Thursday, February 25, 6 pm, South Hilo
Event: Welcome Dinner for Natural Farming Seminar with Master Cho
Sponsor: see list of Seminar sponsors below at next event (Feb 26 - 28)
Description: A Welcome Dinner to meet and greet Master Cho.
Place: Sky Garden at Imiloa Center, 600 Imiloa St., Hilo, South Hilo
Cost: $25 by February 19. $30 after that. See registration form at http://localgarden.us
Contact: Drake Weinert at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Dwight Sato at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (ph. 345-3464)

Friday - Sunday, February 26 - 28, 9 am - 5 pm, South Hilo
Event: Natural Farming Seminar with Master Cho: A New Wave - In Harmony with Nature
Coordinators and Sponsors: Cho Global Natural Farming-USA, County of Hawai`i-Research and Development, University of Hawai`i College of Agriculture Forestry & Natural Resource Management and College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources, Hawai`i Community College Office of Continuing Education & Training, DC Enterprises Ohana LLC, Hamakua Springs., Ka Hana No`eau, a program of the Kohala Intergenerational Center, and Partners In Development Foundation.
Description: Part I: Plant Seminars and Farm Inputs, a 3-day seminar. There is no longer any need to buy chemical fertilizers for the optimum health of your plants. Everything your plants need to thrive exists naturally in our environment and are, literally, at our feet. Natural Farming focuses on living soil and Indigenous Micro-Organisms (IMO’s). IMO’s are the missing link in "organic” farming. They convert organic material into the inorganic minerals and nutrients the plants can utilize. You will learn a completely sustainable system of farming that requires no off-island inputs and provides abundant and nutritious food. Learn how to collect and cultivate Indigenous Micro-Organisms. These ingredients enhance plant growth and you will learn how to apply these inputs in synchronization with the nutritive life cycle of plants.
Cost: $50 by February 19. $75 after that. Lunch each day $8. Special hotel rate available. See registration form at http://localgarden.us
Contact: Drake Weinert at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Dwight Sato at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (ph. 345-3464)

Saturday, February 27, 9 am - 2:30 pm, South Kona
Event: 6th Annual Grow Hawaiian Festival
Sponsor: Hawai‘i Forest and Trail, HELCO, and Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden. The Garden is a Bishop Museum native plant arboretum.
Description: At the Festival weavers, dancers, kapa makers, and other practitioners of traditional Hawaiian culture meet biologists, conservationists, and horticulturists to explore their common passion for native and Polynesian introduced plants of Hawai‘i. Festival goers have a unique opportunity to meet and talk with many of the foremost practitioners of Hawaiian arts like weaver Elizabeth Maluihi Lee or lei maker Marie MacDonald. The Grow Hawaiian Festival includes demonstrations, talks, storytelling, hula, plant and insect identification booths, and informational tables from community conservation, cultural, and scientific groups.  The Main Program with educational & cultural panels and discussions goes from 9 to 2:30, while garden tours and Hawaiian arts demonstration booths will be on display the entire time.
Place: Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Gardens, Captain Cook, Mile Marker 110, mauka side of Mamalahoa Highway, South Kona.
Cost: Free; no reservations necessary.
Contact: Call 323-3318, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., http://www.bishopmuseum.org/greenwell

Saturday, February 27, 9 am - Noon, South Kohala
Event: Composting and Vermiculture (worms), (Second of six workshops in 2nd annual "It Takes a Garden to Grow a Community" series)
Sponsor: Mala'ai, The Culinary Gardens of Waimea Middle School
Description: This six-Saturday program will cover a range of topics to help Waimea Middle School students and their families and community friends to start or expand on home food gardens. Gloves and garden tools will be provided for the workshops and participants are urged to bring appropriate weather protection and drinking water. A potluck lunch will follow. The organic Mala’ai school garden includes both traditional Hawaiian food crops such as kalo, mamake and sugarcane, and a far-flung variety of other food and flowering crops and trees.
Place: Mala'ai School Garden at Waimea Middle School, 67-1229 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, South Kohala
Cost: All six classes in series $100. Each class $25. Attendance limited to first 25 who register.
Contact: Patti Cook, 937-2833, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Saturday, February 27, 10 am - 12 Noon, South Kohala
Event: Fresh from the Farmers' Market
Sponsor: Waimea Community Education
Description: Food writer and home cook Joan Namkoong shares tips on shopping for produce at the farmers’ market and how to handle and store items to optimize freshness and shelf life. Learn to use fresh items in new ways with some simple recipes for Kale Salad, Roasted Tomatoes, and Red Red Bolognaise featuring Hawai'i Ranchers’ red veal.
Place: Anna Ranch, 65-1480 Kawaihae Rd., Waimea, South Kohala
Cost: $35
Contact: Cathy Youtkus, (808) 885-1539, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., http://www.waimeaeducation.com

