Aloha,
I wanted to take the time to let you know where we are with getting help fighting the CBB.
Significant progress was made on the industry's behalf at the Ag Board hearing on Tuesday January 25th. The Ag Board voted unanimously to pass an emergency measure to allow the Beauvaria B fungus into Hawaii on a test basis to test this natural pesticide on five - one acre parcels. It also agreed to hear a motion at its next meeting scheduled for February 22nd to allow for the general use of Beauvaria B on all coffee farms in Kona. This resulted from testimony given that the Kona coffee crop for next season is in serious jeopardy and at this point the farmer has no tools to work with. Tom Greenwell testified on behalf of the KCC and the CBB Task Force. Dan Kuhn testified on behalf of the CBB Task Force and the HCGA. Mike Conway and a Representative from the KCFA also testified. The HDOA agreed it could get the measure prepared for presentation at its next meeting on February 22nd. It was a very positive and upbeat meeting with ALL Coffee groups agreeing on this issue.
Representative Denny Coffman introduced HB 1386 which would increase the Barrel Tax measure from $1.05 per barrel to $2.05 to provide funds for the fight against the Coffee Berry Borer Beetle. He also introduced HB 1553 which is an appropriation bill which would fund the HDOA with $750,000 to be allocated to the fight against CBB.
HB 1552 was introduced by Representative Coffman to improve Truth in Labeling basically eliminating the ongoing problem with the use of “Double Identity Statements” which can confuse the consumer into thinking that a product is 100% origin coffee when it is a blend.
The details of these bills are available at the embedded links to www.hawaii.gov
In addition traps are being made by the Konawaena School's Ag Dept. The cost is 1.50 per trap and .50 goes back to the school. They can be ordered at Greenwell Farms. Greenwell Farms also has the bait for sale.
Mahalo,
Donna Woolley, President
