Unused land on the Waianae Coast and other areas of the state could one day be green with plants grown for fuel to reduce Hawaii's dependence on imported oil. That's the hope of researchers who are trying to determine if biofuel crops have the potential to re-engergize Hawaii's agriculture industry. The University of Hawaii and the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center are growing test plots of jatropha, a plant that is already being used to make biodiesel in India. But what's yet to be determined is whether the crops will be profitable for farmers.
Written by Maui Tomorrow News on July 24th, 2007 with comments disabled.
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A public informational meeting about new management activities in the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. July 25 at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary's education center in Kihei. The management effort began this month and involves increased public outreach and education by rangers, naturalists and volunteers. According to the reserve staff, many of the actions by visitors that impact the reserve are due to lack of knowledge of the sensitive area.
In addition, the Action Ahihi Program is seeking volunteers to assist with the outreach and education efforts at areas of the reserve subjected to heavy use. Roving naturalists are needed at Kanehena Cove and at an information station. Volunteer training sessions will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. July 31 and Aug. 2 at the Sanctuary Education Center. An in-the-field training will follow from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 4 at the reserve.
To register for the training, contact Emily Carlson, sanctuary volunteer programs and outreach coordinator, at 879-2818, ext. 102, or send e-mail to:
emily.carlson@noaa.gov
Written by Maui Tomorrow News on July 24th, 2007 with comments disabled.
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