Sunday, February 28, 6 - 8 pm, North Kohala
Event: Permaculture and Home Garden Evening
Sponsor: Uluwehi Farm and Permanent Agriculture Resources
Description: Tom Baldwin and Craig Elevitch will present permaculture examples from throughout Hawai‘i and discuss sustainability scenarios within the permaculture context.
Place: The Barn, Hawi
Cost: Free
Contact: Tom Baldwin, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Monday - Tuesday, March 1 - 2, 9 am - 5 pm, South Hilo
Event: Natural Farming Seminar with Master Cho: A New Wave - In Harmony with Nature
Sponsors: Cho Global Natural Farming-USA, County of Hawai`i-Research and Development, University of Hawai`i College of Agriculture Forestry & Natural Resource Management and College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources, Hawai`i Community College Office of Continuing Education & Training, DC Enterprises Ohana LLC, Hamakua Springs., Ka Hana No`eau, a program of the Kohala Intergenerational Center, and Partners In Development Foundation.
Description: Part II: Livestock, a 2-day seminar.
Cost: $40 by February 19. $60 after that. Lunch each day $8. Special hotel rate available. See registration form at http://localgarden.us
Contact: Drake Weinert at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Dwight Sato at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (ph. 345-3464)

Monday, March 1, 7:00-8:30 pm, South Hilo
Event:  In Search of Wild Limu 
Sponsor: Lyman Museum
Description:  Karla McDermid, professor of marine sciences at University of Hawai`i-Hilo, will give a PowerPoint presentation on some of the 500 species of limu found in the Hawaiian Islands. Limu is the third component of a nutritionally balanced Native Hawaiian diet (the others being fish and poi).
Place: Lyman Museum, 276 Haili Street, Hilo, South Hilo
Cost: $3, free for Museum members
Contact: Lyman Museum, 935-5021

Wednesday, March 3, 10 am
Event: Weekly Keauhou Wednesday Market: Introduction To Container Gardening
Sponsor: Kona County Farm Bureau
Description: Bree DuPertuis, Kona Outdoor Circle’s Education Director, Organic Farmer, Master Gardener, Tropical Gardener Advisor will provide an introduction to Container Gardening. Whether you live on a farm or in a condominium, learn how flourishing container gardens can produce an astounding variety of healthy plants and enhance your life by providing visual beauty as well as healthy fresh food.
Place: Sheraton Keauhou Beach Resort and Spa, Kailua-Kona, North Kona
Cost:  Free
Contact: Kona County Farm Bureau at 324-6011; or Bree DuPertuis, 333-2690.

Wednesday, March 3, 3:30-5pm, South Kona
Event: KCFA CoffeeTalk -- Branding Your Beans
Sponsor: Kona Coffee Farmers Association
Description: 2009 Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Coffee Label award winner Mark Miller discusses a variety of issues regarding coffee labels and packaging including concepts, designs, standards, marketing and production options. Learn how to make your Beans UNIQUE!
Place : Yano Hall, across from the Manago Hotel, Captain Cook, South Kona
Cost: Free
Contact: MaryLou Moss- 329-4035

Wednesday - Thursday, March 3 - 4
Event: Natural Farming Seminar with Master Cho: Farm Tours
Description: East Hawai'i, March 3: Visit a transitional farm with an aquaponic system and a farm utilizing Dr. Cho's method.
West Hawai'i, March 4: Visit Hamakua Springs and University of Nations' natural farm and aquaponic system.
Bring your own lunch.
Cost: $10 by February 19. $15 after that. See registration form at http://localgarden.us
Contact: Drake Weinert at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Dwight Sato at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (ph. 345-3464)

