2013-04-30 NKCDP Agriculture Subcommittee Meeting Notes Minutes

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This strategically located site shows promise for a Mariculture Project and Alternative Energy Cluster consisting of; a near-shore Wave Energy Conversion (WEC), an anaerobic Waste to Energy (WtE) Platform, Photo Voltaic Arrays (PV), and Wind, with the potential of developing a smart-grid in cooperation with the Kohala Wind Farm. This Site has the potential of combining both sea-water and fresh-water aquaculture, in support of diversified agriculture. As such, the strategic-value of this land is multiplied. Planning is on-going. Seeking support. BioFarms Hawaii LLC is seeking a lease agreement with DLNR for a Project at this Site, as well as evaluating optional Strategically-sited North Kohala Lands for a BioEnergy Hub. Update 04/30: Contacted by Governor's Office Liasion 04/17 and referred to Gordon Heit, Director, DLNR Hilo. Ho'ea BioEnergy Hub Proposal submitted electronically to DLNR. Awaiting response. Strategy 1.4 & 1.5: Soil Testing Issues: Cipriani projected photos of the Test-garden at Kohala High School. Dr. Bogs will conduct: a soil analysis, provide soil amendments, and plant tissue analysis at harvest, continuing over an approximate three month period, contingent on receiving a Garden Micro-grant from Lokahi. Update 04/30: Notified on 04/04; No Garden Micro-grant awarded. KHS Test-garden tabled. Strategy 1.4 & 1.5: Promote Agricultural Education in the Community. High School Aquaponics Program: Current Report Cipriani projected slide-show photos depicting the progress made at Kohala High School from October, 2012 to March, 2013. He then projected his ATOLL webpage and explained the various innovative applications that are available for the students virtual classrooms. Phase I Aquaponics System construction in the greenhouse is completed. Start-up anticipated following Spring Break. Fund raising for the Aquaculture Program is on-going. Update 04/30: Greenhouse Aquaponic System started-up with the stocking of 50 adult-size Tilapia, donated by Dan Jelks fish farm. th KHS Lab & Classroom vandalized & contaminated, March 28. 100% mortality-rate in the Lab Aquaponic Model; (175 Golden Tilapia fry & biofilter Plants...all dead). AUWE! Security issues in the Ag Complex need to be addressed. Strategy 1.4 & 1.5: GMO Issue. Cipriani projected a research paper conducted by a French Scientific Group, on the adverse effects of GMO feed consumption in lab animals. Dr. Bogs presented a written, illustrated Testimony paper she sent to the Hawai'i Legislature advocating the labeling of GMO Food Products.