The Hawai'i Department of Agriculture is kicking off its redemption campaign for its Seals of Quality program this weekend at the Hawai'i State Farm Fair.

People bringing Seals of Quality stickers and imprinted logos to the fair on the grounds of the Bishop Museum may exchange them for a mini tote bag at the department's tent.

The Seals of Quality program promotes locally grown and made agricultural products. Some 42 companies have enrolled in the effort since it started in 2006.

YANAGI JOINS BANKRUPTCY COURT TRUSTEES

Attorney Richard A. Yanagi has been appointed to the panel of Chapter 7 trustees of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Honolulu.

Yanagi joins David Farmer and Dane Field on the panel. Yanagi is a solo practitioner concentrating on commercial law, collections and landlord-tenant litigation.

IMMIGRATION SERVICES MOVING OFFICES

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said it has signed a lease for about 30,000 square feet of office space at Waterfront Plaza.

The offices will house Citizenship and Immigration Services' District 26 and Honolulu field offices. The agency said it will work with Waterfront Plaza management on facility design and renovation.

Citizenship and Immigration Services said its current facility on Ala Moana, built in the 1930s, does not provide an optimum environment for workers and the public.

PLANT SCIENTISTS MEET HERE TOMORROW

Plant scientists from around the world are gathering for a joint meeting of The American Society of Plant Biologists along with the Phycological Society of America at the Hawai'i Convention Center from tomorrow through Wednesday.

"Plant Biology 2009" is expected to draw 2,000 participants — nearly half of them from foreign countries — and is expected to generate nearly $9.5 million in statewide revenue. Tax revenue is expected at nearly $1 million, and the Center's hotel partners will benefit with more than 16,000 booked room nights.

This is the second Hawai'i meeting for the biologists group, the first having been in 2003.

"Not only has the venue proven to be a big draw for plant scientists around the world — we're expecting one of our largest meetings ever — everyone in Honolulu is so welcoming, it's simply a pleasure to be back here," said Crispin Taylor, executive director of the plant society.