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Agriculture Needs Assessment
May 2012
Prepared by Malia Akutagawa Lahela Han Emillia Noordhoek and Harmonee Williams
Acknowledgement Mahalo to the Sacharuna Foundation and Hawaiʻi Peoplersquos Fund for sponsoring this project as an investment in Molokai `Āina Momona (abundant Molokai) Mahalo to our islandrsquos people who participated in our survey Our deep appreciation also goes out to the farmers hunters fishermen educators ranchers stores restaurants and businesses who graciously gave of their time and expertise in our interviews Your conscientious responses assisted us greatly in understanding the big picture of agriculture on Molokai It is our hope that this assessment will serve as a tool for Molokairsquos farming community to network and replicate their successes With this work we would also like to stimulate more dialogue as well as afford our residents consumers retailers educators nonprofits decision and policy makers and investors an accurate overview of the assets needs challenges and potential opportunities for Molokairsquos agricultural future
Molokai Agriculture Needs Assessment
a project of
Molokai-pedia
May 2012
Prepared by
Sust ʻāinableMolokai
Author
Malia Akutagawa
with
Lahela Han Emillia Noordhoek and Harmonee Williams
ampamp amp
TableofContents
I Introduction1
II Background6
AStatewideOutlook6FromPlantationAgriculturetoBiotechSeedCrops6Agroecology6OrganicFarming7BuyLocalEatLocal7DiversifiedAgriculture8Agritourism8
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent9
III Methods14
KeyInterviewInformants15
IV KeyFindings17
LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood17AccesstoLocallyGrownFood17AwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood17Subsistence18
AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValue-AddedProducts21MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers27
ContactListofMolokaiRestaurantsLocalGroceryStoresGasStations27PreferredLocalFoodstoBuyfromFarmerstoSellorIncorporateInMenu29
MolokaiFarmerPerspectivesontheirPersonalandCollectiveAssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities30
MolokaiFarmerProfile(ageexperiencenumbersfarming)30AverageAcreageFarmed30Wind30Drought31MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)32WeedsPestsWildAnimals33HighOperationalCosts34HighCostofWater34HighEquipmentCosts35
HighShippingCosts35Theft35Fire35NotEnoughLandtoFarmandCompetingUsesforAgricultureLand35LowPricesOfferedforLocalProduceNotEnoughDemandforGoodsAndProductInconsistency36LackofSupportforAgriculture36NeedforAdditionalEducationandTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunity37RanchingandtheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeChallengeswithMolokaiBeef37Slaughterhouse37LambSheep39DeerRanching39Aquaculture40
AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparation41
V Recommendations43
MitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElements43
Wind43Drought-ProofingReforestation43ProtectingWaterResourceRights44WildAnimalControl44IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth45
AddressingHighOperationalCosts46
EquipmentAccess46Shipping46
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoods47Marketing47FarmersMarketandCommunitySupportedAgriculture47AchievingFinancialSustainabilitythroughMIFFStrategy49Value-AddingandGoingOrganic50Agri-Tourism52ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms54OutreachandEducation55
IncreasingConsumerAwareness55EducatingFarmers56OtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchers58
ImproveRanchingPracticesandMaximizeUseandPotentialofSlaughterhouse59StrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness6o
VI Conclusion62
VII Appendices
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 1
Moloka`i pedia Molokai Agriculture Needs Assessment
I INTRODUCTIONMolokairsquosCulturalandHistoricLegacyasanAgriculturalBreadbasketFlyingover thesmallislandofMolokai(38mileslong10wide)oneisabletoseemuchoftheculturersquosrichheritagethe remnants of over 60 ancient Hawaiian fishponds stringing the coastline like lei (flowergarlands) thatonceheldhundredsof tonsof fish Inlandone seesalsoovergrown terracedtaro fields stretching into every ahupua`a (valley characterized as highly productive selfͲsustaining landdivisions spanning from themountaindown to the sea)These lo`i (wet taropatches)were craftedbybrilliantengineerswho channeled coolwaters throughan intricatesystemof`auwai(irrigationditches)thatmeanderedbetweenstreamandsuccessivepatchesenteredthestreamoncemoreandfedthelokoi`a(fishponds)Fromhistorictimesthisislandwascalled`Ĉinamomona(thefatorabundantland)Itproducedsomuchsurplusthatiteasilyfed armies of people from neighboring islands The people were inherently generous asscarcitydidnotexist
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 2
The Land and People Past and Present This island also produced themost famed andpowerful kahuna (priests) known for their Pule O`o (potent and ripened prayers) KahunafinishingschoolsforhigherlearningwerefoundhereMolokaiisalsoKaHulaPikobirthplaceof the dance (the giving and expression of life) and also the origin of its counterpart lua(martialartsasbringerofdeath)Togethertheyformthenecessarydualityofthehealerandwarrior to become one complete artOne comes to know the descendants of this land toexpressthatsamedualityakindnessandfriendlyopennessmingledwithanintenseferocityasprotectorsanddefendersofMolokaiNuiAHinaGreatChildofHinaSeventyͲtwopercent(72)ofMolokairsquospopulation isofNativeHawaiianancestryThe islandhasnostoplightsandnobuildingstallerthanacoconuttree Cardoorsarerarely locked AtrafficͲjamonMolokai isdescribedastwovehiclesstopped inthemiddleoftheroadwhiletheiroccupantstalkstoryanddriversbehindthemwaitpatientlyfortheconversationtoendAt least oneͲthird of the averageMolokai familys diet comes from traditional subsistenceactivities(huntingfishinggatheringandfarming)Itiscommonpracticetoexchangefishforvenisonbreadfruitfortaroandtogivefoodtokupuna(elders)whonolongercanfishorhuntforthemselves Whilenostrangertowestern influencesandthetragedyofthecommonsoftheislandsMolokaihasbestmanageditsnaturalresourcesandmaintainedagreatersenseofitsheritageas`ĈinamomonaSubsistenceandMolokairsquosEconomy As theplanemakes itsdescent the islandmoves intogreaterfocusOneseesadeepscarringofthelanddenudedlandscapesfromtheintroductionofhoovedanimals (goatdeerandcattle)decadesofheavyranchinghugewaterdiversionsthat were used for destructive plantation agriculture and now in support of the GMOcompaniesEroded gullies transport silt into the sea chokingonce abundant fishpondswithtoxic chemicalͲladen soils and inundating the largest contiguous fringing reef in the USDespite declining resources Molokai residents persist by supplementing their diet withsubsistence foods grown gathered caught fished andhuntedOne can say thepeoplenotonlysubsiston traditional foodsasaculturalpracticebutoutofnecessityBurdenedwitha12unemployment ratecoupledbyahighcostof living (gascostscurrentlyat$549gallonhighshippingcostsofgoodsbroughtbybargethatarepasseddowntothefamilyrsquosgrocerybilland100dieselpoweredelectricitycosting45centskwh)thepeopleturntotraditional lifeskillstostretchtheirdollarsTheyalsorelyonextended`ohana(families)andfriendsformutualbarteringandgoodwillAPlaceofContrasts Upon landingonMolokairsquos shortairstripone cannothelpbut takeacooling and restorative breath and absorb the surroundings of a truly beautiful andmostspecial island Over timeone realizes thatMolokai is aplaceof contrastswherepast andpresentabundanceandscarcityeaseandhardshipoccupythesamespaceOnewondershowtochangetheparadigmsothebestofthepastbecomesthe futureandthe futurebecomesthe present ͲͲwhere the land flourishes and the people thriveOur goal is to become theabundanceourancestorssaweverydayoftheir livesthatwemayrestorethepono (balanceandrightrelationship)andembracethetruemeaningofsustainability
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 3
MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandandtheWorkofSust`ĈinableMolokaiResidentstookitupon themselves to compile decades of community planning and identified cultural andfoundational values into a culminating and living document titled ldquoMolokai Future of AHawaiianIslandrdquo Itsetthestagefortheworkour islandwillundertakeforthenext40yearsandbeyond Itservedasacalltoactionthatresulted inthe formationofthisgrassrootsͲlednonprofit organization Sust`ĈinableMolokai The document has attracted the interests ofdecisionͲmakers in state and local government conservationists and environmentalistsHawaiian and other indigenous groups and green innovators It examines community andculturalvalues forwhich futuredecisionͲmakingshallbeguided It identifiesopportunities ineducation (both modern and traditional) business and vocational training diversifiedagricultureandaquacultureresponsible landusemanagementrestorationandstewardshiptomaintainopenspaceandprotecttraditionalsubsistencehostͲbasedculturallyappropriatemodels for tourism green jobs promoting energy selfͲsufficiency water conservationconvertingrelianceonfossilͲfuelͲpoweredautomobilestothoserunonrenewableenergyandatraditional`ahaki`olelocalgovernancestructurethatraisescommunityparityAs coͲauthors of this document our core leadership subsequently founded a grassrootsinitiativein2008toensurethattheplanwouldnotsitonashelftoholdunfulfilledcommunityhopesanddreams In2010weofficially incorporatedasa501(c)(3)nonprofitto implementtheplanpreserveourislandsrichcultureandhistoriclegacyof`ĈinamomonawhileembracingmodernpathwaystoasustainablefutureTheSust`ĈinabilityWheel
We define sust`Ĉinability in terms of restoringabundance or `Ĉinamomona to the land and people`ina reflects a covenant between the people and thelandwhereEarthsbountygoeshandinhandwithgoodstewardshipWeaskedourselveswhatmakesahappyhealthy and sust `Ĉina ble community We came upwiththe12priorityareasWesawthese12componentsas spokes on awheel connected to a central hub thatheldthemalltogetherThatcoreisthelokahi(unity)andthepono(harmony)betweenthelandandpeoplewhenwehonorthecovenantthatcomeswiththeword`INA
12ndashPOINTSUST`INABILITYWHEEL
CulturalIdentity LocalGreenEconomy CulturalandEnvironmentalEducation
FoodSovereigntyandSecurity WaterQualityandConservation RenewableEnergy
EnergyEfficientTransportation GreenBuildingandAffordableHousing
HealthyEnvironmentandAbundantResources
ResponsibleLandUseandProtectingSubsistence
ZeroWasteRecyclingandReͲUse CommunityHealthSafetyandWellͲBeing
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 4
Moloka`iͲpedia and the Agriculture Needs Assessment Moloka`iͲpedia is a projectundertakenbySust`ĈinableMolokaiforthepurposeofcreatingstrongercommunitynetworksinformingkeystakeholdersincreasingequityandaccesstopublicandprivatepartnershipsandresources andmobilizing our people to build as well asmeasure our progress towards asustainablefutureTheconceptforMoloka`iͲpediastemsfromour2009Sust`ainableMolokaiResource Guide that is based on our 12Ͳspoke Sustainability Wheel Positive communityinvolvementhaspromptedtheexpansionofthisworkTheprojectaddressesthecurrentlackof data specifically for our geographic area The majority of information on Molokai issubsumed within a triͲisle county system that does not account for the vast differencesbetween our rural island of 7345 to tourismͲfocused Lanai and urbanMauiwith amuchhigherpopulationdensityFurtherthereisnodatacollectiononthe12areasofsustainabilityidentified by our project Moloka`iͲpedia also seeks to address the isolation that manyindividualsandorganizationsoperate inThis siloͲeffectmakesusall ineffectiveSust`ĈinableMolokaiaimstoutilizeMoloka`iͲipediaasatooltoshowhowvariousentitiescanbenefitfromcollaboratingPublicprivateandnonprofitentitieswillbeabletoaccessspecificdatasetsseeaclearpictureofneedsͲtoͲassetsratiosmobilizecollectivelytofillexistinggapsandcapitalizeonavailableassetsandresourcestoachievesharedgoalsOuronlineopensourcedatabase isbeingorganizedalongthe12spokesoftheSust`ĈinabilityWheel Within each section we are collecting baseline and new data to provide acomprehensiveoverviewintheformofaldquoneedsandassetsassessmentrdquoofMolokairesourcesOncecompletewewillbeabletoseewhatwehaveandwhatismissingThiswillinformournext stageofworkandhelpus toeffectivelypursue solutionsonourpath to sustainabilityMoloka`iͲpediawillassistus inoureducationtrainingandadvocacyworkhelpusto identifyexistingcommunityassetsandinherentchallengesandfillcomplementaryrolesthatadvancelocaleffortsThisvehiclewillfacilitatethekuleana(responsibility)weplaceonourselvestobearchitectsofourowndestinyand indevelopinghomegrownsolutionsthatworkbest Inoursuccessothersalsosucceed Ourstrategyaimsto identifypartnershipsbetween individualscommunitygroupsbusinessesgovernmentalagenciesandotherserviceproviderswhocouldbenefitfromworkingtogetherWe envision Moloka`iͲpedia to serve as a tool for citizen empowerment returning dataownership to community toeffectmeaningful change and solutionsMoloka`iͲpediaensurescommunityselfͲdetermination inhowdata iscollectedandutilizednot justscientificallybutresponsibly ethically andwith good intent Itnecessitatesongoing community engagementwithnotonlythedataandthetechnologybutalso insharing ideasMoloka`iͲpediawillgiveeverydaypeopleaccesstoreal informationthat is importanttothemandthat improvestheirlivesespecially inatimeofgovernment inefficiencyandwastewheredecisionmakersoftendisconnectandabdicatetheirfiduciaryresponsibilityforthepeopleandplacestheyrepresentWhencitizensdetermine for themselveswhatdatasourcesare informationͲrichandofgreatvalue (including stories shared by kupuna farmers fishermen teachers coaches and
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 5
grassroots leaders)then life isbreathed intothedataand ithasthepowertotransform livesforthebetterThefirstsustainabilitytopicwehavebeguntosurveyourpopulationonisinFoodProductionToaidus in thisendeavorwesearchedexisting literatureonagriculturegenerallyaswellascombed through references toMolokaiͲspecificagriculture Thisbaselineworkhelpedus todetermine gaps in the data and refine our interview and survey questions The followingbackground information isprovidedtohelp layafoundationandcontextualbackdropforourstudy
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 6
II BACKGROUND
AStatewideOutlook
Agriculture isamajorcontributortoHawai`irsquoseconomyand isessential forproviding foodtoresidentsaswellasgeneratingrevenuethrougharobustexportmarket1Agriculturegenerates$29billion toHawai`irsquosannualeconomyandproduces42000 jobs2However there ismuchroomfor improvement intermsofprovidingenoughfoodforthe islandsaswellas increasingrevenuesfortheState
From Plantation Agriculture to Biotech Seed Crops Towards the end of the 20th centurymonocropplantationagriculture(sugarpineapple) lost itseconomicedgedueto lowerwageforeign competition3 Industrialized corporate agriculture in Hawai`i has shifted to biotechcropsnamelygeneticallymodifiedseedcornresearch4
WhilebiotechseedcropshaveprovenmosteconomicallylucrativeforHawai`iagriculturewithaprofitvalueof$177million in the2008Ͳ2009growingseason5allocatingpreciousacreageand limitedwaterresources toGMOseedcropresearchwould in the longͲtermcompromisethe Statersquos overall food security and limit the Statersquos ability to provide locally healthy andnutritiousfoodsIndustrialnonͲsustainablefarmingpracticesthatincludeheavyapplicationofsynthetic fertilizers and pesticides further degrade the ecological health and viability ofHawai`irsquosprimeagriculturallandsforpresentandfuturegenerations