Saturday, March 6, 1:00 - 5:00 pm, Puna
Event: Tea Series II: "Hawai‘i Grown Tea Processing”
Sponsor: Hawai'i Tea Society
Description: Workshop with Eva Lee, of Tea Hawaii & Company. The second in a series of two workshops highlighting Hawai‘i as the only state collectively producing domestically grown tea in the United States and what distinguishes tea growing in Hawai‘i from other tea producing countries. This workshop focuses on traditional as well as not so traditional aspects of tea processing & methods adapted to the Hawai'i Island environment. Early registration recommended.
Place: Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. in Volcano Village. Puna.
Cost: $55 (financial aid available).
Contact: Call (808) 967-8222 or visit http://www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Wednesday, March 10, 10 am
Event: Weekly Keauhou Wednesday Market: COOK FRESH, COOK LOCAL!
Sponsor: Kona County Farm Bureau
Description: Food Demonstration: Sheraton Keauhou Beach Resort and Spa invites you to sample what can be created when local chefs cook with fresh Hawaii-grown ingredients.
Place: Sheraton Keauhou Beach Resort and Spa, Kailua-Kona, North Kona
Cost:  Free
Contact: Kona County Farm Bureau at 324-6011; Nancy Pisicchio, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Wednesday, March 10, 6 - 8:30pm, North Kona
Event: Introduction to Container Gardening Class, with Bree DuPertuis, KOC Education Director, Organic Farmer, Master Gardener, Tropical Gardener Advisor
Sponsor:  Kona Outdoor Circle (KOC)
Description:  (see overview in Announcements, below)  ) A strong grounding in the basics of any form of plant work is necessary for long term success as a grower. There are many reasons and benefits to planting in containers rather that in the ground. Fundamentals in design and texture apply to all levels of planning. There are numerous pots to choose from when planting a container garden. Every type of pot has specific qualities that correspond to the environment that each plant needs to survive and thrive. Soil drainage and nutrient requirements are vastly different from plant to plant and may change as your plant gets older. Learning how to properly transplant contributes to the long term viability and efficiency of vegetation. Having a functioning workspace is an indispensable component in triumphing as a container gardener. Leave this class feeling confident that you are ready to delve deeper into the skills it takes to be an expert container gardener.
Place: KOC, in Kailua-Kona on Kuakini Highway at the junction with Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, North Kona.
Cost: 6 classes not including March 20, 21 - $160. Certification Price - $299 includes all classes,text book and material. Membership Discounts. Scholarships Available.
Contact:  KOC, 329-7286, Bree 333-2690, www.konaoutdoorcircle.org  

Saturday, March 13, 9am - Noon, North Kona
Event: Worm Compost AND Compost Tea Workshop, with Bonnie Perata of Earthly Delights Organic Farm, Diana Duff KOC Education Advisor and Organic Farmer, Joan Lamont Master Gardener and Organic Farmer.
Sponsor:  Kona Outdoor Circle (KOC)
Description:  (see overview in Announcements, below) More and more research and experience sing the praise the long term benefits of compost. Learn the difference between worm compost, worm tea, and compost tea. Cover the basics of composting while taking a step further by not only learning about, but physically making, worm compost bins and compost tea makers. Utilize the wealth of knowledge of three highly experienced and successful organic farmers who yield big results from their use of compost. The materials to make a worm bin or tea maker is included in the price of the class.  Identify the organisms living among us and how they can be used to benefit your garden and your wallet!
Place: Donkey Mill Art Center, Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, North Kona.
Cost: 6 classes not including March 20, 21 - $160. Certification Price - $299 includes all classes,text book and material. Membership Discounts. Scholarships Available.
Contact:  KOC, 329-7286, Bree 333-2690, www.konaoutdoorcircle.org  

Saturday, March 13, 9 am - Noon, South Kohala
Event: Kalo: The Traditional Mo'olelo and Dryland Cultivation, (Third of six workshops in 2nd annual "It Takes a Garden to Grow a Community" series)
Sponsor: Mala'ai, The Culinary Gardens of Waimea Middle School
Description: This six-Saturday program will cover a range of topics to help Waimea Middle School students and their families and community friends to start or expand on home food gardens. Gloves and garden tools will be provided for the workshops and participants are urged to bring appropriate weather protection and drinking water. A potluck lunch will follow. The organic Mala’ai school garden includes both traditional Hawaiian food crops such as kalo, mamake and sugarcane, and a far-flung variety of other food and flowering crops and trees.
Place: Mala'ai School Garden at Waimea Middle School, 67-1229 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, South Kohala
Cost: All six classes in series $100. Each class $25. Attendance limited to first 25 who register.
Contact: Patti Cook, 937-2833, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Saturday, March 13th, 1 - 3 pm, Puna
Event: At-Home Small Animal Butchering and Slaughtering Demonstration Class
Sponsor: Evening Rain Farm
Description: Watch and learn as Scott takes you on a tour of the process of slaughtering and butchering a sheep. Scott is a self-taught (non-professional) butcher, having processed about 40 various animals over the past 12 years. This beginner's class is intended to prepare small farmers to be able to butcher their own chickens, pigs, sheep, etc. for home use.
Location: Evening Rain Farm, Kapoho, (see Contact for directions), Puna
Cost: $20 reservations required. Two hour class is open to exactly 5 students. If this class fills up, it will be offered again next month.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or call 965-1705

