2022 Candidate Questionnaire
Learn how each candidate running for office this fall responds to issues important to Kona Coffee Farmers.
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Brendan Schultz: US House Hawaii District 2
In a federal court class action lawsuit, Kona coffee farmers have recovered more than $15 million in settlement payments from companies accused of marketing fraudulent Kona coffee. More effective than lawsuits, however, would be active enforcement of fair labeling laws by the FDA. Â What ideas do you have to accomplish that? The first policy that…
Joe Akana: US House Hawaii District 2
In a federal court class action lawsuit, Kona coffee farmers have recovered more than $15 million in settlement payments from companies accused of marketing fraudulent Kona coffee. More effective than lawsuits, however, would be active enforcement of fair labeling laws by the FDA. Â What ideas do you have to accomplish that? In order to combat…
County Of Hawaii Resolution 223 21
COUNTY OF HAWAII – STATE OF HawaiiRESOLUTION NO. 223 21 . A RESOLUTION URGING THE HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE TO AMENDCOFFEE LABELING REQUIREMENTS FOR BLENDS OF GEOGRAPHICALLYNAMED HAWAII-GROWN COFFEE. WHEREAS, Hawaii- grown coffee is known throughout the world as a premier,specialty coffee that is recognized for its unique aroma and rich flavor; and WHEREAS, coffee has…
Hawaii County Council Hearing Agenda
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS,RELATIONS, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT16′ h SessionORDER OF BUSINESSWest Hawaii Civic Center74- 5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building AKailua- Kona, HawaiiOctober 19, 202110: 30 a. m.Pursuant to Governor Ige’ s most recent proclamation, in order to minimizephysical contact and maximize social distancing, this meeting willnot be open to the public. Oral Public Testimony: The…
Hawaii Legislative Remote Testimony for 2021
                                      Hawaii State Legislature               …
Hawaii County Mayoral Candidates 2020 Q and A
Kona Coffee Farmers Association Questions to Hawaii County Mayoral Candidates QUESTION ONE: On October 15, 2014, the Hawaii County Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 501-14 requesting the State Legislature to adopt legislation requiring the use of Hawaii geographic-origin names in the labeling or advertising of a Hawaii coffee blend only if the blend contains…
US House of Representatives, District 2 2020
Kona Coffee Farmers Association Questions to Candidates for US House of Representatives, District 2 Question One: Counterfeiting and deceptive labeling of Kona and other Hawaii-grown coffee products occurs all too often on the Mainland–with adverse economic impact to Hawaii’s coffee growers and damage to the reputation of Hawaii-grown coffee.  The federal Food and Drug Administration has…
Hawaii County Council 2020
Kona Coffee Farmers Association Questions to West Hawaii County Council Candidates QUESTIONS: On October 15, 2014, the Hawaii County Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 501-14 requesting the State Legislature to adopt legislation requiring the use of Hawaii geographic-origin names in the labeling or advertising of a Hawaii coffee blend only if the blend contains at…
Hawaii House of Representatives 2020
Kona Coffee Farmers Association Questions to West Hawaii State House of Representatives Candidates Question One: For more than 28 years Hawaii has been the only region anywhere in the world to authorize by law the use of its origin names on packages of an agricultural product (coffee) with only 10% genuine content—HRS 486-120.6. For more…
House Agriculture Committee in support of HB 1886 (01/25/2020 email to Members)
URGENT ACTION ALERT Aloha Friends, Family, and Supporters of Hawaii Grown Coffee On All Islands Your testimony is needed now to protect brand integrity for coffee grown on all islands.  Read background on the issue HERE The battle to preserve brand integrity and another excellent article printed in Civil Beat HERE Hawaii’s coffee blend law deceives consumers (Civil…
2019 Contributions for Legislative Efforts