AgroecologyHawai`irsquosgeographic isolationasan islandarchipelago leaves itmostvulnerableto food and fuel shortages natural disasters drought and rising sea levels associatedwithglobal climate change Measures to increase resilience and adaptability include adoptingagroecological approaches ldquoapply[ing] ecological science to the design of agricultural1State of Hawai`i Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism Office of Planning Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)ExecutiveSummaryii20102HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday3Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp4Ͳ5 ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50million Likewise thepineapple industryproduced954000 tonsof fruit in1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74millionͶHawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp5ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50millionLikewisethepineappleindustryproduced954000tonsoffruitin1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74million5ldquoTheHawaiiDepartmentofAgricultureestimatesthevalueofseedcorngrowingat$169millioninthe200809growingseasonmorethandoublethevaluefromthe200506ItrepresentedaboutoneͲthirdthevalueofallcropsgrowninthestatein200809rdquo5Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp30Ͳ31
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 7
systemsrdquo6Thismethodology includespracticesthatenhancethe life inthesoilthatprovidesnutritiousorganic food integratedpestmanagement throughguildingwithbeneficialplantsandtreesandattractingnaturalpredatorinsectsandanimalstoprotectcropsandselectingforbiodiversitytominimizecroplosses
Organic Farming Renewed interest in sustainable agricultural practices have arisen from aburgeoning organic industry and standards for organic certification that stress ecologicallybased farming and exclusion of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and geneticallymodifiedorganisms7TheUSorganicindustrynetted$178billioninretailsalesin2007approximately25intotalnationalfoodsales8Worldwidevalueoforganicproducestoodat$30billionasof2005witha14annualincreasesince20009Acreagededicatedtoorganicagriculturehasincreased20annuallysince2001with78millionacresinproductionworldwideasof200610Hawai`irsquos growth hasmirrored global and national trendswith State sales of organic cropsincreasing60between2005and2007from$5millionto$8million11Organic foods have becomemoremainstream with outlets including regular supermarketsrather than just the typical small natural food outposts12Whole FoodsMarket Inc has inrecentyearsestablishedapresenceinHawai`iWithitsreputationforbuyingfromsmalllocalfarmers the presence ofWhole Foods serves as an incentive for Hawai`i farmers to groworganicfood13Thereareanestimated200certifiedorganicproducers intheStateoperatingon a median of 5Ͳ13 acres of land14 The Big Island holds the most acreage for organicproductionat58followedbyMaui(22)Kaua`i(11)Molokai(7)andOahu(2)15TheindustrywillcontinuetoexpandwithincreasingconsumerpreferencefororganicfoodsBuyLocalEatLocalCommonthemesaroundagricultureemergedfromfocusgroupmeetingsconductedaspartofHawai`irsquos2010StatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS) These included support for diversified agriculture and increasing food security bysupportingFarmersMarketsandldquoBuyLocalEatLocalrdquo initiatives16TheHawai`iFarmBureauFederation StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculture andUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UHͲCTAHR) have sponsored these type ofcampaignsademphasizethefollowing
6UnitedNationsHumanRightsOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRightsEcoͲFarmingcandoublefoodproductionin10yearssaysnewUNreportMarch82011httpwwwohchrorgENNewsEventsPagesDisplayNewsaspxNewsID=10819ampLangID=E7RadovichTheodoreJLindaJCoxandJamesRHollyerldquoOverviewofOrganicFoodCropSystemsinHawai`irdquoCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesSustainableAgricultureNov2009SAͲ38RadovichCoxandHollyer20099RadovichCoxandHollyer200910RadovichCoxandHollyer200911RadovichCoxandHollyer200912RadovichCoxandHollyer200913RadovichCoxandHollyer200914RadovichCoxandHollyer200915RadovichCoxandHollyer200916Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)2010ExecutiveSummaryii
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 8
1 Enjoyexceptionaltasteandfreshnesspremiumtastemaximumfreshnessproducepicked
andeatenclosertoitsheightofripenesspackedwithnutrients2 Strengthen your local economy and community buying local food keeps your dollars
circulatinginyourcommunityBuildingrelationshipswiththefarmerswhogrowyourfoodstrengthensyourtiestothecommunityandtheland
3 Helppreserveopen space by supporting local farmersbuying local foodhelpspreservegreenopenspaceinyourcommunity
Part of this campaign also acknowledges lessening the Statersquos ecological footprint anddependenceonfossilfuelsfromheavyimportsfromthemainlandthathavemoreldquofoodmilesrdquoassociatedwiththemascomparedtolocallypurchasedfoodDiversifiedAgriculture Hawai`irsquosagriculture industrycapitalizesonthe islandsrsquotropicalyearͲroundgrowingclimateanduniquefeaturesthatallowfornicheindustries17Moresmallfarmshave gained a foothold in the diversified agriculture sector through cultivation of specialtycropssuchastropical fruitsmacadamianutscoffee flowersand freshproducesoldaroundtheglobe18TheldquoGrowninHawai`irdquobrandingisrecognizedaroundtheworldasaguaranteeofhighqualitydelicacies19Hawai`iRegionalCuisinehasalsobecomeknownforitsutilizationofthe freshest seafoodveggiesand tropical fruits inaunique fusionofEastWestand islandflavors20
In2008farmproductionindiversifiedagricultureproduced12200jobsthroughouttheState21Proactive measures to revitalize Hawaiirsquos agriculture industry through diversification hasbroughtrevenuesthatarecomparabletotheStatersquosearlyheydayswhensugarandpineapplewereking In2002HawaiirsquosAgriculturalFarmRevenuecrossed$5359million22Diversifiedagricultureaccountsfor69ofannualrevenueswithpineapple(19)andunprocessedcanesugar(12)trailingbehind23
AgriͲTourism Agriculture is also proving important to tourism Hawai`irsquos top economicengine24VisitorinterestinecoͲtoursagriͲtoursandculturallyauthenticexperiencesisontherise25 In2006agritourismbrought in$388million in revenueas reportedby112Hawai`iͲ
17Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp1218HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday19HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday20HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday21Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp2922ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200823ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200824HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday25HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 9
based farmsan increaseof14 from2003 figures ($339million)26The leadingcategoryofrevenuereceived fromagriͲtourswas$121million inonͲfarmdirectsalestovisitors27Otheractivitiesyieldingprofit includedbedandbreakfastamenitiesprovidingmeeting spacesandvenuesforeducationandentertainmentandoutdoorrecreation28
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent
FromancienttimesMolokaiwaswellknownas`Ĉinamomona(theldquofatrdquoorabundantland)foritswealthasanislandthatproducedfoodinsurplusfromitsverdantahupua`aandnumerousfishponds As on all Hawaiian islands Molokairsquos people and the natural resources weremanagedundertheahupua`asystemTheahupua`awasaunitoflandtypicallywedgeͲshapedrunning frommauka tomakai (mountain tosea)and following thenaturalboundariesof thewatershedThesystemwascomprisedofwaoakua(sacredplaceofthegods)uplandforeststhatgatheredtherainsTheareawassubjecttolimiteduses(egforkiamanubirdcatcherstogatherfeathersforcloakshelmetsandkahiliforthekahunakĈlaiwa`atoharvestkoaforcanoebuilding)and forceremonialpurposes Themountain forestswerepreserved intacttoformandprotectthewatershedandcarrynutrientslowerdowntheahupua`aintowaokanaka(thepeoplersquosdomain)Herethepeoplewerefreetogatheravarietyofplantsfordailyneedshardwood ofthe kauila tocarve ihe(spears) andmake toolsandimplementsolonĈ tocreate strongcordage forfishnets andfish linesmedicinalherbs `ie`iefor lashinghouse postsand canoesand maile forleiThefertileplains and fields were known as the kula lands a place rich in agriculture These landscontainedancientfeatsofwaterengineeringcontouredterracingoffieldsplantedintarothatslowedthepathofthewaterandallowedformaximumsoakageThewatercollectedandfed
26GeislerMalindaldquoagritourismprofilerdquoAgMRCagriculturalmarketingresourcecenterUpdatedJanuary2012httpwwwagmrcorgcommodities__productsagritourismagritourismͲprofile27Geisler201228Geisler2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 10
numerousspringsbelow`Auwai(irrigationditches)transportedwaterfromkahawai(streams)tomultiple lo`i(taropatches)andreturnedthewateroncemoreto itssourceTarobanana`ulu(breadfruit)tileafkƃ(sugarcane)wereallcultivatedinthekularegionFaunaharvestedfrom streams included `o`opu (goby) `opae (shrimp) and hihiwai (snail) Grasslandswereconverted to agricultural fields of `uala (sweet potato) Other kinds of plants and treescultivated here included kukui (candlenut) `ohe (bamboo) and lauhala (pandanus) At thebottomofthevalleyspringscarryingnutrientsfromaboveflowedalongtheshorelineandseaHere loko i`a (fishponds)were constructed to farm fish Thesewalled fishponds form semiͲcirclesalongtheshorelineandaredesignedasmicroͲenvironmentsforcertainbrackishwaterand herbivorous fish likemullet and awa (milkfish) that feed on abundantmats of algaetherebyproducingfoodforthepeoplewithouthavingtoapplyexcessivefishingpressurealongthereefandopenoceanExistingwithintheahupua`awasastrictcodeofconduct(kapusystem)amongstthepeopleofthe land (hoa`Ĉina) as delegated and enforced by the ali`i (chiefs) and their konohiki (landagents)forthecarefulmanagementofthenaturalresourcesThehoa`Ĉinapossessedrightsofgathering and usage of the natural resourceswithin their ahupua`a of residencewith theunderstandingthattheyalsohadkuleana(responsibility)tomĈlama(carefor)thelandandseaandharvestappropriatelyfornomorethantheirneeds Theyengaged inpo`alimacollectiveworkdayswherethepeoplepooledtheir labortoengage inpublicworks improvementssuchas constructing additional lo`i and `auwai and building fishponds From the conscientiousmanagementof the landwatersand seaand themaintenanceofgenealogicaland spiritualrelationshipstothenaturalworldtheresourceswerebroughttoastateofabundanceTheahupua`asystemsustainedthepeopleforcenturiesUponCaptainCookrsquosarrivaltotheHawaiianislandsin1778heestimatedthepopulationtobebetween 20000 to 3600029 Introduced diseases for which the people had no immunitydecimatedthepopulationthroughouttheislandsBy1836Molokairsquospopulationhaddwindledtoanestimated8700andwasfurtherreducedto2307peoplebythetimeacensuswastakenneartheturnofthecenturyin189630Kamehamehabroughtabout theunificationofall the islandsunderoneKingdomofHawai`iWesterninfluencesandtheteachingsofChristianmissionariesbroughtaboutdecisionsamongtheali`itoabolishthekapusystem(1819)privatizeanddeconstructtheahupua`a(Maheleof1848)Whilethechiefsreceivedtheirapportionmentoflandsmanyhoa`Ĉinaoutofignorancetrust intheirchiefstocare fortheirwellͲbeingandgovern them justlyor for fearofreprisalfailed to register land claims to small kuleana parcels that would have kept them with acomfortablepieceoflandtomaintaintheir`ohana(family)withhale(home)andgardenplotsHawai`irsquosentry into the internationalmarket shifted the laborof themaka`Ĉinana (commonpeople) away from agriculture and towardsdeforestationof theupland forests to fulfill the
29MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml30MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 11
kingdomrsquos sandalwood tradewithChina Otherenterprises includedwhalingandplantationagriculture that brought immigrants from around theworld toHawai`irsquos shores and alteredwatershedsthroughthediversionofwatersfrom lushwindwardvalleystodry leewardplainsforthemassproductionofsugarcaneandpineappleWithoutwatertoirrigatetheirtarofieldsmanywere forced toabandon the lo`iandmake for thecityManyMolokai families left theisland insearchofwork inthemorecommercialcenters locatedonMauiandOahu31ThosewhostayedbehindmaintainedtheirconnectiontotraditionalpathwaysandsubsistencelivingEarlyunsuccessfulagriculture trialsonMolokai included sugar coffee sisalwhitepotatoescottoncorngrapesbeansbarleyoatswheatandalfalfa32Thesecropsfailedduetoheavywindsandinsects33TheareawiththegreatestpopulationconcentrationwaseastMolokaiTheeasternmostvalleyof Halawa Valley was rich in lo`i produced taro commercially and supported a thrivingcommunityuntiltwotsunamiin1946and1967devastatedthevalleyThecommercialcentersmovedtoPuko`oandthenKamalowhichheldanaturalharborforimportandexportofgoodsTheCooke family acquired the arid central andwestMolokaiplains aboutoneͲthirdof theisland These landsarenowownedbyMolokaiPropertiesLtdcommonlyknownasMolokaiRanchToattractcommercetoitslandholdingstheRanchdredgedaharborinKaunakakaiandconstructedawharf TodayKaunakakai servesas themaincenterofbusinesswithKamaloWharfhaving fallen intodisrepairandmuchof theareaemptiedof familiesTheRanchalsostrategically purchased lands thatwould give them riparian and correlative rights tomajorstreams and aquifer water in centralMolokai They diverted water to their westernmostpropertiesusedforcattleranchingMuch of their lands in Kualapu`u and Maunaloa were utilized by Dole and Del Montecompanies forpineapplecultivation34Thepineapple industryservedas theeconomicenginefortheislanduntilitphasedoutin1987duetocheaperlaborabroadTodaymanyofMolokaiRanchrsquoslandholdingsthatgrewpineapplearenowleasedforbiotechcornresearchandcoffeeproductionTheHawaiianHomesCommissionActameasuretorehabilitateNativeHawaiiansof50bloodquantumormorebyreturningthemtothe landtobuildhomesandfarmwaspassedbytheUS federal government in 1920Molokai served as the staging ground for the programrsquossuccess or failure Hawaiian Home lands were designated in the areas of Kapa`akeaKalama`ula Pala`au andHo`olehua andmore recentlyUalapu`e NativeHawaiian familiesfromneighboringislandscametoMolokaitobuildtheirhomesandmakethelandproductiveTheir early successes aided in the establishment ofmore homesteads on the other islandsWiththeinfluxofadditionalHawaiianfamiliesandJapaneseandFilipinoimmigrantstoworkinthepineapplefieldsMolokairsquospopulationhadincreasedto442735InrecentyearsMolokairsquos31MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml32MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml33MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml34MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml35MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 12
population has grown to include snowbirds and retirees from theUSmainland aswell asthose seeking amore quiet and rural lifestyle Today the population ofMolokai stands at7345
In 1987Molokairsquos livestock industrywas crippled by the StateDepartment of AgriculturersquosmandatetoeradicateallcattleontheislandduetothethreatofbovinetuberculosisAnotherheavyblowwasdealtattheclosureoftheoldslaughterhouse inKaunakakai Muchplanningfrom the grassroots level upwas undertaken to resolve this problem Commitments frommultiplecountystateandfederalpartnersinͲkindcontributionsbyvolunteermembersoftheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeandcountlessvolunteerhoursandservicesofferedbyvariouslocal businesses and individual residents led to the establishment of a new slaughterhousefacilitylocatedinHo`olehua
