. This represents 135 farms of the state total of 140 farms. The next largest guava acreage is on the island of Kaua`i.

This compares to 1955 statistics when there were 25 farms in the state totaling 100 acres which produced slightly less than 2.5 million pounds.

The Philippines (guava paste and puree), Dominican Republic (prepared or preserved guava) and Brazil (guava jam) are the major sources of guava products imported by the United States. Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Venezuela, India, Malaysia, Fiji, Ecuador, Colombia and the Republic of South Africa also export guava products to the United States.

Guava prices per pound have varied in Hawai`i from six cents in 1955 to 14.3 cents in 1996. In the early years through the mid-1970s, most guava delivered to processors was gathered from the wild. From the late 1970s to the present, most guava has come from cultivated orchards.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565, or e-mail billeger@gte.net

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June 29, 1997
Pest ID, soil tests by UH-CTAHR popular at Hort Show

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

Raymond Uchida and Brian Bushe had quite the popular booth at this year's 13th Annual State Horticultural Show. Located outside the plant display and sale area last weekend, the two Cooperative Extension Service researchers were collecting tightly bagged soil, pest and plant samples for identification or testing.

Uchida, coordinator of UH-Manoa CTAHR CES agricultural diagnostic service, and Bushe, research associate in Hilo, said they were busy both days of the Hort Show and sometimes there was a line of folks waiting for information.

"We had lots of questions on slugs and roaches," said Uchida.

Bushe agreed noting, "more insect problems were brought in than disease questions. It was interesting to note we did not have as many questions as we used to get about crab spiders."

"The most common problem identified this year," Uchida said, "was damage caused by mites and thrips. We saw scarring of tomatoes, eggplant and bell pepper."

picture: The island way: Akiko Masuda helped display David Shiigi's patented bromeliad Guzmania Puna Gold at the 1997 Hort Show.

Inside Kanaka`ole Stadium were the stars of the show: the anthurium competition winners.

"My favorite thing about this year's show," said former president of the Hawai`i Anthurium Industry Association (HAIA) Dan Hata, "is I had enough time before the opening to photograph the winners. I had the place all to myself.

"The breeders category is really important. We need new varieties and cultivars to stay in business, to survive. This category provides a place for growers to bring something they brought up from seed. It will be different again next year."

Stanley Oishi of Big Rock Anthurium took first place in the Breeders Showcase with a light green/yellow as yet unnamed anthurium. Alvarado Farms took second and third place.

Best Commodity Group display award went to the Big Island Association of Nurserymen for their nearly unnamed booth -- an old plantation house facade featuring a recirculating "waterfall" from the rusty rain gutter and zoris by the screen door. The brick path and wooden fence were lined with bedding plants.

Other award winners include Alvarado Farms for Best in Show with an Oshiro Red Obake and first place plaques for red obake, orange, brown, other obake, and splash/blush anthurium; Pacific Paradise Anthurium with first place plaques for blush obake, red, orange obake, white obake, pink, miniature and novelty anthurium; Floral Resources with first place plaques for white, pink obake, tulip type and amnicola type anthurium; Big Rock Anthurium with first place plaques for coral/salmon and speckled anthurium; and Pacific Floral Exchange with first place plaques for coral/salmon obake and green anthurium.

"There were more plants entered by more growers than last year," said Eric Tanouye of Green Point Nurseries. "About 30 growers entered 332 large potted anthurium."

Back in the plant sale area, growers found varied interests.

"I ran out of pua kenikeni trees," said John Rozett of Rozett's Nursery in Hawaiian Paradise Park. "We brought in two truckloads of plants and Saturday afternoon I was down to the last half a truck."

Rozett's Nursery, which offers landscape design, is on 28th Street off Kaloli, 966-8778.

"The Doge of Venice daylily was the most popular seller this year," said Marina and Charles Trommer of Hamakua Gardens in Ninole. "A yellow mini was close behind in popularity."

Trommer's nursery may be reached at 963-6340.

Roger Pflum of Water Gardens of Hawai`i helped create a club display in the front part of the stadium and, with other members, offered plants and services in the commercial area. Ponds, containers, fish and water plants are among the items available. For further information, contact Pflum in Kea`au at 966-6250 or Elda Yoshimura at 935-0689.

"The best thing about the show is contact with people interested in palms," said Jeff Marcus of Floribunda Palms & Exotics in Kurtistown. "They come by the nursery after the show to see a wider range of varieties and sizes."

Marcus may be reached at 966-8003.

"People were coming from across the hall, attracted by this color," said Akiko Masuda about David Shiigi's bromeliad Guzmania Puna Gold.

It's a striking solid yellow star-shaped flower patented by hybridizer Shiigi whose Bromeliads of Hawai`i may be contacted at 959-6598.

An example of the island way, Masuda was helping Shiigi who was called away from the show suddenly by family matters. Masuda operates Akiko's Buddhist Bed & Breakfast in Wailea near Hakalau.

"Everyone is welcome. You need not be Buddhist to stay in this 85-year old home. Old timers say the main road once passed through this village and it was a half-day buggy ride from Hilo."

Akiko's Buddhist B&B is near the 15 mile marker north of Hilo. Phone 963-6422 or write P. O. Box 272, Hakalau HI 96710.

Fourth of July

There's lots of paniolo activity all over the island this holiday weekend.

The Ka`u Roping and Riding Association sponsors three days at Na`alehu Arena beginning with slack roping at noon Friday (July 4). Saturday and Sunday rodeo events begin at 11 a.m.

Advance tickets are $5, $6 at the gate, with children 12 and under admitted free. Tickets are available at Miranda Country Store, from Donna at S & S Dairy or by calling Tom LaPera 929-8494 or Diane Omija 929-7295.

Parker Ranch will hold its 36th annual Fourth of July Horse Races and Rodeo Friday (July 4) at the Parker Ranch race track. Gates and concession stands open at 11 a.m. Events begin with a Grand Entry of paniolo at 1 p.m. and continue through 4 p.m. Events include straight and relay races, team sorting, double mugging, team roping and wild cow milking.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of Parker Ranch. Emcee will be Les "the General" Keiter. Admission is $5 per car or $2 per person for bus riders and walk-ins. Paniolo attire is encouraged.

In Kohala, a day-long community celebration will be held Friday at Kamehameha Park with lots of music and food to celebrate the district's multi-ethnic heritage.

The 6th annual Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race will launch 2,000 rubber ducks at Kings' Lake behind Kings' Shops in Waikoloa Beach Resort starting at 3 p.m. Each duck is sponsored by a $5 donation to benefit the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawai`i. The first 50 duckies to finish win prizes.

All day games, clowns, balloons and magic will be on hand for children at 10 p.m. Hawaiian music begins at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. Call Debbie Palmery 886-8811 for details.

Friday, the Lehua Jaycees celebrate their 25th year sponsoring the fireworks display from Coconut Island in Hilo. They pledge new kinds of fireworks for a show that will be bigger and better than ever.

Coconut Island will be closed all day Friday beginning at 5:30 a.m. to enable set up. The display begins at 8 p.m. and is visible all along the Bay Front area.

Fireworks at Kauna`oa Bay by the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel begin around 8:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday (July 5-6) the First Old Timers' Rodeo will be held at Honoka`a arena from noon until pau. Sponsored by the newly formed Mauka Makai Country Club, composed mainly of Big Island 40+ paniolo. Tickets are $3 in advance or $5 at the gate. Children 12 years of age and under admitted free. For more information, contact president Mike Hanohano at 885-4036 or DeeDee Keakealani at 885-5045.

Coming events

Friday through Sunday, July 4-6, the third annual Dolphin Days will be held at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Call Vicki Kometani at 885-1234 for details.

Saturday (July 5) the outrigger canoe regatta at Hilo Bay will be sponsored by Puna Canoe Club. Contact Greg Henkel, 965-7899, for details.

Saturday, July 12, the outrigger canoe regatta at Anaehoomalu will be sponsored by Waikoloa Canoe Club. For details, contact Diane Bobek, 883-9074.

Saturday, July 19, Moku O Hawai`i Outrigger Canoe Racing Association championships will be held at Kawaihae Harbor starting at 8:30 a.m. with 36 events. Kawaihae Canoe Club is the host.

Saturday, August 2, the 45th annual state outrigger canoe championship races will be in Hilo Bay. The last time the state championships were held here was 1991. More than 10,000 people from 65 clubs are anticipated to attend. There are 11 clubs on the Big Island with a total membership approaching that of O`ahu's more numerous clubs.

Races begin at 8:30 a.m. with 36 events scheduled all day from quarter-mile to two-and-a-half mile races. Information and registation for either championship event is available from Moku O Hawai`i president Maile Mauhili, 935-0067 message phone, or write to 395 Todd Avenue, Hilo HI 96720.

"This is a great boost for our economy over here," said Mauhili. "Paddlers fill the hotels and other visitor accomodations, buy gas and food, and go shopping."

Dog Day Afternoon

The annual Dog Day Afternoon, a benefit for the Hawai`i Island Humane Society, will be held in the Shipman House on Reed's Island Sunday, July 13, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Culinary Crusader World Cuisine by Leslie D. Hershhorn of Volcano will provide gourmet pupus and delicious desserts. Music by the Randy Skaggs Trio, a silent auction and tropical wines round out the afternoon.

Tickets, which sell out quickly, are available at the Humane Society in Kea`au, the Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo on Keawe, Kilauea Vet in Kea`au, Aloha Vet in Hilo and A Touch of Aloha Florist on Waianuenue Avenue.

The three-story historic Victorian home was built in 1899 and has an excellent view of Hilo Bay. Newly renovated by W.H. Shipman's great granddaughter Barbara Ann Blackshear Anderson and her husband Gary, the mansion reopened as a bed and breakfast.

Farm Fair exhibits

Agricultural exhibit space is available at the 1997 Big Island Farm Fair to be held at the Old Kona Airport Park September 4-7. An attendance of more than 25,000 people is anticipated at the annual event.

"Exhibit spaces are offered to commercial and non-profit groups. Commercial sales are encouraged, however, only agriculturally related items will be permitted," said organizer Diane Ley.

"Other scheduled activities include a country market and livestock show. Demonstrations and promotional displays will highlight agricultural services and products such as farm machinery, fertilizers, livestock, aquaculture, nursery plants and cut flowers. Carnival rides, games and free entertainment also will be available."

For additional information or to register, call the Big Island Farm Bureau at 968-6951.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565, or e-mail billeger@gte.net

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June 22, 1997
South Africa, Hawai`i join to improve protea

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

Maryke Middlemann from Bot River, South Africa, stepped out of the car in Keauhou mauka and looked down the steep slope.

"Now that's how a protea farm should look -- no blooms because they should have been picked."

Nearby, a pickup truck's bed was filled with buckets of pincushion protea, ready for market. Noelani and Rick Whittington's six acres at the 1,400-foot level produce coffee and nine varieties of protea including the new minuscule king.

Noelani agreed with Maryke. "Yes, if you see blooms on the bushes, it means you don't have a market.

"We started with one plant my mother bought at a Merrie Monarch Festival in 1985. It lived and today we have several thousand plants."

"Protea are very area specific," said Maryke. "You cannot take all 150 varieties and grow them in one place. What works here won't work on the other side of the island."

It was more than one farmer visiting another, trading tips and talking story. Maryke was in Hawai`i to encourage local protea growers to plan on attending the International Protea Association conference next year.

The pink Minuscule Cynaroides King protea, shown here with pincushion for scale, is a new introduction from Kohala Coast Protea. Both the diminutive buds and leaves are in demand among lei makers. Maryke married into the protea business when she became Robert Middleman's wife in 1970. Before that she knew very little about farming.

"We moved to the family farm (about 100 kilometers outside Capetown) in 1972 and it was the first time it became a full time farm."

Building on the pioneering efforts of Walter and Ruth Middlemann, Robert's parents, Maryke and Robert have expanded Honingklip Dryflowers to the point where they supply approximately 25 percent of the world market in dried protea.

"I was looking through the records recently and found that our farm's first shipment of dried flowers went out in 1964 to Holland. The shipment was 50,000 pieces and it took six months, at that stage, from initial contact to shipment. Now it takes a matter of weeks -- the fax comes in `we want this' and there's a fax back `you can have this' and two weeks later the order's in Europe."

The Middlemann farm is 2,000 hectares (a little more than 4,942 acres) most of which they described as "undisturbed nature" on a steep mountainside. They cultivate about seven varieties. Until about five years ago, protea, native to South Africa, were considered a conservation department matter. After 15 years of effort, growers were recognized as a branch of agriculture.

"Robert's father started the local South African protea association," said Maryke. "I went along to a meeting with Robert and later took over as secretary of SEPPEX (South African Protea Producers and Exporters Association).

"Later, I became chair of the association and then I learned a lot about the fresh flower business."

The whole protea industry owes a great deal to Ruth Middlemann, a trained music teacher with a great interest in botany. From the "useless mountain" land she and Walter purchased in 1947, Ruth began taking stems to florists in Capetown and making seedling plants. Walter and Ruth provided seed to Wally Stevens of Australia in the late 1950s.

Somewhere in their travels they met Dr. Phil Parvin of UH-CTAHR, who introduced protea to Maui.

"He was the instigator of the international association," said Maryke.

"He also was instrumental in the creation of the international agreement we have now," said Noelani. "Two years ago, several people including Dr. Parvin, Steve Ferreira and Ken Leonhardt from UH, Jim Heid and myself worked on this agreement. Whatever cultivar we sell that comes out of South Africa, a portion of the proceeds goes back for use in the science and technology part of their association. This allows our association to take advantage of South African knowledge, to expand our cultivar base and in turn be able to place some money back in the country of origin.

"This means that new and interesting cultivars can come in to our farmers."

Some of the cultivars released for commercial production include Tango, Sylvia, Annette, Elsie, Noel, Riette, Regina, Embers, Andrea, Brenda, Cardinal and Susara. Money is paid directly from the Hawai`i association to the South African association.

"It's so important that South Africa doesn't loose any further products in nature," said Maryke, noting they share Hawai`i's problems with alien plant pests. "Alien plants are infesting the natural habitat without preditors to keep them under control. Native plants preserve the watershed -- protea don't use very much water, but alien species including pine trees do use a great deal of water. The government has a new program to eliminate alien species in water catchment areas."

The International Protea Association convention will be held at Waterfront in Capetown, South Africa August 1998 with a pre-conference tour to various farm sites between Port Elizabeth and Capetown. Tours will cover dry land farming, orchards, plantations from seed, plantations from cuttings, and different elevations. More than 11 countries and 200 people are already making plans to attend. Maryke said the IPA hopes to draw different associations around the world into the organization.