Donations.KCFA.Excel Donations For Legislative Efforts  SUBMITTED as of 11/10/2019 SUB-10/31/2019 Piasecki, Sammi – Holualoa, HI- For Legislative Effort (1) – $1.00 [email protected] SUB-11/7/2019 Smith, Cea – Honaunau, HI Donation For Legislative Effort (1) – $10.00 no need SUB-11/7/2019 Childs, Colin Keola – Holualoa, HI Donation For Legislative Effort (1) – $100.00 [email protected] SUB- 11/8/2019 …
Hawaii on the Hill Handout – Washington, DC June 2019
The Kona Coffee Farmers Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit association consisting of more than 250 members and supporting the interests of the hard-working coffee farmers in the Kona District on Hawaii Island. The KCFA’s mission is “to promote and protect Kona farmers’ economic interests in 100% Kona coffee, to protect the Kona coffee heritage, and…
3/24/19 Letter to the Governor
March 24, 2019 To: Governor David Y. Ige c/o Cindy McMillan, Communications Director Dear Governor Ige: I am a coffee farmer in the North Kona District of Hawaii County. I have publicly supported your two campaigns for governor. I am writing to express concern that with regard to HB144 your administration’s Hawaii Department of Agriculture…
Document – Lawsuit Filed to Protect the Kona Coffee Name
please read here >>> DOCS-#1230821-v1-Dkt_1__Complaint caution, it is 65 pages
Council District 7 Candidates answer KCFA Questionnaire
Candidate Questionnaire—from the Kona Coffee Farmers Association  RESPONSE DATE: September 26, 2018  For the three questions below, please select either “yes”, “no”, or “other”. Comments are optional, but would be very helpful. “Yes” answers will indicate support for positions taken by the Kona Coffee Farmers Association (“KCFA”) and support for the interests of Hawaii coffee…
RESPONSES TO KCFA CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRES
In the last week of June KCFA’s Legislative Committee sent questionnaires with 3 coffee-related questions to candidates for West Hawaii legislative offices and to candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor. [Note–questions to candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor were slightly modified to reflect administrative, rather than legislative offices.] Responses were requested from candidates by July…
Sen. Gabbard’s Response to email regarding KonaRed
From: Bruce Corker <[email protected]> Date: Sun, Nov 12, 2017 at 8:00 PM Subject: KonaRed/Other States’ Protections for Farmers To: “Sen. Mike Gabbard” <[email protected]> Cc: Andrew Gomes <[email protected]>, Richard Creagan <[email protected]>, “Rep. Nicole Lowen” <[email protected]>, Josh Green <[email protected]>, margaret wille <[email protected]>, Scott Enright <[email protected]> Dear Mike: After review of Andrew Gomes’ November 6 Star-Advertiser article…
Letter to HDOA regarding KonaRed
October 18 , 2017 Scott Enright, Chair Hawaii Department of Agriculture 1428 South King Street Honolulu, Hi 96814 Re: KonaRed Cold Brew Coffee Original Kona Blend Dear Scott: A Kona Coffee Farmers Association (www.KonaCoffeeFarmers.org) member recently brought to our attention, and raised concerns over, the labeling on a coffee product that uses the “Kona” name…
HB186 Testimony Example
Dear Chair Gabbard and Members of the Senate AEN Committee: I am a Kona coffee farmer in the North Kona District of Hawaii Island and am a member of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association. I strongly support the passage of HB186. The threat of Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) creates a danger that Hawaii-grown coffee will…
Review the text of the Democratic Party’s resolution
Click to read>>> Â Â Â Â Â BUS_AG 2016-03 Truth Labeling of Hawaii-Grown Coffee
Coffee labeling bill aims to protect Hawaii brands
read the whole story here:Â http://hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/local-news/coffee-labeling-bill-aims-protect-hawaii-brands
Lee Sugai’s FSA Advisory Committee Candidacy
To: KCFA Members From: KCFA Board of Directors  Re: USDA/Farm Service Agency Advisory Committee Election  At the KCFA Board meeting on November 17, Lee Sugai (Kona coffee farmer and KCFA member) requested our support for his candidacy for the USDA’s Hawaii County Farm Service Agency’s advisory committee. This committee provides producer input on…
Letter from T.J. Vilsac, Secretary of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture to Senator Hirono.