Erecting this stateͲofͲtheͲart facility represented a vehicle to facilitate the restoration ofMolokairsquos ranching industry and the ability for the island toproduce and sell itsownmeatRanchersandhomesteadfarmersnowhadavenuetoprocesstheiranimalsInadditiontothemoreestablishedranchesanestimated150Molokai familiesraise livestock largely forhomeconsumption With the adventof thenew slaughterhouse therearenowopportunities forthese small scale farmers to expand into commercial livestock production Stores andrestaurantsneednot import all theirmeat fromoffͲisland as theynowhave access to localmeatMoniesgeneratedcouldbenefitthecommunitydirectlyThe introduction of hooved animals toMolokai has devastated the natural ecology of theislandCattleranchingferaldeerandgoathaveerodedthelandHeavyrainstransporttonsofsilteachyearontoMolokairsquosreefsandfishpondsIntroducedmangrovehavealsodestroyedasignificant percentage of Molokairsquos fishponds Mangroves encroach and break throughfishpond walls trap sediments and choke off underwater springs such that the watercirculationandecologyarenolongerviableforfishproductionDespite thesehardshipsand setbacksover theyearsagriculture remains the cornerstoneofthe islandrsquoseconomyMolokairsquos ruralcharacter lends toacloseͲknit communitywithpeoplewhoperpetuate strong cultural values traditional subsistence and selfͲreliance Thepeopleembrace local autonomy and are very involved in local governing processes AgriculturenonprofitssmallbusinessenterprisesandlocalmomandpopstoresarethefoundationofthelongͲtermeconomyonislandMuchofthesocialculturalandserviceorientedprogramsarealsogeneratedfromthegrassroots locallevelthroughtheworkofchurchgroupsnonprofitsandunincorporatedhuiDuringtheFocusMauiNuiproceedings in2003MauiMolokaiandLana`iresidentsgatheredtostrategicallyplanafutureforMauiCountyThe120MolokaiparticipantsoutlinedchallengestheyfacedasacommunityandprovidedstrategiesandactionplanstoaddressthemMolokairesidents identified top five community priorities which included inter alia creating jobs(409) strengthening the economy (296) growingmore food locally (217) protectingandpromotingruralidentity(191)andsupportingsmallbusinessdevelopment(130)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 13
TheMaui CountyWorkforce Investment Board (WIB) Local Plan provides an Assessment ofLaborMarketTrendstodevelopaComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategyovera10yearspanOneofWIBsgoalsistofocusondiversifyingtheeconomyincludingtheagriculturalsectorandldquonicheareasrdquoTheplanrecognizestheneedforexpansioninvalueͲaddedopportunitieswhichemphasize the uniqueness ofMaui Nui The increased production andmarketing of newagricultureproductshaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketsTheplanalso identifiesentrepreneurshipasan importantgrowtharealdquoThedevelopmentofentrepreneurshipskills is importanttothesuccessofMaui [Countyrsquos]smallbusinesses Datacollected by the Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism and otherorganizationssuggestmoreandmoreresidentsaretakingtoselfͲemploymentForMolokaiasignificant number of new business startͲupswithin the past decade have been agriculturalenterprises(36total)particularlyfromtheHawaiianHomesteadareainHo`olehua36TheMolokai Education Centers Business Plan (2007) acknowledges the islands diversifiedagricultureindustryasamajorcontributortoMolokaiseconomywithroomforfuturegrowthAreas for future growth include valueͲadded food product development as a nichemarketMECsBusinessPlanaddsthatagriculturalcourseofferingsatthecollegeandrelevanttrainingwillplayasignificantroleinpreparingtheworkforceforadiversifiedeconomyWhile community and countyplanningobjectives clearly identify agriculture asaneconomicmainstay forMolokaiacomprehensiveprofileofMolokairsquosagriculture industryhasnotbeenfullyanalyzedOne of the objectives of this Needs Assessment is to determinewhereMolokai fits in theoverall Statewide picture for agriculture Has Molokai experienced similar successes andchallenges that farmers on the other islands face What are the strengths and assets ofMolokairsquos agricultural community aswell asneeds challenges andopportunities What isworkingandwhatisnrsquotWhataretheperceptionsoflocalconsumersWhatisthedemandforlocalMolokai grownproducemeat and seafood Howmany are farming What isbeingfarmedandwhereWhatarethelimitingfactorstofarmingonMolokaiIstherecommunitysupportforlocalfarmersDostoresandrestaurantsonMolokaihavestrongrelationshipswithlocal farmers and make priority for their produce and valueͲadded items How can westrengthenagricultureonMolokaiHowfoodsecureisMolokaiThesearethequestionsthatwesetouttoanswerthroughtheneedsassessment
36AkutagawaMalialdquoKƻha`oBusinessCenterndashEntrepreneurialTrainingampSupportFinalReportrdquoMarch312009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 14
III METHODS
Weadoptedthefollowingmethodsandstrategies An islandwidesurveyonfoodproductionandsecuritystartedfromFebruary27toMarch
272012(SeeAppendixforSurveyFormandResultsAnalysisSummary) Twohundredeight (208)surveyswerecompletedbytheadultmembers (overtheageof
18)ofthegeneralMolokaipopulationbringingoursamplepopulationat39Molokairsquosadultpopulationisat5401outofatotalislandpopulationof7345
Target SampleSizeADULTPOPULATION(Individualsover18
yearsofage)
208
Surveysweremadeavailableatvariouscommunity resourcecentersaswellasonlinevia
ourwebsiteEmailalertsandFacebook invitationsweremade for the tech savvy GivenMolokairsquos rural character and varying levels of knowledge and exposure of the generalpopulation to technology themost effectivemethod for data collection proved to bethroughdirectphysical inquiriesRespondentsweremost receptive toour surveyswhenofferedatourmultiplesurveytablesplaced inpublicareasparticularlystrategic locationsof commerce such as sidewalks fronting grocery stores and during various communityevents
Atotalof36 interviewswereconductedwithagricultureexpertsandeducators (3)small
andmediumͲscalefarmersandCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)operatorsgrowingdiversifiedandorganiccrops(14)deerandcattleranchers(3)fishermenandaquacultureproducers (3) localgroceryandhealth foodstores (5)meatprocessorsandvalueͲaddedfoodproducers(4)hotelandrestaurants(3)andother informants(1)(SeeAppendixforInterviewQuestionsandResultsAnalysis)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 15
Keyinterviewinformantsincluded
AgricultureExpertsampEducators
GlennTevesMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureampHumanResources(UHͲCTAHR)ph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJenniferHawkinsMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUHͲCTAHRph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJamesBoswellCertifedOrganicInspectorandAgricultureInstructorUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollegendashMolokaiFarmph(808)567Ͳ6577boswelljhawaiiedu
FarmersndashDiversifiedampOrganicCropsCastleAdolphoHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerof`inaKulaniFarmsHo`olehuaKimoKaiamaHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKaiamaFarmsHo`olehuaRickTamanahaofKaleikoaFarmsHawaiianHomesteadFamilyFarmHo`olehuaKalaniHanHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKuikamokuFarmsHo`olehuaTuddiPurdyHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm(808)567Ͳ6601wwwmolokaiͲalohacommacnutsJaneTevesHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofHuaKalaFarmHo`olehuaLynnDeCoiteHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofLampRFarmHo`olehuandashMahana(808)567Ͳ9234wwwlandrfarmscomKu`uleiArceofArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamShariLynofMali`oFarmandExecutiveDirectorofKaHalePomaika`iKamaloandUalapu`eEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8107httpwwwlocalharvestorgmalioͲfarmͲorganicallyͲgrowingͲonͲmolokaiͲM11205EllenSpruanceOwnerofPapaoHakuFarmMapulehuandKumimiEastMolokaiJamieRonzelloCSAOperatorMahanaGardensJoeKennedyPermaculturistMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanaEmanuelaVinciguerraMarketingDirectorofKumuFarmsMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanawwwkumufarmscom
RanchersEdmundPedroOwnerofPedroRanchEastMolokaiJanRoneyManagerofPu`uOHokuRanchEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8109wwwpuuohokucomfarmDesmundManabaOwnerofDJCRanchIncHo`olehuandashMahana
FishermanAquacultureProducerDedrickManabaFishermanKaunakakaiSteveChaikinOwnerofMolokaiSeaFarmPala`au(808)553Ͳ3547wwwbroodstockcomMyronAkutagawaandShermanNapoleonJrKeKua`ĈinaHanaunaHouPuko`oEastMolokai
MeatProcessorValueͲAddedProducersJackSpruanceDirectorofMolokaiLivestockCooperative(MolokaiSlaughterhouse)Ho`olehuaBrendaKaneshiroBeekeeperandOwnerofMolokaiMeliKamaloEastMolokai(800)434Ͳ2550NancyGoveSaltMasterandOwnerofPacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ8484wwwpacificahawaiicomChrisMebileChongrsquosPoiShopKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ4313
GroceryStoresCrystalIgusaandStaffFriendlyMarketCenterKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5595KevinMisakiofMisakirsquosGroceryKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5505DennisTurnerOwnerofOutpostNaturalFoodsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ3377SonyaYuenOwnerofKualapu`uMarketKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ6243NaniPeleManagerofMaunaloaGeneralStoreMaunaloa(808)552Ͳ2346
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 16
HotelampRestaurants
TinaPriceManagerofKualapu`uCookhouseKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ9655GenePikeExecutiveChefatHulaShoresRestaurantHotelMolokaiKamiloloa(808)553Ͳ5347httpwwwhotelmolokaicomKerrieFeltCoͲOwnerofMolokaiBurger(808)553Ͳ3533wwwmolokaiburgercom
OtherInformantsByronEspaniolaAhaMokuRepresentativeforKaluakoiMaunaloa
WewereunsuccessfulinsecuringaninterviewwithMonsantoasthelargestemployerand
agricultureoperationonMolokai Our repeated inquiries remainedunanswered TherewereadditionalMolokaigrowersranchersaquacultureoperators fishermenstoresandrestaurantsthatwewantedto interviewbut inthe interestofgeneratingthisreport inatimelymannerwewereunabletofullymeetthisobjective
Findings were also supplemented through research of existing literature of global
statewideandMolokaiͲspecificagriculturefactsandtrendsAreviewofcurrentandpriorcommunityͲbased planning economic education and training initiatives in support ofagriculturewerealsoexaminedThesearereferencedthroughoutthedocument
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 17
IV KEYFINDINGS
Thissectionhasbeenorganizedintothefollowingcategories LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProducts MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgriculture
Producers Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengths
NeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFoodAccesstoLocallyGrownFoodWeaskedMolokairesidentsiftheyfeltaccesswasavailabletolocallygrown food in the localgrocery storesandopenmarkets78of those surveyed felttheyhaveaccesswhile13felttheydidnotAwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood
Doyoucareorthinkaboutwhereyourfoodcomesfrom
DoyouprefertobuymorelocalMolokaifoodproducts
Wouldyoueatmorelocalfoodifitwereavailable
98ofthosesurveyedwouldeatmorelocalfoodifitwasavailablewhile1wouldnot
90ofthosesurveyedprefertobuylocalMolokaifoodproductswhile2donot
94 of the sample populationcarethink about where theirfood comes from while 5 donot
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 18
QuestionWhatwouldyouliketoeatorbuyifitwasmadeorgrownonMolokai
TheMolokaipopulationwantstoeatasmuch Molokai made products aspossible Fresh vegetables and fruitsranked the highest Specificallymentioned items were kalo (taro)sweet potato brussel sprouts bittermelon cabbage olives pumpkinasparagus corn lettuce tomatoesbroccoli cucumber eggplant squashzucchini beans carrots onion garlicginger spinach melons watermelonspears strawberries and persimmonsMeat products included requests for
fishchickenporkandbeefValueaddedproductrequestsincludedhamburgersausagetofupoibutterand jamRequestswerealsomade fordairyproducts likemilkeggscheeseandgoatcheeseWhile 90 of those surveyed stated theywould buymore local food if itwas available itappearsthatsomerespondents(25people)feltthattherewasnrsquotenoughdemandonislandforlocalproduceandthatlikelyposedachallengetoMolokaifarmersWequeriedMolokairesidentsonwhattheywouldliketoseeintermsofimprovingagricultureonMolokaiandincreasingtheiraccessascustomerstolocalfoodsTheseweresomeoftheirresponses
ldquomoresupportforlocalfarmersrdquoldquo(createa)betterfarmersmarketrdquoldquobybuyinglocalrdquoldquothatstoresbuyandsellmorelocalproducerdquoldquocoͲopͲonedistributorrdquoldquolabelgmoandorganicproductssoweknowrdquo
SubsistenceWealso surveyed theMolokaipopulation todetermine someof theirpracticesaroundfoodpreparationandwhatpercentageoftheirfoodcamefromdifferentsources AswehadsurveyedMolokairsquosfarmingcommunityandanalyzedthebehavioroftheislandrsquosmaingrocerystoresonwhatitemstheyselectedtosellwewantedtoknowiftheremightbeadirectcorrelationbetweenconsumerdemand for localproductsand levelofselfͲsufficiencyamongthegeneralpopulationtoengageinsubsistenceactivitiesWe foundthatanaverage825ofthosesurveyedpreparetheir foodathomewhile174mainlyeatrestaurantͲpreparedfoods
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 19
QuestionOfthefoodyouprepareathomeapproximatelywhatpercentageisgrown
caughtandorproduced
Fromoursurveyresponsestowhatpercentageoffoodpreparedathomecamefromwhatwasgrowncaughtandorproducedby individuals themselvesonMolokai ingeneralwithin theStateofHawai`ioveralland fromoutsideofHawai`iwe found that residentsaccessed foodfromthesemultiplesourcesatanearequalratewitharangeof236to272 fromeachsourceItisinterestingtonotethat246ofthefoodpreparedintheaveragepersonrsquoshomecame frompersonal subsistence activities The figure of 272 of locally grown caught orproducedfoodsmay includebothofwhat isavailable inMolokaistoresaswellaswhatmighthave been bartered or shared by otherMolokai residents as a result of their subsistenceactivities Whenaskeddirectlywhatpercentageof food consumed comes from subsistenceactivitiesanaverageof401camefromitemsthatwerefishedhuntedgatheredraisedorgrown (to includeonersquospersonalharvestsand foodsacquiredandsharedbarteredbyothersalsoengagedinsubsistence)Thusitwouldmakesensethatcombiningthetwofiguresinthegraphaboveofpreparedfoodsgrowncaughtandorproducedbytheindividualsthemselves(246) andwhatwas acquired generally fromMolokai resources (272) either shared byothers or bought directly from the store the cumulative total being 518 one mayextrapolatefromthisdatathatthedifferencebetween518and401being117maybethe amount of locally produced foods sold in Molokairsquos stores When polled as to theimportance of subsistence activities in their lives 72 of the respondents said itwas veryimportant to them Of the13who responded that theydonotengage inany subsistenceactivitylackoftimewascitedasthegreatestreasonwhytheydidnottakepartinsubsistenceIn comparing our general data on subsistencewith the results presented in theGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReport37in1993wefoundthatsubsistencemaybeplayingan
37MatsuokaJonDaviannaMcGregorLucianoMinerbiMaliaAkutagawaGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReportMolokaiDepartmentofBusinessEconomicDevelopmentandTourism1993
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 20
even bigger role today than it did two decades ago Loss of jobs and the global economicdownturnmaybecontributingfactors
SubsistenceFactors 1993 2012Estimatedtotalpercentageoffoodthatcomesfromvarioussubsistenceactivities
28 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored38 Ͳ for Native HawaiianMolokaifamilies50 Ͳ 54 respondents out of241surveyed
40 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored
Overall importance ofsubsistence to Molokaifamilies
51Ͳveryimportant25Ͳsomewhatimportant11Ͳsomewhatunimportant32Ͳnotatallimportant