"I feel strongly that the associations representative of a larger body of growers should have a say in the international organization."

The IPA makes annual grants to several nations. A new grant to Hawai`i is aimed at developing a fungicidal control program for leptosphaeria leaf blight. Norman Nagata of the Maui research station will have the funding to pay for labor and field expenses in evaluating various fungicides."

For further information on the Hawai`i Protea Association and future events, statewide and internationally, contact Noelani Whittington at voice-mail 322-3579 or fax 324-0077.

New ag radio show

KKOA, FM107-7 "Hot Country" will begin broadcasting a new program directed at the agricultural community of East Hawai`i tomorrow (Monday, June 23) from 5:45 to 6:00 a.m.

"We plan to start small and grow," said station salesperson and part-time rancher Gail Kawamoto. "We hope to cover everything from weather to crop prices interspersed with interviews, cultivation and marketing tips, and information on commodity associations."

Kawamoto said the station's range extends from Volcano to Hawaiian Beaches, up to Kaumana, Hilo and out to Laupahoehoe. For more information, to inquire about sponsorship or to schedule an interview, contact Kawamoto at 961-0651.

Scholarship deadline

The Big Island Press Club offers three scholarships to students interested in media careers, according to president Dave Smith. Applicants must be graduates of Hawai`i County high schools or have lived on the island for at least a year or have been enrolled in a Big Island institute of higher education for at least one year.

Application forms are available from West Hawai`i Today, the Hawai`i Tribune-Herald and the Big Island Press Club at P. O. Box 1920, Hilo HI 96721. Deadline for applications is next week Monday, June 30.

Congratulations

A big pat on the back to the Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council (HTFC) on the inclusion of its "Hawai`i Expressions" newsletter in Florist Magazine which reaches more than 26,000 FTD members around the globe. The April issue concentrates on anthurium and tropicals. April's Hawai`i Expressions also was sent to 1,000 members of the American Institute of Floral Design.

The four-page newsletter, put together by Kelsey Olson of The Thacker Group, is geared to retail florists. The next issue will feature orchids and will appear in the June issue of Florist.

A separate news article in the April issue offers post-convention tours to FTD Association attendees at the August national gathering in Honolulu. Big Island growers on the tour are Kalapana Tropicals and Pacific Floral Exchange on Wednesday, August 6, and Asia Pacific Flowers, Floral Resources Hawai`i, Green Point Nurseries and The Tropical Connection on Thursday, August 7. The tour is sponsored by HTFC and Hawai`i County Department of Research and Development.

For further information on HTFC, contact executive director Linda Huffman at 961-5555, or write P. O. Box 4306, Hilo HI 96720, fax 961-9001 s, e-mail htfc@hialoha.net or toll free from the mainland 1-800-965-9005.

Coming events

Tuesday (June 24) the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce sponsors "Festivals -- How to make them work for our town, our clubs and our businesses," at Business Tips for Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Great Wall Chop Suey in Waimea Center.

Speakers include Gloriann Akau of Aloha Festivals Big Island, Gene Erger of Taste of the Range and the Macadamia Nut Festival recipe contest, Debbie Baker and Ross Wilson of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival and public relations veteran Patti Cook. A bottomless cup of coffee and pastry are included for $5. Call Peggy Steckert at 885-7046 for information.

Thursday through Saturday (June 26-28) the Royal Waikoloan Hotel hosts Ka Hula Le`a Festival. Call 885-6789 for information.

Saturday (June 28) the Kamuela Hongwanji Dharma Bazaar will be held at Church Row from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more details, call Caryn Sumie, 885-8745.

Saturday, Keaukaha's canoe club sponsors the outrigger regatta in Hilo Bay. Contact Fred Gianini at 959-2027 for details.

Tickets for Forage Field Days kickoff dinner Taste of the Range Thursday, July 17, are available. The all-you-can-eat feast at Kuhio Hale (Hawaiian Homes Hall) in Waimea features two dozen chefs at work with locally grown produce and meat from grass-fed livestock.

Cost is $20 per person, including beverages and desserts, and is a fund raiser to support the annual Forage Field Days workshop program, which takes place Friday, July 18, at Mealani Research Station in Waimea.

Contact Cooperative Extension Service livestock agent Glen Fukumoto at 322-2718 for more information on the workshop program. Contact Gene Erger, 885-0018, for details on the dinner.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565, or e-mail billeger@gte.net

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June 15, 1997
Annual Hort Show spices up Big Island life

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

There are several don't-miss-them annual events on the Big Island from Easter's Merrie Monarch Festival to November's Kona Coffee Cultural Festival and Hilo Christmas Craft Fair.

This week, Friday and Saturday (June 20-21) brings the 13th annual Hawai`i State Horticultural Show to Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium. Doors open Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for everyone over the age of 12.

What started as an anthurium competition and display has grown into a show and plant sale encompassing several commodity association displays, business expositions, research presentations, flower arrangements, and horticultural and cooking demonstrations.

Demonstrations will be held throughout the show. Friday's schedule includes planning your garden landscape with David Tamura (9:30 a.m.), cultivation and cooking palm hearts with Mike Crowell of Hua Aina and Leslie Hill of Paradise Plants (11 a.m.), floral designs using off-grade flowers with Peter Day of Kahuku Gardens (1 p.m.), home orchid growing with Leland Anderson of Polynesian Orchids and Anthuriums (2 p.m.), hydroponic vegetables with Bernie Kratky of UH-Manoa CTAHR (3 p.m.), local-style cooking with taro products with Sam Araki of Kuhio Grille (4 p.m.) and preparing nutritious and attractive summer salads with Faith Ogawa (7 p.m.).

Ogawa is chef consultant with North Hawai`i Community Hospital and a free-lance food stylist whose work appears in Sam Choy's cookbooks. She was a judge at last year's Macadamia Nut Festival recipe contest and is involved in planning next month's "Taste of the Range" at Forage Field Days in Waimea.

Saturday's schedule includes Japanese flower arranging with Alice Yoshina of Ikenobo Ikebana Society (10 a.m.), Creole cooking with Richard Nelson of Pulelehua Orchids (11 a.m.), care of semi-temperate flowers by Jeff McCall of McCall Flower Farm (1 p.m.), and container water gardening with Betsy Sakata (2 p.m.).

Nelson took grand prize for his Creole cooking in the Mardi Gras contest earlier this year. He is transportation chairman for the Hawai`i Florists and Shippers Association and is active in the Big Island Dendrobium Growers Association.

Sakata of Honolulu is a professional water garden consultant currently advising Ala Moana Center on a public display. She will provide instructions for selection of suitable plants and containers, set-up, and required maintenance steps for successful water gardens.

The Hort Show is sponsored by the Hawai`i Anthurium Industry Association, Calvin Hayashi president; the UH-Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR); and the County of Hawai`i. This year's theme is "Anthurium -- the Heart of Hawai`i."

Commodity groups with displays will have members on hand to provide information. They include the Big Island Association of Nurserymen, Hui Kalo Moku O Keawe, Ikenobo Ikebana, Hawai`i Export Nursery Association, Big Island Farm Bureau, Hawai`i Forest Industry Association, Big Island Water Garden Club, Big Island Dendrobium Association and the Hawai`i Palm Society.

Coordinators of the event are George Shiroma of Shiroma Farms, Mike Divinski of Kawainui Plantation and Jan Genz of Hale `Ohi`a Gardens. Yvette Hata of Hata Farms will handle administration, Randy Yamada of Pacific Floral Exchange finance, Lynne Kuwahara of Hawaiian Greenhouse and Genz ticket sales, Diane Ley of the Big Island Farm Bureau publicity, Brian Oshiro of Green Point Nurseries and Stan Kinoshita of Florist Mutual Insurance prizes.

For more information on the Hort Show, contact Ley at 968-6951.

Coffee cookbook

Friday (June 20) is the deadline for submittal of recipes using Kona Coffee for the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival cookbook, a 168-page volume designed and produced by Island Heritage that will include history, grades of Kona coffee, and brewing tips.

"The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival cookbook committee has collected recipe contest entries for years," said a release from the festival. "The committee still is reviewing recipes for the appetizer, sauce, salad, beverage and entree categories. The dessert classification is full."

Send recipes to Current Events, 75-5751 Kuakini Highway #202, Kailua-Kona HI 96740, e-mail: greatpr@ilhawaii.net or fax to (808) 326-5634. Cookbook committee chair Claire Robinson requests inclusion of your name, address and preparation instructions. No metric measurements will be considered.

Put events on the web

The new web site, www.hawaii-island.com, has a section for events and can be used by any group with an e-mail or web site. Go to the site and enter your information for the event or any other subject. Ads are free for Big Island businesses and organizations.

New Farm Bureau

The newly formed Hamakua Chapter of the Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation (HFBF) is the tenth chapter in the statewide organization now celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Robert Shioji, a long-time Farm Bureau member, heads the Hamakua chapter composed of established farmers and ranchers and a few former sugar workers who are pursuing new opportunities.

Chapter meetings are the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Hamakua Ag Cooperative Office in Pa`auilo. For more information please call 961-6353.

The state organization, representing more than 2,000 members, will celebrate its 50th anniversary Monday (June 16) at Roy's Restaurant in Hawai`i Kai.

"Executive chef and owner Roy Yamaguchi will prepare the main course of the evening," said HFBF president Grant Hamachi. "He will be joined by Executive Chef Peter Merriman of Merriman's Restaurant in Waimea, Executive Chef Alan Wong of Alan Wong's Restaurant and Executive Chef Philippe Padovanni of Manele Bay Hotel, each of whom will prepare one special course for the evening.

"Chef Yamaguchi has been a strong supporter of locally grown products and has been instrumental in promoting local agriculture in his televised show, in his restaurant and in our schools."

For more information, contact Wendell or Charlene at the Honolulu office of Farm Bureau, 848-2074.

DLNR lease review

During the 1995 Legislative session, the Farm Bureau worked hard to secure funding for a review of Chapter 171 HRS relating to public land. The Department of Land and Natural Resources will be holding informational meetings to solicit views from state lessees and other persons on issues, concerns and suggestions on how to improve the management and disposition of public lands.

This will result in a report to the 1998 Legislature offering recommendations for revisions to the law. Meetings will be held around the state beginning Wednesday (June 18) at the DLNR board room in Kalanimoku Building on Punchbowl Street in Honolulu at 7 p.m.

Thursday (June 19) at 7 p.m. written and oral comments will be accepted at Waimanalo Public Library.

In early July the process moves to the Big Island where hundreds of ag leases are held by more than 60 businesses and individuals. The session schedule is Tuesday, July 1, at the Old Kona Airport pavilion; Wednesday, July 2, at Waimea Civic Center; and Thursday, July 3, at the State Office Building in Hilo, conference rooms A, B and C. All are slated to begin at 6 p.m.

A session on Kaua`i will be held Tuesday, July 8, in the State Office Building on the second floor at 6 p.m.; on Moloka`i Wednesday, July 16, in Mitchell Pauole Center at 6 p.m. and on Maui Thursday, July 17, in the Planning Department hearing room at 7 p.m.

For further information, contact Kathy Chow at DLNR in Honolulu, 523-9570.

Coming events

Happy Father's Day.

Today is the last day of the Waiki`i Music Festival featuring the best of traditional and contemporary artists. Today's line-up includes Kekuhi Kanahele, Linda Carroll, Eddie Ku, Ehukai, Russell Mauga, Friends and Bradda Walta, B.B. Shawn, Brother Noland and Ka`au Crater Boys. Also on tap from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m are food booths, arts and crafts at Waiki`i Ranch on Saddle Road.

Tickets at the gate are $20 and benefit North Hawai`i Hospice, North Hawai`i Community Hospital and Waimea's Punana Leo Hawaiian language immersion preschool.

Today is the last day of Young Hawai`i on Horseback, the state finals of the Hawai`i High School Rodeo. Grand entry is at 9 a.m. with events continuing until 2 p.m. at Parker Ranch arena.

The Hawai`i Forest Industry Association deadline for initial applications and fees for the Woods of Hawai`i fifth annual statewide furniture and woodworking show is Monday (June 16). Prospectus packets are available at Winkler Wood Products in Hilo and Kona; Martin & MacArthur, Sanders Trading, and C. Barton Potter on O`ahu, and Hardwood Lumber in Kahului, Maui.

For further information, contact HFIA executive director Andrea Beck, 959-9545, P. O. Box 10216, Hilo HI 96721, or show chair Linda Butts in Kane`ohe 239-5563. The show opens at Aloha Tower Marketplace, Pier 10, September 13.

HIEDB Ag Committee meets Wednesday (June 18) at Komohana Ag Complex starting with Hawai`i-grown pot luck supper at 6 p.m. Call Myra or Liz at 966-5416 for details.

The Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council holds its monthly meeting Thursday (June 19) at Komohana Ag Complex 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Council is a statewide non-profit organization to market and promote anthurium, protea, orchid, tropical flowers and foliage. The pubic is welcome to attend. For more information, call 961-5555.

The Kailana outrigger canoe regatta will be held in Hilo Bay Saturday, June 21, Keaukaha sponsors the regatta Saturday, June 28.

For those visiting O`ahu, Big Island farm produce will be represented at the annual Taste of Honolulu June 27 to 29, a benefit for Easter Seals at Honolulu Hale (City Hall). For details, call 536-1015.

Saturday, June 28, the Pacific Islands Taro Festival will be held at Windward Community College. The festival features music, crafts, tastings and other events. Call 235-7433 for details.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565, or e-mail billeger@gte.net

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June 8, 1997
Listing of Kamehameha events a lesson in community action

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

Kamehameha the Great, born in Kohala, impressed all who met and wrote about him as intelligent, shrewd, observant, generous and both a fierce warrior in battle and a gentle leader in peace.

He is remembered with a state holiday Wednesday (June 11) as the first ruler to unite the many domains of ancient Hawai`i into one kingdom.

Beginning with Kohala, what follows is a listing of events around the island throughout the week. Residents and visitors have a great variety from which to choose. Each location offers a wealth of what is becoming known as ecotourism or cultural tourism, educational opportunities, entertainment, and fun activities for children and adults alike.

E Ala E, a dawn chant, will be led by kumu Keola Lake and Na Aikane o Pu`ukohola Wednesday morning at 5:30 a.m. at the original Kamehameha statue in Kapa`au. Ho`okupu will be accepted. At 7 a.m. a lei draping ceremony will be held. This statue, once lost at sea, is the original of the much-photographed statue in front of the Judiciary Building in downtown Honolulu. It was crafted in Italy in 1880.

