agriculture

A Hawaiʻi Island hui of government agencies and nonprofits is a finalist for a federal grant that could be worth up to $100 million. The coalition will receive $500,000 to further develop its application and compete in the next round for the grant funding.

It was National Poinsettia Day on Sunday, Dec. 12. The Conversation's Lillian Tsang spoke with University of Hawaiʻi Professor Emeritus Richard Criley to learn why poinsettia plants are in short supply this holiday season. He also shared some tips about using poinsettias in arrangements — and keeping them alive.

A Big Island County Council resolution is asking state lawmakers to restrict the use of Hawaiʻi location names on coffee packaging. The resolution calls for laws that would require coffee blends to be at least 51% Hawaiʻi-grown to use local geographic names such as Kona on their labeling.

Hoʻōla Farms on the Big Island has received a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue their vocational training services for veterans. Hoʻōla Farms offers classes on agriculture for veterans and their families, as well as civilians.

Big Island coffee farmers are expected to receive $300,000 from the state to help them battle a disease that can kill coffee trees. The money to fight coffee leaf rust comes from the state Department of Agriculture thanks to a bill passed by the state Legislature.

A project to create a climate-tracking network in the state is getting federal support over the next three years.

The DMV prepares for an onslaught as people rush to renew their driver's licenses, Child & Family Service tracks trends in domestic violence during the pandemic, and we revisit a conversation on local garlic, just in time for planting season.

The DMV prepares for an onslaught as people rush to renew their driver's licenses, Child & Family Service tracks trends in domestic violence during the pandemic, and we revisit a conversation on local garlic, just in time for planting season.

Joe McGinn, an Oʻahu farmer and farming instructor, says he’s recently seen an increase in the theft of ʻulu, or breadfruit. He spoke to The Conversation about why he thinks thieves specifically target the fruit, and how increased community agricultural efforts could help eliminate the need for stealing.

The head of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii shares how two local oxygen producers helped the state avert a crisis; an Oʻahu farmer and farming instructor provides insight into the increase in ʻulu theft around the state, and ways to increase community agricultural efforts; and the Honolulu Museum of Art discusses the new exhibit it hopes will stimulate conversations around community issues