Wednesday, March 17, 6 - 8:30pm, North Kona
Event: Container Plants: Tried and True Class with Diana Duff and Stephen Beehee owner of Anuenue Gardens
Sponsor:  Kona Outdoor Circle (KOC)
Description:  (see overview in Announcements, below)  Most plants can be successfully grown in containers. Talk to two experts about their experience while watching a slide show of Hawaii specific tried and true potted plants. Kava, taro, citrus, bananas, palms, cycads, and bamboo are just a few beautiful and treasures that promise to thrive and produce in your containers. Get detailed lists of happy plants for pots and expand your palate for garden variety. Find out more about local establishments available to help you find the plant you are looking for.
Place: KOC, in Kailua-Kona on Kuakini Highway at the junction with Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, North Kona.
Cost: 6 classes not including March 20, 21 - $160. Certification Price - $299 includes all classes,text book and material. Membership Discounts. Scholarships Available.
Contact:  KOC, 329-7286, Bree 333-2690, www.konaoutdoorcircle.org  

Saturday, March 20, 8 am – 3:30 pm, Hamakua
Event: Waipi‘o Valley: A Sense of Place
Sponsor: Bishop Museum and Hawai‘i Forest & Trail
Dscription: Journey deep into Waipi‘o Valley to explore the Valley’s rich history and cultural significance. During this guided experience, you’ll hike to Nenewe Waterfall; take a swim in Waipi‘o’s magical curved waters; learn first-hand from a local family about the business of cultivating taro; enjoy a taro pounding demo and kalo tasting; visit the sacred Pakaalana Heiau and Waimanu trail, and much more. Guided by cultural resource specialist and master storyteller Tom Cummings and Byron Thomas, who was born, raised, works, and resides in Waipi‘o Valley. Participants must able to hike at least 30 minutes on relatively flat terrain. Minimum age to participate is 12.
Place: Meet at Honoka’a Park for pick up. Hamakua
Cost: $195 Bishop Museum members; $210 non-members. Space limited.
Contact: To reserve space contact Courtney Chow, (808) 848-4187, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  See http://www.bishopmuseum.org/special/waipiovalley.html 

Saturday – Sunday, March 20 – 21, 9am – 2 pm,  North Kona
Event: Mold Your Own Containers Workshop with Elena Garcia Artist and Teacher
Sponsor:  Kona Outdoor Circle (KOC)
Description:  (see overview in Announcements, below) Hypertufa is a porous and attractive pot choice for many potted plants.  Hypertufa construction is an old and highly desirable skill to have. Once you learn the basics of mixing ingredients, building molds and curing your project, you can design and produce custom containers at home. This 2-day workshop will focus on container making, safety, recipes, molds/forms, technical process, and surface treatment. The approximate size of container each participant builds in the workshop it 18" long x 12" wide x 10" high. The price of this workshop includes membership to the Donkey Mill enlisting you to receive their informative newsletter and discounts on upcoming classes.
Place: Donkey Mill Art Center, Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, North Kona.
Cost: 6 classes not including March 20, 21 - $160. Certification Price - $299 includes all classes,text book and material. Membership Discounts. Scholarships Available.
Contact:  KOC, 329-7286, Bree 333-2690, www.konaoutdoorcircle.org  

