HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08-21 NKCDP Agriculture Subcommittee Notes Minutes
NORTH KOHALA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
AGRICULTURE ACTION SUB-COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
DATE: Tuesday, August 21, 2012
TIME: 6:00 PM
PLACE: North Kohala InterGenerational Center, Kamehameha Park
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER: 6:15 PM
ATTENDANCE: Frank Cipriani, Jana Bogs, Margaret Wille,
WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS:
Reviewed the 07/31 Minutes. Cipriani emphasized the need to recruit pro-active Ag
Committee members , willing to commit their time and energy to District Ag-development.
REPORTS: OLD BUSINESS; Regarding the Important Ag Lands; Current (IAL) Initiative:
Frank Cipriani reported that he had contacted Earl Yamamoto, Planner at DOA for permission
to disseminate his letter and links to interested landowners, outlining the procedure for
Voluntary IAL Declaration. Electronic copies of this information may be obtained by e-mailing
algae@biofarmshawaii.com with IAL in the subject line.
Re: The Identification of 'Strategically-sited' Agricultural Lands.
Regarding the proposal for a BioEnergy Hub and large-scale Marine Aquaculture Project at
Ho'ea makai, Cipriani reported that he had a meeting with Will Rolston, West HI County R&D
th
Agency on August 17, to review the Proposal in depth for merit, at which time it was agreed
to collectively persue the project's feasibility. Our next meeting will be to conduct a physical
on-site-survey to be scheduled in late September. Cipriani is hoping for the cooperation of
DLNR, to negotiate a lease on 52 acres of DNLR shoreline land, strategically-sited below
Ho'ea Ag Park for this BioEnergy Project.
Citrus-juicing Co-op:
Cipriani reported he had notified the Seniors at their last meeting to see if there is interest in a
program for donating all or a part of their citrus crop to Kohala High School. Cipriani
suggested the students could schedule the harvests with the Seniors when the crops are
ready, and with the advent of NKHS's new certified kitchen, fresh-squeezed orange juice in
the school cafeterias and for the Seniors, would be a good start for the citrus initiative.
Soil Testing Issues:
Cipriani proposed that the subcommittee make a list of farmers who would benefit from Jana
Bogs methods and provide them with information and resource. This could also tie-in to
David Rotstein's suggestion of a plan to share garden equipment and help Seniors and
Families wanting to put in a home garden but not having the means to do so.
New Business: High School Aquaponics Program:
Planning with Adriel Robataille, Ag teacher at NKHS is ongoing. Progress is being made in site
preparation; clearing the site, the installation of new underground water lines, electrical, etc.
We're seeking sponsor-support for the Program and grant assistance from the USDA Farm to School
Program, as well as student fund raising programs for materials & equipment.
Poster Presentations for September 12 NKCDP Meeting:
Jana Bogs brought her poster presentation to the meeting. Cipriani brought some visuals for a second
poster. outlining progress being made by the Ag Subcommittee to date. Cipriani informed the members
attending that he will be on the mainland from 09/11 to 09/21 and needed to designate an Ag member
to present the posters. Jana Bogs will also be off-island on 09/12 and needs assistance to present her
poster. Margaret Wille offered to assist with the posters, and suggested we ask Adriel Robataille to
speak for Agriculture in my absence.
NKCDP Agriculture Subcommittee meetings are held the last Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm at the
Intergenerational Center. Anyone who is seriously interested in promoting agriculture in North Kohala
is urged to attend and contribute.
There being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.