Conservation easement established
Conservation easement established
Hawaiian Islands Land Trust has purchased a conservation easement on the 75-acre HCC Farms LLC coffee farm south of Captain Cook. This coffee land had been subdivided into 14 five-acre lots. With the easement in place, one residence can be constructed on the 75-acre tract, but the rest of the land will remain in agricultural use forever.
The coffee farm is along a steep ridgeline which was once forested with native ohia trees and has now been planted with coffee trees. Ohia forest covers the areas that are unsuitable for planting coffee. These forested areas provide habitat for native birds.
The landowner has also worked with U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service to build retention basins that slow the flow of water, thus allow the sediment to settle out. After the installation of the retention basins, the runoff remains in the retention basins and the soil and silt are used by the farm.
The funds for the purchase of the easement were contributed by the Freeman Foundation of Honolulu, in hopes of beginning a long-term effort to conserve coffee farms and other agricultural working lands in Hawaii.
Feedback sought on proposed grading change at Kealakehe
The community is invited to give testimony and feedback on the administrative waiver that would allow Kealakehe High School to implement an ‘I’ grading policy in place of the ‘D’.
The meeting is at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Benefits of seniors golfing discussed
The Senior Roundtable Hui meets from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Pink Mocha Cafe to discuss the benefits of golfing after age 60 for the aging body, mind and spirit.
The format will be interactive and all age groups are invited. The hui gathers on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss an aging topic. The last half-hour of the meeting is dedicated to a question and answer session that covers other aging topics.
There is no charge for the meeting other than the optional purchase of coffee of tea.
Info: Laura Guluzzy, 326-2100, writerlsg@gmail.com.
Freemasons meet
The monthly meeting of Kona Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons will be Wednesday, April 6 at the Kona Masonic Center, 73-5577 Kauhola St., No. 7, Kailua-Kona.
Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and the meeting will be at 7.
All members of the craft residing or visiting are cordially invited to the dinner and meeting.
Info: Lee Meyerson, 326-5661.
Conquer the math monster
Hawaii Community College – Palamanui is hosting free workshops designed to help anyone who has trouble conquering the “math monster.”
Many current or incoming students have a fear of math that prevents them from pursuing and attaining the degree or certificate they are seeking. The workshop, titled “Slaying the Mental Math Monster for Good,” is designed to help them overcome their fears and frustrations and get on the path to success.
Participants can choose to attend one of the following sessions at the new North Kona campus:
· From 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday in Room 101
· From 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. April 12 in Room 126
· From 5:30-6:30 p.m. April 21 in Room 125
The workshops are free and are open to the public.
Info: Carrie Kuwada Phipps, carriekp@hawaii.edu, 969-8808.