2012-05-29 NKCDP Agriculture Subcommittee Notes Minutes

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NORTH KOHALA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN AGRICULTURE ACTION SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES DATE: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 TIME: 6:00 PM PLACE: North Kohala InterGenerational Center, Kamehameha Park AGENDA CALL TO ORDER: 6:25PM ATTENDANCE: Frank Cipriani, Jana Bogs, Ron Friman, Peter Clapp. David Rotstein, Ruth Rotstein WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS: David & Ruth Rotstein joined the Group discussion. Reviewed the 04/30 Minutes to bring the newcomers up to speed. REPORTS: OLD BUSINESS; Regarding the Important Ag Lands; Current (IAL) Initiative: The merits of Voluntary IAL Registration vs. County IAL Registration was discussed. It was agreed to persue an expeditious plan for Voluntary registration. Our research assistant Noe Abejon at CTA has agreed to outline the process for presenting the information to our District Ag- Landowners. Strategic planning assistance and feasibility studies for Registered IAL sites could also be offered as a service to landowners. The AG Subcommittee will continue it's efforts to identify and contact owners of potential IALs in North Kohala. Peter Clapp brought some information on commercial-grade citrus-juicing machines. Discussion ensued on ways and means of salvaging Kohala's citrus crop and the logistics that would be required to do so. A farmer's cooperative was suggested as a vehicle. Jana Bogs elaborated on the need for accurate soil testing & reconditioning for designated ag production lands. It was generally agreed that this is a priority for successful Ag Production. Discussion: Strategic Agricultural Development Plans for North Kohala Ag Lands. It was agreed that identifying IALs is a key factor in planning for Strategic Agricultural Development (SAD) in North Kohala. The Committee will continue this effort. Frank Cipriani reported that BioFarms Hawaii LLC submitted a Proposal for an Aquaponics Program to Kohala High school & Kohala Middle school. There being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 7:40pm.