The Kona Coffee Council and John Knorek, of Torkildson Law Firm in Honolulu, are offering a farm labor law forum from 9 a.m. to noon June 1, followed by a question-and-answer period on federal and state labor laws as they affect farmers and processors of farm products at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources meeting room in Kainaliu. The forum was originally publicized for coffee farmers and processors, but the Kona Chapter of the Hawaii Farmers Union has broadened the audience to all interested farmers.
Farm labor law
forum slated June 1
The Kona Coffee Council and John Knorek, of Torkildson Law Firm in Honolulu, are offering a farm labor law forum from 9 a.m. to noon June 1, followed by a question-and-answer period on federal and state labor laws as they affect farmers and processors of farm products at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources meeting room in Kainaliu. The forum was originally publicized for coffee farmers and processors, but the Kona Chapter of the Hawaii Farmers Union has broadened the audience to all interested farmers.
Informative and detailed free reference materials will be made available by the USDOL, state DLIR and attorneys. Light refreshments will be offered. Admission is free; there will be no sign-up sheet.
For more information, contact Dave Bateman of Heavenly Hawaiian Farms at 322-7720 or coffee@heavenlyhawaiian.com.
Harrison to lead meditation gatherings
Gavin Harrison will lead walking and sitting meditation sessions June 1 and 2.
Walking meditation is slated from 8:30 to 10 a.m. June 1 at the Historic Bond Homestead, 53-496 Iole Road, Kapaau. Participants experience the beauty of the land on silent hikes, held the first Saturday of every month. The morning begins with an introduction to mindfulness and silent walking meditation. The session concludes with a few minutes of silence together and refreshments. Wear appropriate hiking clothes — the walk is not difficult — and take sunscreen, bottled water and a towel or cushion for rest stops in nature.
For more information, email info@iolehawaii.com or call the Iole office at 889-5151.
Sitting and walking meditation is scheduled from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 2 at the Waimea Events Salon, 66-1664 Waiaka St. The event also includes talk, dialogue and inquiry. Experienced and beginning meditators are welcome to attend the nondenominational gathering. Bring a meditation cushion; chairs are available.
For more information, contact Matilda Tompson at 885-9206 or TompsonP001@hawaii.rr.com.
Meditation sessions are free, though donations are accepted — a $10 to $15 donation is suggested for the walking meditation.
Gettier graduates
from basic training
Air Force Airman Emma I. Gettier graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Gettier is the daughter of Deborah Estebon of Gaithersburg, Md., and granddaughter of Alfreda Estebon of Hilo.
She is a 2012 graduate of Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg, Md.
Young completes Air Force basic training
Air Force Airman Isla C. Young graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Young is the daughter of Christopher Young of Albert Lea, Minn.
She is a 2012 graduate of Kealakehe High School.
Rotary Clubs of West Hawaii recognized
The Rotary Clubs of West Hawaii were recognized for their community service projects during Rotary International’s District 5000 annual conference held May 17 to 19 on Oahu.
The Rotary Club of Kona and Rotary Club of Kona Mauka were each recognized as “Club of the Year” in their respective size categories. The Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise received a first-place Community Service award. The Rotary Club of North Hawaii was recognized for excellence in public relations.
The state recognition was based on the clubs’ commitment to Rotary’s primary motto “Service Above Self.” Local Rotary projects completed during the past year included vision screening of all third-graders, a Habitat for Humanity building project and the Menehune Holiday Food Drive, held in conjunction with the Rotary-supported community Christmas parade.
The Rotary year begins July 1. Area clubs welcome new members who share a desire to give back to the community while having a good time. For more information, call incoming Assistant District Gov. John Roth at 375-4768.
Poke contest raises $5K for Equip the Kitchen
The recent Sam Choy Poke Contest held at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay was part food, part fun and part fundraiser. As a result, a $5,000 donation was made by Kamehameha Investment to the Palamanui “Equip the Kitchen” campaign.
For information about Equip the Kitchen, call Jim Lightner at 322-4853.
Panel to share dryland forest information
The Kaulanani Urban and Community Forestry Grant has enabled the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery Development and Expansion Association to develop an educational panel at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. This panel will inform cemetery visitors about the dryland forest that overlooks the burial grounds. The once desolate land is being reforested to restore the disappearing dryland habitat, an important aspect of Hawaiian history.
Hawaii Horse Expo scheduled in August
Hawaii Island Humane Society’s sixth annual Hawaii Horse Expo will be held Aug. 10 and 11 at the Paniolo Preservation Society’s Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables in Waimea. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society’s Horse Rescue Fund, which helps abused and abandoned horses on the island.
The expo attracts equine experts from across the country. Anyone interested in horses and building on their own awareness in horse-related disciplines is invited to attend. Clinics and demonstrations offer the opportunity for interaction with experts.
Already confirmed are veterinarian and lecturer Robert Miller; Rick Lamb, host of RFD TV’s “The Horse Show;” developer of Resistance Free Riding and Resistance Free Training Richard Shrake; and barrel racer, National Cowboy Hall of Fame and National Cowgirl Hall of Fame member Sharon Camarillo.
The expo will include a variety of vendors offering state-of-the-art services, medical and nutritional information and programs, saddle making and related equine services.
For more information and program updates, visit HawaiiHorseExpo.com.