Kauai

The Kohala Center launched a series of online surveys aimed at soliciting input and feedback from various sectors of Hawaii’s organic food industry. The surveys are part of an initiative to determine the feasibility and potential roles of one or more organizations or agencies that would effectively support the growth and vitality of Hawaii’s organic industry. The initiative is supported by a grant from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. Farmers, producers, distributors, retailers, consumers, and agricultural professionals are encouraged to participate in one or more of the surveys. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. Data collected from the surveys will influence the development of solutions and recommendations to strengthen Hawaii’s organic industry. A nine-member advisory group comprised of organic farmers, producers, retailers, and agricultural professionals from around the state was convened in February to determine the primary barriers affecting the growth…

Kauai County Council members: Jay Furfaro, Chair Nadine K. Nakamura, Vice Chair Tim Bynum, Gary L. Hooser, Ross Kagawa, Mel Rapozo and JoAnn A. Yukimura. In anticipation of a large turnout at the public hearing for Bill No. 2491, relating to Pesticides and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), the Kauai County Council will be holding the public hearing at the Kauai Community College (KCC) Performing Arts Center on July 31, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Bill No. 2491 proposes to address the following: Establish provisions governing the use of pesticides and genetically modified organisms by requiring applicable entities to make various disclosures related to all pesticides and all genetically modified organisms; Require buffer zones for applicable entities; Require a temporary moratorium regarding genetically modified organisms; Address an Environmental Impact Statement, permitting, and open air testing of experimental pesticides and genetically modified organisms;…

Last Tuesday, the St. Regis Princeville added an additional Mailani Dinner Show. The shows are now Tuesday and Thursday nights at Makana Terrace.  

The fields at Kauai Coffee. Daniel Lane photo The 18th Hawaii Coffee Association (HCA) Conference and 5th Cupping Competition is July 18-20 at the Kauai Beach Resort. Offering a full lineup of informative activities, the annual event attracts statewide coffee industry growers, processors, roasters, wholesalers and retailers. The gathering is also open to the public…

The Beach House Restaurant in Poipu. Daniel Lane photo Honored as a top performing restaurant as reviewed by travelers on the world’s largest travel site, the Beach House restaurant announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is only given to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding…

Growing aquaponic lettuce at the Kauai Community College. Daniel Lane photo The Community Empowerment Project will employ methods of community engagement and empowerment that have proven successful in cities across the US and Europe. These methods will engage community organizations and members in taking responsibility for planning and implementing systems of food production and distribution…

Lychee were in season on last Friday’s farm tour. Mom went crazy over them! Marta Lane photo NEWS: Tasting Kauai Mom and dad left last Friday, after they went on our day-long culinary tour. It was a long day for my 83-year-old parents, but they enjoyed themselves! Dan and I got back to work on…

Seven members of the Kaua’i County Council that are going to save the mystical island of Kaua’i from experimental chemical destruction. June 26th at 9am Gary Hooser and Tim Bynum will introduce legislation for a moratorium on GMOs, until an EIS (environmental impact statement) has been conducted. This legislation would also ban experimental crops. Kaua’i has over 12,400 acres of GMO crops, that are sprayed with dozens of chemicals almost everyday. Please offer testimony that is informed and respectful of the process and the people who will be voting on this measure. Testimony can be made at counciltestimony@kauai.gov please reference the Bill #2491 Please read this full statement from Gary Hooser: Important! Please review Draft Bill 2491 Relating To Pesticides And Genetically Modified Organisms and consider offering testimony in support. http://kauai.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=27&meta_id=46503 This is scheduled for its first reading before the…

This pork belly bau is one of the images for a listing in our restaurant guide. Daniel Lane photo NEWS: Tasting Kauai on Hawaii Public Radio This morning, I was interviewed on Hawaii Public Radio for our new book, Tasting Kauai: Restaurants. I share poolside lunch bargains, little known dining options as well as food trends…

Sunday, June 2 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Smith’s Tropical Paradise, $100 The annual Taste of Hawaii at Smith’s Tropical Paradise in Wailua is a fundraiser for Kapaa Rotary Club. This year, they celebrate 25-years with statewide chefs beverage vendors and music. There are 35 food participants, and 40 food booths. Many have more than one dish to offer and five offer dishes for vegetarians, three vegan booths, two breakfast booths, 14 will offer seafood, five will serve pork, seven chicken dishes, nine sweets, three baked goods that are not sweet, three salads and there will be a couple of gluten-free options. There are five stages with live entertainment eight beverage booths: three water, one juice, one hot coffee, two tea, one lemonade, one soda, six beer booths and four wine booths. Here is a list of who’s coming and…