The ceremony is followed by a parade at 9 a.m. and ho`olaulea at Kamehameha Park. Hawaiian Civic Clubs throughout the island including Ka`u help in this celebration. Crafts, food, entertainment and many traditional Hawaiian demonstrations continue throughout the day.

Saturday (June 14) the King Kamehameha floral parade is slated for 9 a.m. on Ali`i Drive in Kailua-Kona followed by a ho`olaulea on the lawn of Kona Inn. Call Lane Kaaiai, 329-1603, or fax 329-0401 for more information.

Canoe races in Kailua Bay sponsored by Kai Opua Canoe Club begin at 8 a.m. Saturday and continue throughout the early afternoon. Visitors to the area also will want to see Ahu`ena Heiau restored by Kamehameha the Great within Kamakahonu Bay by the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel. The area was the center of government from 1813 until his death in 1819.

Wednesday (June 11) from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Kona Historical Society in Captain Cook offers demonstrations of and participation in Hawaiian quilting, lei making, lauhala weaving and history lectures. Call 323-3222 for more details.

While most districts were brought under Kamehameha's rule through bloody battles, Kaua`i and Ni`ihau peacefully transferred power through an agreement reached in 1810. Kaua`i figures prominently in two Hilo events this week.

Tuesday (June 10) at noon, a new statue of Kamehameha the Great at Wailoa State Park in Hilo will be blessed with traditional Hawaiian rituals including chant, awa ceremony, hula, and presentation of ho`okupu and lei for the king.

"Noon is the time for traditional protocol according to our Hawaiian advisors," said Lucas Kekuna of the Kamehameha Statue Committee. "There is no shadow."

A formal dedication will take place at 5:30 p.m. with the Hawai`i County Band, Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association glee club, Princeville Resort and Hawai`i community representatives, and elected officials.

The statue, a replica of the King Kamehameha statues that stand in Kohala and in Honolulu, was commissioned for the Princeville Resort on Kaua`i. Cast of bronze in Italy, the statue stands 14 feet tall, 18 feet with the spear, and weighs five tons.

After it arrived on Kaua`i, the second owners of the resort, Australians, were advised by the community that since Kamehameha had never set foot on Kaua`i it would not be appropriate to display the statue there. Through the efforts of Kamehameha Schools alumni, the statue was donated and placed at Wailoa State Park.

"This has been a great volunteer effort," said Terry Plunkett, co-chair of the statue committee with Kekuna. "Everybody's really come forward with all kinds of needed help."

He cited Robert Yamada for help in storing and erecting the statue, James McKeague for architectural design, Kulani Correctional Center inmates for rock work, and donations of royal palms, trenching, topsoil and sweat labor.

"We still have light poles to be placed and plaques to mount."

Many see the new statue as one part of an expanded cultural center at Wailoa.

"This is the gateway," said grant writer Kawika Lovell. "We begin a new millennium of edu-tourism, providing education on our different cultures to the community, students and visitors."

The proposed Wailoa Cultural Center envisions construction of a Hula Pa (platform) and canoe house and development of educational and instructional programs.

"We aim to create a viable economy in Hilo to welcome new ventures and new visitors. We hope everything will be in place in time for August 1999 when 5,000 people will gather in Hilo for the fifth annual World Indigenous Peoples Conference. The conference is held every three years. The last one was in Albuquerque, New Mexico."

For more information on the Kamehameha the Great statue dedication or the Wailoa Cultural Center, contact Lovell at 974-7620.

On Wednesday beginning at 9 a.m. on Coconut Island the 13th annual Kamehameha Day festivities will be sponsored by Malia Puka O Kalani Catholic Church. The theme, "E Mene Mene Analoa" (to have compassion), refers to the peaceful transfer of Kaua`i.

"Many years ago, after state-funded festivities were moved to Kona, the parish community of Malia decided to fill the need for a celebration here," said co-chairman Paul Neves. "It is put on by people who love living in Hilo as a gift to the community, residents and visitors alike. We always use this day as an opportunity to teach the stories of Kamehameha."

This year, two Royal Courts, representing the court of Kamehameha and the court of Kaumualii, will dramatize the historic meeting on O`ahu finalizing the agreement of 1810. Under the guidance of Moses Moke and family, the two courts will greet each other then cross the bridge to the island at noon. Charlie Mahi will portray Kamehameha and Skylark Rosetti-Ota Ka`ahumanu.

A unique aspect of this year's celebration will be a ki`i pohaku (stone image) of Kuka`ilimoku, Kamehameha's personal war god, carved by Andrew Daniel Manoa of O`ahu.

Average attendance has been 6,500 people for the day's free-admission activities. Malia Puka O Kalani received two Kahili Awards from the Hawai`i Visitors Bureau for Kamehameha Day efforts to preserve and share Hawaiian culture.

Scheduled are demonstrations of lauhala weaving, quilt making, lomilomi (massage), la`au lapa`au (medicine) and lei making. Crafts, food booths, children's games and informational booths are among the day's offerings.

Entertainers scheduled include Genoa Keawe, Ipo Kumukahi, Kamalani Children's Chorus, Keola Pono No Na Kupuna, Keli`iho`omalu Family and Kekuhi Kanahele (partial list).

Co-chair Charlene Burciaga reminds everyone that a permit is required to bring alcohol on to the island. Permits are free and must be obtained in advance from the Police Department. Just tape it to the top of your cooler.

The decorations committee seeks donations of flowers and foliage. Any grower willing to donate anthurium, orchids, monstera leaves, ti stalks, bird-of-paradise, ginger or foliage should contact decorations chairperson Jojo at 982-6123 or leave a message at the church office with Kathy.

For more information on Kamehameha Day festivities at Moku Ola, contact the church office at 935-9338.

Coming events

The Doonooch Dancers, Australian aboriginal dancers, will perform near Liberty House inside Prince Kuhio mall at 1 p.m. Wednesday (June 11).

Traditional hula will be performed by Moana's Hula Halau from Moloka`i Saturday (June 14) from noon to 1 p.m. at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

Saturday and Sunday (Father's Day) the annual Waiki`i Music Festival features the best of traditional and contemporary artists, food booths, arts and crafts from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Waiki`i Ranch on Saddle Road. Tickets are $20 at the gate. For details, contact Amy at 329-8037.

Vireya rhododendron enthusiasts will meet for a garden tour at the home of Charles and Marina Trommer in Ninole Sunday, June 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. For further details, contact Mitch or Sandy Mitchell at 967-7209.

Deadline for discounted registration to the "Designing and Building with Bamboo" seminar is June 15. Registration received after Sunday will cost an additional $5 per session, if there is space.

Sponsored by the Hawai`i Chapter of the American Bamboo Society, the seminar will open with a building demonstration by Dr. Jules Janssen from the Netherlands on Friday, July 25, at the Hawai`i Naniloa Hotel. The demonstration will include a preparatory session, shaping, assembly and fastening of parts for secure joints.

Saturday, July 26, an all-day session concentrates on non-technical aspects such as economic importance of bamboo, uses, advantages and disadvantages. The Costa Rica National Bamboo Project will be cited as a case with transfer applications to Tanzania and Hawai`i.

Sunday and Monday, July 27 and 28, the seminar concentrates on technical matters such as mechanical properties, mass per volume, compression and bending, shear and buckling, test methods, durability and preservation.

For further information, contact the Hawai`i Chapter ABS at 982-5039, e-mail pmlk@ilhawaii.net or write P. O. Box 1390, Keaau HI 96749.

Bamboo artisans will have an opportunity to sell art and crafts during the seminar. Contact Richard Waters at e-mail bamboomuse@aol.com or write P. O. Box 1071, Pahoa HI 96778.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565, or e-mail billeger@gte.net

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June 1, 1997
Serious plant rust damaging island's plumeria

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

A problem pest on plumeria is beginning to affect the supply of flowers for lei just as graduation time approaches.

Plumeria rust appears as numerous angular orange spots on the underside of leaves. It was first discovered on O`ahu in May in 1991 in several locations and in East Hawai`i shortly thereafter. It also is known to exist in parts of Central America and Florida.

The common plumeria trees with oblong pointed leaves are more susceptible to the disease than the Singapore cultivar with dark green, wide blunt leaves.

Cooperative Extension Service research associate Brian C. Bushe said, "The disease, commonly called plumeria rust, is caused by a fungus (Coleosporium plumeriae pat). Plant rusts, caused by Basidiomycetes of the order Uredinales, are among the most destructive plant diseases. They have caused famines and ruined economies of large areas and entire countries.

"They have been most notorious for their destructiveness on grain crops, expecially wheat, oats, barley and so on, but they also attack vegetables such as beans and asparagus, field crops such as cotton and soybeans, ornamentals such as carnation and snapdragon, and have caused tremendous losses on trees such as pine, apple, coffee and now plumeria.

"Most rust fungi are obligate parasites and most of them produce five distinct fruiting structures with five different spore forms which appear in a definite sequence. Some of the spore stages parasitize one host while others must infect and parasitize a different alternate host."

The forms are teliospores, basidiospores, spermatia, aeciospores and uredospores. The bright orange spots on the underside of plumeria leaves are uredospores.

"The symptoms of plumeria rust are very striking due to the brightly colored uredospores," said Bushe. "Initially, a faint chlorotic spot appears on the upper leaf surface. As is typical with rust diseases the spots appear angular rather than circular. As the fungus matures, a pustule develops on the underside of the leaf, eventually bursting open to release the brightly colored uredospores. Severely infected leaves tend to drop from the tree."

"We don't have a big supply in Hilo," said the folks at Ah Lan's Lei Stand at the Hilo Airport. "It's been kind of cool and rainy. We used to get plumeria from Kona, but the availability is going down."

The folks at Cho's Lei Stand in the Kona Airport said, "It's a problem for some of the farmers. The leaves get deformed. Picking the leaves off helps control the problem, but it also weakens the tree."

Bushe noted the benefits of an integrated control program involving removal of infected leaves and debris from heavy pruning.

"Applications of a thiophanate methyl-based compound such as the systemic fungicide, Cleary's 3336, supplemented with a good sanitation program has proven to reduce the disease severity in trials conducted by UHM-CTAHR.

"Reference to a company or product name does not imply approval or recommendation of the product by CTAHR, CES, UH or the USDA to the exclusion of other products that may be suitable."

Paradise Plants at 40 Wiwo`ole Street in Hilo suggested wettable sulfur that can be dusted on plants or made into a spray would be the "quickest, fastest, cheapest way to go."

"Tri-basic copper sulfate has been used which can be combined with Volck oil as a wetting agent," said Jeff Ikeda of Garden Exchange at 250 Keawe Street, "but with rust there is no guarantee. There are a couple of other things that might be tried: Dithane Turf and Ornamental which has manganese and zinc, and Daconil which is relatively new on the market.

"It is important to read the entire label," said Ikeda. "It is also important, especially on the East side where we have so much rain, to replenish calcium levels for plumeria."

There is a midge that feeds on plumeria rust, Micodiplosis fungicola, "a midge that wasn't described in Hawai`i before the rust was found here," said Bushe, implying that the midge and rust arrived at the same time.

Other problem plants, pests and soil samples may be brought to a diagnostic plant and soil clinic to be held in conjunction with the 13th annual Horticultural Show Friday and Saturday, June 20 and 21, at Edith Kanaka`ole Tennis Stadium.

Ray Uchida, coordinator of UHM-CES agricultural diagnostic service and his assistants will be on hand to answer questions and make recommendations for better plant nutrition and the identification and control of pests and diseases.

Tightly bagged one-cup samples of soil for Ph testing will be accepted. Any diseased plant material also must be tightly bagged to be permitted into the show. There is a limit of two per person. Testing and diagnostic fees will be waived at the Hort Show. Complex problems will be referred to an appropriate lab for extensive evaluation.

Publications

Two of the many books available at the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park are worth mentioning to those interested in eruption photographs and/or tropical flowers.

"Viewbook: Hawai`i's Volcanoes" published in 1993 is a large-format, soft-cover series of more than 30 scenic views within the park from the highest elevations down to sea level.

"This book is not a documentary," notes the introduction. "The message is purely visual."

The message comes from noted photographers G. Brad Lewis, Douglas Peebles and Lee Allen Thomas. The book captures vivid moments in the "many phases of what has become Hawai`i's longest recorded eruption within modern times."

Many images will be familiar to those who have made the trek to see one or more of the eruptive phases that began on January 3, 1983. Viewbook: Hawai`i Volcanoes is a welcome addition to any island library and would make a great gift for friends and family on the mainland.

It is unfortunate that the photographs are undated. Perhaps future editions will include dates for the spectacular 1,000 foot lava fountain at Pu`u O`o vent, the flow entering Kalapana village or meeting the sea at Kaimu or Kamoamoa. Perhaps it is enough to know that the photographs represent ten years in our changing land.

Lava flows parallel to the ocean at Kamoamoa in a stunning photo by G. Brad Lewis in VIEWBOOK, Hawai`i's Volcanoes reviewed in today's column.

"Exotic Tropicals of Hawai`i" by Angela Kay Kepler with photographs by Jacob R. Mau was first published in 1989 and is now in its fifth printing. The natural habitat of tropical flowers such as heliconia and ginger, cultivation tips, seasonal availability and examples of floral arrangements are all covered in lavish color. It is an excellent guide to identification, pronunciation, scientific and common names.

Both books were purchased last month for slightly less than $17. For a list of available titles, write to Hawai`i Natural History Association, P. O. Box 74, Hawai`i National Park HI 96718-0074, phone 967-7604 or visit the information center just inside the park entrance.

New coop officers

Ebencio Salazar, a Honoka`a macadamia nut grower, is the new president of DIVACO, a diversified agriculture supplier in Hilo. Vice president is cattleman Don Coloma, secretary macadamia nut farmer Fred Soriano, and treasurer papaya farmer Ernesto Tagalicud.

Five new board members are Tagalicud, Soriano, Coloma, Puna vegetable farmer Aki Kuwahara, and Volcano rancher Alex Wung.

"As a cooperative, we are owned by the members," said manager Rusty Perry, "The board is elected by members to set policies."

Production farmers interested in membership should contact Perry at 935-5415 or "come by 30 Kukila and compare prices."

Coming events

The Protea Association of Hawai`i will meet Tuesday (June 3) to prepare for the international protea conference in Capetown, South Africa. Experienced protea growers interested in membership should contact Noelani Whittington at 322-3579 (voice mail) or fax 324-0077.