Saturday, March 20, 9 am - Noon, South Kohala
Event: Seeds and Saving (also how to plant and transplant), (Fourth of six workshops in 2nd annual "It Takes a Garden to Grow a Community" series)
Sponsor: Mala'ai, The Culinary Gardens of Waimea Middle School
Description: This six-Saturday program will cover a range of topics to help Waimea Middle School students and their families and community friends to start or expand on home food gardens. Gloves and garden tools will be provided for the workshops and participants are urged to bring appropriate weather protection and drinking water. A potluck lunch will follow. The organic Mala’ai school garden includes both traditional Hawaiian food crops such as kalo, mamake and sugarcane, and a far-flung variety of other food and flowering crops and trees.
Place: Mala'ai School Garden at Waimea Middle School, 67-1229 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, South Kohala
Cost: All six classes in series $100. Each class $25. Attendance limited to first 25 who register.
Contact: Patti Cook, 937-2833, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Saturday, March 20, Noon – 3 pm, Noon, South Kohala
Event: Easy Soups from Farmer's Market to Table
Sponsor: Waimea Community Education
Description: Come join Chef Dan Bobo as he teaches you to make your own soups from scratch for quick, healthy and easy meals. You will learn to make four soups; one or two will be vegetarian in addition to Italian wedding soup! You will learn how to make both vegetable and chicken stock, all with seasonal produce from local farmers’ markets. The techniques you will learn are applicable to many soups. You will be surprised how easy it is!
Place: Anna Ranch, 65-1480 Kawaihae Rd., Waimea, South Kohala
Cost: $35
Contact: Cathy Youtkus, (808) 885-1539, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., http://www.waimeaeducation.com,

Monday, March 22, 7 pm, North Kona
Event: Hawai'i Tropical Fruit Growers Meeting
Sponsor: HTFG
Description: Topic to be announced
Place: UH Kainaliu Experiment Station, Kainaliu, North Kona
Cost: Free
Contact: Ken Love, 996-7926, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wednesday, March 24, 6 - 8:30pm, North Kona
Event: Conceptual Garden Design Class (including plant combining) with BreeLyn DuPertuis and local Feng Shui consultant.
Sponsor:  Kona Outdoor Circle (KOC)
Description:  (see overview in Announcements, below) One of the many benefits of container gardening is the ability to refine and change your plants and spacing.  Applying efficient and realistic design principles will streamline the look, function and maintenance of your garden. Bring pictures and concepts of potential container garden projects to class and apply the principles directly to your life. Understanding the flow of colors, textures, and growing cycles enhance the attractiveness and advantages to your garden areas giving is a more professional and effective look and feel. Get introduced to basic applicable Feng Shui principles and see how they can apply to your gardens.
Place: KOC, in Kailua-Kona on Kuakini Highway at the junction with Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, North Kona.
Cost: 6 classes not including March 20, 21 - $160. Certification Price - $299 includes all classes,text book and material. Membership Discounts. Scholarships Available.
Contact:  KOC, 329-7286, Bree 333-2690, www.konaoutdoorcircle.org  

Friday-Sunday, March 26-28, North Kohala
Event: Homegrown Food Skills Workshop with Craig Elevitch, Tom Baldwin, and others
Sponsors: Uluwehi Farm and Permanent Agriculture Resources
Description: This hands-on workshop covers quick food production, self-reliant soil fertility systems, animal forage systems, food preparation, wild foods, propagation and planting methods, emergency preparedness and more.
Place: The workshop takes place on the active permaculture project at Uluwehi Farm in Hawi.
Cost: $125 before Monday, March 1, $160 thereafter including organic meals and camping
Contact: For more information Tom Baldwin, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; http://uluwehifarm.com

Saturday, March 27, 9am – 2pm
Event: Orchid and Succulents Workshop/Field Trip with Bob and Phoenicia Zeller.
Sponsor:  Kona Outdoor Circle (KOC)
Description:  (see overview in Announcements, below) Wind through Pele’s Plants impressive nursery specializing in, but not limited to, a huge variety of orchids and succulents. Take advantage of the KOC discount and instructional tour of rare and beautiful orchids by Phoenicia Zeller. Bob Zellers shares some of his secrets of how he cares and propagates his mind boggling array of precious succulents. After a brown bag lunch (dessert provided by Phoenicia), we take to the work station to get our hand dirty with planting, propagating and caring for orchids and succulents. Learn some of the best ways to tie orchids to rocks and trees. Specialized dirt will be available on site. Take advantage of this once a year VIP nursery treatment.
Place: Pele’s Plants Nursery (see Contact for directions)
Cost: 6 classes not including March 20, 21 - $160. Certification Price - $299 includes all classes,text book and material. Membership Discounts. Scholarships Available.
Contact:  KOC, 329-7286, Bree 333-2690, www.konaoutdoorcircle.org  

