January'26
Representative Joe Gedeon recently hosted a panel discussion titled "Let's Talk Story!" to address the critical state of agriculture, food security, and sustainability in Hawaii.
Agriculture and Food Security in Hawaii
The event served to raise community awareness about the industry and provide practical tips for constituents interested in home gardening. Representative Gedeon highlighted a sobering reality: if Hawaii’s shipping ports were disabled, the state would have only a three-to-five-day supply of food, a fact that underscores the urgent need to expand local food production.
Dean Matsukawa (Deputy Director, Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity): Matsukawa introduced the department's new name, DAB (Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity), reflecting a heightened focus on protecting local crops from invasive pests. He noted that Hawaii currently imports 85% to 95% of its food, which is unsustainable given global supply disruptions and climate change. To combat this, the state aims to double local food production and ensure that 30% of food in state institutions (schools, prisons, hospitals) is locally sourced by 2030. Matsukawa also highlighted support for residents, such as microgrants of up to $5,000 for backyard gardens and small-scale farming.
Dean Okimoto (Chairman, Hawaii Agriculture Foundation): A veteran of the industry, Okimoto discussed the logistical hurdles of scaling up local production. He revealed that even producing 2.5 million pounds of local lettuce annually would only account for 6% of the state's total imported lettuce. His work focuses on building infrastructure, such as central kitchens and shared chill facilities, to help small and immigrant farmers safely get their products to market. He also emphasized the importance of agricultural education in schools, teaching children to grow and appreciate local food through lighted hydroponic systems in classrooms.
Sondra Ouye (Founder, AEL Collective): As a graduate of the GoFarm Hawaii program, Ouye shared her transition from a corporate CPA to a local farmer. She advocated for the GoFarm intensive training program as a vital resource for those looking to start commercial farming. Ouye recently launched the Hawaii Kai Town Center Farmers Market (Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM) and a community demonstration garden to provide East Oahu residents with better access to locally and organically grown produce.
Devin Murphy (Lead Farmer, Kanekoa Farms): Murphy provided a deep dive into the history and challenges of Kamilanui Valley, the "breadbasket" of Hawaii Kai. He addressed the significant barrier of land tenure, noting that many young farmers struggle to secure long-term leases, which discourages investment in the land. Murphy is working to transform the valley into a food hub and encouraged residents to support local agriculture through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes, which provide a direct link between farmers and consumers.
The session included a robust Q&A covering topics such as the Master Gardener program at the University of Hawaii, strategies for combating the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, and the need for agricultural worker housing to reduce the cost of living for farmers. Panelists also discussed ideas for a tiered pricing system to help local produce compete with mainland imports while supporting the financial viability of small farms.
Representative Gedeon concluded the event by describing farmers as the "heart of the house" and thanking them for their resilience in the face of economic and environmental challenges. He reiterated his commitment to holding monthly "Talk Story" sessions to bridge the gap between subject matter experts and the community, ensuring that constituents have a voice in shaping future legislation.