72Ͳveryimportant21Ͳsomewhatimportant1Ͳsomewhatunimportant2Ͳnotatallimportant
From this information though not as comprehensive and rigorous in its exploration ofsubsistence on Molokai as the 1993 Task Force Report we are assured that subsistencecontinuestobeanimportantpartofMolokairsquosfamiliesandoveralleconomyFiftyͲthreepercent (53)ofour respondents stated that they grow theirown food throughfarmingorgardeningWhenpolledastothekindsofsubsistenceactivitiestheytypicallyengageinrespondentsidentifiedthefollowing
HUNTING 39ofthosesurveyedhunt(axisdeerwild
piggoat)FISHINGampDIVING 57ofthosesurveyedfishordive
GATHERING 32gather(limuopihicrabpipipilĈrsquoau
harsquoukersquouke)asasubsistenceactivity
OTHER 4citedamixtureofraisinglivestock
sharingandtradingfoodasasubsistenceactivity
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 21
ThefactthatsubsistenceremainsasignificantcontributortohowMolokaifamiliesacquiretheirfoodthisinturnmayalsoaffectlocalmarketbehaviorintermsofwhatlocallyproduceditemsareplacedonstoreshelvesandwhetherMolokai farmersandproducers find itnecessary toprovideasignificantvolumeoffoodforthelocalMolokaimarketAvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProductsWewerepleasedtofindthatMolokairsquosagricultureindustryisquitediverseandhostsanumberof small family farms both on the Hawaiian Homestead in Ho`olehua and also dotting thelandscape inMana`eEastMolokai Duringour interviewsweasked farmers ranchersandaquaculturistswhatcropsandvalueͲaddedproducts theycultivatedprocessedvalueͲaddedandsoldandwhatweretheirprimarymarketsWealsocombedtheinternetandlearnedbywordofmouthofotheragribusinesses The following tableprovides for the readeranatͲaͲglancelistofgrowersonMolokaiandwhattypesoffoodandproductsareavailableonislandItalsolistsprimarylocalaswellasoffͲislandmarketsProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldMeatsampEggs
MolokaiGrassFedBeef PedroRanchPu`uOHokuRanchKualapu`uRanchPohakuloaRanch
ProcessedandsoldbySlaughterhouse(MolokaiLivestockCooperative)toMolokaiBurgerFriendlyMarketCenterKualapu`uMarketKualapu`uCookhousePu`uOHokuRanch
Venison DJCRanchLLC NotsoldSharedonlywithcustomersonformalhuntsandMolokaifamiliesforsubsistence
Lamb(freerange) KalapanaandDeeannaKeli`iho`omalu
PilotphaseProcessedatMolokaiSlaughterhouseSoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketCenterandMisakirsquos
FreeRangeEggs Davis`ohana MolokaiMinimartMana`eGoodsampGrindzotherMolokaigrocerystores(notebecamemorepopularandvisibleinstoresaftermainlandeggswererecallednationwideforbacterialcontamination)
DuckEggs WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SeafoodFishndashakutunaakuleopakapakaahionomahimahionaga
Variouscommercialfishermen5onisland
DirectCustomerSalesOffͲIslandWholesalerDistributor(forhotelsandrestaurants)
Shrimp KeawaNuiFarms(808)558Ͳ8931httpwwwkeawanuifarmscomMolokaiSeaFarms
FriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosOffͲIslandOnlineSalesforShrimpBroodstock
SeaweedLimuOgo(Gracilaria) KeawaNuiFarmMolokaiSeaFarms
MisakirsquosOffͲIsland
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 22
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldGreensampOtherVegetables
Lettuces KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(808)558Ͳ8306
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Kale WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
MustardCabbage Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BokChoy ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamMali`oFarm
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
Chinesecabbage ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistArugula WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsales
SwissChard JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomatillo JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomato ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sweetcorn ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistChinesePeas ArcersquosFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SoyBeans JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BlackBeans Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
GreenBeans ArcersquosFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
GreenOnion KuikamokuFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
AllMolokaigrocerystoresCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Radish KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Beets KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 23
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
GreensampOtherVegetablesBrocolli ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistEggplant ArcersquosFarm
Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Carrots JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SweetPotatoSweetPotatoChips
LampRFarm VariouslocalMolokaistores8tonsshippedweeklyoffͲisland
YamsYamChips(indevelopmentphase)
TuipulotuFarm
Tarondashregularandcertifiedbiodynamicdifferentvarietiesdryandwetlu`auleaf
`inaKulaniFarmsKaiamaFarmsKimMarkhamPapaoHakuFarm
FriendlyMarketCenterdirectsalestocustomersCertifiedbiodynamictarosoldoffͲislandathealthstoreoutlets
Avocado PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm558Ͳ8383httpwwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Organicginger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲIslandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Organicturmeric PapaOHakuFarm NotsoldMedicinaluseAwa Pu`uOHokuRanchKaiamaFarms DirectsalestocustomersChiliPepper Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproduceshared
withclientsintreatmentandforclientfundraising
HerbsampSpicesBasils(ItalianThai) KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm
(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanadaCommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Thyme JamieRonzello(CSA)KumuFarms CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dill KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Oregano KimMarkhamKumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
ItalianParsley KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 24
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
HerbsampSpicesChineseParsley KimMarkhamMali`oFarmWaialua
Permafarm(CSA)CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Cilantro KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Rosemary KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Spearmint KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Lavender KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Savory KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sage KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Cinnamon PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm(808)553Ͳ8383wwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Vanilla PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Cacao PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
FruitsampNutsOrange Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tangerine Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 25
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
FruitsampNutsLimes Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Papayandashconventionalandorganic
KaiamaFarmsKaleikoaFarmsHuaKalaFarmNoahKuohaKumuFarmsMali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
VariouslocalMolokaistoresexportedthroughoutHawaiianislandsWholeFoodsoutletsMainlandUSandCanadaCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Watermelon `AinaKulaniFarm DirectsalestocustomersBananaAppleBanana HuaKalaFarm`AinaKulaniFarms
KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
Kualapu`uMarketOutpostFriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Rambutan WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
JackFruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Mango Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentandsoldbythemCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Soursop WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dragonfruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Strawberry PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Lychee PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
MacadamiaNuts PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm DirectsalestovisitorsparticipatinginfarmtourMailorders
Coffee CoffeesofHawai`i(808)567Ͳ9490wwwcoffeesofhawaiicom
AllMolokaistoresonlineorders
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 26
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
ValueͲAddedProductsCilantroLimePesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaionlinesales
outletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
BasilMacadamiaNutPesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
PickledOrganicGinger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲislandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Honey(premiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyhoneycombs)
MolokaiMeliKimMarkham
KumuFarmsOutpostNaturalFoodStore
Poi ChongrsquosPoiShop AllMolokaistoresKulolo `inaKulaniFarms DirectSalesTaroChips HuaKalaFarm NotenoughvolumetosellregularlyYamChips TuipulotoFarm StillindevelopmentstageBeeswaxCandlesChapstick MolokaiMeli KumuFarmsGourmetSeaSalt PacificaHawai`iSeaSalts
HawaiiKaiCorporationhttpwwwhawaiikaicocom
Pu`uOHokuRanchKumuFarmsKamakanaCountryStoreMolokaiWinesampSpiritsBlueMonkeyFriendlyMarketCenteroutletsthroughoutHawaiiStateandUSMainlandonlinesales
Other Tileaf KimMarkham KukuiStarters PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm Giventohomesteadersfor
reforestationinHo`olehuaFlowersgingerakulekulecigar
PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm ShippedleistooffͲisland
Tropicalflowers(variety) KuleanaWorkCenterwwwmolokaiflowerscom
OnlinesalesanddirectsalesatSaturdayOpenMarketdays
SeedsSeedbank Ka`anoTheMolokaiSeedProject553Ͳ4243
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 27
MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers
Molokairsquos grocery stores and restaurants selllocallygrownharvestedandprocessed itemsAnaverageof2of locallygrownorMadeonMolokai products are sold in local grocerystores Some stores such asMisakirsquos carry ahigher percentage (15) ofMolokai produceThoseestablishmentsweinterviewedallstatedthat they want to sell everything that isMolokaimade PapayasweetpotatoChongrsquosPoicoffeeKanemitsubreadandKumuFarmspesto are the most common Molokai itemsfound in localstores Misakirsquostendstocarryagreater assortment of Molokai produce andvalueͲadded products in addition to thesecommon items Misakirsquos sells LampR sweetpotatochipsstringbeansbittermelonutongeggplant green onion lime and lemon FishalsoarepurchasedfromlocalfishermenSome stores and restaurants also purchaseMolokaigrass fedbeefprocessed through theislandrsquosslaughterhouseTheseordersarefilledonaconsistentbasisSmaller stores like Kualapu`u Market andMaunaloaGeneralStorethatdonotexperienceas much traffic as the grocery stores inKaunakakai have to concern themselves withhowquicklyanitemsellsForsomecustomersMolokaigrassfedbeefisanacquiredtasteandit may take a more conscientious eaterconsidering the health benefits of grass fedbeeftoappreciateitsflavorButiftheaveragecustomer does not appreciate these qualitiesandprefersacertaintasteofbeefthatshehasgrown accustomed to then the store risksspoilage The samegoes for fruits likemangothatripenquicklybutmaynotsellfastenough
especially sincemany families havemango trees in their own back yards For these smallstorescarryingitemsthatwillsellquicklyisimportantespeciallymeatandproducethathaveashort shelf life Kualapu`uMarket typically sellsMolokai coffee sweet potato chips poi
MOLOKAIESTABLISHMENTSSELLINGORSERVINGFOODampGROCERIES
ONMOLOKAIRESTAURANTSampFASTFOODCoffeesofHawaii 567Ͳ9655HulaShores(HotelMolokai)
553Ͳ5347
KanemitsuBakeryampRestaurant
553Ͳ5855
KualapursquouCookhouse 567Ͳ9655LittleGrassShack 553Ͳ5862MakarsquosCorner 553Ͳ8058ManarsquoeGoodznGrindz 558Ͳ8498MolokaiBurger 553Ͳ3533MolokaiDriveInn 553Ͳ5655MolokaiPizzaCafeacute 553Ͳ3288MolokaiRoastPorkHouse 553Ͳ9068MrsKrsquos 553Ͳ3201SundownDeli 553Ͳ3713LOCALGROCERYSTORESFriendlyMarketCenter 553Ͳ5595CPascuaStore 553Ͳ5443KamoisSnackNGo 553Ͳ5443KualapuuMarketLtd 567Ͳ6243MaunaloaGeneralStore 552Ͳ2346Misakis 553Ͳ5505MolokaiMiniMart 553Ͳ4447OutpostNaturalFoods 553Ͳ3377MolokaiWinesNSpirits 553Ͳ5009TheStoreHouse 553Ͳ3399KamakanaCountryStore 553Ͳ5725GASSTATIONSHayakuGasNGo 553Ͳ3444RawlinsChevronStation 553Ͳ3214ReferenceSustainableMolokaiResourceGuide2009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 28
MolokaibreadandeggsMaunaloaGeneralStoremakesitapointtoacceptproducefromthecommunitygarden runby theKaHaleMua low incomehousing They typicallygrow stringbeans tomatoeseggplantand lettuce Maunaloa residentsarealsopermitted toutilize thefacilitytopreparemusubibentoandlocalplatelunchestosellpreparedfoodsaswellastheirartandcraftsatthefrontofthestoreOther locallyproduced items that someof the storeswould like to sell inmore volume aretomatoesbananasfishanddairyIfMolokaifarmerselectnottogroworsellcertainproduceor products to the local grocery stores the storeswill sell offͲisland produce (egManoalettuce Kula tomatoes etc) Sometimes they will also order items from as far away asCaliforniaorMexicotosatisfycustomerdemandsandpreferencesTherequirementsarenotoverlystringentforthelocalfarmertosellproduceandvalueͲaddedfoodstolocalgrocerystoresForsomestoreslikeFriendlyMarketindividualsmustpossessabusinesslicenseForotherstoresthatreceivesmallquantitiesoffreshproduceatatimetheydonotrequireproofofbusinesslicenseGrocery stores showcasing locally grown food feel cheated when farmers simultaneouslypeddletheirproduceonthestreetPricing isalsoan issue forMolokaistores Theywould like tobuymore locallygrown itemshowevertheycangetproducealotcheaperfromthemainlandForexampletheaveragecostofatomatothatislocallygrownis$2lbwhilestorescanacquiretomatoesfromthemainlandfor$1lbandpassthesavingsontothecustomerFriendlyMarkethasexpressedapreferenceforbuyingproduce from farmerswhohaveapricecostandplan (egthat identifiesspecificamountsofproducethatwillbeavailableandtheircost)toensureitemconsistencyinpricingandavailabilityIdeallystoreswanttosaveonpayingshippingcoststoimportfoodfromthemainlandandoffͲislandbyprovidingpreferenceforlocallygrownfoodsConsistencyisimportantforstorestocontinuecarryingspecificitemsprovidedbylocalfarmersandproducers Consistencywas citedbyevery store and restaurantwe interviewed as thenumberonechallengethatmostfarmersfaceinworkingwiththemMisakirsquoshasfoundawayaround this issue TheypurchaseMolokai fish caught and sold to theHonolulu fishmarketthroughadistributortheresothatcustomerscanstillbenefitfromeatingMolokaicaughtfishMisakirsquosalsoprefers tobuy fromanOahudistributor thatbuys thebulkof itsproduce fromMolokai farmers In thisway by buying in bulk through a distributorMisakirsquos is assured aconsistentproductTherearestoreswhospecificallyselect for localandorganic foodsaspartoftheirmarketingstrategy Onesuchstore istheOutpostNaturalFoodsStorewhichwillselleverythingthat isMolokaimade ConsumersexpecttopayaheftiergrocerybillastheyhaveanexpectationofbuyinglocalandpreferablyorganicallygrownandproducedfoodsOtheritemsthatcannotbesourced locallyorare in lessersupplyorforwhichthere isademandfor(egapplespearsandoranges)aresourcedfromthemainlandandsoldattheOutpost
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 29
