Consider a step towards Local Produce

From April 14th-15th 2018, Kauai received over 49.69 inches of rain in a span of 24
hours, setting the World record. This tore through roads, homes, an and entire town, leaving a
debris of carnage. Later on in 2018, Hawaii’s famous Kilauea volcano began bursting through
the earth in lower Puna. The law flow destroyed hundreds of homes frightening not only
residents but also scientist. Both of these recent disasters in 2018 took the lives of many, costs
the city millions of dollars, and set the state of Hawaii in high alert.
Located in the center of the Pacific, Hawaii is at risk for being struck by Tsunamis, North
Korean missiles, Hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Hawaii can also be easily cut off from
the United States if cargo deliveries from ships and airplanes cease. Hawaii currently imports 6
million pounds of food each day and 90% of the food is imported. (Woody, 2015) By increasing
Hawaii’s ability to produce and sell local food using agricultural innovation, this would
help reduce the vulnerability of the island to external forces and pressures. It is crucial
Hawaii begins to be less reliable on cargo from their ports and runways and shift to innovating
agriculture practices.
In order to help reduce the volatility of our island, Hawaii needs to direct their attention
to the land resources, production, and processing. It is difficult to find water and land access in
Hawaii, making farming particularly difficult. Where water is available, water must be pumped
from the aquafers, increasing cost. To help tackle this issue alternative electricity could be
implemented to reduce cost. Another possible solution could be building more rain water
catchment systems to store water. Land access can also be costly which is why the state should
implement long term land leases and affordable water for farmers. The system developed would
allow farmers to sustain themselves with the help of the state.
Due to the lack of resources on the island, ranchers also find production costs hard to
manage. Feed for their livestock and basic necessities for their livestock are difficult to obtain
because of the isolation on the island. Either the feed for livestock but be imported or more land
must be purchased for their livestock to graze on. Ranchers are also being deterred from this
lifestyle because of the new regulations and laws implemented by the government. Barrack
Obama signed the FSMA or Food Safety Modernization Act stating new regulations for
harvesting, packing, growing, and facilities for farmers and ranchers. This places an even greater
strain, discouraging ranchers and farmers. Therefore, the State of Hawaii needs to provide
training and education to farmers and ranchers across the island. By providing the necessary
support and guidance, this would help alleviate some of burden on them. Due to the high cost for
ranchers and farmers, the State of Hawaii should consider helping offset some of these cost.
Finally, processing of produce and livestock is another challenge ranchers and farmers
face. Hawaii lacks slaughterhouses, dairies, packing facilities, and commercial kitchens to handle
these goods. In fact, in 2016 there were only 8 slaughterhouses and dairy facility in Hawaii.
More of these facilities need to be built to support farmers but also local products. Having these
facilities would significantly reduce the cost for farmers and livestock owners. They will no
longer need to ship their local goods to the United States for packaging. Not only will this save
money but also allow for fresher produce. It does not make any sense to grow produce and
livestock in the island and ship it to be packaged out of the State due to lack of facilities. Another
reason why Hawaii should increase their facilities is because of economic drive. Packaging more
products in islands, producers are able to label their products as “Made in Hawaii” or “100%
local” helping drive sales.
 Many are against the idea of buying and supporting local farmers because of the
increased cost of goods. Current residents are worried they will struggle to pay for the cost of
local goods. Also residents are afraid the lack of availability and convenience. Will there be
enough food to supply the island and do we have the resources to do so?
While increasing prices and lack of availability/convenience are important thoughts to be
addressed, stressing the importance of agriculture innovation will help offset these cost. The
State may need to pay for initial cost to support livestock owners and farmers causing an initial
increase in taxes. However, the long term effects would benefit the stability, sustainability, and
economy of the Hawaii. The initial cost to support livestock owners and farmers would be the
innovative agriculture support and methods addressing land resources, production, and
processing.
Hawaii needs to take a more active approach in addressing the issues of buying and
supporting local farmers. Due to the vulnerability of the island, Hawaii needs to begin using
agriculture innovation to expand agriculture and livestock production. This would increase sales
of local produce in and out of the island fostering a happier healthier Hawaii.

Woody, T. (2015, June 29). Food Independence Could Be a Matter of Survival for the U.S.' Most
Isolated State. Retrieved 2019, from http://www.takepart.com/article/2015/06/29/hawaii-
local-food/

Dashboard.hawaii.gov. Retrieved March 03, 18, from https://dashboard.hawaii.gov/stat/goals/5xhf-

begg/ud6h-suhw/wsa4-i3qb/view

Hennessey, A. (2011, December 06). News. Retrieved March 18, 2019, from
http://ulupono.com/news_posts/local-food-market-demand-study-confirms-that-hawai-i-
residents-want-more-locally-grown-products-and-are-willing-to-pay-more-for-it