The Hawai`i Agricultural Statistics Service recently released "Statistics of Hawaiian Agriculture 1995," the annual soft cover bound volume compiling production data on crops and livestock throughout the state. It lists 29 farms having sales of $10,000 or more, a change in tracking by HASS since 1992. Nearly two million stems sold in 1995 accounted for a farm gate value of more than $1 million, the highest value since 1989.

Whittington counts more than two dozen growers on the Big Island and another 26 growers on Maui exporting protea around the world.

Kamehameha Day (June 11) activities soon will be happening all over the island during the week of June 8-14. Watch for details on lei draping ceremony at the Kohala statue, dedication of the Hilo statue, Coconut Island festivities, canoe races at Kawaihae, and a floral parade in Kailua-Kona.

Tuesday, June 10, the Kona Outdoor Circle invites all interested folks to an informal tour of the Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens, presentation of the 1997 Beautification Awards and luncheon installation of officers. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with refreshments and Hawaiian music. Luncheon will be catered by Jillynn Parker-Shoop of Island Gourmet. Tickets are $20. Call 329-7286 for reservations.

The Agriculture Committee of the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board will meet Wednesday, June 18, at 6 p.m. in room B of the Komohana Ag Complex in Hilo. Chairman Tony Hanley's agenda includes a status report on Rural Economic Transition Assistance - Hawai`i projects, post harvest treatment and marketing efforts, and a discussion of shipping possibilities.

Please confirm your attendance and what dish you'll bring to the Hawai`i-grown pot luck supper by phoning Myra Ikeda or Liz Barton at 966-5416.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565, or e-mail billeger@gte.net

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May 25, 1997
Workshop set for East Hawai`i ecotourism development

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

A communications workshop for those in the developing visitor industry along the Hamakua coast will be held Wednesday and Thursday, June 4-5, at Tex Drive In.

"Communicating with Visitors" is designed for community-based organizations and entrepreneurs who plan and design visitor centers, exhibits, brochures, tours, displays, interpretive talks and other activities. It will be tailored to match the interests of people working on East Hawai`i, Hamakua Coast or Plantation Corridor projects.

The two-day program is sponsored by the History & Humanities Program of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) with registration through the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. The effort is supported by the Hawai`i Visitors Bureau Big Island Chapter, Hawai`i County Department of Research and Development, and the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism's cultural heritage program.

"David Bucy, a well-known communications and interpretive planning specialist from Corvallis, Oregon, who was the primary consultant on the Lana`i Interpretive Plan and who assisted the staff of Hawai`i's Plantation Village in Waipahu will lead the workshop," said Dolly Strazer of SFCA.

The conference will incorporate a review of programs to date on the Plantation Heritage Trail project begun in 1995 as part of the developing ecotourism offerings of the Big Island. Follow-on projects funded by DBED&T such as regional signage, mapping and brochures also will be covered.

Rick West, chairman of the Tourism Product Development Committee of HIEDB, commended the initiative and dedication of volunteer community organizations and leaders in implementing a series of regional projects including Honoka`a signage, a Pa`auilo historical center, the Laupahoehoe Train Station site and Hakalau Bridge.

The conference begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Advance registration ($30) is recommended because of limited space. Student and single-day registration is available on a waitlist basis. For more information, contact HIEDB at 966-5416 or SFCA on O`ahu at 586-0300.

The first day will cover how people learn or take in information, visual concepts, interpretive networks, and an overview of the interpretive planning process including themes and media presentations.

The second day will cover the Laupahoehoe Train Station, identifying target audiences, inventorying significant resources, developing a theme, and identifying media to carry forward the message.

"The SFCA wants to assist in ensuring authenticity and accuracy in presentation and interpretation, promote the professional development of Hawai`i's cultural interpreters and provide technical assistance workshops on professional presentation, tour management and marketing techniques," said Strazer.

"The History & Humanities Program of SFCA strives to provide technical assistance services not provided by any other entity in the state. In this case, this is the first time training in communicating with visitors -- as it applies specifically to interpretive planning for the development of visitor-oriented materials, sites, centers, tours, exhibits and related activities wherein local culture, art and history are shared -- will be offered in the Hamakua area."

"Ecotourism is an economic model that utilizes tourism to support conservation of the natural environment, reinforce the cultural heritage of indigenous people and support the local economy," Rep. Bob Herkes (D-Puna, Ka`u) told a previous HIEDB ecotourism conference. "It is a way to get us back on track with the kind of spirit that used to be embodied in the old Kona Inn and Grace Guslander's Coco Palms. Ecotourism offers local people an opportunity to either start their own business or gain managerial level positions in others."

The Plantation Corridor project seeks to take greater advantage of scenic and historic attractions along the 40-mile coastline from Hilo to Waipi`o Valley.

Coming events

Today (May 25) is the last day of the Hawai`i Saddle Club rodeo in Honoka`a from noon until 5 p.m.

Today is the last day of the Ho`olaulea at Mauna Kea Resort. Call 882-7222 for details on the cultural arts schedule and hukilau.

Today is the last day of Big Island Bounty at The Orchid at Mauna Lani. For seminar, cooking demonstration and vintner pairing schedule call 885-2000.

Today, the Keauhou Kona Triathlon begins at Keauhou Bay at 6:30 a.m. It is the only Ironman qualifying event in the state. Drivers be cautious and watch for runners and bikers in the Kailua-Kona area.

The East Hawai`i Rose Society will host California consulting rosarians Baldo Villegas, and Steve and Diana Steps Sunday, June 1, at a potluck dinner and rose show beginning at 7 p.m. in Komohana Ag Complex.

The rose specialists are coming to the state to teach a consulting rosarian class in Honolulu Saturday (May 31) at Jefferson Elementary. Persons interested in attending the class should contact Tom Mui on O`ahu at 528-5800 (days) or 988-6235 (evenings).

Villegas is California state entomologist and cultivates more than 600 rose bushes at his home in Santa Clara. The Steps live in Saratoga and are active in the American Rose Society environmental committee.

For further details on the pot luck and rose show, contact East Hawai`i Rose Society president Les Sakamoto at 935-7194 (days) or 934-7963 (evenings).

What's new

A new enterprise provides children with "adventures designed with fun in mind," according to Rachael Keolanui, director of Donkey Tales of Hawai`i.

The business offers children of all ages an opportunity to learn to care for, handle and ride donkeys. Possibilities include day hikes, overnight camping excursions, individual riding lessons and special needs programs.

"The therapeutic value of a link between animals and humans is recognized and used by many organizations throughout the world," said Keolanui.

For further information, contact Donkey Tales at e-mail h2oclone@ilhawaii.net, P. O. Box 1768, Kea`au HI 96749, phone 968-6585, or fax 968-6059.

Fetzer classes

For those traveling on the mainland, Fetzer Vineyards in northern California has revived cooking classes limited to 30 people per class. Advance reservations are required.

All classes will be held at the Fetzer Vineyards Visitor Center, located at Eastside Road and Highway 175 in Hopland. the cost is $45 per person per class.

On Flag Day Saturday, June 14, John Ash, culinary director at the vineyard, will share favorite fish and shellfish recipes. Sunday, August 3, the class will cover cold foods to telper a hot day. Saturday, August 23, John Ash will be joined by garden director Kate Frey in harvesting and preparing produce from the famed Valley Oaks garden.

Sunday, September 14, "The Thrill of the Grill" will explore marinades, herbal rubs, sauces and smoking tips for the barbecue. Sunday, Oct. 12, preserving summer's harvest will cover canning, pickling, corning and drying.

To participate in classes or for more information, call 1-800-846-8637.

Ash's book From the Earth to the Table was honored with two top prizes as the Best American Cookbook and Cookbook of the Year at the International Association of Culinary Professionals' Julia Child Cookbook of the Year Awards in 1996. He lectured in Hawai`i at Food Choices 2000 a few years ago. Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565, or e-mail billeger@gte.net

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May 18, 1997
New protea variety reduces size of a floral giant

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

Minuscule King may appear to be an oxymoron, but it's a new protea ranging in color from pale to deep pink.

Kohala Coast Protea, producers of the long, straight-stemmed pincushion protea, developed the Minuscule Cynaroides (MC) King protea for lei makers. Leaves are 3/4 of an inch wide by one inch long. The blossom reaches two inches wide in full bloom and has a shelf life under refrigeration averaging 14 days.

"The MC has great versatility and is more colorful than the common big king protea we see in Hawai`i," said Jim Williams of Alii Sunset Tropicals. "I use the pink blossoms in the bud stage and Cynaroides leaves for haku lei."

Exclusive growers of the MC, Kohala Coast Protea, are introducing the product to florists nationwide and international floral wholesalers.

"So far they are delighted," said president Noelani Whittington. "Our customers also save money on freight charges. MC costs a minuscule amount of what large, heavy King protea cost to air freight."

MC is cultivated for sale as a cut flower from August through May of next year. It will be offered for sale as a potted plant the following year.

"Protea grow in many climates on the Big Island," said Whittington. "Commercial growers are in Volcano, Kealakekua, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, Waimea, Kona, Kohala and Hamakua. The Protea Association of Hawai`i is a great resource for experienced growers."

For further details, contact Whittington at voice-mail 322-3579 or fax 324-0077.

Coming events

Apologies to any folks who went looking for the HIEDB Ag committee meeting at UH-Hilo last Thursday. It was canceled at the last moment due to scheduling conflicts one of which was the international symposium on kava and other medicinal plants of the South Pacific that ended yesterday at The Orchid at Mauna Lani.

Another kava conference is scheduled for June 1 through 4 at the Outrigger Prince Kuhio in Honolulu. To register and for further details, contact Dr. Ronalee Whittington at UH-CTAHR (808) 956-2246.

The Ag Committee meeting will be held Wednesday, June 18. Time and place to be confirmed.

A reminder: the UH-CTAHR forum opens for registration at 9 a.m. Tuesday (May 20). Building stronger families, cover crops, and household pests are among symposia topics offered. For further details, contact UH-CTAHR, 959-9155.

More Memorial Day weekend events are crowding the calendar. DIVACO, Hilo's diversified agriculture cooperative, will hold its annual membership meeting Friday, May 23, at 7 p.m. in the Komohana Ag Complex. This second meeting is necessary as there was no quorum at the April meeting. Election of members to the board of directors and by-laws changes are on the agenda. For further information, contact Delan "Rusty" Perry at 935-5415.

At the Mauna Kea Resort, the second annual Ho`olaulea will be held Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, featuring the best in Hawai`i's cultural arts. Scheduled are opportunities to learn from experts in language, chant, dance, lei making, lauhala and ti leaf weaving, and botany.

A family style lu`au with entertainment is slated for one evening and an old fashioned hukilau on the beach culminates festivities. Call 882-7222 for more information.

The Keauhou Kona Triathlon is the only Ironman qualifier in the state. The swim-bike-run event begins at 6:30 a.m. at Keauhou Bay Sunday, May 25. For further details and to register, contact race director Joe Ackles at 329-0601.

Old Hawai`i on Horseback is on hiatus this year and will not be held May 30 and June 1. Sponsor Bank of Hawai`i and Waimea organizers are looking at a combination of events next year.

Meanwhile, "Young Hawai`i on Horseback" is the new name for the 9th annual Hawai`i High School Rodeo state finals to be held at Parker Ranch arena June 13-15. More than 100 students from across the state will compete for prizes and the opportunity to represent Hawai`i at the National finals in Pueblo, Colorado this summer.

Admission is $3 and will help defray expenses and provide small stipends to those who will go to national. Hours are Friday, June 13, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Grand entry with flags flying is at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Contact Dr. Billy Bergin at 885-4454 for further details.

Saturday, May 31, bring a mat to sit on, sunscreen and a rain jacket to cover the vagaries of mountain weather and enjoy Na Mea Hawai`i Hula Kahiko (ancient traditional hula) in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The performance will begin at noon at the hula platform near the Volcano Art Center Gallery.

Woods of Hawai`i, the fifth annual juried furniture and woodworking show sponsored by the Hawai`i Forest Industry Association, has added a student division for high school entries. The show promotes the use and acceptance of presently available Hawaiian-grown introduced tree species while simultaneously encouraging craftsmanship that extends existing supplies of valuable hardwoods, both native and introduced. Some lesser known native species are inadmissible.

Entry form deadline is June 16 with completed pieces due in Honolulu for the show in September. Neighbor island shipping consolidation will be available.

For further details and forms, contact Andie Beck of HFIA at P. O. Box 10216, Hilo HI 96721, 959-9545, or show chair Lin Butts, P. O. Box 6232, Kane`ohe HI 96744, (808) 239-5563.

Wednesday, June 18, is the early registration deadline for the Hawai`i Coffee Association conference in late July. Contact Ellen Mehos at 322-0935 or e-mail mehos@kamuela.com or write P. O. Box 1390, Kealakekua HI 96750.

"Anthurium -- The Heart of Hawai`i" is the theme of the 13th annual Hort Show, sponsored by the Hawai`i Anthurium Industry Association (HAIA), UH-CTAHR and the County of Hawai`i. Landscape architect Kyle Tengan will create the floor design and layout featuring tree fern, floral displays and more than 300 anthurium plants expected in the annual competition.

The show and plant sale will open Friday, June 20, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Show hours for Saturday are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Orchids: The Orchid Island is the theme for the 45th Hilo Orchid Society show and sale. It will be held in the Butler Building near Hilo Civic from Thursday, July 17, through Sunday, July 20.

Persons interested in displaying should contact Greg Kobayashi, 959-6866. Anyone interested in membership in the Hilo Orchid Society should contact Dick Smith, 322-8084, or William Bergstrom, 982-6047.

Meanwhile, if you are interested in orchids, check out the Society's monthly meeting on the second Friday of each month at Komohana Ag Complex at 7 p.m. Commercial growers also will be interested in contacting the Big Island Dendrobium Growers Association, John Clark president, at 966-6842 and the Hawai`i Orchid Growers Association, Yoshi Watanabe president, at 959-9562.

Designing and building with bamboo, a demonstration and series of seminars with Dr. Jules Janssen, will be offered Friday through Monday, July 25-28, at the Hawai`i Naniloa Resort in Hilo. Dr. Janssen is a civil engineer and bamboo researcher with the Structural Design Group, Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands.

Early registration deadline is by Sunday, June 15. Contact the sponsor, Hawai`i Chapter of the American Bamboo Society at 982-5039 or e-mail pmlk@ilhawaii.net or through Liz Nakabayashi at bamboox@aloha.net of write to P. O. Box 1390, Kea`au HI 96749.

What's old is new

A new cottage industry for the Big Island is the making of replica vintage "Hula lamps" by Charles Moore of Kailua-Kona.