We interviewed3restaurantsKualapu`uCookhouseHotelMolokairsquosHulaShoresrestaurantandMolokaiBurger Useofandemphasisonuseof localmeatseafoodandproducevariedTheKualapu`uCookhouseestimates that itutilizes1ofMolokaigrownproduceandvalueͲadded products in its dishes as it does not have strict requirements to do so It primarilypurchasesMolokailettucethroughKualapu`uMarketHotelMolokaiuses less than20 localproduceand seafood in itsdishesbutwould ideallyprefer toutilizeat least60of locallygrownandharvested foodson theirmenu ThehotelcurrentlybuyslocallygrownlettuceeggplantandpapayafromKumuFarmsandincorporatesthesefoods intotheirmenu Freshfish isthefastestandmostpopularselling itemanddoesnot requireapricecost listwhenbuying from fishermen Patronsbuy fishdishesatmarketprice Itwascommunicated thataschefs it is important toestablish relationshipswith localfarmersandacquirehighend itemsonaconsistentbasis Whathasbeenachallengeforthechefs at the hotel is figuring outwho is growingwhat and searching these farmers out toprovidetheproducemeatandseafoodtheyneedWhatwouldeasilyservethemwouldbeabrokeror localdistributor to takeon that typeofwork Currently theHotel is consideringsettingasidesomespaceonthehotelgroundsforanherbgardentoreadilysupplysomeofthekitchenrsquosneedswhileprovidingsomekindofyouthinternshipprogramtoinstallandmaintainthegardenMolokai Burger exclusively serves 100Molokai grass fed beef for its burgers and TuesdayMexican menu The restaurant purchases 240 pounds of Molokai beef from theslaughterhouse It receives positive customer feedback its loyal customers being especiallyhealth conscious individuals and local and nativeHawaiian activistswhomake it a point tosupportestablishments thatutilize localMolokai foods MolokaiBurgeralsopurchases fromKumuFarmsonaweeklybasis8poundsoftheirvegetablegreenstoserveintheirspecialsaladand chicken salad plates Molokai sweet potatoes are also utilized for sweet potato nachochipsontheMexicanmenu Whilenot locallyproducedMolokaiBurgeralsopurchasesbunsfromalocalMolokaidistributorasawaytosupportasmanylocalbusinessesaspossible
QuestionWhatlocalfooditemswouldyouliketosellorincorporateinyourmenuthatarenotcurrentlyavailableorareinshortsupply
FriendlyMarket orangesallcitrusesmangoavocadobokchoywonboktropicalfruits inseasonfishporkprocessed through slaughterhousealldairy (milk cheese)or soybasedmilkasanalternativeand free rangeeggsWillsellalllocalitemsMisakirsquosbananasandtomatoesWillsellanythinggrownandmadeonMolokaiOutpostNaturalFoodsStorestrawberriescantaloupescucumbers tomatoespotatoesandYukon from localgrowersKualapu`uCookhouselocalfreerangechickeneggsKualapu`uMarketagreaterdiversityandselectionoflocalproducegrownbyMolokairsquosfarmersMaunaloaGeneralStoremorebananasandpapayasastheyselloutfastestHulaShoresRestaurantofHotelMolokaivenisonMolokaiBurgeraconsistentsupplyofMolokaitomatoesfreerangeeggsandfishthatarereasonablypriced
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 30
Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities
QuestionAreyoua farmerIfsohowoldareyouͶΨ ȋȌ ǡ
ͶͶǤ
ǡ ͷͶǤ
QuestiontofarmersinterviewedHowlonghaveyoubeenfarming
ʹʹ ͶͲǤ
QuestionHowmuchlandareyoufarming
ǡͶͶǢ͵ʹͳͷǢͷͳͷǦͶͲ͵ͶͲǤ ǡͲ
ǡͲƬʹͲͲƮǦǤ
QuestiontofarmerswhatdoyoufeelarethechallengesfarmersfaceonMolokaiNatureandtheElementsWindHomestead farmers must contend with high winds on a regular basis Thus initial farmplanning must include installing windbreaks to avoid crop damage from weathering Thecommunity has identified in several former planning documents such as the MolokaiEmpowermentZoneApplication(1998)massplantingofwindbreaksthroughouttheHo`olehuaareatoprotecthomesteadfarm landsasoneofthe40priorityprojects IntheendMolokaiwas successful in achieving theMolokai Enterprise Community federal designation a step
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 31
secondtoEmpowermentZonestatus Windbreaksremainedpartofthe40priorityprojectsInstallationofwindbreakshave alsobeen reiterated as a ShortRangePriorityProject in theMaui County Comprehensive EconomicDevelopment Strategy (CEDS) 201038However notmuchhasbeendonetomovethisfromaconceptualstagetoimplementation
Thesituationwasexacerbatedin2005upontheintroductionofthevirulenterythrinagallwaspthatdestroyedthevastmajorityofwiliwilitreesStatewideLarvaeimplantedintothetissueofwiliwili leaves form tumorous like growths and effectively starve the trees from receivingnutrition39Muchof thewiliwili trees thathad servedprimarilyaswindbreaksdiedwithinayearor two Thus farms thathadestablishedwiliwiliwindbreaksbecamenewlyexposed towinds With the introduction of Eurytoma by scientists a predator species that exclusivelyfeedsonerythrinagallwaspsandavoidsnativewaspsthesurvivingwiliwilihavebeenabletomakeacomeback40DroughtAnumberoffarmershavecitedcurrentdroughtconditionsasaseriousthreattofarmingOnefarmerreportedthatherentireorganicgingercropfailedduetodroughtandshewasunabletoyieldaharvestthisyearAtthetimewestartedourinterviewsinFebruary(2012)Molokaiwasexperiencingthelowestrainfallinadecadecomparableto2001droughtfiguresAdrywinterandspringseasonhavebeencausingwatershortages Arecentheavystorm inMarch (2012)brought some reliefbutwithprimarilyeroded soilsexposed to theelementsmuchofthatmuddiedwaterwashed intotheseatochokecoralsaffectnurserygrounds forfishandcoverlimu(seaweed)beds41Steadypercolationintotheaquiferisnecessarytomakea difference to the watershed and levels in the reservoir42 According to Glenn TevesExtensionAgent forUHͲCTAHRdroughtconditionsaffect insectbehavior Forexampleantsseekingwaterwillfindasubstitutebyacquiringhoneydewfromcertaininsectsthatproduceitsuchasldquoaphidsmealybugswhitefliesandscaleshellipknown tosuckplant juicesandweakenthem hellip [and] spread plant viruses on an array of crops such as melons peppers andtomatoesrdquo43 Animals will also chew through drip irrigation systems to access water in adrought andwill subsequently cause leaks andwater loss for the farmer44Cows are alsoaffectedwithahigher incidenceofmiscarriageorsmallercalfsizedueto lackofhighquality
38 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1102 AgricultureReforestationWindbreakPlantingp5039RichardsSabrinaldquoWaspwarsNewpredatorchecksHawai`irsquosgallwaspepidemicrdquoSciencelineJanuary62011httpsciencelineorg201101waspͲwars40Richards201141 Teves G ldquoEffects of Rain and Droughtrdquo Molokai Dispatch March 15 2012httpthemolokaidispatchcomeffectsͲofͲrainͲandͲdrought42Teves201243Teves201244Teves2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 32
food consumed during pregnancy45Deerwill also compete and feed on grass reserves forcattleTevesroughlyestimatesthatfarmersandranchershaveexperiencedacumulativecroplossvaluedat$1millionduetothedrought46MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)Builtinthe1950sandlsquo60stheMISwasconstructedtotransportwaterfromWaikoluValleyonthenorthshoretothefarmingareasofCentralMolokaitoprovidewaterforthesolepurposeofagriculture47WaikoluValleyprovideswatertothesystemviaa51milelongtunnelPipesand flumes convey thewater to the Kualapu`u Reservoirwhich is designed for amaximumdepthof54feetor14billiongalloncapacity48TheHawaiianHomesCommissionAct (ldquoHHCArdquo)of1920sect221(d)grantedhomesteadersldquotherighttousefreeofallchargeanyofthewateruponthe islandofMolokairdquo49Thisprovisionwasamended in1955togiveHawaiianHomesatwoͲthirdswaterallocationpreference fromtheMIS50 The Department of Agriculture whichmanages theMIS has not enforced thisprovision Presently80oftheMIS isconsumedbynonͲhomesteadersdespite23rdswaterreservation requirement for homesteaders51 It has been recently noted that homesteaderwaterusagehasincreasedbynearly20comparedtolastyear52TheMISWaterUseAdvisoryBoardspeculatedthathomesteadfamiliesareexpandingtheirfamilygardens53TheentireislandofMolokaihasbeendesignatedbytheStateCommissiononWaterResourcesManagement (CWRM or ldquoWater Commissionrdquo) a sole source aquifer and critical watermanagementarea Thesedesignationsunderscorethefactthattheentire islanddependsonone water source for its drinking water subsistence and agricultural needs and carefulmanagementisnecessarytomaintaintheaquiferRecords for the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) revealed that as of December 2011 theKualapu`ureservoirhadloweredto11feet(ascomparedto17feetayearprior)andcontinuedtodecline54Todaythereservoirhasloweredanotherfootwithstoragelevels50lessthana
45Teves201246Teves201247BaldaufNatashaHalsquoaheoKaholsquoohalahalaandDavidSakodaldquoTheMoloka`i IrrigationSystem AVision foraSustainableFuturerdquoDecember1200948BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200949BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200950BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200951BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200952ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion53ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion54ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 33
year ago55 Current rainfall is 10 of normal levels and those utilizing theMIS have beensubjecttoa30restrictioninwaterusageoverthepast3years56TheStatelegislaturerecentlysetaside$125millionforimprovementstotheMIS57Fundswillcover Anewhydropowerplantwaterflowwillproduceenergyandoffsetelectricalcosts Replacement of aboveͲground concrete flume with an underground pipeline to avoid
animalsanddebrisfromfallingintoandcontaminatingthewatersupply StructuralrepairtoMISaccessbridge Installation of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system to allow for
monitoringofwaterflowremotelyThis is a step in the right direction and hopefullywill assist in decreasingwater loss in thesystemandimprovemanagementoftheMISWeedsPestsWildAnimalsNumerousfarmersinterviewedparticularlyintheHo`olehuaHomesteadareahaveciteddeerasamajorproblem incrop failureTheorganicpapaya farmershavebeenhithardwithonefarmerhavinglosthisentirecropofpapayatreesSeedlingswereeatenandadulttreeswerealsoaffectedbydeerrubbings Anotherfarmerhashadtoadoptprotectivemeasuresforhisyoungkukuistarter treesasdeerseekingmoisture fromyoungplantswilleat them Hehasindicatedthatyoungkukuitreeshavetoreachacertainheightwheredeercannolongerbitethe leaves from the top Farmers are also experiencing brokenwater and irrigation pipesdestroyedbydeer One farmerwas issued a $700waterbillbefore discovering hisbrokenwaterpipeMuchofthisactivityhasbeenattributedtotheongoingdroughtconditionsdeerareseekingfarmsforwaterandfood It isestimatedthat$1million inagricultureprofitwaslosttodeerwithinthelastyearAnotherproblemthatfarmersencounteredafewyearsagowasaninfestationofratandmiceTheyweresonumerousthatdriversoftensawthemcrossingtheroad One farmerresolvedthisproblemonhisfarmbyadopting20cats
55ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions56ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions57ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 34
Other farmershavecitedpestsandweedsasaproblemon their farms Oneorganic farmerstatedthatshefinds itachallengebecauseuseofpesticidesandherbicidesareprohibited inorganicfarmingThere is an urgent need to keepMolokairsquos bee population healthy as they are pollinatorsimportant to theagriculture industry Threats to the localbeepopulation includepesticidesbeetlesandmitesHighOperationalCostsOfthe208surveyed61peopleconsideredhighoperationalcostsasabigchallengetofarmingonMolokaiThesecostsinclude Labor Infrastructure Toolsimplements Fuelforequipmentandvehicles Supplies such as fertilizer compost pesticides herbicides seeds irrigation supplies etc
Supplycostsareespeciallyhigherdue toadditionalcostmarkͲup forshipping items in toMolokai
Electricitycostsforrunningrefrigerationchiller Allfeesandtaxesincurredfromrunningabusiness Specialcostsfororganiccertification(est$1300peryear)HighCostofWaterSeventy(70)surveyrespondentsfeltfarming ismadedifficultbythehighcostofwater Thiswasespeciallytrueforfarmerswhoareoncountywater insteadofcheaperagriculturewaterfromtheMolokaiIrrigationSystemThesefarmersareontheEastEndoftheislandAlsoitisverydifficultforpeople inMaunaloaandKaluakoitofarmandevengardenduetothewatersystemrunbyMolokaiRanch Ratesforwaterareastronomicalhaving increasedby17858TheStatePublicUtilitiesCommissionallowedforarateincreasefortheRanchrsquosMolokaiPublicUtilitiesfrom$318per1000gallonsto$60459TheWaiolaOMolokaiIncwateralsoownedbyMolokaiRanchwas approved for a rate increase from$185 to $51560 These increasesimpactapproximately1200residentsonthewestsideoftheisland61
58BernardoRldquoMolokaiwaterusersprotestratehikerdquoHonoluluStarBulletinSeptember52008httparchivesstarbulletincom20080905newsstory08html59Bernardo200860Bernardo200861Bernardo2008
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 35
HighEquipmentCostsSixty(60) survey respondents considered high equipment costs as a challenge to farmingTractor costs can range from $21000 to $80000 depending on the size neededwhich isrelativetotheamountofacreagetobefarmedManysmallandbeginningfarmerslackaccesstocapitaltopurchasebigticketitemssuchasequipmentHighShippingCostsYoungBrothersistheprimaryshippingproviderforMolokaiSomefarmersutilizecargoplanessuchasKamakaAir for shipmentofmoreperishable items Shipping fromMolokai involvesaddedcostanddisadvantagesforMolokaiasaruralislandtryingtotransportgoodsacrosstheoceantothelargerurbancenterssuchasOahuandMauiForthoseutilizingdistributorsthatisanotheraddedcostIn thepast farmers receivedapartialbreakon shippingcosts throughYoungBrothers TheFarmBureauassisted indefrayingchargesassociatedwith theMolokai toHonoluu legwhilethefarmerwasrequiredtocoveronlythecostofshippingfromHonolulutothemainlandThishelped to level the playing field forMolokai farmerswith the rest of farmers onOahu andStatewide Within the last five yearshowever thispolicyhasbeendiscontinued causing adisadvantagetotheMolokaifarmerYoungBrotherswillbephasingoutitsldquoGrdquoVans218cubicftcontainersforshippingpricedat$180containerandwillbepalletizingeverythingItwillnolongerbeeasytodropitemsoffatthepierandshipoutFarmerswillneedtomakethetransitionandwilllikelyhavetosolicittheservicesofMakoaTruckingtopalletizetheirgoodsandtransportthemtothepierTheftOne farmer interviewed cited crop theft as a challenge There are also risks of theft ofequipmenttoolsandsupplieswithoutadequatestorageandsecuritymeasuresFireA localbeekeeping family thatproducespremiumorganic raw kiawehoneyexperienced adevastatingfirein2009thatwipedoutthemajorityoftheirhivesTheyhaveahighamountoforderstofillandarecurrentlyrecoveringfromthedamagetotheirhivesNotEnoughLandtoFarmampCompetingUsesforAgricultureLandThe Molokai Agricultural Park owned by the State of Hawai`i is located in theHo`olehuaMahanaregionadjacenttoMolokaiRanchandHawaiianHomeLandsItconsistsof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 36
22subdividedlotsspanningatotalof753acres62Thepurposeofagriculturalparksstatewideistoprovideaffordable longͲterm leasestosmallfarmers63CurrentlyallMolokaiAgPark landsare being utilized64 Thismakes it difficult for new farmerswho are nonͲhomesteaders tosecurecheaplandSeedbiotechcompaniessuchasMonsantoandMycogenhavegainedasolidfootholdontheisland Their use of prime agriculture lands and limited water resources impact the localfarming community It is problematic especially for organic farmers who risk losing theircertification if their farmsare inproximity toGMO crops It is known thata local familyofbeekeeperswereforcedtomovetheirhivesorelserisklosingtheirorganichoneycertificationLow Prices Offered for Local Produce Not Enough Demand for Goods and ProductInconsistencyOfthosesurveyed25peoplefeltthatnotenoughconsumerdemandforproducewasamajorchallenge for farmers Whileour surveyalso found that90ofour respondentswouldbuymorelocalfoodifitwasavailableMolokairsquossmallpopulationlimitshowmuchproducefarmerscanplaceinthelocalmarketManyof the farmers thatwe interviewedwere frustratedat the lowprices theyget for theproduce theygrow They find itdifficult tonegotiatewith storesonpricing For them it ischallengingtomakealivingorbeeconomicallysustainablebysellingproduceonlyonMolokaiOne certified organic and biodynamic farmer informed us that she is offered $110lb byMolokai stores forherorganicgingerbut she can sell itatamuchhigherpriceonOahuat$5lbinstoresthatshowcaseorganicfoodsWiththatamountsheisabletomakeaprofitaswellasrecoupherproductionandshippingcostsUHCTAHRAgricultureExtensionAgentGlennTevesstatesthatalotoffarmersdonotpaycloseenoughattentiontotheirpricingOftentimestheywillpricetheirproduceonthelowendThissetsanegativestandardthatmakesitmoredifficultforotherfarmerstogetareasonablepricefor their crops He recommends that farmers check regularly on produce prices andmakecomparisonsalsoonhowmuchtheysellforontheotherislandssothattheycanprovidemorecompetitivepricingthatisadvantageoustothemLackofSupportforAgricultureLawmakershavealsobecomeunsupportivetopreservingagriculturelandsAbusesaboundonagricultural landswithmultiͲmilliondollargentlemanestatesdevelopedanddefinedasldquofarm
62StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks63StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks64StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 37
dwellingsrdquo and attractive landscaping required underCCRs andAssociationRules dubbed aslegitimateldquoagriculturerdquo Theseldquofarmdwellingsrdquo increasethepriceofagriculture landforrealfarmersNationwide family farmersarebeingedgedoutby largecorporateproducersat the rateof330farmersperweek65TheUnitedStateshasanestimated5millionfewerfarmsthanithadinthe1930s66Today2millionfarmsexist intheUSwith565000 identifiedasfamilyfarms67ThereasonforthisisthatfederalgovernmentpoliciesfavorlargeͲscalecorporateagriculturePoliciessuchassubsidizingbigagriculturecreatesafalsesetͲpointontrueproductioncosts68TheAmerican taxpayerabsorbs thesehefty costs The federalgovernment spentover$177billion in agricultural subsidies from the years of 1995 to 200669 These large agricultureoperationsareabletoprovidehugevolumesoffoodforacheappricebecauseofthesubsidiesallocatedTheyeasilyoutcompeteandsqueezeoutthesmallfarmerthatreceivesnohelpfromsubsidies andmust pass to the customer the true costs of production in order to remain aviablebusinessStrongcorporatelobbyingmaintainsthisstatusquo
NeedforAdditionalEducationampTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunityOfthosesurveyed33farmersconsideredalackofcapacityeducationtobeachallengeSomefarmersaredauntedbythecostsofhighereducationandthetimetheywouldneedtoinvestineducationalongsidebalancingfamilyresponsibilitiesandfullͲtimefarmingProficiency inknowledgeandexperienceoffarmingprinciplesandtechniques isnecessaryforallfarmers Theymustunderstandfarmplanninghowtoplantmaintainandharvestcropshowtosetupirrigationmeetthebiologicalandmineralneedsoftheircropshowtomaintainsoil health how to minimize offͲfarm releases of pollutants and toxins such as chemicalfertilizersandpesticidesoperateand repair toolsandmachinerybasic carpentry skillsandpossess a true passion for farming A lot is learned through trial and error but educationcombinedwithpracticalexperience gives farmers abetter chance atmaking it These skillsalonearenottheonlyrequirementshoweverAfarmer(orparticipatingfamilymembers)mustalsobefinanciallyliterateandpossessstrongbusinessbookkeepingaccountingandmarketingskills To lease landsaccessbusinessstartup fundssuccessfullyapply for loansandreceive financing forbigequipmentpurchases the
65ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml66ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml67ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml68ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml69ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 38
farmerhastohavegoodcreditandbefinancially literate Ifhe issaddledwithdebtandbadcreditthenhewillneedtocreateandsticktoaplanforrepairinghiscreditOther skills a farmermust cultivate to successfully start an agricultureenterprise is learninghowtodomarketresearchandbusinessplanningItrsquosbettertomakemistakesonpaperfirstrather than in real life aftermuch time and investment has beenmade Once the farmenterprise isupand running then the farmerhas to contendwithkeeping financial recordscurrenteitherpersonallyortruesecuringabookkeeperoraccountant BusinessandpayrolltaxeswillneedtobepaidfeesforspecialcertificationssuchasorganicfarmingmayalsohavetobefactoredinAfarmermustbeawareofwhattogrowandproduceandhowtomarketherproducts inorder tobeprofitable Shemustbedisciplined in implementingher farmplanaccount for year round staggered plantings and harvests and crop rotations and reinvestprofitsbackintothebusinessRarelydotheseskillsexistinonepersonMostfarmersjustwanttofarmandnotdealwiththeother details of running a business As they age too farmerswill need to think about asuccession plan Ideally it should be a family enterprise with familymembers possessingdifferent skill sets and playing different roles that collectivelymake a successful agricultureenterpriseRanchingampTheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeMolokairsquos history includes large scale ranching of cattle which was once an enterpriseendeavorbyMolokaiRanch the islandrsquos largestprivate landownernow known asMolokaiProperties Limited SinceMPLrsquos closure ofmajor operations ranching is currently done bymembersof thecommunity inwhich theycultivate the remainingcattleonproperty CattleRanchersincludePohakuloaRanchKualapu`uRanchPedroRanchandPu`uOHokuRanchChallengeswithMolokaiBeef Muchof theranchingcommunitydonot finish theiranimals through theslaughterhouse
preferringtosellcattleoffisland Lessmeat isproducedon the islandwhich in turnmeans lessMolokaibeefavailable for
consumptioninrestaurantsandstores More than one individualentity does not like the tasteconsistency of the beef ndash some
suggestedthatthemeatbecuredlonger Somemembersofthecooperativefeelthecostforanimalprocessing($65animal)isunfair
since it isnotbasedonactualproductyield(egdeerorgoatmeatyields lesspoundsofmeatthancattle)
SlaughterhouseTheMolokai Livestock Cooperative which operates the only slaughterhouse facility on theislandprocessescattleandpork Pork isnotusually sold to storesdue to thepreferenceof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 39
Molokaifamiliestoutilizerearedhogsforhomeconsumption Thuspork issubjectusuallytocustomkillsonlyAsforcattleamaximumof18headperweekandaminimumof5headperweekgoes through the slaughterhousewitha cumulative totalof730animalsprocessed todatesincethefacilityopeneditsdoorsseveralyearsagoTheslaughterhouse iscurrentlynotoperatingatfullcapacity There isahistoricalcontextforsome of the challenges that the Molokai Livestock Cooperative faces today After thewholesale TB eradication of Molokai cattle in the 1980s and the closure of the oldslaughterhouseinKaunakakailocalranchersinitiallyworkedtogetanewslaughterhousebuiltwiththeirsweatequityandthroughsecuringfundingfromCountyStateandFederalsourcesUnfortunatelytheprocessofmovingthisprojectfromaconceptualphasetobrickandmortartook over a decade to complete By the time the slaughterhouse facility was completedranchershadmovedaway fromgrassͲfinishedcattleonMolokai to finishing theiranimalsonthe mainland Over time the ranchersrsquo commitment to strengthening their own localslaughterhouse as a viable economic engine had wavered Some ranches do not see aneconomic incentive to return to the formermodelofgrass finishing theircattleandpreferaquickerturnͲaroundtimeandtheconvenienceofsellingtheiranimalspreͲfinishedWhile theMolokaiLivestockCooperativersquosnew slaughterhousehasmadepositive inroads togettingMolokai grassͲfedbeef in local grocery stores and restaurants through itsworkwithcommittedranchersutilizingthefacility lackofvolumefromholdͲoutranchersalso limitstheslaughterhousersquosabilitytoexpandthemarketandfullydevelopanorganicnicheproduct Tomakeupforthisshortfalltheslaughterhousenowshipsin30headofnonͲMolokaicattle(50oftotalstock)onaregularbasisLambSheepForthepast5yearsahusbandandwifeteamhasbeenexperimentingwithranchingfreerangelambssheepon55acresof land inwestMolokai Thecouplehas80animals (60ewes20lambs) Theyharvestthe lambsat6monthsofageandhavebeentestingthequalityoftheanimalsMost recently they market tested their lambs The lambs were processed at theslaughterhouse ThemeatwassoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketandMisakirsquos CustomerfeedbackhasbeenverypositiveThelambmeatsoldoutquicklyinthestoresRightnowthelambsheep ranchers are trying to figure out pricing whether to sell directly to theslaughterhouseforprocessingmarketinganddistributionortohandlesomeofthoseaspectsontheirownDeerRanchingDeerranchingisnotawidespreadactivityinfactthereareonlytwopeopleontheislandthatraisevenisonDeerpensexist inMaunaloaandPalarsquoauwithasmuchas260animalscorralled
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 40
within high game fencing The deer ranching is part of a safari tour businesswhich allowsvisitorstoexperiencehuntinggameDeercanbeprocessed through theMolokaiSlaughterhouse if theanimal ispresentedat thefacilityat leastonehourafterthekillandaUSDACertified Inspectorparticipates inthehuntThisiscurrentlynotbeingdonebydeerranchersonMolokaiTheownersofDJCRanch Incwhich currentlyoperates adeer ranchhasdone some initialmarkettestingandresearchonthedemandandpotentialforvenisonmeatproduction Theyhave found ahugedemand from restaurants and the generalpublic for venisondue to thehealthbenefitsandsuperiortasteofMolokaiaxisdeerThereiscurrentlynosteadysourceforvenisonmeatandvalueͲaddedproductsinHawai`iDJCRanchhasstatedinitsmarketingplanthatinthefirstyeartheycouldprovidevenisononaseasonalbasisandinitiallyproducegroundvenison and sausages As herd numbers increase additional markets could potentially beopeneduptoWholeFoodsandCostco CurrentlyDJCRanchhasaUSDA licensetoslaughtervenisonandcouldutilizetheMolokaiSlaughterhouseThecompanyisFDAapprovedthroughthe USDA with its own stamp and seal formarketing The products that DJC Ranch hadconsideredmarketingwere
1 Groundvenisonforhumanconsumptionandalsodogfood2 9differentsausageswhichithasdevelopedandsuccessfullymarkettested3 Venisoncornedbeef4 Freshcuts5 Innards
ThereismuchpotentialinthisareaandhopefullyinvestmentscanbesuccessfullyacquiredtoimplementDJCRanchrsquosplanAdditionally theremaybeopportunity tocreateacollaborationbetweendeer ranchersandfarmerssufferingfromcrop lossesduetodeergrazing ifaplancouldbeundertakentodivertdeerfromcultivatedlandsandabsorbthemintoranchingoperationsAquacultureEffortshavebeenmadetorestorefishpondsandhavemetwithsomesuccessforsubsistenceuses State regulations affecting the restoration andutilizationof theseponds limituses tosubsistenceandeducationalpurposesmaking itdifficult toutilize theponds for commercialaquacultureThisisunfortunategiventhehardworkonthepartofthecommunityandfederalfunds invested inProjectLoko I`aatrainingprogramthathadservedanestimated20youngMolokai adults in drystack and fishpondwall reconstruction fishpond husbandry live rockcultivation for theaquarium industry shrimpand seaweedaquaculturewater samplingandanalysis leadershipandentrepreneurial skills Theseyoungadultswere trainedwithall thetools to be successful in aquaculture butwere not given the chance to commercially leaseMolokaipondsandestablishabusiness
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 41
PlansandfundingallocatedtoestablishafinfishhatcheryonMolokaiasearlyas1991andtostockfishpondsforcommercialproductionwerestalledandareunlikelytocometofruitionTheMolokai Ice House completed construction at the KaunakakaiWharf in 1993 It wasestablishedbya local commercial fishermenrsquoscooperativeof40 individualswho contributedapproximately 60Ͳ70 of Molokairsquos commercial fish landings The Ice House operatedsuccessfullyfornearlyadecadeprovidingicefreshfishpokeandseaweedforsaleA Native Hawaiian nonͲprofit Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou established a successful limu(seaweed)growersnetworkandlimubuyͲbackprogramwith30familieslivingalongMolokairsquossouthandcentralshores These familieswere trained incultivationof theedibleandhighlyprizedseaweedGracilariaparvisporacommonlyknownas limuogo Anestimated1000 lbsweeklywereshippedtoOahufishmarketsaswellasdistributedtotheMolokaiIceHouseandvariousstoresonislandintheformoffreshandvalueͲaddedproducts(limusalsaandnamasu)Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou served as amarketer and broker for the families In the endhowever some of themore successful growers opted to sell and distribute their harvestsindependently causing the cooperative typeof structure todismantleanddriving thepricesdownforMolokailimuogoduetocompetitionamongstthegrowersTherearetwoshrimpfarmsonMolokaiMolokaiSeaFarmsinPala`auandKeawaNuiFarmsineastMolokaiKeawaNuiFarmssuppliesSPFcertifiedPenaeusvannameishrimpbroodstockaswellasseasonalharvestsoftilapia fishand limuogo70MolokaiSeaFarmsalsospecializes indiseasefreeSPFPvannameibroodstockandservescustomersthroughouttheworld71PacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsandHawai`iKaiCorporationbothfarmseasaltfromMolokairsquosoceanwaters Thesesaltscarryessentialmineralsandtraceelements Molokaisaltproductionhasreachedaglobalmarketas farasChinaandEurope Productscanalsobe found inMolokaistoresAddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparationMolokairsquoshiddensubsistenceeconomy isastrengththatassistsfamiliestoday inachronicallydepressedeconomyThereisenoughdeergoatandwildpigonthelandandfishonthereeftomeet the peoplersquos protein requirements and provide food security for tomorrow TheHo`olehuaHomesteadcommunitywithfamilyfarmsdottingthelandscapehasenoughproduceandstarchinthegroundtofeedtheircommunityAscomparedtootherislandsMolokaiisinbettershapethanmostifnotallislandsHoweverthereisstillastrongrelianceonYoungBrotherstoshipinfoodtotheislandAtanygiventimethereisanestimated4daysoffoodstockedonMolokairsquosstoreshelvesNodisaster
70KeawaNuiFarmshttpwwwkeawanuifarmscom71MolokaiSeaFarmshttpwwwbroodstockcomHawaiian_SPF_Shrimp_Broodstockhomehtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 42
scenarioplanninghaseverbeenundertakenforhowthiscommunityshouldrespondifonedaythebargedoesnotarriveandalltransportationvenuesbyseaairandlandwereinterruptedAccordingtooneinformantMolokairsquosfoodreservesarestoredonMauibytheAmericanRedCross This iswrong Molokai isoneofthefew islandswithoutamainairportonthecoastalshores In timesofdisaster (eghurricane tsunami) therewouldbebetter accesson theislandtoreceiveassistanceRealisticallyhoweverMolokaiwouldbeofalesserprioritytoshipin food and medical supplies in a Statewide disaster scenario due to the islandrsquos smallpopulationInitialaidwouldbefocusedprimarilyonurbananddenselypopulatedareasontheneighboringislandsIntheMana`eandKaunakakaiareas(eastandcentralMolokai)whereasignificantportionofMolokairsquospopulationisconcentratedtheroadsandmajorityofhomesarelocatedonthecoastwithin the tsunami and flood zone corridor Getting assistance to these areas would beproblematic No major farming takes place in Kaunakakai and Mana`e except for homegardensandsomewetlandtarocultivationinthelushervalleysontheeastsideMonoͲcropping increases risks ofwholesale andmass crop failure Whilemost smallͲscalefarmers are doing diversified agriculture onMolokai not enough effort has beenmade topreserve thehundredsofvarietiesofsweetpotatobreadfruit taroandothercanoeplantsNot enough has been done to cultivate and preserve varieties of regionallyͲadapted openͲpollinatedseedsforhomegardensandsmallscalefarmersUHCTAHRhasthroughitsresearchdevelopedseedsadapted tocertainenvironments Moreeffortmaybeneeded toget theseseedstofarmers
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 43
V RECOMMENDATIONSMitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElementsWindAswindwillcontinuetobeanissueforfarmersespeciallyhomesteadfarmersintheHo`olehuaareaitisimportanttoestablishacomprehensiveprojecttoinstallwindbreaksthatwillhelptoopenupmorehomesteadlandforfarmingCostcanbeafactorforsmallͲscaleandbeginningfarmersThusaccessingfundingandcreatingcollaborativepartnershipswithcoreleadershipisnecessarytomovethisprojectalongOtherthingstoconsider intermsofdecidingwhattypesofwindbreaksto installwouldbetooptimizethepotentialofthewindbreakstoservemultiplefunctionsOnecommoncomplaintamongsthomesteadfarmershasbeenthedestructionofcropsfromgrazingdeerProvidingavegetativewindbreakwith tightplantings could serve as a living fence that keepsout deerSelectingalso fornitrogen fixingspecieswillalsoaddnutrientstothesoilandboost farmerrsquoscropsIdentifiedasakeyprojectintheEnvironmentSectionofMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandisprovidingwindbreaks inHo`olehuaThevision istoplantwindbreaksldquoalongthecoastalpaliaround the central plain andhellip along individual farmersrsquo lots Native trees and treeswithsecondarymarketvalue(fruittreesandhardwoods)rdquoshouldbeutilized72DroughtͲProofingReforestationThecommunity initiateddocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian Islandhas identified in itsAgricultureampAquacultureSectionthefollowingpriorities73
Recognize the limited availability of water as a primary factor in prioritizing suitableagriculturalfoodcrops
Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture foodproduction
Water is a limiting factor in farming especially in light of chronic drought conditions andcontinuousmandatorycutbacksonwateruse from theMolokai IrrigationSystem TherearewaysthatthefarmercanharvestwateraswellasminimizewaterlossPlantingwindbreakswillaidincreatingamicroclimatethatwillreduceevapotranspirationandallowforsomeshadeforcrops that require less sunlight Installing swales and terraces on contour in tandem withplantingswillslowthepathofwaterrunoffcomingontothepropertycreategoodsoakagethatwillbuildthewatertableandnaturallyfeedcropsMulchingandplantinggroundcoverspecies
72MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf73MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 44
alongsidemain crops will retainmoisture and support soil health These droughtͲproofingstrategiesworkinginconcertwillprovideagreatbenefittothefarmerA longertermstrategythatonehomestead farmersuggestedand forwhichhehasbeguntospreadamongstotherhomesteaders is conductingmassplantingsofKukui trees to createaforest forHo`olehua and capture rain He is setting the example by creating a kukui plantnurseryonhispropertyandgivingkeikiplantstootherhomesteadersAdoptionofthesetypesofstrategiesshouldalsobeconsideredbynonͲhomesteaduserswhohaveutilizedthe lionrsquosshareofMISwater ReforestationoftheslopesofMaunaloathathadbeendamagedbycattleranchingandpineapplecultivationwouldalso lessendependenceonwaterdiversions Thishasbeen identifiedasakeyprojectunder the communitydocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandalongwithcertainerosioncontrolmeasuresfortheWestEnd gulches that include installing ldquorock dikes (gabions) hedgerow plantings [and] siltationpondsrdquo74
ProtectingWaterResourceRights
TheWater Code directs the Commission to ldquoincorporate and protect adequate reserves ofwaterforcurrentandforeseeabledevelopmentanduseofHawaiianhomelandsassetforthinsection 221 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Actrdquo75 Additionally by law the HawaiianHomes Commission Act recognizes a twoͲthirdswater preference for homesteaders on theMolokai IrrigationSystem76These lawsshouldbeenforcedandtheDepartmentofHawaiianHomeLandsneedstoactivelyadvocateonbehalfofhomesteaderstoensuretheprotectionoftheir water rights The Department of Agriculture which manages the MIS must alsoresponsiblymeettheStatersquosfiduciarydutybyassuringthatwaterallocationsareincompliancewiththetwoͲthirdsprovisionforhomesteaders
WildAnimalControl
A number of farmers plagued by deer have opted to allow subsistence hunting on theirpropertyorhunt thedeer themselvesOthersare installing fencing tokeep thedeerout AlocaldeerranchersurmisedthatalotofthedeerareoriginatingfromdryMolokaiRanchlandsandmovingtowardsthehomesteadregionofHo`olehuainsearchofwaterandfoodThisdeerfarmerwouldliketoworkwithMolokaiRanchtoleaseandexpandhisoperationsontoRanchlandserect fencingandprovideadequatewater for thedeer toprevent them from invadingtheHomestead Withcollaborationamong farmersMolokaiRanchand localdeer ranchersthiscouldprovideawinͲwinsolutionforall
74MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf75HawRevStatSection174CͲ101(a)76HawaiianHomesCommissionActsect221(d)1920amended1955
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 45
IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth
Typicallyweeds are found in disturbed areas Weeds are bioͲindicators of soil health andstructureTheyservedifferentfunctionsandareoftenpioneerspeciesthatcomeintoasystemearly on to create optimal conditions for the next stages of succession into amorematuresystem Differentweedsperformdifferent functions suchasaddingnitrogen to the soil reͲmineralizingthesoilwithdeeptaprootsthatbringnutrientsbelowuptothesurfacelooseningcompacted hard pan soils to allow for aeration and room for new seedlings to grow andstabilizingfragileandexposedsoilswithrootstructuresthatfanoutmorewidelytoholdloosesoiltogetherThekeyistoselectspeciesthataremoreusefultothefarmerthanthenaturalordisturbedvegetationandovertimethesespecieswilloutcompeteweedyvarietiesDiversifyingcropsandmimickingnaturalsuccessiondoingtimestackingwithdenserplantingsofperenniallegumesgroundcoverswindbreaks fruit treesandvinesofpreferredspecieswillallow formaturation of the system create better soil health and select out nonͲfavorable weedyspeciesOne farmerwhooperatesanorganicpapaya farmdoesthe followingtopreservesoil fertilityandcontrolpests77 Utilizesa localmanufacturerfromOahuwhorecyclesusedcookingoilfatsbonesandfish
collected from restaurants foodmanufacturersand fishoutletsand turns thiswaste into100 certified organic soil amendments Tons of rawmaterialwaste now diverted fromlandfill
Usesdolomiteandcrushedcoraltoamendsoilorgypsumassubstitute Growssunnhemponrestingfieldstohelpwithnematodesandfixnitrogeninsoil Providescovercropofgrassesandweedsbetween rowsofmaturepapaya trees irrigated
withmicroͲsprinklerstokeepmoistureandlifeinthesoil Maintainsadiversefloraratherthanengaginginmonocropping Responds to cut worms (seasonal) by planting extra seedling trays to replace damaged
seedlings Sprays kumulus (organic sulfur) and baking soda to combat powderymildewmites and
thrips Ripsandairsoutoldfieldsandrestsfieldsforatleast15monthstoaddressnematodeissue Focusesongrowingthestrongesthealthiestplantstoprovidegreaterresistancetopests
77UniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesFeaturedFarmerRickTamanahaKaleikoafarmsHo`olehuaMoloka`iHĈnai`AiNewsletterJuneͲJulyͲAugust2011httpwwwctahrhawaiiedusustainagnewsarticlesV8ͲKaleikoaFarmsͲFFpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 46
AddressingHighOperationalCosts
EquipmentAccessSeveralcommunitypartnerscametogethertoaddressoneofthemajorimpedimentsforsmallfarmersonMolokai access toequipment TheMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityndashKeAupuniLƃkahipurchasedatractoraspartofaplannedequipmentrentalprogramadministeredbyUHCTAHR and the Hawaiian Homestead Association TheMolokai Rural Development ProjectpurchasedtractorimplementstofurtherassistthefarmersTheseimplementsincludedaJactoArbusAirblast Sprayerwith TractorMount to assist farmers in spraying their fieldswithoutadded labor Samp A AG 20 Spreader to allow growers to improve their soil pH and organicmatter Miller Bobcat 250 welder to aid farmers in repairing and fabricating tools andimplements aswell as serve as a training tool inwelding and farmmechanics and aGreatPlainsSubSoilerSS1300toassistfarmersinfieldpreparationwithminimalsoildisruptionWhilefarmerswillstillneedaccesstootherformsofequipmenttocutdown laborandtimetheEquipmentRentalModel isagoodone that shouldbe replicated tobenefit theMolokaifarming community overall and ameliorate farmersrsquo chances of success by bringing theirindividualcostsdownShipping
Howtotacklehighshippingcosts Consolidation Compilecargoandnegotiatewithcarriersbased on volume78 This could be handled formally through a cooperative structure orinformally through a hui of farmers The Molokai community has also recommendedcommissioning a ldquostudy to explore new alternatives for transportation links (air and sea)betweenMolokaiandotherareasandmarketsrdquo79Another alternative that Sust`ĈinableMolokai is preliminarily exploring is the feasibility ofprovidingasailingvesselequippedwithchillspacethatwouldideallybepoweredbyrenewableenergy (egwind solar) to serve as a communal shipping vessel forMolokai exports andimportsOneofourconcernsisnotonlythehighshippingcoststhatresidentsincurbutalsodealingwiththeinevitableconsequencesofglobalpeakoilandhelpingtoincreaseourislandrsquosfuelandenergysecurity
78Youn JL ldquoRootsofChange ToRichardNelsondiversification ismuchmore than justabuzzwordrdquoHawaiiBusiness Magazine February 2004 httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange79 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1105 InfrastructureTransportationAlternativesp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 47
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoodsOne of the areas where some farmers feel challenged is marketing and distributing theirproducts offͲisland While some of themwant to take advantage of better pricing on theneighbor islands the lackofknowledgeandexperience inpenetrating thosemarketscanbedauntingfortheMolokaifarmerItwasalsoexpressedtousfromvendorsandrestaurantsthatit is difficult to determine which farmer is selling what and to achieve a level of productconsistencyamong individualfarmers ForMolokaistoresandrestaurants itwouldbeeasiertodealwithabrokerdistributorormarketingteamwho isplugged intotheMolokaifarmingcommunityandcouldconsolidategoodsamongstallfarmersandachieveafairpriceforthemCoststoretainthisdistributorcouldalsobesharedamongstthefarmersThisdistributorcouldalso handlemarkets on neighboring islandsmainland and internationally and remove theheadachefromfarmerswhojustwanttofarmOriginallytheHiki`olaFarmersCooperativewassetuptosellanddistributefarmersrsquoproductsandhelptoremovethe impedimentsandpersonalchallengesfarmersface inmarketingtheirproduceandproducts independently HoweverthisprovedunsuccessfulbecauseofproductinconsistencyThismaybeanongoingchallengebutnotcompletelyinsurmountablePerhapsmorecarefulfarmplanningandcollaborationwithfarmersmaybeneededtocollectivelygrowspecific items tomaintainacertainvolumeandconsistency Issuesof seasonalityhoweverwillalwaysimpactconsistencyMarketingFarmers couldalso increase theirprofits throughappropriatebrandinga common logoandsharedwebsitefeaturingldquoGrownonMolokairdquoorldquoMadeonMolokairdquoproductlineThiswouldalsohelpprospectivevalueͲaddedfoodentrepreneurswhoarechallengedbyhighstartͲupandinsurancecoststhatcomeswithdevelopingaproductdesigningalogoandlabelandcomingupwithappropriatepackagingUnderonebrandandacommoninsurancethesecostscanbeminimizedandthevalueͲaddedproducercouldfocuschieflyoncreatingaqualityproductFarmersMarketampCommunitySupportedAgricultureMolokairsquoscurrentSaturdaymarketlocatedintheheartofKaunakakaiTownisanopenmarketwherethereareavarietyofitemssoldartscraftsvarioussundriesbakedgoodsandavarietyof vegetablesand fruits Ithasbeen suggested that theMolokaiopenmarketbe improvedupon to reflect a true farmersmarket Improvementswould includeproviding chill space toprovide other products like Molokai grass fed beef and seafood showcasing valueͲaddedMolokaiproductssellingmoreandbonafideMolokaiproduceandincreasingaccessibilityforlow income families to fresh local produce and other foods through undergoing the formalprocessandclearancetoacceptEBTfoodstamps
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 48
FarmersMarkets serve as an important venue for farmers to sell directly to customers andcreatepositiverelationshipswiththemForthosewhoprefertofarmandleavethesellingandmarketingtoothersalocaldistributorcouldfillthoseshoesSomehavesuggestedthatseveralfarmersmarketsbeestablishedwithinthevariousdistrictsofthe island (east central and west Molokai) to make local foods readily accessible to allconsumersAnother suggestionwas thatMolokai create its own local dollar or Local Exchange TradingSystem (LETS) amongst a communityor groupofpeoplewhomutually agree toextend andearn credit from each other through a series of transactions and exchanges of goods andservicesDirectbarterbetweenpartiesisnotnecessaryratheronecanearnLETScreditsfromperformingaserviceorgivingagoodandbereciprocatedatalatertimeforgoodsorservicesofequalvalue(egprovidingbabysittingservicestoearncreditsandreceiveplumbingworkinreturn)LETSallowscommunitiesgreater flexibilityandcreatesequalityamong itsmembersofferingvaluebeyondtheconventionalmonetarysystemSome farmers create their own market by operating a CSA or Community SupportedAgricultureTheWaialuaPermafarmhasbeenoperatingsuccessfullyforabout30yearsnowasaCSATheWaialuaPermafarmhasfamiliesthatregularlysubscribetotheirCSAandpurchaseweekly or biͲmonthly boxes of veggies and fruits The Waialua Permafarm provides animpressive listing of vegetable and fruits that they grow with customers choosing theirfavoritesWhateverisinseasonandpreferredbythecustomeriswhattheCSAprovidesPu`uOHokuRanchalsoprovidesveggieboxesaswellasamore recentoperation runningoutofMahanaGardensOneMolokaiCSAoperatorsuggestedtheSiskiyouSustainableCooperativeinOregonasagreatmodel that could help farmers here to consolidate their efforts and create direct farmer toconsumer relationships Some of the best practices coming from Siskiyou SustainableCooperativeinclude Acollectiveoffarmerswhowantedtoformamarketingandbusinesscooperative Their business plan included visionary goals such as a credit union for farmers a
cooperatively owned state of the art commercial kitchen and seed cleaning facilityaffordablehealthinsuranceforfarmfamiliesetc
Inthefirst2yearsthefarmersdeveloped3marketingvenuesaCSAafarmstandalongtheroadsideandacooperatively runmarketboothEventually theCooperative focusedmoreexclusivelyontheCSAasitprovedmostfinanciallysuccessful
Farmersrsquogoal istoprovidecontinualaccesstomore locallygrownandproducedfoodsandtomaketheCSAboxmoreofaldquooneͲstopshoppingrdquoexperienceformembersTodatetheCSA offers bread cheese eggs flowers beef and buffalo products coffee and honey inadditiontotheregularproduceboxes
CoͲopprovidescertifiedorganicfruitsvegetablesandspecialty itemsproducedon9smallͲscalefamilyfarmsandranches
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 49
Feeds250 families throughcooperativeCommunitySupportedAgriculture (CSA)marketingand distribution program while enhancing the economic viability of their sustainableagricultureoperations
CoͲopoffersasmallsharethatfeeds2peopleandalargesharethatfeeds3Ͳ5peopleCoͲopdropsoffthefoodboxesto7differentspotsonaweeklybasis
ProvidingproducetolowͲincomepopulationsispartofCoͲoprsquosmissionCoͲopprovidesfoodtoACCESSandfoodbanks
CoͲopalsosuccessfullyappliedtoacceptfoodstampsCoͲopunderstandsthateatingfreshhealthyfood is importantforeveryoneespeciallyforthemorevulnerablepopulations likechildrenpregnantandnursingmotherstheelderlyanddisabledThesepeoplearemostinneedofnutrientͲdensehighqualityfoods
CSAmembersalsobenefit from farmdaysofferedby thecoͲopmembersget tosee theirfoodbeing grown andmeet their farmersCoͲop also sends recipes andnewsletterswitheachboxtohelpmemberslearnnewandexcitingwaystopreparetheirvegetables