2015.07.02_letter_from Sec Vilsack responding to 05.01.2015 letter re CBB
US Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Harden Op-Ed Piece 4.30.2015
Here is Ms. Harden’s review of what the USDA is doing in Hawaii click to read>>>Â Krysta Harden.04-30-3015Honolulu Star-Advertiser US Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and US Senator Mazie Hirono met with KCFA Members and others on April 10, 2015. photos here
Photos: USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden and US Sen. Mazie Hirono- Meet and Greet
A beautiful day at the Kona Living History Coffee Farm with USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden, US Senator Mazie Hirono, HDOA Chair Soott Enright and Rob Curtiss, PBARC’s Tracy Matsumoto and CTAHR’s Andrea Kawabata. Â Members of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association were also in attendance.
Your Action Needed -by Monday-please
WE really NEED YOUR TESTIMONY! If you don’t do it, who will? Before Monday February 16 at 3:35 pm- please take a few minutes and just show your SUPPORT to have more REAL Kona in a bag labeled Kona Blend.
Kona Coffee Farmers Petition Hawaii Legislators: Press Release
Resolution asks for two significant changes to state law: (1) a minimum of 51% genuine content in any Hawaii coffee blend; and (2) clear identification on the package of the percentage and origin of Foreign-Grown coffee. Agree? Mahalo! go here to sign: http://tinyurl.com/KCFA-Petition
Power to the People/Farmers of 100% Kona
almost 1500 signatures and we need yours! a particular thank you to the Kona Coffee consumers and appreciators. As a reminder the Hawaii economy relies heavily on tourism and every caring voice matters. SIGN TODAY!
Petition: Truth In Labeling for Hawaii Coffees
Help Us Today! PLease Sign Petition For Truth in Labeling Hawaii ‘s Coffees
POINTS IN SUPPORT OF REFORMING THE HAWAII COFFEE LABELING LAW
POINTS IN SUPPORT OF REFORMING THE HAWAII COFFEE LABELING LAW: 1—As a matter of economic theory, if supply goes down, prices go up. Removing from the supply side what is estimated to be 5 million pounds of fake Kona coffee sold annually in Hawaii (that is, 5 million pounds in packages consisting of 90% foreign…
Councilwoman Brenda Ford’s Resolution Opposing 10% Coffee Blends
click to read>>>>>COM 0998.001 2012-2014
Resolution to the State Legislature – Resolution # 500-14.
click to read >Â RES 500 Draft 01 2012-2014
Brenda Ford’s Resolution Opposing 10% Coffee Blend Fraud
click to read>Â HSAC Truth in labeling D1b 2014 The resolution will be considered at a committee hearing at the Hawaii Civic Center in Kona on Tuesday, September 16. Â Testifiers need to sign in by 3:30 pm. We need all Farmers to speak up!
KCFA request to the SBRRB for “re-opening” and the attached statements of issues
Attachments to Palcovich email, below, noted in item  -2 Proposed Coffee Standards Kokubun emails <KCFA logo> May 5, 2014Dori Palcovich, Administrator Small Business Regulatory Review BoardRe: Proposed Amendments to Coffee StandardsDear Ms. Palcovich:On behalf of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association (KCFA) and it’s more than 300 members and for the reasons set forth in the attached…
Action Needed- Your Help Needed!
