Hawaii coffee output down, prices up

Hawaii coffee production for the 2004-2005 season has come in at 5.6 million pounds, down 33 percent from last season. Farm prices rose.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service Hawaii Field Office reported Monday that Hawaii coffee farmers got an average of $3.55 per pound, up 22 percent from last season and the highest return in 16 seasons. Kona coffee topped $9 a pound. Total farm revenues are estimated at $19.9 million, down 17 percent.

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Starbucks not all students' java of choice

by Beth Cochran
ASU Web Devil

The well-known green straws and siren can be spotted on almost every corner of campus, but now coffee lovers are seeking out local breweries.

Large chains like Starbucks pushing out smaller operations is nothing new, even at ASU, but local coffee shop owners have noticed their stores are making a come back.

Douglas Alexander, general manager of Coffee Plantation on Mill Avenue, said he noticed a brief decrease in business when Starbucks opened down the street, but now business is thriving.

"There are a lot of people out there that like to support locally owned shops," he said. "Anything that's independent is popular right now."

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