June News: Preventing Wildfires and Protecting Our Community
Wildfire Mitigation Protects Communities
As the dry summer months approach, Grove Farm remains committed to wildfire mitigation efforts and the regular maintenance of firebreaks. Under the guidance of the Kaua‘i Fire Department, we are currently clearing over 450 acres in the South Shore of invasive haole koa and other brush to reduce the risk of wildfire flareups in the area.
“We are working collaboratively with emergency personnel to identify areas and do what we can to mitigate wildfire risks,” said Casey Watabu, Grove Farm Vice President of Asset Management. “We are grateful to Richie Wa‘alani and his team, who have taken on this critical and massive task.” The Wa‘alani family has been actively clearing brush in other areas as well, using heavy duty machinery like excavators and skid steers with brush cutters to remove even the roots of the haole koa.
Puakea Golf Course Completes Bunker Renovations
The complete 18 holes at Puakea Golf Course are open and better than ever! Kaua‘i Junior Golf Association (KJGA) held the first tournament after the major renovation to the course bunkers. Participants, supporters and former junior golfers alike raved about the course, saying it is in “great condition” and “the greens are immaculate!”
Thank you to KJGA President Michael Garcia and the KJGA board for holding your tournament at Puakea Golf Course. KJGA is a recipient of the Grove Farm Foundation Employee Volunteer Grant through the volunteer work of Vice President of Asset Management Casey Watabu. Says Casey, “The Kauai Junior Golf program started my interest in golf, which has allowed me to continue my education, and exposed me to many great people.”
Puhi Businesses and Residences Connected to New Sewer Line
The tie-in to the Puhi Sewer system for the commercial buildings and residences around Grove Farm’s Puhi Park is completed! The construction of the sewer line provides a modernized wastewater system for those who live and work in the Puhi area. We would like to thank Al Leong, Lance Alayvilla and the hardworking team at Ka‘iwa Construction. We appreciate our neighbors and the Grove Farm Market patrons for their patience during the construction.
Grant Provided to Combat Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles
Recently, in our April newsletter, we shared information from the Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee (KISC) about the steps that all of us can take to protect Hawai‘i from the invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB). We are pleased to announce that the Grove Farm Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to KISC to support their work to keep these pests at bay. Thank you, KISC, for all that you do to keep our island’s ecosystem safe.
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Learn How to Prevent CRB Infestation
Summertime Shopping at Our Next Craft Fair
Grove Farm’s first craft fair of the summer will be held on Saturday, June 7 at the Grove Farm Park in Puhi. See what local artisans are creating and enjoy the weekly Farmer’s Market where you can find fresh produce, fish, flowers plus a variety of food to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