QUESTIONS from Members 03/26/2014 Q–<Testifying in Person>”? A-Means you will be at the Legislature.  Select <No> if you do not plan to be there and are instead sending in Testimony Q-<May we put our testimony into the comments section of page instead of uploading a doc and still be effective?> A- Yes. (For April 2014)- The…
Mahalo! and Workshop Monday on Efficient Application Rate for bassiana
Subject:  GOOD NEWS—SB111 was Deferred! Many thanks to all KCFA members who took time to submit written testimony to the House Agriculture Committee in opposition to SB111, the bill that would have given broad authority to the Board of Agriculture to re-write “Made-in-Hawaii/Labeling” laws. After Monday’s hearing, the Committee “deferred” the measure. Strong testimony from…
Your Action Needed, please! SB111/SD2
Testimony to the Legislature needed: Please send in by 10:40 am Sunday! We need (again) KCFA members and supporters to send email testimony in opposition to SB111/SD2.  At the last minute, the Senate Agriculture Committee inserted new language into what had been introduced as a “blank bill”. On February 26 the Senate Agriculture, Consumer Protection and Ways…
Request for Hearing on HB213 Relating To Agricultural Product Labeling (Companion – SB558)
click  to read:  Karen Eoff- County Council Request for Hearing on HB213 Relating To Agricultural Product Labelin (Companion – SB558)
01.25.14Consumer Fraud Protection and Meeting with US REP. Gabbard Press Releases
For your information. It has been busy!  Don’t forget we also have EXPO on Friday January 31, 2014 from 10-4 at Old Airport’s Makeo Pavilion. KCFA PR of January 23, 2014 TWO BILLS ADDRESS “CONSUMER FRAUD” IN HAWAII COFFEE LABELING Kona State Representative Nicole Lowen and Hawaii County State Senator Russell Ruderman, at the urging of the…
Public Hearing Testimony Request- Email
TO:  All KCFA Members FROM: Cecelia Smith, President KCFA RE: Proposed “Changes to Coffee Standards” While KCFA will be presenting a detailed list of all concerns on behalf of the Association at Thursday’s Public Hearing, we are asking for your help! October 10 at 9 am at the West Hawaii Civic Center, mauka of Honokohau…
Thursday October 10 in Kona- Hearing on Changes to Coffee Standard Regs
NEW HDOA PROPOSED COFFEE STANDARDS– HDOA is holding a hearing on Thursday, October 10 at 9am at the West Hawaii Civic Center to take testimony on 34 pages of new regulations making significant changes to the Coffee Standards.   KCFA has reviewed the entire document and has identified 9 important concerns.  Click on the link below to see all 9.  For the sake…
HDOA- Public Hearing and Proposed Amendments
click to see Public Hearing Notice and Proposed Rules here: Â http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/meetings-reports/proposed-administrative-rules/ The KCFA feels that in order to fully understand the Proposed Changes, it is important to review the language in the Proposed Administrative Rules. In small green letters, about 2/3 of the way down the page you can see the complete Proposed Changes in…
Changes to Coffee Standards -Public Hearing- 9 Questions and Concerns for Farmers
Hearing Date and Time and Place October 10, 2013- Thursday at 9 am West Hawaii Civic Center, Com. Meeting Hale Bldg. G, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway We need your Testimony.  HDOA Requirements for Testimony: … submit comments orally or in writing. Written testimony may be submitted prior to the hearing via postal mail to the Quality…
GMO Bills, Comparison and County Contact Information for September 4
BIL 113 Draft 01 BIL 109 Draft 01 Comparison of GMO Bills Council Contact How to SUBMIT TESTIMONY: Â To Submit Testimony:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Written Public Testimony: The deadline for submission of written public testimony is before 12:00 noon on the business day prior to the meeting. The Office of the County Clerk will accept receipt of…
Protect Kona Coffee from GMO: Kona Coffee Farmers Association Supports County Bill 79
Please note the correct email address to submit online testimony is:  [email protected] to read the full KCFA  press release, please click here->, Bill 79 Testimony needed
Documents- Joint Case Management Statement (filed 3/9/12) and the Stipulation to Dismiss (filed 3/21/13).
