coffee

A new coffee labeling law is set to become effective next month, but a shortage of state Department of Agriculture inspectors could make that a difficult task. HPR's Mark Ladao spoke with lawmakers about the possible repercussions.

As it stands, only 10% of coffee in packages labeled "Hawaiʻi grown" must be sourced locally. Growers say that's deceptive to buyers and harmful to the local industry. New legislation awaiting the governor's signature would require roasted, instant or ready-to-drink coffee marketed as "locally sourced" to have at least 51% local coffee. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival wrapped up over the weekend on the Big Island. But as HPR’s Krista Rados reports, this harvest season marks more than just tasty coffee. Top of mind were the hardships that Kona farmers face with labor shortages and environmental concerns on a day-to-day basis.

A local agriculture tech firm received a $100,000 federal grant to develop a platform that will help local coffee farmers.

An invasive beetle species known as coffee berry borers are the biggest pest of coffee worldwide. The best way to get rid of the insect could be another insect. Coffee farms in Central and South American countries have successfully decreased coffee plant damage by using tiny parasitic wasps.

The state Department of Agriculture is requesting proposals to study the economic impact of changing Hawaiʻi coffee labeling requirements. The report would study the changes in the industry if the minimum requirements are increased to 51% and 100%.

Coffee farmers across the state are bracing for what could be one of their worst years for production, according to the Kona Coffee Farmers Association. That will likely mean higher prices for coffee drinkers as well. The Conversation's Catherine Cruz has more.

The head of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association provides an update on the 2022 crop and lawsuit settlement; Kauaʻi Police Department shares its thoughts on concealed and open carry firearms in Hawaiʻi; a retired nonprofit executive shares her story about living life with polio; Three photographers featured in a new exhibit share the origins of their pieces and passion for photography.

The Hawaiʻi Coffee Association hopes that verifying where a coffee batch comes from will not only help local growers with marketing but also deter counterfeiters. The new database could lead to better enforcement and possible legal action. HPR's Jason Ubay has more.

Coffee leaf rust fungus can reduce growth and sometimes kill coffee plants. The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment passed two bills to protect plants from foreign diseases by expanding quarantine operations.