#Farmers

Prolific herds of hungry Axis deer continue to wreak havoc in Maui County, damaging farm crops, overgrazing livestock pasture lands, threatening fragile watersheds and even encroaching in heavily urbanized areas like Kahului Airport’s runways and baggage claim areas. Without natural predators in the islands, the deer have flourished unchecked. Now, in part due to an initiative funded by Maui County, some deer are falling prey to hungry humans.

House Bill No. 2329 allocates $150,000 to establish a one-year pilot program to reduce the population of rose-ringed parakeets on the Garden Isle.

Central Pacific Bank announced a new initiative called Meals 4 Maui, which partners with Chef Hui to provide locally sourced nutritious meals to residents impacted by the Maui wildfires, while supporting local small businesses and farmers.

Today, Upcountry system customers moved into a Stage 2 water shortage, with the most dire Stage 3 level likely to be implemented “soon” with reserves running low and drought conditions expected to continue.

The US Department of Agriculture is investing $46,552 in Hawaiʻi to build or improve renewable energy infrastructure to help agricultural producers and rural businesses lower energy costs. It is part of a $129 million national program in 48 states and Puerto Rico. 

US Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaiʻi introduced the Areawide Integrated Pest Management Act, H.R.8887, that supports farmers, ranchers and land managers in the fight against invasive species through a USDA program.

Friday evening on Moloka‘i, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) delivered the opening address at the Moloka‘i High School Class of 2018’s Commencement Ceremony.

HMSA recognized 15 student-athletes and nine high schools Sunday at the Hawaii Convention Center for its annual Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program.

Quarterback Jaxson Stinger passed for five touchdowns and ran for another to lead Seabury Hall to a 44-34 victory over visiting Molokai at War Memorial Stadium.

Lanai High School hosted its first prep football game since 1953 Saturday at the Lanai Community Football Field in Lanai City.

The Hawaii Coffee Association’s annual conference will be held July 19 to July 21 at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu.

Several organizations have come together to launch the Food Innovation Center, a new food business incubator located at the University of Hawaii Maui College.

The Hawai`i Dept of Agriculture is now accepting applications for a new round of organic certification cost-share assistance for farmers, livestock operators and produce handlers.

The Maui Nui Botanical Gardens hosts a Kalo (Taro) workshop lead by Hawaiian cultural practitioner and mahi`ai (farmer) Jerry Konanui as part of its new education program, “Ulu Ka Hoi” (to grow interest).   This three day event will educate local farmers and practitioners on the varieties of kalo available, techniques to identify these varieties, […]

By Wendy Osher The council’s Budget and Finance Committee continues to fine tune details of their FY 2011 Budget.  The majority of public testimony Wednesday morning focused on calls for restoration of funds for farming programs. In his testimony yesterday, Maui County Farm Bureau Executive Director Warren Watanabe said, “A proposal to take $50,000 away […]