Thurston Jt Case Mgt Statement Thurston Stip. to Dismiss
SAFEWAY SETTLES KONA COFFEE BLEND MISLABELING LAWSUIT
PRESS RELEASE KONA COFFEE FARMERS ASSOCIATION P O Box 5436, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96745 April 30, 2013 Contact: Anita Kelleher, Kona Coffee Farmers Association — “Anita Kelleher” <[email protected]>  Tel. 305-934-2248 SAFEWAY SETTLES KONA COFFEE BLEND MISLABELING LAWSUIT Safeway Stores has settled a federal court lawsuit brought by a California consumer alleging damages from deceptive labeling of…
Sen. Hirono’s Letter to Secretary Vilsack
US Senator Mazie Hirono Asks USDA’s Secretary of Agriculture to Address Kona’s CBB Emergency here: Â 4 15 13 letter to Secretary Vilsack
3.13.2013 UPDATE – CBB Funding Restored to Bill
An email sent to all active KCFA Members on March 13, 2013 Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Legislative Committee of our Kona Coffee Farmers Association, we have SUCCEEDED! As many are aware, in January Kona Representative Nicole Lowen introduced a very important bill to address our CBB Emergency. Rep. Lowen’s bill (“HB353”) provides for $500,000…
Legislative Alert! Help Needed by Monday 2:45 pm
LEGISLATIVE ALERT!  WE NEED YOUR HELP.  WE NEED EACH KCFA MEMBER TO SUBMIT WRITTEN TESTIMONY TO THE SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE ASKING THAT THE STATE OF HAWAII RECOGNIZE CBB AS A DIRE EMERGENCY FOR COFFEE FARMERS. The Background—HB353 (CBB Research and Farmer Support)—This bill was introduced by Kona Representative Nicole Lowen and provides for $500,000…
CBB Emergency Funding Letter sent to the President and the US Secretary of Agriculture
KCFA is part of a group from Kona and all of Hawaii that is requesting Emergency Funding from the White and the US Department of Agriculture for the Coffee Berry Borer pest that is threatening the the growing of coffee in Hawaii. Â The complete text of the letter, sent on February 28th is here:Â CBB Emergency…
Proposed Changes in Standards for Hawaii Coffee 09.11.2012
DOA HAR Chapter 4-143 v5 9.8.12
KCFA SUPPORT OF CALIFORNIA BALLOT PROPOSITION 37 AND CONSUMERS
RESOLUTION OF THE KONA COFFEE FARMERS ASSOCIATION IN SUPPORT OF CALIFORNIA BALLOT PROPOSITION 37 AND CONSUMERS’ RIGHT TO KNOW WHEREAS, the membership of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association is predominantly made up of small-scale farmers who produce one of the world’s premier specialty crops–100% Kona Coffee; WHEREAS, specialty agricultural crops (including Kona and other Hawaii-grown coffees)…
Question #5 – Support for Kona Coffee & Farmers
Question: Do you have additional thoughts as to how you can promote and protect the Kona Coffee name and support the farmers who grow this heritage Hawaii-grown crop? US SENATE Mazie Hirono: We must make sure our coffee farmers have access to water so they can have a robust harvest. We must also examine and…
Question #4 – Service of 100% Hawaiian Coffees
DNR = Did Not Respond Question: If elected, will you commit to exclusively serve 100% Hawaii-grown coffee (including 100% Kona Coffee) at events sponsored by your office? US SENATE Ed Case Mazie Hirono…………………………………….YES Linda Lingle…YES Comments Hirono: I proudly serve Kona coffee and Hawaiian food to constituents that visit my offices and I would continue…
Question #3 – Video Conferencing of Legislative Hearings
DNR = Did Not Respond QUESTION: If elected, will you affirmatively work for implementation of a system for remote video testimony from the Outer Islands? If yes, what do you pledge to do? US SENATE Ed Case Mazie Hirono……………………………………YES Linda Lingle……YES Comments Hirono: Video conferencing saves both time and money. If elected to the US…
Question #2 – Assistance in Combating CBB
DNR = Did Not Respond Question: If elected will you affirmatively work for assignment and emergency funding of an entomologist to Kona? If “yes”, what do you commit to do? US SENATE Ed Case Mazie Hirono…………………………………YES Linda LingleOTHER Comments Hirono: I have worked to secure funding for research on unique pests that pose threats to…
Question #1 – Truth-in-Labeling for Kona Coffee
DNR = Did Not Respond QUESTION: If elected, will you affirmatively work to put an end to the misuse of the Kona name on packages containing 90% foreign-grown coffee? If yes, what do you commit to do?________________________________________________ US SENATE Ed Case Mazie Hirono…………..YES Linda LingleOTHER Comments Hirono: In the US Senate, I will continue to…