"This all started when my wife JoAnn was admiring an old lamp. I said, `Honey, I'll make you one,' and now there are three poses.

"There will never be a lot of them because it's very labor intensive," said Moore of the lamps which are cast and painted to look like metal.

One pose depicts a bare-breasted maiden standing with hands clasped behind her head while the other two show the dancer kneeling. Shades are made with old Hawaiian theme fabric.

The Merrie Monarch Festival craft display at Kaiko`o Mall was Moore's first public exposure with the lamps. They are carried by Statements Design and House of Lights in Kailua-Kona and Rift Zone Gallery in Hilo.

Moore may be contacted by writing 78-6864 Keaupuni Street, Kailua-Kona HI 96740, or phone 322-3366.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565, or e-mail billeger@gte.net

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May 11, 1997
Wartime vegetable production proved island abilities

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

Federal assistance to island farmers for diversification of food crops has precedent in times of crisis. For the most part the effort worked, saving shipping space from the mainland and providing a source of fresh fruits and vegetables for both the military and island residents.

During World War II, early on "the Army undertook a venture in food production. Two hundred thousand dollars were invested in farm equipment and seed and another $100,000 was spent putting these to work on two areas under military control," according to Charles E. Hogue in Paradise of the Pacific, forerunner of Honolulu Magazine, in December 1943.

"The plantations were drawn on for labor and the project went forward with a will." Six months later, however, less food tonnage was produced than under normal conditions. What they learned was "plantation labor is unsuitable for large-scale expansion of truck crop production. It is sounder policy to add a few laborers here and there to the forces of small farmers where they can acquire skill through personal contact."

That lesson was carried forward with great success under the leadership of Walter F. Dillingham and the Territorial Office of Food Production (OFP). With practical business management, laborers became successful farmers.

Monthly food production tonnage of fruits and vegetables increased from a little more than 3,300 tons in early 1942 to 5,500 tons in 1944. Many individual crops doubled production from 1942 to 1944: potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, string beans, lettuce, taro, bananas, papayas and corn.

Dillingham, meeting with representatives of the Army and Navy, set forth priorities for distribution: 1: hospital and submarine crew requirements, 2) local civilian market requirements on the island of production, 3) Honolulu civilian market requirements and 4) surpluses to the general messes of the armed forces in the Territory.

The lesson of combining practical business management, former plantation laborers and skilled farmers with Federal funding continues today with the Rural Economic Transition Assistance - Hawai`i (RETAH) program.

"The RETAH program provides funding to new agriculturally related businesses or for the expansion of existing businesses that will result in opportunities for displaced sugar workers on former cane lands in target areas (Hamakua, Ka`u, Central O`ahu, Waialua and Kaua`i)," said Bob Chase, UH-Small Business Development Center programs manager.

"One of our most successful approaches has been through the support of a `coordinating entrepreneur,' who may or may not be a displaced sugar worker, but who always is a person with business and production experience and know-how in agriculture.

"In these projects, the coordinating entrepreneur can draw upon the talents of former plantation workers, instill new farm practices and market the resulting product."

An oversight committee for RETAH developed grant award criteria in cooperation with USDA and US Department of Defense designated lead US Army Natick. Selected proposals are funded, monitored and evaluated by program coordinators, the SBDC, and oversight committee.

An initial two-page conceptual statement and thumbnail budget are reviewed at quarterly meetings. The next quarterly deadline for concept statements, the way to begin the proposal process, is June 15.

When approved, a full-length proposal for a project is invited. This business plan must include detailed information, financial analysis and a three-year marketing forecast.

Priority areas for proposals include 1) non-research, commercial agricultural products, including processing, and services; 2) demonstration of a proven market as well as interest from the military. Tobacco and alcohol are not permitted products, for example; 3) matched funds (cash, in-kind), budget summary and project timeline; 4) capability of generating employment in designated communities; and 5) support from area cooperatives, industry and community associations.

An informational meeting on the RETAH program will be held in Pahala Wednesday (May 14). It will begin at 6 p.m. at the Pahala Community Center.

Contact the Small Business Development Center Network at 974-7515 or the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board at 966-5416 for further details.

Another lesson the OFP learned during WWII was the key role of distribution and the Big Island led the way.

"A non-profit produce market has already been established at Hilo to coordinate the marketing and shipment of produce grown on the Island of Hawai`i, and similar agencies will be set up on the other islands of the group as required."

Coming events

Happy Mother's Day! Today is the last day of the Kona Orchid Society's annual show and sale at Lanihau Center.

The HIEDB Agriculture Committee will hold a Hawai`i grown pot-luck supper prior to its meeting Thursday (May 15) at 6 p.m. in the UH-Hilo Campus Center room 316. Chairman Tony Hanley's agenda includes a status report on Rural Economic Transition Assistance - Hawai`i projects, post harvest treatment and marketing efforts, and a discussion of shipping possibilities.

Please confirm your attendance and what dish you'll bring by phoning Myra or Liz at 966-5416.

Canoe racing season is upon us. Regattas are scheduled Saturdays at Kailua-Kona (5/17 and 6/14) and Kawaihae (5/24). For information on the Kailua-Kona races, contact Mike Atwood, treasurer of Moku O Hawai`i, at 326-1353; for Kawaihae, Manny Vincent, 885-4498.

Sunday, May 18, the next vireya rhododendron garden tour will be held in Volcano from 1-4 p.m. Contact Mitch or Sandy Mitchell, 967-7209, for directions.

Advance notice

"A Taste of the Hawaiian Range," gourmet fare from nearly two dozen Big Island chefs featuring grass-fed beef, lamb and goat, will be held Thursday, July 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kuhio Hale Hawaiian Homes Hall in Waimea.

If last year's premier event is any guide, get your tickets early! This is an all-you-can-eat feast for $20 and it is a challenge to sample one of everything. Proceeds benefit Forage Field Day events held annually by UH-CTAHR Cooperative Extension Service and livestock industry associations.

Tickets will be available at Cook's Discoveries and Sugar and Spice in Waimea, Nori's Saimin in Hilo, Kona Wine Market and Kona Specialty Meats. For more information, contact Glen Fukumoto at CES, 322-2718.

Big Island on WWW

A new domain has been created to provide advertising for Big Island stores, products and services on the internet.Called hawaii-island.com, the domain will open as SwapMeet, a service similar to a classified ad section but including color display ads and the ability to host full sites if desired.

In its final stages of development -- and not yet on line -- the site is now accepting ads from those who have an e-mail address or a toll-free phone number. There is no charge at this time for ads for Big Island businesses or individuals though there will be a fee for larger sites when they become available. Ads are being accepted from the mainland also, averaging a little less than one dollar a day in rates. The site will be heavily promoted on the web.

Contact webmaster Bill Eger at 966-8565 or billeger@gte.net for further information.

Golden Trowel awards

Attention landscapers: There's got to be a prize-winner in Hawai`i!

Garden Design magazine has issued a call for entries in the 1997 Golden Trowel Awards with an August 4 deadline for submissions.

"Enter the Passionate Amateur Category if your own garden is one to be proud of," said the invitation in the May issue. "This does not mean you have never solicited advice from others. What counts here is that this is your own garden, and that you are not compensated with more than joy for making it happen.

"Enter the Professional Category if you are a landscape architect, professional garden designer, or student and you earn some or all of your living from making other people's gardens grow. The project can be grand or small, public or private, as long as it is for residential use.

"What is a garden? By our definition, it is any land surrounding living quarters that has been transformed by the gardener's hand and imagination. It can be a city lot or a rambling meadow. It can be flower-filled or given over to vegetables, have a formal plan or a free-form, organic one. What counts is the plan, the intent and the execution."

Submit your name, profession, address, daytime phone and a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the return of materials. Tell the story of bringing your garden together and overcoming obstacles. Include cost estimates.

For professionals, fully executed site plans are expected. Passionate Amateurs should send a sketch showing primary plantings and the garden's relationship to the house. Indicate north with an arrow. Include a list of the most important plants, indicating locations on your plan.

Regarding photographs, send only 35mm slides or larger transparencies. "The slides should give us a clear overall picture of your entire garden, not just the individual flowers that make up your garden. Include a portrait of the gardener in the garden and credit listing for the photographer."

Winners will receive a trophy and will be published in Garden Design.

Mail entries to Garden Design Golden Trowel Awards, 100 Avenue of the Americas, New York NY 10013. For further details, call (212) 219-7456 or fax (212) 334-1260 or e-mail GardenDesign@here.com

Video presentation

"Hawai`i -- Your High Tech Paradise," produced by GTE Hawaiian Tel with assistance from the High Tech Development Corporation and economic development boards in every county in the state, now is available to out-of-state businesses interested in relocating to Hawai`i.

"This video presentation gives you a glimpse of Hawai`i's diverse resources and opportunities," said a release from GTE Hawaiian Tel and HTDC. "Hawai`i has the technological resources and capabilities to support multinational businesses from all over the world."

"This presentation is a wonderful start," said Bob Saunders of W.H. Shipman Ltd.

"It's fantastic," said Tom Okuyama of SureSave markets. "Let's spread the news. We've got the right place here."

"I'm very impressed with the video," said Dr. Don Hall of the Institute for Astronomy. "I can see a lot of exciting possibilities."

For further details, check the web site http://www.hawaii.htdc.org or contact the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board, 200 Kanoelehua Avenue Suite 103-281, Hilo HI 96720, (808) 966-5416.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565, or e-mail billeger@gte.net

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May 4, 1997
Your future, stronger families viewed in two meetings

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

Chart the Big Island's Course -- Visions for the 21st Century, an all-day conference at the Hilton Waikoloa, will be held Wednesday (May 7).

James S. Greenwell, a member of the Hawai`i Leeward Planning Conference board of directors, said he hopes the conference will "stimulate the thinking of a diverse cross-section of our community for the course the Big Island should take in the 21st century."

Members of the general public along with elected and appointed government officials, representatives of business, education, environment, arts and culture are invited to participate.

Greenwell hopes a collective long-term vision will "identify both obstacles and opportunities that we as a community must address if our vision is to become a reality."

Conference sponsors include Hawai`i Leeward Planning Conference, the County of Hawai`i Department of Research and Development, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce and the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board.

Science, technology, agriculture, tourism, health and wellness, history and the challenges of a global economy will be addressed by a variety of speakers and panels.

Greenwell also hopes the conference will "define, where possible, the appropriate next steps we should be taking in order that our vision shall become a reality."

The registration fee ($40) includes luncheon. For information and to register, call 329-2334.

Another visionary group, the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, will hold a forum Tuesday, May 20, at UH-Hilo Campus Center. Registration opens at 9 a.m. followed by opening remarks from Dean Chuck Laughlin, interim assistant director Charlotte C. (Wada) Nakamura, and Epsilon Sigma Phi president Wayne Nishijima.

This first day of a three-day conference for UH-CTAHR and Cooperative Extension Service faculty and researchers from all over the state is open to the public. The other two days are reserved for faculty and staff professional development. There is no registration fee.

Two symposia will be offered in the morning. "Building Stronger Families" will feature speakers from the Center on the Family. Dr. Ivette Rodriguez Stern and Dr. Barbara DeBaryshe will address "Overcoming job loss: stress and resiliency in Big Island plantation families;" Dr. Marcia Hartsock on "Making kids count in Hawai`i;" Dr. Shair Nielsen on "Kids: Hawai`i's treasure;" and Dr. Grace Fong and Dr. Sylvia Yuen of Academic Affairs on "The family resource kit project."

"Cover Crops" will be moderated by Dr. Carl Evensen. Dr. Joe DeFrank will speak on "Living sods in vegetable crop production on the Hamakua Coast;" Lisa Ferentinos of the Department of Agronomy and Soil Sciences on "Cover crops for wetland and dryland taro;" Cerruti Hooks and Dr. Marshall Johnson, Department of Entomology, on "Promotion of beneficial insects;" Dr. Brent Sipes and Alton Arakaki, Department of Plant Pathology and CES Moloka`i, on "Cover crops for nematode control;" and Dr. Hector Valenzuela, Department of Horticulture, on "The use of cover crops in vegetable cropping systems."

The afternoon symposium, moderated by R. Joseph Woodrow, covers "Annoying and Destructive Household Pests." An overview -- "Recognizing common household pests and transients" -- will be presented by Gordon Nishida of the Bishop Museum, one of the authors of "What Bit Me?"

Woodrow and Dr. Julian R. Yates III of the Department of Entomology will speak on termites, new and old. Woodrow will discuss "Detection and control of the West Indian drywood termite in Hawai`i." Yates will offer a "Review of new management methods in Hawai`i for the Formosan Subterranean termite."

Other topics include ants with Dr. Neal Reimer of the Hawai`i State Department of Agriculture and mosquitoes and rats with Lloyd Shimoda of the state Department of Health.

In addition, oral presentations on a variety of agricultural topics will be held in the early afternoon.

Poster presentations also will be available for viewing at noon. Topics include plant viruses, vase-life extenders, solar dehydration, aquaculture, computer diagnosis of crop nutritional disorders, Sharwil avocados, and diversification of former plantation croplands. Authors will be present at the posters for questions from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

For further information, contact UH-CTAHR or forum sponsor Epsilon Sigma Phi, Alpha Omega Chapter, an honorary organization for Extension workers, president Wayne Nishijima.

Coming events

The Memorial Day weekend offers several big events scattered across the island -- something in every neighborhood for every taste! Here are a few.

Holo Mai Pele, the hula epic performed by Halau O Kekuhi, returns to Kahilu Theatre Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25. Advance ticket purchase is a must. Performances have sold out on every island. The theatre box office (885-6868) is staffed Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to noon.

The fifth annual Big Island Bounty will be held at The Orchid at Mauna Lani Friday through Sunday, May 23-25, featuring the latest in Hawai`i and mainland U.S. culinary creativity. Hawai`i County farmers, ranchers, fishermen and specialty food producers will display their wares and offer samples.

The three-day festival includes seminars, cooking demonstrations, vintner pairings and vertical tastings. For further information, call 885-2000.

The Honoka`a Western Weekend and Rodeo will be held May 23-25 with several contests, entertainment, a 2-day rodeo and craft fair. For further information and event tickets, contact the Hamakua Business Association, Hamakua Country Gas (775-9316), Starseed Beads and Gems or Tex Drive Inn.

Subdivision standards

What makes the difference in the "country" feeling of a subdivision? The Waimea Community Association newsletter and Councilman John Ray point out differences between Mokuloa subdivision, located between Kuhio Hale Hawaiian Homes Hall and Pu`unani subdivision, and Sandalwood subdivision.

