About Town | 11-2-13

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Controlling pests that affect the myriad of tropical crops grown in Hawaii will be discussed during a presentation Monday at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority in North Kona.

Pest control topic
of Monday presentation

Controlling pests that affect the myriad of tropical crops grown in Hawaii will be discussed during a presentation Monday at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority in North Kona.

Eric Jang, a research entomologist and acting director of the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, will discuss research to find approaches that blend chemical, nonchemical, and “natural” methods during the 5 to 7:30 p.m. presentation at NELHA’s Gateway Center.

Jang holds a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He also has 35 years of research experience in entomology, primarily in the areas of insect physiology and biochemistry, postharvest entomology, insect chemical ecology and areawide management.

With the Agricultural Research Service, Jang has worked on postharvest disinfestation and chemical ecology of tephritid fruit flies and other pests.

The program is part of a monthly pau hana series for people interested in technology in West Hawaii. Each month, a presenter discusses a different topic related to technology and entrepreneurship. All are welcome. A potluck is included with the event. Bring a beverage and pupu to share; reusable plates and cups are encouraged.

For more information, contact Rod Hinman at rod@auroraresearch.com or 989-0977.

PATH membership meeting Tuesday

Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii will hold its 27th annual general membership meeting from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the West Hawaii Civic Center, County Council Chambers,

Highlights of 2013 and plans for 2014 will be discussed as well as the election of new board members. Mayor Billy Kenoi will open the meeting and Lisa Hadway, Hawaii District manager for the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife, will be the keynote speaker.

The 2014 membership program, which features new membership premiums and programs, will also be discussed. There will also be prizes and light pupu. All are welcome.

For more information or to reserve a space, call Stefanie at 326-9495 or email to Stefanie@pathhawaii.org.

PATH is a grassroots nonprofit organization formed in Kona in 1986. Its mission is to safely connect people and places on Hawaii Island with pathways and bikeways.

Sustainable agriculture workshop focuses
on sweet potatoes

The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources is offering a sustainable agriculture workshop Tuesday on sweet potato production.

The workshop runs from 8 a.m. to noon at the Aupuni Center in Hilo. This workshop will provide fresh produce growers with new approaches for managing risk through the use of sustainable agriculture farming strategies. Attendees will learn ways to reduce pesticide use by focusing on using locally available inputs and conservation practices. A special focus on sweet potato production includes evaluation of different cultivars, postharvest treatments, and pest identification.

To RSVP, call Didi or Perci at 887-6183 or email mddiaz@hawaii.edu.