Saturday, March 27, 12 Noon - 3 pm, South Kohala
Event: Thai Curries & Spice
Sponsor: Waimea Community Education
Description: From the southern Indian word “kari” meaning “sauce”, comes the catch-all term for curry, which is quite popular in southeast Asia as well as throughout the entire world. East Indian in origin, curry is a term used to refer to a number of hot, spicy and usually thickened sauce-based dishes. Curry leaf itself is from a plant native to southern Asia. This fragrant herb looks like a small, shiny lemon leaf and has a pungent curry fragrance. This class will feature a demonstration on making a curry powder using spices, herbs, and seeds which can be easily found on our island. Students are encouraged to bring their own mortar and pestle to make the paste as the next step in the process. The other portion of the class will feature summer rolls made out of rice paper and stuffed with fresh island ingredients such as lettuce, cilantro, mint, mango and papaya, thin strips of carrot, and cold chicken breast. Dipping sauces will also be featured, including sweet chili, peanut, and citrus soy.
Place: Anna Ranch, 65-1480 Kawaihae Rd., Waimea, South Kohala
Cost: $55
Contact: Cathy Youtkus, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., http://www.waimeaeducation.com, (808) 885-1539.

Wednesday, March 31, 6 - 8:30pm, North Kona
Event: Container Plant Doctor with BreeLyn DuPertuis and guest speaker
Sponsor:  Kona Outdoor Circle (KOC)
Description:  (see overview in Announcements, below) Go over the deduction skills needed to troubleshoot sick plants and unhealthy gardens. Understand the basics of diagnosing the difference between nutrient deficiencies and pests infestation. Learn the pruning and planting skills to keep your plants healthy. Take home thorough handouts that will serve as practical reference guides to future plant problems. KOC is hosting a Kona Nursery Crawl that is free to Container Gardener Students on April 3. Hear plant details from the owners themselves and take advantage of special KOC discounts. Container Gardening students may also attend the Donkey Mills Earth Day Celebration for free on April 24 featuring a Bonsai demonstration.
Place: KOC, in Kailua-Kona on Kuakini Highway at the junction with Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, North Kona.
Cost: 6 classes not including March 20, 21 - $160. Certification Price - $299 includes all classes,text book and material. Membership Discounts. Scholarships Available.
Contact:  KOC, 329-7286, Bree 333-2690, www.konaoutdoorcircle.org 

Friday, April 16, 5:30 – 7 pm, South Kohala
Event: “The Story of Seed: Wild, Domesticated, Bred, and Engineered–Where Did We Begin and Where Might We Go?”
Sponsor: The Kohala Center through a USDA Organic Research and Education Initiative (OREI) grant
Description: Public Presentation by Matthew Dillon, Founder and Director of Advocacy Organic Seed Alliance (OSA), and Frank Morton, Wild Garden Seeds in Philomath, Oregon (www.wildgardenseed.com).
Place: Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort, Kahalu‘u Conference Room, Kailua-Kona, North Kona
Cost:  Free
Contact: Nancy Redfeather, symposium coordinator, 808-322-2801, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Saturday & Sunday, April 17-18, 8:30 am–4:30 pm, North Kona
Event: Hua Ka Hua Seed Symposium
Sponsors: Hosted by The Kohala Center through a USDA Organic Research and Education Initiative (OREI) grant.
Description: Seed is the foundation of a thriving local agricultural economy and is essential to the development of Hawai‘i’s food production, future sustainability, and self-reliance. Hawai‘i currently imports nearly 90 percent of its food and 99 percent of its seed, creating a vulnerable and dependent state agricultural economy. Restoring and revitalizing the local seed industry is the goal of the symposium. Farmers, gardeners, and seed experts from around the state and mainland will share ways to grow, select, and save high quality seeds for both home and market. Participants will also help to plan a public seed initiative to support on-farm/garden research and expertise in seed variety trials, selection, saving and storage, and collaborate on the development of an open-pollinated organic seed industry for market farmers and home gardeners. Includes a seed swap.  Informational tables are available to conference participants for a nominal fee. For program details, speakers, and partners, see http://kohalacenter.org/seedsymposium/about.html .
Place: Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort, Kahalu‘u Conference Room, Kailua-Kona, North Kona
Cost: $100 by March 15; $150 after March 15 (Cost includes buffet lunch for both days.) To register, see http://www.kohalacenter.org/seedsymposium/registration.html . Special symposium room rate available at Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort.
Contact: Nancy Redfeather, symposium coordinator, 808-322-2801, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Saturday, April 17, 6 pm - 10 pm, North Kona
Event: 9th Annual Chocolate Festival and Symposium, Festival Gala Event
Sponsors: Na'alehu Theater, Dolphin Journeys, and others.
Description: A multi-day educational experience that brings together pastry Chefs, culinary experts, Chocolatiers, Cacao farmers, regional and national educators, and representatives of the chocolate industry together with families, chocolate mavens and connoisseurs to create a multi-day immersion in "The World of Chocolate." Workshops for cooks, farmers, chocolate lovers, and families are all part of the annual Chocolate Symposium in the Kona Chocolate Festival. Evening Benefit Gala, silent auction, live music, entertainment, sponsor booths, regional chocolate competition, wine, champagne, beer , dancing.
Place: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, Kailua-Kona, North Kona
Cost: Gala Event - $40; special VIP Sponsors, $125
Contact: Festival phone 9987-8722, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . More info: http://www.konachocolatefestival.com