Mokuloa has "incredibly wide roadways that are overbuilt even if every single lot in the subdivision were CPR'd and total units doubled. There also are wide swales that create considerable runoff while giving the area a very paved urban look. And there's 'urban' street lighting," said the association's May newsletter.

"Then look at Sandalwood subdivision: narrower roadways and more rural grassy swales -- well suited to the amount of traffic expected and emergency vehicle access. More modest street lighting, too.

"What's the difference? Sandalwood is a private subdivision so the developers were able to tailor improvements to a more rural lifestyle. Not so with Mokuloa Subdivision which was built to County subdivision code so the roads could be dedicated."

Ray and other County Council members are working with County engineers to revise and update our island's subdivision standards. The subject will be aired at the Waimea Community Association meeting Thursday, June 5, at 5:30 p.m. in Kahilu Town Hall. For further information, contact Peter Young at 885-4200.

Hort Show tickets

Advance tickets to the 13th annual Hawai`i State Horticultural Show and Plant Sale, slated for Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium Friday and Saturday, June 20 and 21, are available for $3 from members of the Hawai`i Anthurium Industry Association. Other groups handling tickets are Farm Bureau, Ikebono Ikebana, Palm Society, Hawai`i Export Nursery Association, Big Island Association of Nurserymen, Hui Kalo Moku O Keawe, Pahoa Future Farmers of America, Hilo Family Community Education and the Big Island Dendrobium Association.

Businesses carrying tickets are Garden Exchange, DIVACO, Hilo Farmers Exchange, True Value in Volcano, Paradise Plants and Island Supply.

For anyone seeking to view the best anthurium varieties in the state, to expand knowledge of local plant industries and current university research, or to buy plants for home and garden, the Hort Show is a "don't miss it" event.

For further information on tickets, contact Lynne Kuwahara of Hawaiian Greenhouse at 965-8351 or Jan Genz of Hale `Ohi`a Gardens at 968-8631.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Keaau,HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565 or e-mail billeger@gte.net

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April 27, 1997
Home grown greenhouses incubate Big Island business

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

If necessity is the mother of invention, at times a mistake is needed to make the idea a reality.

That's what greenhouse kit maker Lance Monlux learned while at UH-Hilo College of Agriculture working toward his degree.

"I was a student helper working with Dr. Phil Ito. The rambutan seedlings up at Waiakea Experiment Station needed irrigation and, since I live some distance away, I kept trying to come up with a system."

Around the same time, while building a home, Monlux made a common plumbing error in joining his pipes with fittings.

"I forgot the Teflon tape."

The need and the mistake plus countless hours of experimentation have led to Affordable Greenhouses, an expandable kit with drip irrigation for use by everyone from backyard hobbyists to commercial growers. The drip irrigation system makes use of a T-coupling in PVC pipe with a screw-on cap so the water rate is adjustable at each emitter. A fast drip rate uses approximately seven and a half gallons of water per day per 12-emitter greenhouse.

"The main thing for me is to keep the cost down," said Monlux who uses ultraviolet resistant plastic pipe, shade cloth and Tufflite III or Kool-Lite sheet plastic. "The basic structure; is 10 feet by 10 feet with 60 square feet of growing area, watering system, side screens and lift-up plastic sheet doors." These units can be joined together for a greenhouse of any desired size or shape.

Additional kits can be added to expand the growing area as needed. The basic kit costs $350 with a simpler version, just the structure and beds, available for $250. Each kit weighs slightly more than 60 pounds and can be shipped by U.S. Postal Service to keep costs low.

With a few modifications, there are different models: one for the classroom with an adjustable light source, a hydroponic model and a wheelchair model. Monlux donated wheelchair accessible models to Hale Anuenue Restorative Care Center and the Hilo Adult Day Care Center.

"We have one outside in a field area," said Shelly Yasuhara, director of activities at Hale Anueanue. "We wanted a therapeutic garden for people walking with a prong or a cane, or in a wheelchair. Outside, there are some stones that can make walking difficult. Lance came back and created a small, experimental model. The two beds are raised and wheelchairs can pull up next to them. This second unit is in the courtyard.

"One of our residents told me `I really want to work in the dirt.' The culinary department wanted herbs. So we started seeds in small pots in the indoor raised beds, then transplanted them out to the ground beds."

Yasuhara also mentioned use of the gardens by the speech therapy department for recognition and cognitive testing.

"Sometimes following a stroke, a person might forget he or she has certain skills. When they see the plants, they begin to remember and it can spark other memories too."

She credited Debbie Ward of UH-CTAHR for assistance in choosing and planting seeds. The culinary department has made use of fresh basil and lettuce.

Gidge Kaneshiro, secretary at Hilo Adult Day Care Center, said of their unit, "It's right outside and it's working great. Ours is a ground model, but the aisle is wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. A couple of men here take care of it and harvest the tomatoes and zucchini."

An older ground model may be viewed outside Kai Store on Kilauea Avenue at Puainako.

"There's nothing on the market that beats this in price, function or ease of assembly," said Monlux. "Another reason for all of this is I'm a vegetarian and I wanted to grow food for my family."

Monlux is of Hawaiian ancentry through his great-grandmother. He hopes to see some of his drip irrigation creations used to replant Kaho`olawe island. Contact Affordable Greenhouses at HCR 1 Box 5093, Keaau HI 96749, e-mail exrh09a@prodigy.com, phone 966-8313 or toll-free from the mainland 1-800-250-6597.

Coming events

May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i. Be sure to wear something special Thursday. Those in the neighborhood of the Kona Airport may wish to join in celebrating United Airlines 50th anniversary of service to Hawai`i. Passengers arriving May 1 from San Francisco and Los Angeles will receive fresh flower lei, Kona coffee and macadamia nuts.

The Science & Technology Committee of the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board will meet Tuesday, May 6, at 10 a.m. Items on the agenda include reports from strategic plan subcommittees and Hawai`i Island Electronic Village, and a BITS Facility update. For further information, contact HIEDB at 966-5416.

Ka Ulu Lauhala O Kona, a lauhala festival at Keauhou Beach Hotel May 21-23, will feature weaving workshops and an opportunity to interact with approximately 50 kupuna from throughout the state. For more information, contact Aunty Elizabeth Lee, 325-5592.

Dr. Michael Clowes, former head of the Zimbabwe coffee and tea institute and author of a coffee production handbook, will be the keynote speaker at the Hawai`i Coffee Association second annual conference Friday and Saturday, July 25-26, at the Keauhou Beach Hotel.

Early registration deadline is June 18. For details and a full agenda, contact Ellen Mehos at 322-0935, fax 322-0728, e-mail mehos@kamuela.com or write P. O. Box 1390, Kealakekua HI 96750.

Hail, Bopp!

Comet Hale-Bopp will offer another period of great viewing, as the moon darkens, from now through May 9. Look to the lower northwest evening sky and take the grandkids too. For detailed information, check in on Mauna Kea astronomers' images through the Institute for Astronomy web site ifa.hawaii.edu/images/hale-bopp/ Scholarship deadline The Big Island Press Club offers three scholarships for students interested in media careers, according to club president Dave Smith. Applicants must be graduates of Hawai`i County high schools or have lived on the island for at least a year or have been enrolled in a Big Island institute of higher education for at least a year.

Application forms are available from West Hawai`i Today, the Hawai`i Tribune-Herald and the Big Island Press Club at P. O. Box 1920, Hilo HI 96721. Deadline is June 30.

Nene news

One of the more delightful quarterly newsletters around is Nene News, published by Nene O Moloka`i. The latest issue carries news of breeding season, dummy eggs used to track predation, and noteworthy sightings of our state bird. Photographs by Arleone Dibben and Drs. Helen and Paul Baker plus the "Keep them wild!" logo round out the eight-page publication.

"Mr. Adi Kohler, manager of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island, reported two nene at hole number four on the Hapuna Beach Golf Course and eating grass on the fairway on December 12, 1996," said the sightings article. "It is the first time nene have appeared there in the 23 years Mr. Kohler has been with the resort."

At the Kona Village Resort, guests will be involved in the planting of native Hawaiian plant species to provide nene with a diet as close to what they would find in the wild as possible.

"Amongst the planned species are `ulei, makaloa, `akia and pili grass." For more information on the Kona Village project, call 325-5555 and ask for Lei Lightner or Lani Opunui.

To report nene sightings, order a T-shirt or otherwise support nene preservation efforts, contact Nene News at www.aloha.net/~nene or e-mail nene@aloha.net or write Nene O Moloka`i, P. O. Box 306, Kula HI 96790.

Advance notices

Friday through Sunday, July 4-6, the third annual Dolphin Days will be held at Hilton Waikoloa Village. For more information, call 885-1234. The Hawai`i State Farm Fair celebrates its 25th anniversary August 1 through 10 at Aloha Stadium. The Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation seeks assistance from service organizations. Call the office at 848-2074.

The Big Island Farm Fair will be held September 4 through 7. Contact Diane Ley evenings at 968-6951.

The 50th annual Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation convention will be held at the Ala Moana Hotel October 28-31. A joint effort with several commodity groups is planned as is a tradeshow. Contact HFBF at 848-2074.

The Mid-Pacific Horticultural Trade Show and Conference sponsored by the Hawai`i Export Nursery Association will be held February 17-19, 1998, in Hilo. Contact JoAnn Johnston, marketing director, for booth, tour and agenda information, 969-2088.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565 or e-mail billeger@gte.net.

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April 20, 1997
DOE, DOFAW join to establish school tree farms

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

A new combination of knowledge and talents will help Hawai`i students receive hands-on experience in designing tree plantations and growing hardwoods, according to the Hawai`i Forest Industry Association (HFIA).

With assistance from the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the Department of Education, HFIA seeks to help students select species, determine proper spacing, establish a budget and grow a variety of valuable hardwoods to be tended as a continuing project before harvesting and replanting.

Classroom visits began in February with Lesley Hill of Paradise Plants traveling to Laupahoehoe High School and nurserywoman Aileen Yeh making a presentation to Pahoa High's Future Farmers of America, according to the HFIA's quarterly publication WOODS.

Hill and Yeh offered advice on species selection, seedling care and plantation management. HFIA will provide some financial support to purchase seeds, seedlings and supplies after the students and teachers determine what will be planted.

Each school is asked to commit a minimum of one-quarter acre to the project, which is intended to introduce students to the concept of sustainable commercial forestry. Initial interest is in planting native species and trees with potential for the schools' own wood shops.

HFIA members who are professional woodworkers also are visiting high school classrooms across the state to discuss their careers with wood shop students.

Sculptors, furniture makers, bowl turners and guitar makers are giving the students an introduction to life after shop class. Nervous laughter at Waiakea High School followed Mountain View resident Jay Warner's graphic description of a friend getting his long hair caught in machinery, an object lesson in shop safety.

Laughter of a more appreciative nature was the response to Jerry Kermode's confession at Radford High School that woodworking attracted him as a career because it allowed time for surfing.

Others participating in the program with support from DOFAW and DOE include Scott Hare at Waiakea High School; Jer Houston and Jerry Kotz at Kohala High School; Alan Wilkinson and Donn Eisele at `Aiea High School; Marian Yasuda at Radford High School; Pter Ziroli and Loki Feliciano at Honoka`a High School; and Gary Kotz and Doug Leite at Laupahoehoe High School.

For further information on HFIA programs and membership, contact executive director Andrea Beck at 959-9545 or write to HFIA, P.O. Box 10216, Hilo HI 96721.

HFIA members and readers are invited to submit entries to the forthcoming publication: Friends of the Trees' Guide to Hawai`i.

If you have a tree plantation in the ground, trial plantings, offer consulting services, publications, nursery stock or materials related to forestry or trees in general, you can be listed in the Guide at no charge.

Submit your listings as soon as possible to Michael Pilarski, Friends of the Trees Society, P. O. Box 4469, Bellingham WA 98227, telephone (360) 738-4972 or fax (360) 671-9668.

Congratulations to recently elected directors of HFIA. Bill Cowern of Hawaiian Mahogany Company and Kua Orchards on Kaua`i, Lloyd Jones of Martin and MacArthur Ltd. in Honolulu, Sally Rice of Agro Resources in Kailua-Kona, Peter Simmons with Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate's Pa`auilo office and Jay Warner of Awapuhi Farms and Mill in Mountain View.

They join continuing directors Mary Bello of Bello's Millwork & Woodturning in Wahiawa, Marsha Erickson of Hui O Laka Koke`e Museum, Nancy Glover of the Secretariat for Conservation Biology on O`ahu, Bob Osgood of Hawai`i Agriculture Research Center in `Aiea, Bart Potter of Honolulu, Mike Robinson of Resource Management in Hilo, Steve Smith of Hamakua Timber and John Wittenburg of Koa Custom Furniture in Kahakuloa Maui.

Welcome ships

For those who were wondering, the large cruise ships visiting Hilo's port recently were Statendam and Legend of the Seas. Legend of the Seas will return next Sunday (April 27) for a day visit from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tropicale is due in Tuesday, April 29, 7 a.m. through 6 p.m.

Coming events

Dr. Lyle Wong of the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture and Kathy Dorn will discuss irradiation as a post harvest treatment Wednesday (April 23) from noon to 2 p.m. at the UH-Hilo library lanai.

An Earth Day Expo will be held Saturday (April 26) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hilo's Bayfront by the volleyball courts and at Lanihau Center in Kailua-Kona. Sponsored by Recycle Hawai`i and the County of Hawaii Department of Public Works, the event will feature sales and information booths with extensive displays of recycled products.

Technical support and assistance is available to businesses wishing to establish recycling systems. Contact P. O. Box 3220, Kailua-Kona HI 96745 or leave a message at 329-2886.

The 37th annual Hawai`i Macadamia Nut Association conference, to be held at the Kona Surf convention center Friday and Saturday (May 2 and 3), will offer presentations on regulatory relief for small business in Hawai`i by Bill Wong of the Task Force on Small Business and a vision for CTAHR and the agriculture industry by Dean Chuck Laughlin.

Other presentations include researchers from UH-CTAHR including Wayne Nishijima on control of macadamia quick decline in orchards, Skip Bittenbender on Bitts from CTAHR, Vincent Jones on management of insect pests, and new pruning techniques by Howard Hirae.

For further details and to register, contact Ellen Mehos at HMNA, P. O. Box 1390, Kealakekua HI 96750 or phone 322-0935, fax 322-0728.

The HIEDB Agriculture Committee will hold a Hawai`i grown pot-luck supper prior to its meeting Thursday, May 15, at 6 p.m. in the UH-Hilo Campus Center room 316.

