About Town: November 5, 2020

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In-person ‘Coffee with a Cop’ Friday

Kona Community Policing Officers will be hosting a “Coffee with a Cop” event that will take place on Friday in Kailua-Kona.

“Coffee with a Cop” encourages community members to get to know their district and Community Police Officers over a cup of coffee. This casual event, slated from 8 to 10 a.m. at Kona Mountain Coffee on Hulikoa Drive, has no agenda and topics of conversation can range from sharing personal stories to discussing neighborhood issues.

The event will adhere to all social distancing guidelines, maintaining 6 feet between persons and wearing masks. Access will be restricted should the max capacity be reached. Tables and chairs will be sanitized after each use.

For more information, visit contact Kona Community Policing at (808) 326-4646, ext. 257, 258, or 259.

Hawaii Farmers Union United to host virtual convention

The Hawaii Farmers Union United, a leading statewide agricultural organization and chartered chapter of the National Farmers Union, is celebrating 10 years serving Hawaii farmers and the local food economy with a special interactive virtual convention Nov. 12 through 15.

The annual convention will offer sessions for anyone who values local food systems, including farmers, gardeners and foodies in Hawaii and around the world. Live-streamed keynote sessions and panel discussions will be led by renowned regenerative agricultural experts, including Paul Stamets, star of the film “Fantastic Fungi,” Elaine Ingham, who mapped the soil food web, Joel Salatin, owner of Polyface Farm, Sandor Katz, author of “Wild Fermentations,” agro-ecologist Ray Archuleta, Zach Bush of “Farmer’s Footprint,” and Jeff Moyer, CEO of the Rodale Institute.

Discussion topics will spotlight regenerative farming techniques, soil food web health, our gut microbiome, composting, cover crops, as well as aquaponics, hemp and mushroom production and much more, with over 50 presentations.

The convention will also feature farm tours and bring together acclaimed Hawaii chef demonstrations and Q&A sessions with the likes of LeeAnne Wong, Jeff Scheer, Lee Anderson, Marc McDowell and Angel Green. Inspiring entertainment sessions will include nearly two dozen national and locally based performers including Willie Nelson and the Boys, Lukas Nelson (POTR), Micah Nelson (Particle Kid Band), Edie Brickell, Michael McDonald, Ricky Lee Jones, Pat Simmons Jr. and Sr., Daniel Lanois, Rocco De Luca, Gail Swanson, Josh Klinghoffer and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Emily Turner, as well as Hawaii artists such as Makana, Jack Johnson, Mike Love, Tavana, Marty Dread, and Paul Izak.

With a theme of “Celebrating Hawaii’s Agriculture,” the convention will be a regenerative exploration of the environment and how it inter-relates to well-being as individuals and as a species. The convention will feature a video series highlighting the stories of Hawaii farmers who are innovating during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with interactive Q&A sessions and networking opportunities.

“Ten years ago Hawaii’s farmers planted a seed – with the intention to bring the agricultural community together by sharing knowledge and experience, while representing existing and future food producers,” said HFUU president Vincent Mina. “Collectively we can improve our state’s agricultural future; promoting food security through a resilient whole systems approach to a diverse farm economy.”

Interactive sessions start at $10 and can be purchased ala carte. Full registration is $65 for members; $125 includes membership and viewing of all presentations for up to one year.

For more information and to register, visit www.hfuu.org.

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