2012 Candidates for Hawaii County, State and National – KCFA Questionnaire
We asked, they answered!  Inform yourself! Those names printed in BOLD below, will be Candidates in the General Election. Vote with your heart and soul! DNR= Did Not Respond Questions and Links to Responses are below Candidate Names US Senate:    Ed Case Mazie Hirono (D) Linda Lingle (R) US REPRESENTATIVE, District 2 Matthew…
July 11, 2012 – KCFA Press Release
PO Box 5436, Kailua Kona, HI 96745 • www.konacoffeefarmers.org • [email protected] CONTACT PERSON – CLARE WILSON GOVERNOR ABANDONS THE “HAWAII” BRAND AND SMALL SCALE FARMERS KAILUA KONA, HAWAII, July 11, 2012  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Governor Abercrombie has decided to allow HB 280 (the repeal of mandatory certification of coffee) to become law without his signature…
Governor Abercrombie and us – July 4, 2012
The Governor of Hawaii with three of us at the July 4th Democrat Political Picnic, held in Kailua Kona. Thank you to all KCFA Members who came to the event!  Your help is greatly appreciated! The Governor  told several KCFA Members at the Picnic, that he plans to VETO HB280. KCFA is sending 2 delegates to talk to the Governor, on Oahu, on Monday July…
2012 Political Candidate Questionnaire
2012 Political Candidates Questionnaire -link  in email as:  https://konacoffeefarmers.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/2012-Political-Candidates-Questionnaire.pdf- sorry….
2012 Candidates for Office- Questionnaire and Letter
July02,2012 Letter to Candidates– link 2012 Political Candidates Questionnaire  – link Feldman Study – link
Donald Schoenholt, founding KCFA Member
DNS – 2012 CV Who Is Donald Schoenholt and why do we KCFA Members appreciate him so much? Letter to the Governor From: Donald Schoenholt <[email protected]> Date: Thu, Jun 28, 2012 at 2:02 AM Subject: veto HB280 To: [email protected] Dear Governor, The farmers of Kona coffee, and their roaster and consumer friends on the mainland have been working…
Celebrate! Abercrombie to veto HB280
Read the whole story here:Â http://www.cnbc.com/id/47956342 Please help insure that Governor Abercrombie knows we appreciate his efforts on our behalf, by sending a Mahalo email today, to: [email protected] Â expressing your enthusiastic agreement with his VETO of HB280. It’s a happy day for 100% Kona Coffee Farmers because the integrity and reputation of 100% Kona Coffee will…
Voter Forum- Make your Voice Heard!
2012 State Races (click previous for all info) Hualalai Academy Auditorium Make agriculture a focus and attend these. Suggested questions below: Next Forum:  STATE SENATE Districts 3 and 4 Tuesday, June 26, 2012 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Suggested questions include:  **In the almost 2 years since CBB was discovered in Kona,…
County Democratic Party Resolutions on Agriculture’s Fair Marketing Issues
The Hawaii County Democratic Party held its 2012 convention on May 5 in Honoka’a. Two of the resolutions adopted by the delegates are copied below:Â Resolution #12HCD/2012 “Calling for Truthful Marketing of Kona Coffee” and Resolution #16HCD/2012 “Relating to Protection of ‘Origin’ Products and Their Small Farm Economies”. These and other resolutions adopted at the…
HB280 – Letter to The Honorable Clarence K. Nishihara, Chairman, Senate Agriculture Committee
E-MAILED—ORIGINAL TO FOLLOW March 17, 2012 The Honorable Clarence K. Nishihara      Kona Coffee Farmers Association Chairman, Senate Agriculture Committee                                  Legislative Committee State Capitol, Room 204                        P.O Box 5436 Kailua-Kona, HI 96745 415 South Beretania Street Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Senator Nishihara: RE: HB280, HD1/SD1 (Relating to Agriculture) Thank you, for including us in the meeting yesterday…
KCFA vs. Safeway Class Action Suit
Latest regarding the Safeway Kona Select Brand Kona coffee dispute prompts class-action lawsuit September 15, 2011 – 10:08pm By JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER | The Associated Press “HONOLULU — A spat involving Safeway and Hawaii coffee growers is still brewing, even after the supermarket giant agreed to change labeling on its Kona blend coffee…” read the…
KCFA Boycott Resolution
