Scientist discusses use of biogas reactors on coffee farms
Alexandra Schuler will talk about the anaerobic digestion process in general and the benefits of small-scale and low-tech biogas reactor systems for households and small coffee and fruit plantations in Hawaii. She will also explain what considerations are necessary for a successful biogas reactor design and operation.
The talk is planned from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority Gateway Energy Center.
Organic waste such as kitchen scraps and grass clipping contains large amounts of nutrients and energy. Anaerobic digestion in a biogas reactor transforms organic waste into energy-rich biogas and nutrient-rich effluent that can be used as fertilizer.
Schuler is an environmental engineering student at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland. Her master’s thesis is on biogas reactor concepts for fruit and coffee plantations in Hawaii. It has brought her to Hawaii Island to analyze and test biogas concepts on a family coffee farm.
A potluck is included. Attendees should bring a pupu and non-alcoholic beverages to share. Reusable plates and cups are encouraged.
The program is part of a monthly series for people interested in technology in West Hawaii. Each month, a presenter discusses a different topic related to technology and entrepreneurship. All are welcome.
Info: konasciencecafe.org or Rod Hinman at rod@auroraresearch.com or 989-0977.
VFW events announced
VFW Post 12122, behind Kona Locksmith off Kaiwi Street has several events planned.
A cooking camp for those age 6-18 will be from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. The menu is sandal sandwiches and sushi cookies. Attendees eat what they make. The camp continues Monday with making of chicken nuggets and palm tree fruit tray. Cost is $30 per session. Info: Jean, (831) 419-5439.
Soup and salad will be served from 5-7 p.m. June 30 for $10. The public is welcome. The dinner is a fundraiser for Relay for Life, which supports American Cancer Society.
Onion burgers will be served with salad and dessert July 1 for $5. The public is welcome.
Info: Don Zero, (509) 879-1040
Hawaii Public Radio earns national award for TMT coverage
Hawaii Public Radio’s newsroom was recognized by Radio Television Digital News Association with its third National Edward R. Murrow Award in two years. This 2016 award was in the category of small market radio continuing coverage for a series of reports on the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope by HPR General Assignment Reporter Molly Solomon. The series previously won in the same category for its region, comprising California, Guam, Hawaii, and Nevada.