KONA COFFEE FARMERS ASSOCIATION
MONTHLY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
AUGUST 20, 2008, CTAHR CONFERENCE ROOM, KAINALIU
Call to order: 4 pm
Approval of the July minutes deferred with apologies of the Secretary.
Treasurer Deb Sims reported that there is $10,612 in the bank and that sales of the Naked Truth Calendars are going very well with 1800 sold to date.
Committee Reports
Education Committee:
Ken reported that the Committee is planning a workshop for early September.
Estates Committee:
Joanie reported that the number of KCFA Estate Program farms is currently 29.
Legislative Committee Report:
1. Candidate Questionnaires: Bruce reported we have sent candidate questionnaires concerning Kona Coffee issues to each of the candidates for Mayor, County Council Districts 6, 7 and 8, State Representative District 6, and State Senate District 3.
Responses will be posted on the KCFA website in early September--for review prior to the September 20 primary election.
2. Candidate Forums: Sandra reported that KCFA is sponsoring 2 Candidate Forums on Agriculture Issues:
**County Council Districts 7 and 8 on Thursday September 4 from 6-8 pm at Konawaena Elementary School
**State Representative District 6 and State Senate District 3 on Monday September 8 from 6-8 pm at Kealakehe Elementary School.
All KCFA members are encouraged to attend both Forums.
3. 10% Blend Law to the Mainland? Bruce reported that on August 4 Forbes.com published an online article entitled “Kona Coffee Trade Frets Over Labeling”. The article quotes the Kona Coffee Council president as stating “It’s important we push for federal legislation” to end deceptive labeling on the Mainland. What the article does not state, and what KCFA members should know, is that KCC is seeking to extend Hawaii’s deceptive 10% blend law to the Mainland. This would be in the interests of the Honolulu blenders--but directly contrary to the interests of Kona coffee growers and the interests of specialty coffee consumers.
Fund Raising Committee:
Mary Lou and Kathy reported on Naked Truth calendar sales. The Board voted to authorize the expenditure of up to $7500 for additional calendar printing. The Board also authorized expenditure of $3000 for KCFA burlap bags. KCFA will actively participate in the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, November 7-16. The KCFA Dinner/Auction will be November 16 at the King Kamehameha Beach Hotel.
Social Committee:
Kathy and Lisa reported on the very will attended (approximately 40 attendees) tour of the Paleaku Peace on August 3, followed by a reception at Kathy and Merle’s house.
PR/Promotions/Website:
Cea reported on continuing work and progress on the development of the new KCFA website. The committee wants to present a “Buy Direct from Farmer” theme. The Buy Direct page will provide a complete list of farms with random rotation of the order of listing. The page will show a photo and a short description for each farm and website links. The pages for farms without a website also will have a photo, description and (optional) directions. The Website Committee welcomes member ideas and suggestions.
OLD BUSINESS
Jack-in-the-Box Kona Coffee Shakes—Bruce reported that the company HQ representatives have been vague in responses to inquiries as to whether the coffee flavoring in the shakes is from Kona coffee. Efforts to obtain the requested information continue.
Bio-Control of Strawberry Guava—There was a lengthy discussion of a USDA proposal to use bio control for strawberry guava in the County. It was decided that KCFA would not take a position of the proposal, but that members are encouraged to provide input on the issue to County Council Member and KCFA member Brenda Ford.
New Business
OriGIn—Bruce reported on an special invitation to the KCFA from the Organization for an International Geographical Indications Network (“OriGIn”). OriGIn is a nongovernmental, not-for-profit association of worldwide agricultural producer groups based in Geneva and dedicated to protecting the regional identities of specialty agricultural crops. The Board voted to accept the invitation and authorized payment of $200 for membership dues.
Twig Borer—KCFA member Duane Harens reported that he had attended a presentation of a CTHAR researcher on the coffee pest twig borer. He said that 100% of the trees in his orchard are affected by twig borer and he believes more attention should be focused on this problem by the University and the HDOA. A subcommittee of Duane, Deb Sims and Bruce Corker was formed to follow up with contacts to UH and HDOA.
County Agriculture Development Plan—KCFA member Chuck Moss attended a meeting on plans for obtaining input of farmers on issues to be addressed in the plan. KCFA members are encouraged to attend scheduled meetings to discuss the plan, and to provide written input.
Submitted by Bruce Corker,
Acting Secretary