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A NATIONWIDE BOYCOTT OF SAFEWAY STORES 1. WHEREAS Safeway is selling packages of coffee in its mainland stores called “Safeway Select Kona Blend”; and 2. WHEREAS the label of this product tells consumers to “Revel in the unmatched taste of savory beans from Hawaii’s Big Island”; and 3. WHEREAS the label does…
Kona Farmers: Coffee Bill On Gov’s Desk Creates More Confusion, Not Less
Kona Farmers: Coffee Bill On Gov’s Desk Creates More Confusion, Not Less by Lynn Nakagawa of CivilBeat.com Link to article: http://tinyurl.com/3hdardv – – – – – – – – Kona Farmers: Coffee Bill On Gov’s Desk Creates More Confusion, Not Less By Lynn Nakagawa 04/19/2011 A bill awaiting Gov. Neil Abercrombie‘s signature is intended to…
HDOA, Board of Agriculture Hearing in Kona – February 22, 2011
Testifiers were: Colehour Bondera-KCFA, Ben Dysart-KCFA, Una Greenaway-KCFA, Dexter Washburn-KCFA, Maria da Silva-KCFA, Paul Uster-KCFA, Suzanne Shriner-KCFA, Bruce Corker-KCFA, Stefanie Delmont-KCFA (also as President of the Kona Farm Bureau), Page Trygstad-KCFA, Tom Greenwell representing the HCA,HCGA,KCC and Greenwell Farms, Gus Rouse of Kona Queen, Lily Kong-KCFA and Dr. Robert Hollingsworth-PBARC. All were in support of…
RESOLUTION Requesting the Hawaii Legislature to Provide Emergency Funding to Mitigate Damage from Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) to Kona Coffee
WHEREAS, the recent identification of CBB on farms in the Kona coffee growing region presents new economic, management and marketing challenges for Kona coffee farmers; WHEREAS, CBB threatens to negatively impact Kona coffee production that annually brings millions of dollars (more than half of the coffee revenue for the entire State) into Hawaii in the…
Hawaii County Council Resolution 397 10
Hawaii County Council Resolution 397 10 introduced by Council Member Kelly Greenwell and passed unanimously by the entire Council on November 4, 2010 A RESOLUTION TO SEEK MONETARY ASSISTANCE IN COMBATING AND CONTROLLING THE COFFEE BEAN BORER. WHEREAS, coffee is the leading agricultural field crop on Hawai’i Island; and WHEREAS, the coffee bean borer has…
Resolution Calling for the Immediate Suspension of Green Coffee Imports Into Hawai’i
Kona Coffee Farmers Association Resolution OF October 19, 2010 RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF GREEN COFFEE IMPORTS INTO HAWAII 1—WHEREAS, one of the critical duties of the HDOA and its Plant Quarantine and Plant Pest Control Branches is to prevent introduction and spread of pests and diseases harmful to Hawaii agriculture; 2—WHEREAS, in…
The “Kona Blend” Issue
The KCFA is NOT against blending. Blending is a roaster’s art to produce just the flavor his customer wants. What the KCFA DOES object to is LABELING of a 90% foreign coffee in a bag as a “Kona blend”. It is inherently deceptive to use the “Kona” name for 90% foreign-grown coffee. It is a…
Kona Coffee Labeling Regulations- State of Hawaii
Labeling:Â If a Hawaiian geographic origin is used in labeling or advertising roasted or instant coffee, the green coffee beans used in that roasted or instant coffee beans and coffee certification must meet the grade standard requirements of rules adopted under chapter 147. Font size: Â Provided that the quantity statement is in compliance with all…
August 2010 Update
“Why is Hawaii the only region anywhere in the world that permits the use of the name of one of its premier specialty agricultural crops with only 10% genuine content?”- President, Bruce Corker at the KCFA Annual Meeting- January 2010 August 2010 Must Read:Â 2010 Candidates Respond to KCFA Questionnaire ATTN: KCFA Members, it’s a must-read!…
Blenders refute coffee study, Opponents say changing labeling rules would harm business
by Chelsea Jensen West Hawaii Today [email protected] Wednesday, March 10, 2010 6:50 AM HST Reacting to a study saying Kona coffee farmers lose $14.4 million to blenders each year, some processors and sellers claim changing state law to ban the practice of blending Kona coffee or require more Kona coffee in blends would negatively impact…
KCFA Political Announcement Ad
Next time you see the words “Kona Coffee Blend”, ask: Why is Hawaii the only region anywhere in the world that permits the use of the name of one of its premier specialty agricultural crops with only 10% genuine content?
