Kupa'a Coffee Farms Takes "BEST COFFEE OF THE YEAR" Award!

It's been awhile since I have posted on this blog, in fact with just barely a sip or two of coffee after Maui Economic Opportunities 2 times a week for 2 months Business classes last night and work at 6am, I just hope I can finish this one.

I just read in the Maui Scene wear a friend and one of the last remaining "small farmers" left on the Maui County Farm Bureau has won for the second year the prestigious award of "THE BEST COFFEE OF THE YEAR" Awards held on the Big Island of Hawaii. The Second Annual Coffee Association's Statewide Cupping Competition held at the Sheraton Keahou Beach Resort, now there's someplace I haven't been to for quite awhile.

Gerry Ross and his partner Sydney Smith were ranked second ahead of all Kona Coffees in the State! Not bad since we are talking about one of the most prized coffees in the world and taking that honor for a second year.

Gerry is very active in teaching and out-reaching to the State and elsewhere on the possibilities behind growing Organic foods. especially Coffee in his case. He has attended many events and most of the Maui Aloha Aina Association Events, as well as taught classes at the college on Maui. Not bad for someone living on another island with few flight times available and the expenses behind traveling.

Gerry and Sydney's Farm "Kupa'a" come from the Hawaiian terms "firm" or "solid." So they have taken a rocky barren piece of land and not only turned it into a thriving Organic Farm, but done it with a dry, rocky soil.

Congradulations Kupa'a Farms and Especially Jerry and Sydney on your Award!

A Kona Coffee Morning

Well, after a meeting with various people from the community to "meet and greet" with the speakers, our plans are to make our way to a beach and possibly swim with the dolphins this morning.

Being an early riser I was up and bathed well before sunrise. Having checked my mail and looked at some Ezine comments, I'm waiting for everyone else to wake up and enough light to snap some pictures.

The one thing missing, as I sit high on the mountain overlooking Kailua, Kona is a Hot cup of Kona Coffee. Being to far away from anyplace to just run down for some and too close to when we all should be leaving, I guess I will have to wait for one until later.

In the meantime, here are some pictures of where we are at for the conference. The bathhouse is pretty cool and gives me ideas.