The agenda includes a status report on Rural Economic Transition Assistance - Hawai`i projects, post harvest treatment and marketing efforts, and a discussion of shipping possibilities.

Please confirm your attendance and what dish you'll bring by phoning Myra or Liz at 966-5416.

The annual Macadamia Nut Festival recipe contest will be held Saturday, October 25, at Nani Mau Gardens. Professional and amateur chefs from Hawai`i, the mainland and Canada interested in entering should prepare and test recipes soon. The deadline for entering recipes is Monday, September 1.

All recipes must include a macadamia nut product. Prizes will be awarded in all categories which include salad, bread, pie, cake, candy, cookie, dessert, entree or main course. Best of Show prize of $1,000 will be presented by Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company for the overall winning recipe. Guittard Chocolate Company will present a $500 prize for the Best Macadamia Nut Candy recipe.

For more information and to enter, contact Gene Erger, P. O. Box 2934, Kamuela HI 96743 or phone/fax (808) 885-0018 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Hawaiian time.

Home chefs also are invited to enter the Fetzer Vineyards fourth annual Great Salad Toss recipe contest. Last year's winner, was Grilled Chicken Salad with Asian Ginger Dressing by Nancy Pasquale of Rye NY.

"There's more to a salad than iceberg lettuce," said John Ash, Culinary director at Fetzer Vineyards and an award-winning cookbook author. "Succulent lettuce greens, such as bibb or Boston, along with romaine, endive and red lollo add interesting flavors that go well with many wines."

Grand prize is $5,000. Finalist prizes include ten free trips for two to the Fetzer Wine & Food Center at Valley Oaks in Mendocino County. Deadline for the Great Salad Toss is Tuesday, July 1. For a copy of the Fetzer Vineyards Wine & Food magazine that contains rules, call toll free 1-800-846-8637 or check out the web site at www.fetzer.com

Magazine award

Hurrah for the Big Island's Mother Goose Farms, an organic and sustainable macadamia nut orchard and coffee farm that utilizes geese to weed. They were recognized by Island Business magazine in the April issue, one of four businesses honored in the sixth annual Investing in the Environment program.

Owners John and Vicki Swift previously were recognized as Farmers of the Year by the Kona Soil and Water Conservation District. They are adding plantings of madre de cacao (glyricidia), a "nurse tree" which provides shade, conserves water and fixes nitrogen in the soil. Mother Goose Coffee is available direct from the farm by phoning Vicki at 328-2306.

Corrections

Apologies for getting a phone number wrong last week. Those interested in a day-long symposium called "Chart the Big Island's Course -- Visions for the 21st Century" should contact Hawai`i Leeward Planning Conference at 329-2334.

Apologies also to Volcano chef Leslie D. Hershhorn (pager 925-3514), who catered the Mid-Pacific Horticultural Trade Show opening sponsored by Hawai`i Export Nursery Association and Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council, for the mistake in spelling his last name.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565 or e-mail billeger@gte.net

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April 13, 1997
New plants, new markets get attention and sales

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

New cut flower and potted plant products and new ways of getting them to out-of-state markets are the focus of industry associations and university researchers.

"The biggest story I see lately is the comeback of the floriculture industry," said Carver Wilson of the Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council. "We had anthurium blight, Benlate and other serious problems during the past 15 years. Lately, in surveying growers, we find the serious ones are planting more. They are re-committing themselves to the business. In addition, younger people are coming in to the industry."

For more than 20 years, he has operated Maui Floral, one of the oldest protea farms in the state. Wilson's father was dean of the University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and Cooperative Extension Service. The family moved to Hawai`i from Kansas in 1965. Many UH cultivars are planted on his 17-acre farm in Kula, Maui.

"UH-CTAHR CES provides great service to so many parts of the community," said Wilson. "For farmers, the release of new cultivar material keeps us going.

"The tropical business is hard. Competition from abroad is intense. Ginger, heliconia, anthurium all need support."

Among new introductions featured at the Mid-Pacific Horticulture and Trade Show in February, sponsored by HTFC and the Hawai`i Export Nursery Association, was anthurium "Tropic Fire" developed by Drs. Haruyuki Kamemoto and Adelheid Kuehnle of the UH-Department of Horticulture.

The plant has a high blossom yield (7.2 blossoms per shoot a year in Manoa Valley) and also offers great potential for export in the potted plant market. Tropic Fire has attractive glossy dark green leaves, glossy bright red spathe and a white and yellow upright spadix.

The University of Hawai`i has granted an exclusive license to Twyford International Inc., the largest tissue culture plant propagator in the world, to propagate and sell Tropic Fire. For a one-year time period, Hawai`i growers have the exclusive ability to buy Tropic Fire from Twyford.

For more information on this anthurium, call the Office of Technology Transfer and Economic Development at the Manoa Innovation Center in Honolulu at (808) 539-3826.

Three new patented anthurium varieties from Oglesby Nursery on the mainland are available locally from Hawaiian Sunshine Nursery.

"Nicoya has a medium size red flower, larger than Tropic Fire," said David Fell of Hawaiian Sunshine. "Kingston is a true red, double the size of the Nicoya flower, but not as many leaves. Nicoline has very dark, almost black, green foliage with peppermint pink smallish flowers and lots of them. It's a gorgeous pink."

Contact Fell at 959-4088 or write 2191 Ainaola Drive, Hilo HI 96720.

Bromeliads are a new member of the Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council marketing family and are becoming more popular as interior potted plants.

David Shiigi of Bromeliads of Hawai`i developed Puna Gold, a symmetrical star-shaped bromeliad flower in the Guzmania family. It was available at the annual Big Island Association of Nurserymen sale last month.

"PunaGold, a trademarked and patented plant, is a mutation of a hybrid that I made," said Shiigi. "It's the first solid yellow of the Guzmania family, known for their striking flowers and very popular in the potted plant market now.

"We decided to go into the cut flower market. We contacted Glenn Matsubara and that's really taking off."

Contact Shiigi for plant material at 959-6598 or write 35 Pau O Palae Street, Hilo HI 96720.

These items and other cut flowers such as orchids and lush tropicals can be shipped quickly thanks to the group efforts of the Hawai`i Florists and Shippers Association. Congratulations to 1997 officers and directors installed at the recent Shinnenkai by Mayor Stephen K. Yamashiro.

Raymond Suefuji is president, Eric Tanouye of Green Point Nurseries is Hawai`i island vice president, John Hirashima of Sunrise Protea is Maui vice president, Alan Tada of Flowers Forever is Kauai vice president and Janet Kosaka of Varsity Flowers is Oahu vice president.

Pam Ahuna of Rainbow Isle Refrigeration is secretary and David Keim of Hilo Tropical Gardens is treasurer. Directors are Grayson Inouye of Pacific Floral Exchange, Richard Nelson of Pulelehua Orchids, Fia Mattice of Kilauea Flowers, Bill Leitch of Mountain View Anthuriums, Kanani Brown of Big Island Floral, Jan Genz of Hale Ohia Gardens, Phoebe Anderson of Orchids of Hawai`i and Mike Crowell of Hua Aina.

For additional assistance, contact the floriculture industry associations: Hawai`i Florists and Shippers Association, membership chair Jan Genz, P. O. Box 5640, Hilo HI 96720; Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council, administrator Linda Huffman, P. O. Box 4306, Hilo HI 96720 phone 961-5555 or fax 961-9005; Hawai`i Export Nursery Association, marketing coordinator JoAnn Johnston, P. O. Box 11083, Hilo HI 96721; and Big Island Association of Nurserymen, president Allie Atkins, P. O. Box 4365, Hilo HI 96720.

Mahalo farmers

Many thanks to the farmers who greeted USS Willamette with Big Island produce to enhance the Merrie Monarch visit of 250 officers and crew.

Mike Tarring of Wailea Banana Cooperative presented two cases of apple bananas to the ship and Walter Patton of Hawaiian Honey House sent six jars of honey.

"It's so nice to come to a place where we're appreciated," said NC1 Mary Ewer, the ship's career counselor and photographer.

"Hilo is such a wonderful town," echoed the ship's captain Commander Nori Ann Reed. "Everywhere we went people were smiling and open. I had a great time at the Farmers Market."

Persons interested in future activities in support of sea service personnel should contact John Davis, president of the Hilo Council of the Navy League of the United States at 935-8575.

Coming events

Registration deadline for the Hawai`i Macadamia Nut Association 37th annual conference is Friday, April 25.

The conference will be held at the Kona Surf Convention Center Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3. A field trip to the UH-CTAHR Captain Cook experiment station is planned for Friday afternoon. The field trip will include demonstrations on calibration of sprayers, grafting, pruning, field identification of insect pests and disease, pruners, harvesters, huskers and crackers.

For further details and to register, contact HMNA through Ellen Mehos, 322-0935 or write P. O. Box 1390, Kealakekua HI 96750.

Chart the Big Island's Course -- Visions for the 21st Century will be held Wednesday, May 7, at the Hilton Waikoloa Village from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tom Barrack, chairman and CEO of Colony Capital, will deliver the keynote address on opportunities and challenges in a global economy. The Kona Historical Society will present a "Then and Now" slide show.

New partnerships panels will feature science and technology, agriculture, tourism, and health and wellness. The one-day registration fee of $40 includes lunch.

Barbara Kim Stanton of the High Technology Development Corporation and Vice Admiral Robert Kihune, USN (Ret.), of NEHLA/CEROS will co-chair the science and technology presentation. Monty Richards of Kahua Ranch will lead the agriculture panel. Paul Casey of Hawaiian Airlines, former president of the Hawai`i Visitors & Conventions Bureau, and Barbara Okamoto, HV&CB director of market research will head the tourism session.

Health and wellness will be covered by luncheon speaker John DeFries of the Five Mountain Medical Community.

The conference is sponsored by Hawai`i Leeward Planning Conference, the County of Hawai`i Department of Research and Development, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce and the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. For more information, call 329-2344 or write the Hawai`i Leeward Planning Conference at P. O. Box 635, Kailua-Kona HI 96745-0635.

Na Leo O Hawai`i public access TV will air the March 18 community forum on post harvest treatment facilities on channel 2 (East Hawai`i) Sunday, April 13, at 7 p.m., Tuesday April 15, at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 20, at 9 p.m. and Wednesday, April 23, at 7 p.m.

The unedited gavel-to-gavel videotape also may be viewed on channel 10 (West Hawai`i) Wednesday, April 16, at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 19, at 8:30 p.m., Sunday, April 20, at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 22, at 5 p.m. or Wednesday, April 23, 7 p.m.

HIEDB president Richard Henderson urged viewers to tune in saying, "This 2-hour video features speakers from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, high-energy and health physicists, training and safety experts, economic assessments from the County and the Tropical Fruit Growers' Cooperative, and the views of Irradiation Free Food Hawai`i. We appreciate Na Leo's cooperation in providing air time for all island residents to learn as much as possible about these issues."

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565, e-mail billeger@gte.net or http://www.hotspotshawaii.com/h4economy.html

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April 6, 1997
Hawaiian crafts featured in stunning Big Island catalog

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

An extraordinary new Big Island gallery arrived by mail last week -- a gallery in a catalog appropriately named Uniquely Hawai`i.

The master craftsmanship of 24 Hawai`i artisans is featured on 35 large (5.5 x 8.5 inch), full color cards with details on the back of each. Traditional crafts featured include woodworking, lauhala weaving, quilting, featherwork and musical instruments among others.

"This first edition of the Uniquely Hawai`i Collection has been mailed within the state," said owner Elin Walburn who lives in Volcano. "It has been most important to us to do this affordably so we have a gallery in a catalog, not in a building."

More than 150 artists were interviewed for this first selection. Others will be added in future annual editions. Graphic design and printing were done within the state by Randall Morita Designs, (808) 533-7507, and Harbor Graphics in Honolulu.

"For artists, they are incredible to work with," said Walburn. "You walk in and feel like part of the family. I was on a major learning curve and Barbara Grange at Harbor Graphics walked me through each step."

The stylish and tasty collection is presented in a tan folder with two pockets. Cover graphic and business trademark was created by Kathy Long depicting a young woman holding a calabash. Woodworker Kelly Dunn created the calabash used as inspiration for this graphic. Most of the detailed photographs were taken by Ric Noyle.

"This is more than an offering of things to buy," said Walburn. "In some cases it is a photographic archive of artists who may not be selling anymore, such as Esther Makuaole, who have taught generations of wonderful students.

"We also offer services to repair old Ni`ihau shell lei, lau hala hats, museum quality furniture and other classic pieces unique to Hawai`i. The idea is to create a resource. It's such a pleasure to do these kinds of things."

Walburn's background is in interior design and the finishing end of construction including high end decorative elements.

"That created my appreciation for these artists' work. When I started speaking to some here on the Big Island and learned that they've got two and three jobs to hold things together, I wanted to do something to help preserve their talent and allow them to continue."

Elin and husband Peter, a contractor with ILB Hawai`i Inc. and owner of the construction management firm Teichner Walburn and Associates, moved to Waimea in 1986 and more recently to Volcano.

Exquisite woodwork captures the eye upon first opening the gallery package. A Dean Johnston reproduction of an historic pineapple table is on one side and a hand turned Norfolk pine calabash by Todd Campbell is on the other.

In one stack of cards is a desirable quilt caddy that holds thread, needles, thimbles and scissors in style by Ed Solomon photographed against one of Linda Smith's quilts. Another of Solomon's pieces is a koa lazy Susan.

A prize-winning cabinet by "German John" Wittenberg of Kahakuloa, Maui; Kohala instrument maker David Gomes' personal performance guitar; bowls by Kaua`i's Robert Hamada, the "grandfather of wood turning in Hawai`i" and custom fit rocking chairs by Ray Nitta are beauties to take the breath away.

Additional woodworkers represented are Jack McNulty (desktop collection), Ron Kanakanui (chip carved pig board, chopsticks, rice paddles, hair picks), Michael Lee (hand turned calabash, sculpture), Robert Mathieu & four sons Big Island Woodworks (toys, cooking utensils, miniature bowls), Kelly Dunn (Sugi pine bowl, Norfolk pine vessel, Mango platter), Ray Nitta (canoe paddles), John and Dee Piert (chopsticks, hair sticks, seamstress), Mark and Sandy Sater (koa boxes with tile inserts), and Ricardo Dellera (pool cues).