KCFA Resolution Endorsing OriGIn’s “Teruel Declaration”
August 19, 2009 KCFA RESOLUTION ENDORSING OriGIn’s “TERUEL DECLARATION” WHEREAS, the Kona Coffee Farmers Association’s mission is to promote and protect Kona farmers’ economic interests in 100% Kona coffee, to protect the Kona coffee heritage, and to seek greater legal protection of the Kona coffee name within the State of Hawaii, within the United States…
Resolution of July 15, 2009 Endorsing U.S. Place-of-Origin Initiatives
As the Kona Coffee Farmers Association’s representative, President Bruce Corker attended 3 days of agricultural conferences at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, June 30-July 2. His summary follows: The first 2 days were dedicated to the “Agile Agriculture Summit” in which more than 125 delegates representing farmers, retailers, government agencies and various universities participated.…
Teruel Declaration
“Teruel Declaration” (Teruel, 26 June 2009) The members of OriGIn – the Organization for an International Geographical Indications Network – meeting in Teruel for its fourth General Assembly, agree, on behalf of millions of producers from all over the world, to adopt the following Declaration: By providing jobs for millions of individuals around the world,…
Legislative Update
We’ve had the Political support of Hawaii County and State in the following: Hawaii County Council Resolution No. 18-06 Hawaii County Resolution No. 417-07 Hawaii State Democratic Party-2008 KCFA’s Legislative Objectives are set forth in our four formal Position Statements: “Green Coffee Imports”, “10 Percent Blend Law”, “Truth-in-Labeling”, and “GMO Coffee Position”. Green Coffee Imports-Position…
Resolution Requesting the Hawai’i State Legislature Provide Video Conferencing of Legislative Hearings
KONA COFFEE FARMERS ASSOCIATION RESOLUTION OF MARCH 18, 2009 A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE TO PROVIDE VIDEO CONFERENCING IN ORDER TO END THE DISENFRANCHISEMENT OF OUTER ISLAND RESIDENTS FROM EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS PROCESS WHEREAS, the current State Legislative system of short-notice hearings and testimony on proposed legislation essentially disenfranchises ordinary…
2 Truth-in-Labeling Bills were introduced by Representative Denny Coffman for the 2009 Legislature
2 Truth-in-Labeling Bills were introduced by Representative Denny Coffman for the 2009 Legislature but did not get out of Committee. HB448- “Truth-in-Labeling for Hawaii-Grown Agricultural Products” HB931-“Truth-in-Labeling for Hawaii-Grown Coffees” Despite his good intentions…well – denied again. Auwe!
The Hawaii County Council Overturned the Mayor’s Veto of the GMO BAN on Hawaii Island
The Hawaii County Council Overturned the Mayor’s Veto of the GMO BAN on Hawaii Island after 5.5 hours of testimony by our hard working KCFA group. Congratulations to all and Mahalo to our County Council!
GMO Coffee (and Kalo) Bill Passes Council
GMO Coffee (and Kalo) Bill Passes Council taken from KCFA Newsletter 10.09.08 County Council Bill #361 restricting release of GMO taro and coffee in the County was passed by the Council 10/8/08 by a vote of 9-0. More than 5.5 hours of testimony came from 93 people, of which 69% testified in favor of the…
2008 Candidate Forums
The KCFA sponsored 3 Candidate Forums in the Fall of 2008, dedicated to agricultural issues. 2008 Candidates– Our original mailing in September 2008 County Council Q and A County Mayoral Q and A State Legislature Q and A