On Maui, the number of inspectors dropped from 17 to 13. Last year, the governor restored 10 of the Oahu positions but none of the Maui ones. Coffee subject to quarantine ADVERTISING KAILUA-KONA — In an effort to combat infestation
Coffee subject to quarantine
KAILUA-KONA — In an effort to combat infestation of a small beetle that has destroyed Hawaii coffee crops, Big Island unroasted beans are under a quarantine order.
The permanent rules effective Friday are similar to 2010 interim rules.
A permit from the state Department of Agriculture is required to transport unroasted coffee beans and other coffee-related materials from the Big Island to other islands. Certain treatments and inspections are also required.
The coffee berry borer beetle has destroyed coffee crops in Kona and rocked an industry that generates $30 million in annual sales. The beetle has also been detected in the neighboring Ka’u coffee-growing area.
The small beetle is native to Central Africa. It’s about the size of a sesame seed and burrows its way into the fruit, rendering the bean useless.
Utility building Oahu wind farm
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii’s largest wind farm is breaking ground on Oahu’s North Shore.
Construction begins Friday on the 69-megawatt Kawailoa Wind project.
Regulators in December approved an agreement between First Wind and Hawaiian Electric Company for the utility to purchase renewable energy produced by the wind turbine project.
The project is major step toward Hawaii’s renewable energy goals.
The farm includes 30 wind turbine generators to be built on land above Haleiwa owned by Kamehameha Schools. The project is expected to be operating by the end of next year.
Kawailoa Wind Power is a subsidiary of Boston-based First Wind. Under the contract, it will sell renewable energy at pre-determined prices over 20 years.
Ag. inspectors could be cut
WAILUKU, Maui (AP) — Nine agricultural inspectors at Maui’s Kahului Airport are facing layoffs, which would leave the airport with only for state inspectors to screen cargo and baggage for invasive species.
The inspectors will lose their jobs if nearly $900,000 in federal earmark funds is lost and not covered by state funding.
State Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Janelle Saneishi says losing nine inspects will diminish inspection capacity.
Agriculture officials are asking the state Legislature for funding for the positions.
In 2009, Oahu inspectors were cut from 91 to 26, hampering the ability to intercept invasive species.
On Maui, the number of inspectors dropped from 17 to 13. Last year, the governor restored 10 of the Oahu positions but none of the Maui ones.
