03-25-2013, 01:26 PM
Over sixty people gathered at the Pahoa Community Center for an agricultural talk-story session on March 22. The Interim Dean of the University of Hawai’i at Hilo’s College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management (CAFNRM), Dr. Bruce Matthews, industry experts from the Hawai’i Island Papaya Association, and County Council Member Greggor Ilagan of District 4, discussed the current state of agriculture and concerns for the future of food with the community.
The community had questions regarding issues of soil fertility, community gardening and resources available to remedy the increasing concern with food safety and sustainability. “This right here, is what we need more of,” said Council Member Ilagan, as he facilitated communication between the community and UH Hilo Interim Dean, Dr. Matthews.
“Everyone agrees; we need more collaboration, cooperation and action between the individuals in the community, agencies and schools, and the policy makers,” said Council Member Ilagan.
Also in attendance was Representative Faye Hanohano, Eileen O’Hara, a representative from Senator Russell Ruderman’s office, and Dennis Kauka Jr., Council Aide to Council Member Zendo Kern of District 5.
Friday’s talk-story session was a prelude to Council Member Ilagan’s continued collaboration with community members to increase efforts and efficacy in agriculture. “It’s our time to take action. We need to hear from the community and responsibly direct dwindling resources to the highest areas of need.”
Council Member Ilagan continued, “We don’t live in a bountiful economy, but we do have the land to cultivate bounty. Talents and skills exist within every individual; collectively, we can accomplish so much. Let’s work together and creatively use what we have available to address food needs in the community.”
For more information call Council Member Greggor Ilagan’s office at 965-2712, or E-mail at gilagan@hawaiicounty.gov.
The community had questions regarding issues of soil fertility, community gardening and resources available to remedy the increasing concern with food safety and sustainability. “This right here, is what we need more of,” said Council Member Ilagan, as he facilitated communication between the community and UH Hilo Interim Dean, Dr. Matthews.
“Everyone agrees; we need more collaboration, cooperation and action between the individuals in the community, agencies and schools, and the policy makers,” said Council Member Ilagan.
Also in attendance was Representative Faye Hanohano, Eileen O’Hara, a representative from Senator Russell Ruderman’s office, and Dennis Kauka Jr., Council Aide to Council Member Zendo Kern of District 5.
Friday’s talk-story session was a prelude to Council Member Ilagan’s continued collaboration with community members to increase efforts and efficacy in agriculture. “It’s our time to take action. We need to hear from the community and responsibly direct dwindling resources to the highest areas of need.”
Council Member Ilagan continued, “We don’t live in a bountiful economy, but we do have the land to cultivate bounty. Talents and skills exist within every individual; collectively, we can accomplish so much. Let’s work together and creatively use what we have available to address food needs in the community.”
For more information call Council Member Greggor Ilagan’s office at 965-2712, or E-mail at gilagan@hawaiicounty.gov.
To better serve you, the office of Council Member Greggor Ilagan wants to communicate with you on the issues that matter most to you and your family. Please take a minute to email our office, so we can provide information that is most valuable for you. gilagan@hawaiicounty.gov