Uniquely Hawai`i features woven lau hala by Lola K. Spencer, Aunty Gladys Grace, Alice Kawamoto, Aunty Esther Makuaole and Elizabeth Lee; hand painted porcelain dolls by Makaki`i Chaves; featherwork by Diane Masumura; quilt patterns by Lea Okada (needlepoint kits) and Elizabeth Root (bookmarks, Christmas ornaments, note cards, pillow and wall hanging kits).

Nicest of all is the plain card full of "mahalo nui loa" to friends and associates who helped bring the dream project to reality: quilter Linda Smith, webpage designer Bryan Villados, record keeper Kelly Wakayama, and "ear, eyes, hand, heart, mind" Michele Zane-Faridi among others.

Contact Walburn and Uniquely Hawai`i at P. O. Box 209, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park HI 96718 or phone 985-8648, facsimile 985-8648. Toll free 1-800-308-1913, e-mail uniquely@aloha.net or their web site http://planet-hawaii.com/uniquely

Coming events

By the second week of April, Na Leo O Hawai`i will announce an air date for the unedited videotape shot at the community forum on post harvest treatment. The forum, held March 18, concentrated on irradiation technology using cobalt-60 for tropical fruit.

Contact Jurgen Denecke, the station manager, at 935-8874 for further details on air dates and times.

Friday, April 11, the Hilo Orchid Society will meet at Komohana Ag Complex beginning at 7 p.m.

For further information, contact William Bergstrom at 982-6047.

Dr. Gary Fraser, MD and PhD, director of the Center for Health Research at Loma Linda University will be among speakers at the Hawai`i Macadamia Nut Association conference Friday, May 2, in Kailua-Kona.

Dr. Fraser, whose specialty is diet as it relates to heart disease, cancer and longevity, will address the conference on nut composition and cardiovascular health.

For further infromation, contact Ellen Mehos at 322-0935.

Kona festival contest

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival button design contest is open to entries through 4 p.m. Friday, May 2.

The design may be round, square or rectangular and must incorporate the 1997 festival dates (November 1-8) and theme: Kona Coffee -- Island Grown, Hawai`i's Own.

The winning theme, also chosen through an annual contest, was submitted by James Kilburn, a Hawai`i Community College teacher.

Art for the button design may be submitted in either color or black and white. The image should be no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches. Each entry must be accompanied by the artist's name, address and telephone number. The winning design, to be selected by the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Board of Directors, will be used on the 1997 promotional button and related materials.

Entries should be sent to Current Events at 75-5751 Kuakini Highway #202, Kailua-Kona HI 96740. For further details, phone (808) 326-7820.

What's new

Congratulations are in order to downtown Hilo enterprises on completion of extensive renovations.

Garden Exchange at 300 Keawe has "stretched" again. New plant display areas outside allow for better viewing, an expanded selection and an improved watering system. Also the machinery purchase and repair department is conveniently located on the first floor. Telephone 961-2875 or fax 961-9234.

Among membership benefits for the East Hawai`i Rose Society is a discount at Garden Exchange with your current membership card. Contact president Les Sakamoto, 934-7963, or treasurer Suzy Lauer, 935-6183 for further details. The East Hawai`i Rose Society April meeting will feature haku lei making. Just in time for lei day, the meeting will be held Wednesday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m. at the Komohana Ag Complex.

Lyman House Memorial Museum at 276 Haili. The two-story addition to the main building adds 2,000 square feet to the museum. A new entrance faces Haili Street and the gift shop is open. A new gallery for temporary or traveling exhibits will open soon.

"We've also done a considerable amount of renovation in the galleries," said director Paul Dahlquist, "but they are a work-in-progress. We've completed the first part of a four-year, four-phase project. The most disruptive part is completed."

For further information on membership, programs and guided tours, contact the museum at 935-5021, fax 969-7685 or better yet, stop in for a look.

Congratulations too to Divaco on adding Kaiser Foundation Health Plan to coop membership benefits. The new fuel plan and prices also are worth a look-see.

Divaco's annual membership meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 25. The diversified ag cooperative is located at 30 Kukila Street between Railroad and Kanoelehua Avenues.

Mahalo Plenty

Many thanks to the officers and crew of USS Willamette for visiting during Merrie Monarch Festival. Beyond enjoying the festival and local sights, crew members pitched in with local members of the Hawai`i Carpenters' Union to replace a park bridge near Nihon Restaurant.

In another community effort, crew members joined with Diane Ley's volunteers on projects for the Downtown Improvement Association including clearing vacant lots of weeds and painting crosswalks.

For future Navy League activities or to join, contact Hilo council president John Davis at 935-8575.

Mahalos also are due to all those who made possible the hala ula (red hala) seedling give away in Waimea during Merrie Monarch weekend. Years ago, in the 1970s, Leon Thevenin and Leabert Lindsey inventoried red hala throughout Hawaii. When they realized that there were fewer than a dozen trees remaining, they began to propagate and pass out seedlings.

Thevenin's trees in Puako came from the ancient giant red hala forest for which Kalaula in Kohala was named. Barbara Meheula's mature tree from one of those seedlings was the source of the seedlings given away by Patti Cook and all the gang at Cook's Discoveries. Gratitude also to Marie McDonald for teaching how to cut and sew hala lei.

Big Isle on WWW

National Geographic and the Hawai`i Visitors & Convention Bureau -- Big Island Chapter have teamed up to feature Hawai`i County as a destination on the magazine's web page during April.

"National Geographic received more than 2.5 million hits the first month they opened their website last year," said Ken Johnston, executive director of the HV&CB Big Island Chapter. "Potential visitors can request information on the Big Island and these requests arrive in our office via e-mail. We fulfill these requests at once, and we hope to see these visitors arrive on our shores soon."

One of the unique options National Geographic gives the web-traveler is an opportunity to ask questions of local experts. Editors at National Geographic selected Hilo's Sig Zane to respond to inquiries on Hawaiian culture.

Zane of Sign Zane Designs and Paliku Graphics in historic downtown Hilo is celebrated for his use of indigenous Hawaiian plants in fashion design. The shop at 122 Kamehameha Avenue has proven so popular that Merrie Monarch Festival attendees line up six deep at the register.

The National Geographic web site includes a virtual tour of the Big Island. Check it out at http://www.nationalgeographic.com

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565 or e-mail billeger@gte.net.

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March 30, 1997
Engineer's son succeeds with tropical fruit in Chicago

By K. T. Cannon-Eger

Write here billeger@gte.net

Our local experience often is that the son learns the family business from the father and in turn passes it on to his son.

As if to show that's not always the case, a recent visitor to Hawai`i County told how he brought his parents into the grocery business, which now continues with the involvement of two of his brothers.

James Corrigan of Carrot Top in Northwood, Illinois, near Chicago, came to the Big Island looking for more Hawai`i produce, particularly exotic tropical fruit.

Last year at Easter, Carrot Top had a Hawai`i promotion featuring cut flowers, pineapple, papaya, cookies and Kauai coffee.

"We had a huge response to the Hawai`i products. Our total store sales increased 60 percent over the previous year's holiday week."

Corrigan got into the business as a teenager.

"Back in 1967, a friend of mine's father started a wholesale produce business in the South Water Market. He enlisted his son's friends to help. I unloaded watermelons in the summer and Christmas trees in the winter. That's where I got bitten by the bug.

"That was an exciting time to be in downtown Chicago when I was 13, 14 and 15 years old. That's when I learned to ride a Harley."

While in Hilo, he rented a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and spent a day going around the island.

Corrigan's father was a civil engineer in manufacturing. His mother worked as a directory assistance operator in addition to being a homemaker and mother of seven.

Following Corrigan's graduation from Loyola University in 1975 as a history major, he talked his parents into helping him open a market in Wilmette. In 1979, Carrot Top moved to its present location.

"I would have flunked a marketing course if I picked this site," said Corrigan laughing. "Luckily there are a combination of factors that helped us. There's a meat market nearby that generated some retail activity plus at the beginning we sublet a portion of our space to a French chef known for his soup."

Carrot Top presently employs nearly 30 and concentrates on marketing directly to its customer base through a newsletter begun in the 1980s.

"We also have a preferred customer card program, which allows for coupon sales without anybody having to clip coupons and keep track of them."

Speaking of his father, who has since passed away, Corrigan said, "An engineer has never solved a problem. He has only worked on the latest good solution. My dad's business sense and organization were his two biggest gifts to me."

The elder Corrigan patented a spray misting system for produce seen in grocery stores across the country. Two of Corrigan's brothers are active in that business. His mother still is active in the grocery business.

"She's in the store every day."

In 1991, the Carrot Top newsletter went to a customer base of 5,000.

"When I heard about Vindicator breaking ground (in Mulberry, Florida) I put a customer survey in the newsletter and 2,500 people responded that they were interested in irradiated strawberries. The following year, we got product in the store. The first marketing season we sold both irradiated and non irradiated fruit harvested off the same farm at the same time."

There was a `buy one, get one free' offer and samples were presented for tasting. All irradiated produce was labeled as such.

"Sales through that first marketing period showed eight to one in favor of irradiated fruit," said Corrigan. "In the second season, it was 20 to one. The fruit was fresher and lasted longer. Shelf life was the issue.

"People are smart, you know," Corrigan said. "Our customers were able to separate the concept of nuclear fallout from the process of irradiation. By their purchases, customers have demonstrated that when there's a benefit they'll buy the irradiated product."

Carrot Top has offered irradiated strawberries from Florida, Vidalia onions from Georgia, blueberries, poultry and, recently, rambutan from the Big Island which is a case in point for the need to treat the fruit in order to sell it.

"In the case of rambutan, it's either irradiated or you can't get it," said Corrigan. "The major question we've heard from our customers is when can we get more."

Carrot Top is one of several mainland markets to sell Hawai`i produce irradiated at the Isomedix plant in Morton Grove. Several tons of fruit were shipped, on an experimental basis, during the past two years.

According to Lyle Wong, Plant Industry Administrator with the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture, papaya, rambutan, star fruit, atemoya, lychee, mango, avocado, and other fruit were treated.

The Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board and the League of Women Voters will air the unedited two-hour videotape of a recent community forum on post harvest fruit treatment on a cable community access channel. Date and time to be announced.

Coming events

The official Merrie Monarch Festival greeting for USS Willamette will be held at 11 a.m. Friday (April 4) at Pier One. Hiti A Otera will perform, according to Dorothy Thompson.

The Navy oiler will be open for public tours from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday. Saturday public hours are 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. Anyone interested in hosting one or more members of Willamette's crew for a drive, picnic, hike, mountain bike cruise, home-made meal or ride to church is encouraged to contact Hilo Council of the Navy League president John Davis at 935-8575 (days) before Thursday (April 3).

Plant It Hawai`i will hold a fruit tree sale at the nursery up Huina Road in Kurtistown Friday and Saturday (April 4 and 5) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. On hand are lychee, longan, several varieties of citrus and some avocado. Rambutan is in short supply. Telephone 966-6633 or fax 966-6900.

Persons interested in unusual fruit, spice and nut trees also might wish to contact Oscar Jaitt of Fruit Lover's Nursery in Pahoa at 965-9785. The company imports and exports seeds and plants. Contract growing is available.

Liloa Willard of Ho`owaiwai Farms in Papa`ikou is another source for exotic fruit. Telephone 964-5222 or 964-5575. Fax 964-5078.

Vireya rhododendron enthusiasts will meet the third Sunday of every month unless there's a holiday conflict. The next gathering is scheduled Sunday, April 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the garden of a member in Paradise Park.

For further details on the gathering, the Viva Vireyas! newsletter and efforts to form a Hawai`i Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, contact Mitch or Sandy Mitchell in Volcano at 967-7209.

The seventh annual Business-Education Partnership golf tournament will be held Wednesday, April 30, at the Hilo Municipal Golf Course. This is the major fund raiser for BEP to provide needed capital to teachers in curriculum development. Contact the Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce at 935-7178 for details.

The Hawai`i Macadamia Nut Association will hold its 37th annual conference in Kona May 2 and 3. Contact Ellen Mehos at 322-0935 for membership and program information.

Thursday, May 15, Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris will address the Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce quarterly membership meeting during luncheon at the Hawai`i Naniloa Crown Room. Contact the Chamber at 935-7178 for details and reservations.

What's new

MasterTag of Montague, Michigan, was present at the Mid-Pacific Horticultural Trade Show last month. Bob Hysong, manager of the Pacific region, said the company's newest product for nurseries selling potted plants is a locking label.

"A special grip on the pot lip anchors notched labels firmly in place," said Hysong. "Labels won't get lost or fall out in shipment. This helps reduce customer frustration and incorrect pricing."

MasterTag also is able to produce pressure sensitive, bar-coded labels in house. The firm added 5,000 perennial photos to its library this past year for an expanded product tag selection.

Contact Hysong at the California office (909) 585-6476, fax (909) 585-9170.

Zoo scholarship

Friends of the Panaewa Zoo will award two $500 scholarships to graduating seniors, one each to East and West Hawai`i. Criteria for the scholarships are based on academics, extra-curricular activities, and work experience or community involvement.

Deadline for application is Monday, April 7. Applications are available from high school counselors.

Orchid care tips

Edgar and Debbie Takehiro of Takehiro Orchid Company in Panaewa were on hand at the Big Island Association of Nurserymen (BIAN) annual sale earlier this month. They cultivate both orchids and anthuriums in the family business.

Like all the BIAN folks on hand for the scholarship fund raiser, the Takehiros were available for advice.

"Indoor potted orchids prefer to be watered in the morning," said Edgar. "Water once a week and drain well. In dry climates, place stones in a pan then fill the pan with water and set the plant on the stones. Do not let the plant sit in water.

"Fertilize every three to four months with Osmocote 14-14-14 or every nine months Nutricote 14-14-14. Most orchids can take full sun except for Phalaenopsis which prefers morning sun only.

"To transplant, select a larger pot and use a mixture of 40 percent orchid bark and 60 percent cinders. It is important to use cinders for aeration and drainage. If cinders are not available to you on the mainland, use orchid pellets."

Contact Takehiro Orchid Company at 620 Awa Street, Hilo HI 96720 or phone 959-3469.

For further in formation on BIAN membership and program events, contact president Allie Atkins of Lehua Lena Nursery at 966-7975. United Airlines anniversary

"Alumni" of United Airlines interested in festivities surrounding the May 1 golden anniversary of United service to Hawai`i should contact Edward Gencarelli in Kona at 329-5435.

Focus on the Economy is a weekly column on science, technology, business and agriculture provided by the Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board. Readers with announcements or questions are invited to write to K.T. Cannon-Eger, HCR 1, Box 5164, Kea`au, HI 96749-9511, phone 966-8565 or e-mail billeger@gte.net

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