Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 15, Number 3, 1 March 1998 — MARCH NEWS BRIEFS [ARTICLE]

MARCH NEWS BRIEFS

Taro virus HANALEI (AP) A disease known as "pocket rot" is hitting taro farmers in their pocketbooks. The mysterious virus is affecting taro patches across the state, with officials estimating up to half the crop could be lost. Especially hard hit is the Hanalei area where about two-thirds of Hawai'i's taro crop is grown. Farmers say they are struggling to meet commitments. "It really hit hard six months ago," farmer Clyde Fujikawa said. "I think in

future fields in the next two or three months we're going to take a beating again." Researchers do not know what causes the virus, or how to kill it or keep it from spreading. Some plants had been forming scab-like tissue to isolate the diseased area, but resistance appears to be weakening, said University of Hawai'i plant pathologist JaniceUchida. A microorganism may be feeding on the taro plant root. creating pockets of diseased tissue that evenmally decompose and leave behind an empty plant cavit) . Uchida said. Scientists also are lookmg into possible

nutritional causes of the problem and on developing virus-resistant strains. A bill before state lawmakers would alloeaīe nearly $191,000 to study the disease. Health summit Kapi'olani Community College will host the Native Hawaiian Heahh and Wellness Summit, March 7-8. Issues such as lifestyle choices as well as the mental, physical and spiritual heahh of Hawaiians will be addressed at the summit. Breakfast and luneh will be served both days.

Aloha Lynn Martin Lynn Martin, folk arts coordinator for the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, will take the position of traditional arts coordinator for the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts as well as become the curator for the upcoming Smithsonian Institution 's 1999 Festival of Amenean Folklife. For almost 15 years Lynn Martin has helped the community through her efforts in Hawai'i. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts See N'EWSBR!EFS, on page 7

remains committed to the support of traditional arts. However, the eeonomie climate may require community support for the folk arts program. New DHHL address The Department of Hawaiian Homelands is relocating to Ali'i Plaee at 1 099 Alakea Street, Suites 1200 and 2000. During the move, DHHL will be tem-

porarily curtailing its day-to-day operations. However, the department expects minimal disruption in services and will resume normal operations March 13. The new loeahon will have an upgraded computer system and convenient parking at the munieipal lot. Anyone experiencing difficulties reaching DHHL during this transitional period should eall 586-3800. Airline aids Kamehameha celebration The King Kamehameha Cel-

ebration Commission announced a cash grant of $100,000 a year and at least $50,000 in marketing support for the next two yearst from Hawaiian Airlines. The eelebration was previously funded by the legislature whieh discontinued state support three years ago. The King Kamehameha celebration begins June 13 with a floral parade on O'ahu. BYUH's Hawaiian language program

Brigham Young UniversityHawai'i formally inaugurated its Hawaiian language and eultural studies program on Feb. 12. BYUH president Eric B. Shumway called the program "the fulfillment of a dream." The program will emphasize language and values. William Kauaiwi'ulaokalani Wallaee, III and Kamoa'e Walk will direct the program and develop its eunieulum. Microenterprise training People interested in starting a

small business and needing help writing a business plan ean attend 12 training sessions beginning March 3. This training, offered by the Grant Thorton, LLP, consulting firm, is required for people applying for a micro-loan, of $10,000 or less, through OHA's Native Hawaiian revolving loan fund. Included in the $55 registration fee are a workbook and on-going management and technical assistance for all who complete the workshop. For information and registration eall Grant Thomton LLP at 5360066 ext. 289. : See NEWSBRIEFS, on page 8 i j

Newsbriefs NEWSBRIEFS, fnom page 6

Student training The University of Hawai'i at Hilo's 1998 Super High Day program let Hawaiian students from Hilo, Waiākea, St. Joseph, Pāhoa and Kohala high schools explore careers in business, the arts, astronomy and sports medieine. Guest lectures included tatoo artists, physicians, kumu

hula, educators and therapists. Super High Day, a project of the Center for Gifted and Talented Native Hawaiian Children of UH-Hilo, seeks to provide educational enrichment and exposure to community role models and the university campus. For more information on this summer's institute, eall 974-7678. Hawaiian eoop planning session Hale Kū'ai Cooperative is

calling for Ko'olauloa residents, Native Hawaiian artists, hand crafters and product makers to attend a planing session on March 1 3 and 1 4 at the Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center, 53-5 16 Kamehameha in Punalu'u. The gathering will begin at 6:30 p.m. on March 13, and continue on March 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hale Kū'ai is a consumer cooperative, owned by its members, and currently retail Hawaiian products made by Native Hawaiians. The eo-op is an

activity of Ka Lāhui Hawai'i, and is supported in part by the Hawai'i Community-Based Eeonomie Develpment Program. Call 237-8430 for registration and membership information. Island Burial Council HONOLULU — The O'ahu Burial Council will be meeting to discuss the release of the skeletal remains of 953 individuals of Native Hawaiian ancestry for repatriation. The iwi

and burial goods originate from areas all over the island of O'ahu. Persons believed to be culturally affiliated with these remains and funerary objects are invited to attend this meeting whieh will be held at 9 a.m., March 14, at the Canoe Hale next to Atherton Hālau on the grounds of the Bishop Museum. ■

Newsbriefs NEWSBRIEFS, from page 7