Learn How to Grow Your Own Food Workshop

Big Island produce. Photo courtesy of 4Aghawaii.org

Ho‘oleo Mea Kanu (growing plants), a workshop on sustainability and food safety and security, will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Hawai‘i Academy of Arts and Science Public Charter School in Pāhoa.

Funded by the Hawai‘i County Council, the event is sponsored by Arts and Science Center, Kapono Red Road Scenic Byways and Hui Aloha ‘O Puna Makai.

The workshop will address the following questions:

• What is sustainability?
• What is the role of state, county and community?
• How do we integrate traditional Hawaiian values of sustainability and community and provide know-how and how-to knowledge from a variety of agricultural perspectives?

Participants are encouraged to visit “hot topics” tables on Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, food safety, Little Fire Ants and food preservation.

State Sen. Russell Ruderman and County Councilmember Eileen O’Hara will address sustainability, the Hawai‘i 2050 Sustainability Plan, and state and county initiatives.

Sarah Wakana of the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo will present the concept of the ahupua‘a, how it is relevant and why the Hawai‘i 2050 plan calls the ahupua‘a values and principles the “overarching metaphor” and “the philosophical basis for a sustainable Hawai‘i.”

Various presenters will discuss soil-building techniques and offer resources for understanding individual soil needs. Presenters will share specific knowledge on plant varieties that work for this island climate and will help plan year-round harvesting. Current efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient community will also be discussed.

The event is free and refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact E.J. Paterson of Kapono Red Road Scenic Byways via email at ej.paterson@gmail.com.

The Hawai‘i Academy of Arts and Science Public Charter School is located at 15-1397 Homestead Road.