Saturday, April 24, 9 am - Noon, South Kohala
Event: Cooking From the Garden, (Fifth of six workshops in 2nd annual "It Takes a Garden to Grow a Community" series)
Sponsor: Mala'ai, The Culinary Gardens of Waimea Middle School
Description: This six-Saturday program will cover a range of topics to help Waimea Middle School students and their families and community friends to start or expand on home food gardens. Gloves and garden tools will be provided for the workshops and participants are urged to bring appropriate weather protection and drinking water. A potluck lunch will follow. The organic Mala’ai school garden includes both traditional Hawaiian food crops such as kalo, mamake and sugarcane, and many other food and flowering crops and trees.
Place: Mala'ai School Garden at Waimea Middle School, 67-1229 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, South Kohala
Cost: All six classes in series $100. Each class $25. Attendance limited to first 25 who register.
Contact: Patti Cook, 937-2833, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wednesday, 28 April 2010, 08:00 - 3:00, South Kona
Event: Pricing, Marketing and Branding of Value-Added Agricultural Products
Sponsor: Hawaii Food Manufacturers Assoc (HFMA), Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers (HTFG) & Hawai'i County R & D
Description: A successful business requires an understanding of one’s cost as well as the market.  If you manufacture or are thinking of manufacturing a value-added agricultural product, this workshop will help you understand what is involved in the development, pricing and marketing of your product.  A brand identity will set you apart from the competition. The workshop will feature experts in the field including Ken Love, Executive Director of Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers. Ken produces over 100 products for sale in Japan and at local farmers markets. He teaches culinary students at the West Hawaii Community College how to produce value added products from locally grown agricultural products. Marty Parisien, formerly of Hawaii and now based in Oregon, is owner of Kestrel Growth Brands, Inc.  As an entrepreneur with over 22 years of experience, he has developed new businesses and also turned around failing businesses.  Marty is primarily involved in marketing value-added agricultural products such as vanilla, coffee (not Kona), cinnamon, and pepper in the U.S. and abroad. Nina Ann Tanabe will be available to review food labels for regulatory compliance and address other related issues.  Nina is a consulting food scientist with Pacific Food Technology and has extensive experience with product development, scale-up and process improvement. The Department of Health will address issues about temporary food permits and Jane Horike of the County of Hawaii will cover the advantages of participating in the Enterprise Zone program. 
Contact :Nina Tanabe, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Saturday, May 1, 9 am - Noon, South Kohala
Event: Waimea Wed Side/Dry Side Garden Tours, (Last of six workshops in 2nd annual "It Takes a Garden to Grow a Community" series)
Sponsor: Mala'ai, The Culinary Gardens of Waimea Middle School
Description: This six-Saturday program will cover a range of topics to help Waimea Middle School students and their families and community friends to start or expand on home food gardens. Gloves and garden tools will be provided for the workshops and participants are urged to bring appropriate weather protection and drinking water. A potluck lunch will follow. The organic Mala’ai school garden includes both traditional Hawaiian food crops such as kalo, mamake and sugarcane, and many other food and flowering crops and trees.
Place: Mala'ai School Garden at Waimea Middle School, 67-1229 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, South Kohala
Cost: All six classes in series $100. Each class $25. Attendance limited to first 25 who register.
Contact: Patti Cook, 937-2833, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.