Kona company cited for air permit violations
Kona company cited for air permit violations
The Department of Health’s Clean Air Branch recently issued a notice of violations and orders against a Kona company for air permit and pollution violations. The violations were either self-reported or discovered during inspection or records review by the DOH.
E.M. Rivera and Sons, Inc. was cited for various air permit violations discovered during an annual DOH inspection. Rivera operates 1,005, 730 and 505 tons per hour portable crushing plants and a consent order is being drafted for these violations. Other violations discovered at another 800 tons per hour portable crushing plant will be incorporated into the consent decree.
Water company using greener bottles
Hawaiian Springs’ signature teal colored bottles will now be created out of 30 percent post consumer plastic or rPET plastic at the company’s plant in Keaau. The change cuts Hawaiian Springs use of virgin plastic considerably and requires approximately 15 percent less energy to produce.
The bottle with its distinctive Hawaiian flowers, will appear the same and continue to be durable and recyclable. What consumers will notice is an update to the Hawaiian Springs bottle labels that will include a “30 percent rPET” symbol and “BPA Free” icon to recognize the new bottles.
Other label changes call attention to the water’s alkaline qualities and artisan water source located in Keaau. In 2011, Hawaiian Springs added its emblem “Preserving Paradise” to the label, which is the company’s conservation initiative, and recently completed its second collaboration with the Hawaii Plant Extinction Prevention Program to replant the critically endangered wild nanu plant, Gardenia brighamii, on Oahu.
In Hawaii, where space is limited and land is valuable, the state passed laws mandating recycling. Each year, the redemption rate for beverage containers in Hawaii closes in on 80 percent per the state Department of Health.
HTA grant helps zoo’s Discovery Forest program
The Hawaii Forest Industry Association has received a second grant from the Hawaii Tourism Authority for the Honolulu Zoo Children’s Discovery Forest. The $75,000 grant is part of HTA’s Natural Resources Program through the Hawaii Community Foundation.
“Our goal of reconnecting urban visitors with the Hawaiian forest is well on its way thanks to grants such as this most recent one from HTA,” said Hawaii Forest Industry Association Executive Director Heather Simmons.
During a recent volunteer event at the Children’s Discovery Forest, students, including Boy Scout Troop 316, were on hand for an organized learning event led by teacher Melissa Mosher. During the activity, students examined and discussed some of the native plants taking hold in the Children’s Discovery Forest. Landscape designer, artist, and author Leland Miyano shared background stories about some of the more significant plants. Students then sketched the plants and used special watercolor pens to enhance their artwork.
When fully completed, the Children’s Discovery Forest near the entrance of the Honolulu Zoo will provide a representation of natural systems, including a vision of Hawaii before the arrival of humans. The project will demonstrate culturally significant plant and tree species that once grew near traditional shoreline villages of Oahu. It will also include the significance of place and the responsibility to care for the land by integrating traditional Hawaiian forest ecosystems, forest stewardship opportunities, and innovative land-based education for residents and visitors.
To further the Children’s Discovery Forest learning potential, the Early Childhood Advisory Committee has developed potential topics for Hawaii Early Learning and Development Standards for 4-year-old children and Hawaii Content and Performance Standard Benchmarks for students in kindergarten, first and second grade. The committee has also initiated the development of activities and lesson plans.
In addition to the recent HTA grant, the Hawaii Forest Institute has received support for the project through grant awards from the Atherton Family Foundation, Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation, Cooke Foundation, and Pettus Foundation. In-kind contributors include Halli’s Hawaiian Food, Leland Miyano, Side Street Inn, PBR Hawaii, and Waiahole Botanicals.
Duplicating the successful Panaewa Zoo Discovery Forest development process at the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens in Hilo, participation from volunteers and with in-kind services and supplies are welcomed at the Children’s Discovery Forest at the Honolulu Zoo.
Community involvement is a key component in this project and the aesthetic appeal will be valuable for zoo visitors. Contact Project Coordinator Nicole Evans at zoodiscoveryforest@gmail.com for more information.
