#agriculture

Maui Council advances bills for agricultural tourism and food trucks in ag districts

The Maui County Council moved forward two bills this week aimed at bolstering island agriculture, but one — Bill 75, which seeks to establish agricultural tourism — sparked a debate over safeguarding indigenous Hawaiian cultural practices from commercial exploitation. In a less contentious move, Bill 76 received unanimous final Council approval to allow food trucks […]

Governor signs biosecurity bills to protect Hawai‘i from invasive species, pests and diseases

Gov. Josh Green has signed several bills to strengthen the state’s resilience against biosecurity threats and protect against invasive species, pests and diseases, and that support Hawai‘i agriculture. The governor signed into law Act 236 on June 27, which among other provisions, renames the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture as the Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity […]

Gov. Green enacts legislation to uphold agricultural and biosecurity resilience

Gov. Josh Green, M.D., signed five bills into law on Friday, affirming the commitment to strengthening Hawaiʻi’s agricultural and economic sectors for the benefit of the ʻāina, its people and local businesses.

As Maui County farmers and ranchers grow old, younger replacements are desperately being sought

With the average age of Hawaiʻi farm producers at 60.7 years in 2022, many groups in Maui County are offering programs to attract young people to the farming profession.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands’ 656-acre project of farms, homes, public spaces in Hāna moves forward

Community members say there aren’t enough Hawaiian homestead opportunities in East Maui and hope the project can ease the burden on multigenerational households living under one roof.

Maui nonprofit feeds local families, puts displaced residents back to work

While unloading cans of Spam and packets of saimin at distribution hubs shortly after the fires, Makale’a Ane and other farmers wanted to find ways to get fresher, healthier foods to families.  “After the fires, we kind of pivoted and took the work that we’re doing on the farm and said, let’s feed our people in this way,” said Ane, the climae and resilience director for the Living Pono Project.

Maui Gold Pineapple leads the way: Transforming agriculture with soil innovation and reef-safe practices

An acre of Maui Gold Pineapple’s farm is the location of a new test plot for biological soil amendment, organic liquid filled with nutrients and microbes created by SoilThrive by Environmental Solutions Maui.

Council committee to review draft official Maui wetland inventory map

Maui County Council members will hear a presentation from the Department of Planning on Monday on a draft of Maui County’s first official wetland map. The Agriculture, Diversification, Environment and Public Transportation Committee, chaired by Council Member Gabe Johnson, is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. Monday.

1,300 kupuna receive coupons for fresh produce; SFMNP application period closes for this year

More than 1,300 kupuna 60 years and older who met the income requirement have or will be receiving 10 $5 coupons, totaling $50, to exchange for unprocessed locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey from an authorized farmer or farmers market.

Restoring Roots: Lahainaluna High School takes steps toward replanting Lahaina with help from volunteers

The Lahainaluna High School once provided fruit, vegetables and livestock produce to its students and community. Its vast agricultural grounds received a manicure from local students, organizations and volunteers on Wednesday, bringing the school one step closer to its goal of replanting Lahaina.

Senate WAM advances bills on ag, environment, workforce development, education and housing

The Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Ways and Means on Friday advanced several bills aimed at addressing key priorities for the Senate. These bills cover areas of supporting the local agriculture industry, protecting the environment against invasive species, building the workforce for the future through public education, and addressing the affordable housing shortage.

House bill funding invasive parakeet removal on Kaua‘i draws widespread support

House Bill No. 2329 allocates $150,000 to establish a one-year pilot program to reduce the population of rose-ringed parakeets on the Garden Isle.

Hawaiʻi Senate majority announces legislative priorities for 2024, including fires recovery support

With the 32nd State Legislature set to begin on Jan. 17, the Hawaiʻi Senate Majority said it is focused on addressing a range of issues, with a key focus on supporting ongoing disaster recovery efforts following the devastating Maui wildfires.

UH researching Maui wildfire impacts on agriculture, health with federal grants

In the aftermath of Maui’s Lahaina wildfire, the University of Hawai‘i will use $519,000 in USDA grants to fund research projects that aim to reinforce Hawai‘i’s agriculture against disasters and address the health risks of toxic chromium.

Uncle George Kahumoku Jr. reflects on Lahaina grief, starts GoFundMe for slack-key ʻohana impacted by fires

Uncle George Kahumoku Jr. has started a GoFundMe account and has raised more than $170,000 to support the slack key ohana and the Maui Food Bank.

Maui Dept. of Agriculture marks one-year anniversary with open house, July 20

The Department of Agriculture was started in July 2022, after county residents voted in November 2020 to establish the department.

Laws enacted to support local agriculture, strengthen pesticide enforcement

Governor Josh Green, M.D. on Wednesday signed bills into law aimed at supporting local agriculture. The measures also seek to enhance local food production through the acquisition of the Wahiawā Irrigation System. The legislation attempts to remove barriers to farming and enhance present and future public health and safety by increasing penalties for pesticide violations.

US Rep. Jill Tokuda visits Maui on inaugural District II Congressional Work Period

New US Rep. Jill Tokuda of Hawaiʻi finds “heightened urgency” surrounding issues of affordability, housing and sustainability. She says her work at the national level involves “a whole new toolbox” that provides for expanded reach. Maui Nowʻs Wendy Osher talks one-on-one with Rep. Tokuda during her visit to the Valley Isle.

Hawaiʻi State Legislature opens 32nd session today with optimism and priorities

This year, the Hawaiʻi State Capitol is open to the pubic and in-person public sessions for the first time since COVID-19 led to social distancing.

Forestry and agriculture connection serve as blueprint for Hawai’i land stewardship

Over the past 20 years, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources has transferred 19,000 acres of land to the state Department of Agriculture and another 19,000 acres to the DOA’s Agribusiness Development Corporation.
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