College student interning at Aloha Business Services
Zara Naia Nicholson has entered an internship program at Aloha Business Services. She will be directly involved in assisting to deliver bookkeeping and accounting service for selected clients.
Nicholson is the daughter of Winton and Carrie Nicholson. She will take her summer experience internship experience back to Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif., where she will be a junior this fall, majoring in business with a focus on management and accounting.
Aloha Business Services, a CPA firm, has served Hawaii Island businesses for the past 20 years, offering a full range of financial services including accounting, payroll and bookkeeping; income tax planning and preparations; business mentoring, consulting and start-up assistance; and electronic payment solutions. Owner Jeff Turner brings nearly 50 years of business experience to help clients grow their business and understand financial and tax matters.
For more information, call 329-9220 or alohabusinessservices.com.
– MOVERS & SHAKERS –
Waimea brewery wins awards
The 2013 U.S. Open Beer Championships judged more than 2,500 beers this year and five awards were bestowed on beers crafted at Big Island Brewhaus in Waimea.
These awards rank Hawaii’s highest brewpub as the No. 5 brewery in the nation. Earlier this year, the brewpub expanded its brewing operations and began bottling at its location in Waimea. Three of its hand crafted beers, Overboard IPA, Golden Sabbath and White Mountain Porter, are available at select locations on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.
The Brewhaus’ medal winners in this competition were: Overboard IPA — gold medal American IPAs, Golden Sabbath — bronze medal Specialty/Anything Goes, White Mountain Porter — silver medal Herb and Spice Beers, Paka Bock — silver medal Smoked/Rauch Beers, Red Giant — bronze medal American Amber/Red.
Big Island Brewhaus serves fresh island cuisine daily along with eight to 12 handcrafted beers on tap, hausmade sodas, margaritas and fine tequilas. Their restaurant features live music including open mic each Thursday, a variety of local musicians on Fridays and original music every other Tuesday. The restaurant is located at the corner of Mamalahoa Highway and Kamamalu.
Guests are invited to dine in, take out or call ahead at 887-1717 for drive-through service.
Bateman to oversee resort’s culinary operations
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kaupulehu has named Chris Bateman its executive chef.
Overseeing all culinary operations, Bateman joins the resort with more than 20 years of experience. Most recently executive chef of Jumeriah Creekside Hotel in Dubai, Bateman has served in various positions with Jumeriah in Dubai at Jumeriah the Mayden and Jumeriah Emirates Towers Dubai, as well as at Jumeriah Essex House in New York City.
Prior to that, Bateman was with Four Seasons, serving as chef de cuisine at Four Seasons Resort Maui and as a sous chef at The Pierre, then a Four Seasons Hotel, in New York City. He began his culinary career in Stamford, Conn., in a variety of restaurant positions.
A graduate of the esteemed Culinary Institute of America, Bateman is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys all water sports and experiencing the world’s cultures.
For more information and reservations, call (888) 340-5662 or visit fourseasons.com/hualalai.
Caudell joins Legacy of Life Hawaii board
John Caudell, dealer principal and owner of Pre-Owned Motor Cars in Kailua-Kona, has been appointed as a board member of Legacy of Life Hawaii, formerly known as Organ Donors Hawaii.
Caudell received a life-saving liver transplant five years ago and is active with the organization. He said he has dedicated his life to educating others about organ donation, how to become a donor and where to get a transplant if needed.
Aston Hotels & Resorts gets kudos
Aston Hotels & Resorts was recognized once again by TripAdvisor for two of its properties on Hawaii Island. Aston Waikoloa Colony Villas and Aston Kona by the Sea were honored with the 2013 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for consistently achieving outstanding traveler ratings. The Certificate of Excellence is awarded to a select 10 percent of TripAdvisor’s accommodations worldwide.
Visit AstonHotels.com or call (866) 774-2924 for reservations or more information.