CoͲopworks toexpandmarkets for localseedproducers toprovidevarietiesofregionallyͲadaptedopenͲpollinated seeds forhomegardenersand smallͲscale farmersCoͲop leasesseed cleaning equipment from a local nonͲprofit to improve seed quality and encouragegrowers toproducemore seedas theequipment saves time Oneof thecoͲop foundingmembers started his own local seed company see websitewwwbiodynamicseedsblogspotcom
CoͲop farms utilize interns as an inexpensive labor pool while providing them withopportunitiesto learnhowtogrow foodandruna farmoperation Inaneffort toprovidequality internships someof thecoͲopmembers formedanonͲprofit toprovideeducationandsocialopportunitiesforfarminternsSeewebsitehttproguefarmcorpsorg
AchievingFinancialSustainabilityThroughMIFFStrategyTodays farmermust possess a diverse skillsͲset to be truly competitive in a globalmarketAccordingtoRichardNelsonpresidentofHawaiiBizlinkLLCanagricultureͲconsultingfirmontheBigIslandnichemarketdevelopmentisthekeytosuccessfulagribusinessinHawaiiratherthan the agricultureasacommoditymindset80 Headds [A]g iseconomicdevelopmentanditisalsotourismVisitorswanttoeattheNalogreensandthefreshfishseethepineappleplantationandvisit theaquacultureoperationsahard look [needs tobe taken in]assistingfarmers with a variety of things including development of market plans business planspackagedesignintroductiontobuyersdevelopmentoftradeshowsandmarketingvenuesforlocalproducers[E]veryfarmerhasgottogetsmarterItsnolongerjustharvestingproductandthrowing it inabinFarmershavetowearmultiplehatsnow81Aswe looktobuildinggreatercapacityinourfarmingcommunitymoreeducationandtrainingmustbeavailableforfarmerstomeettheseemergingtrendsinagriculture
80YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange81YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 50
Farmers are more likely to succeed through diversification The Multiple Income FarmingFamilies (MIFF) model is a strategy for strengthening agribusinesses through generatingmultiplerevenuestreamsOne exampleof aMultiple Income Farming Family isMolokaiMeli inoperation since 2004MolokaiMeli sellspremiumorganic rawkiawehoneyasavalueͲaddedproductThe familymarketsldquomelisticksrdquoorhoneysealed instrawsassimplesnacks Theyalsoprovidedifferentgradesofhoneypremiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyandhoneycombsthattheyadvertiseand sell through their website The family doesnrsquot stop there Their eldest child Elijahdevelopedhisownbusiness around adressing recipeheperfectedmadewithMolokaiMelihoneyTheyoungerdaughtershavealsodevelopedtheirownproductsbeeswaxcandlesandchapstickthataresoldatKumuFarmsandMolokairsquosspecialtyshopsAllfamilymemberssuitupintheirbeekeepingsuitstocareforthebeesInitiallywhentheystartedtheirbusinesstheyhadnot fullyreachedtheir financialgoal insecuringallthestartͲupcoststheyneeded Theylearnedtoadaptandadjustedtheirbusinessplan Whenfacedwithapredicamentthattheywould not receive their bees on time to start their operations smoothly they turned thischallengeintoanewbusinessopportunitybyprovidingtheislandrsquossolebeeremovalservicesThey utilized this initial stock of bees for honey production and continue to replenish theirstoresbymaintainingbeeremovalservicesValueͲAddingampGoingOrganicThecommunitysupportsorganicvalueͲaddedandsustainablefarming82 Encourageandsupportorganicandenvironmentallyfriendlyfarmingmethodstechniques SupporttheproductionofvalueͲaddedproducts SupportthefarmingofcertifiedorganicandornonͲGMOcropsAnexampleofwhereMolokaifarmershaveachievedsuccess is inproducingcertifiedorganicpapayaMolokaiistheonlyplaceintheworldwhereorganicpapayaisgrowncommerciallyAsmallairportrunway that lacks thecapacity toreceive largeplanesand internationalcarriershaskeptMolokaibiologicallypurerthantheother islands inthat ithasnotbeenexposedtothepapaya ringspotvirus likewise thebananabunchy topvirushasalsonot takena strongholdonMolokaibananaKumu Farms is a local distributor of organic sunrisestrawberry papaya In themidͲ1990sKumuFarms invested inandbuiltaforcedͲhotͲair(FHA)chemicalfreetreatmentfacilitywiththeapprovalof theUSDepartmentofAgriculture to treat itscertifiedorganicpapayaonsiteand distribute directly to its various markets throughout the State of Hawai`i the USMainland and Canada83 Thirty percent (30) of the organic papaya supply comes from
82MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf83KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 51
homesteadfarmingfamilieswhoarepartofKumuFarmsldquosatelliteprogramrdquo84ThesefarmersarepaidbyKumuFarms$075lbfororganicpapayawhichismorethandoublewhatfarmerstypicallygetforconventionalGMOpapayaat$030lb MolokaiOrganicPapayaretails inthemainlandUSat$5lbProducingcropsorganically isawaytovalueͲaddandenteranichemarket This isespeciallyusefulforsmallfarmswhocannotcompetewithlargeproducersOneofthesatellitefarmshasexpressedadesiretobegindistributingandmarketingitsorganicpapayaindependentlyofKumuFarmstorealizedirectmarketprofitsInanycaseKumuFarmsplaysavaluablerole inproviding itsownFHAchemicalfreetreatmentfacilitydoingoutreachto small farmers to assume the costs of shipping distribution and marketing For manybeginning farmers these types of opportunitiesmitigate some of the costs of running anagribusinessandgivethemaleguptogrowandeventuallyexpandtheirownenterprisesThe 2010 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process forMaui Countyidentified the main economic sectors forMauiMolokai and Lanai islands They includeAgriculture Arts and Entertainment Government Healthcare Recreation and SportsRenewableEnergyResearchampDevelopment (RampD)and theVisitor Industry MolokaiCEDSparticipantshave identifiedprioritygoalsandobjectivesundereachsector ForAgricultureampAquacultureMolokai residentselectedasapriorityobjectiveaneffective ldquoBuy Localrdquo (ldquoBuyMolokairdquocampaign)andtheestablishmentofaldquoMadeonMolokairdquobrandAdditionally a September 2009 report provided by theMaui EconomicDevelopment Board(MEDB)onldquoEntrepreneurshipandtheFutureofMolokairdquodeterminedfrommultiplesurveysofMolokairsquos business community areas for growth and opportunity for the islandrsquos economyRespondents identified asopportunities ldquouniquelyMolokai lsquonichersquoproducts (organicpapayacoffeecookiesMolokaibreadetc)rdquoandldquovalueͲaddedproducts (tarochipspackageddriedmangococonutandbanana)rdquoIncreasedproductionandmarketingofnewvalueͲaddedfoodproductsprovide longershelf life requires lessvolumeof rawproductandhaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketswishingtotrynewandexoticfoods ValueͲaddingandcreationofnicheproducts thatplay to the strengthsofwhat farmershere cangrowprovidesagreateradvantagetoMolokaiproducersandallowsthemtobemorecompetitiveinthemarket A few years ago theMolokai Rural Development Project (RDP) offered ValueͲAdded FoodProductionTrainingattheLanikehaCommercialKitchen inpartnershipwithHawaiianHomestheMolokaiCommunityServiceCouncilandKƻha`oBusinessCenterThetrainingwasgearedtoestablishingsuccessfulvalueͲadded foodbusinessesto fulfillanichemarketandaid inthediversification ofMolokairsquos agriculture industry RDP designed the training along theMIFFmodelofprovidingmultipleincomestreamsforfarmingfamiliesThelocalfarmerthroughthistrainingcouldsupplementhis income throughvalueͲaddingorconnectwithanentrepreneurwishingtoturnldquowasterdquo(discardedoffͲgradeproduce)intoopportunity
84KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 52
Currently Lanikeha holds a number of anchor tenants that regularly produce valueͲaddeditems Products thathavecomeoutofLanikeha includepoisweetpotatochipshoneyseasaltpestoproductsbakedandcatereditemsUtilizingLanikehaasaCommunityCommercialKitchen Incubator for additional valueͲadded product development and training is key todeveloping new food entrepreneurs on Molokai and strengthening the islands agricultureeconomyAgriͲTourismPriorities identified inMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian IslandrsquosAgricultureAquacultureSectionincludessupportofldquoagroͲtourismendeavorsrdquo85An area in which there is room for growth and diversification is the agritourism industryAccording to the Hawaii Agritourism Association (HATA) agritourism assists farmers withsupplementalincomebyprovidinganichemarketthatinvolvesconnectingtheconsumertothelandandthegrowersbyeducatingthemaboutagriculturalproductsandprovidingadirectandinteractiveexperienceOf theprofitsmade fromagͲtourism relatedactivitiesmost revenuesaregainedthroughonfarmsalesdirecttofarmvisitorsAdditionallymanyoperationsreceiveorders for products after visitors return home suggesting gains made through buildingrelationshipswithcustomersthroughagritourismvenuesAccording toHATAagritourism isagrowingglobal trend thatprovides farmswith income increative ways enhances diversity of visitor experiences while at the same time supportsculturalidentityTheMolokaiResponsibleTourism InitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanprovidesabasisfor identifyingacceptablehostͲvisitorexperiences inkeepingwithMolokairsquoscultureandruralpace 86 Focus group sessions interviews and surveys revealed that residents favoredsustainablecommunitytourismtheelementsofwhichinclude Operationsby localand traditionalpopulation toenhance thequalityof lifeprotectand
restoretheenvironmentalandculturalassetsandengagevisitorsontermsdefinedbythecommunity
Activitiesevolvingasasolutiontoeconomicenvironmentalsocialeducationalandcultural
growthchallenges
85MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf86McGregorDaviannaldquoMolokaiResponsibleTourismInitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanForMoloka`irdquoKe`AupuniLƃkĈhindashMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityFebruary2006httphuinethawaiirdporgmolokaiFinal20Report20Ͳ20with20coverpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 53
Advocating a fair exchange of value between the host and the hosted Preserving the
communityrsquossenseofplacethatbringsdignityandpridetothehost Featuringauthenticandgenuineactivities forguests Sharing realcultureby thepeople
whopracticeit Creatingabalancedratiobetweenthelocalpopulationandvisitorcountsothatthesenseof
placeisnotoverwhelmedbylargescaletourismSomeactionsteps identified tomeet theseprinciples includedculturalexchangeeducationaltoursbuilding thekama`ainavisitormarketworkingwithentrepreneurcohortsestablishingcommunitynetworksandcollaborativeeffortsSuccesswouldbemeasuredwithanincreaseinthe number of jobs in the visitor industry and an increase in contributions to the islandrsquoseconomyfromvisitoractivitiesandretailpurchasesSome Molokai farmers have shown interest in agriͲtourism as evidenced by a programsupportedbytheKƻha`oBusinessCentertheCountyOfficeofEconomicDevelopmentandtheMolokaiAgriculturalDevelopmentProgramafewyearsagotoprovideintroductoryagritourismworkshops and site visits to various farmsonMauiMaui farms likeAli`iKula Lavender andSurfingGoatDairyhaveservedasgreatmentorsTheseactivitieshave inspiredandpromptedMolokai farmersto lookathowtheycan improvetheirown farmingoperationsand increaserevenuethroughdiversificationPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm isoneexampleofagritourismonMolokai The familyprovides farmtoursandgivesvisitorstheldquomacadamiaexperiencerdquothroughaneducationalcomponentandanopportunity to taste and purchase their product Relationships builtwith visitors serve tocreatealoyalcustomerbaseThePurdyrsquosprovidedirectmarketingbymailtocustomerswhohavevisitedtheminthepastThismethodhasbeenquiteeffectiveforthemTherearenegativeviewsonMolokaiabout tourismorconventionalaspectsof tourism thatexploittheHawaiianhostculture One farmerwhodislikestourismstatedhoweverthathehaswelcomedhundredsofpeopleofallagestovisittourandworkonhis family farm Forhimnoproprietarysecretsarekeptjustadesiretoshareknowledgeandthefamilyrsquospassionfor farming In this sense tourism takes a differentmeaning one that ismore about aneducational exchange and an opportunity to volunteer and gain knowledge throughexperiencingaworkingfarmfirsthand
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 54
ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms
Lawsmustbeenforcedtomake it favorabletothe farmerto farm Enforcementofthe lawsthataccuratelydefineagricultureandappropriatefarmdwellingsiscriticaltothemaintenanceofHawai`irsquosinventoryofagriculturallandslestweforfeitafoodsecurefutureforHawai`i
MolokaiisoneofthefewislandsifnottheonlyHawaiianislandthatselfͲidentifiesitsdesiredandprimaryeconomy tobeagriculture rather than tourismThemajorityofour informantsrespondedtothefollowingquestioninthismanner
Question What is your Agriculture Vision for Molokai
ldquoTo truly be the agriculture breadbasket of the Staterdquo
Muchofthissentimentcanbeattributedtoourhistoriclegacyas`inaMomonaandaculturethathasneverforgottenthatthewealthofthe land isdeterminedbyhowmuchfoodcanbeproduced and howmuch can be shared This is the essence ofMolokairsquos two economiesagricultureandtraditionalsubsistence
InkeepingwithavisionforMolokaitobetheagriculturebreadbasketoftheStatefarmerssaythatchangesneed tobemadeby theStategovernment toprovideaguaranteedmarket forMolokai farmers to supply urban and densely populated islands like Oahu rather thanperpetuatingalosingpropositionforMolokairsquosfarmerswhoareforcedtocompetewithotherswhohavemoredirectaccesstothemarket
ExcerptsfromMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandmakescommunityobjectivesclearastothehighprioritygiventoprotectingtheinterestsoflocalagriculture87 Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture food
production Promoteandsupport family farmsonMolokai inorder toprotectagricultureaquaculture
resourcesfromcommercialexploitation Promoteactivitiesand incentives thatwillhelpsupport theeconomicsecurityofour farm
families
AdditionalacreageforAgriculturalParksshouldbereservedtosupporttheexpansionoflocalfamilyfarmsPracticesthatconflictwiththespiritandpoliciesidentifiedforAgParkssuchasleasingorsubͲleasingto largecorporateindustrialagricultureandbiotechcompaniesshouldbeprohibited
87MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 55
Newtrendsrelatedtoan increasingappreciationanddemandfor localandregionalproduceencourage the return of small family farms88 Family farms are important to the soul andresilienceofacommunity Where industrialagriculturecompaniestendtocauseerosionandpollution through destructive practiceswith the use ofmachinery and heavy application ofchemical fertilizersherbicides andpesticides independent small family farmshave amoreintimate relationship with the land and are keen on preserving green and open spaces inalignmentwithcommunityvalues89
Related to thedeclineofsmall family farms is theagingofAmericarsquos farmers Molokai isnodifferent Theaverageageofthefarmerswesurveyedwere54yearsoldwhilethenationalaverage is 5790 The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 70 of the nationrsquosagricultural landwill changehandswithin the next 20 yearsdue to the agingpopulationoffarmers91 Ifthenextgeneration isnot interested infarmingthere isarealthreatthatthesefarmlandswillbeconvertedtononͲagriculturepurposes92 It is imperativethentocultivateanewgenerationofbeginningfarmers
OutreachampEducationIncreasingConsumerAwareness Reviewofsurveyand interviewresponsesstimulated livelyinformalinquiryanddiscussionamongfriendsfamilyandcolleaguesOnesuchdiscussionwasabout the need to raise greater consumer awareness of different kinds of foods herbsvegetablesthatattractthemoreexperiencedpalettebut forwhichthe localpopulationmaynotbeaccustomedtooutsideoftheirowntraditionalfoodsOneobservationthatwasmadebyKumuFarmsisthatsalesarelowinthesummerandpickupagainatthearrivalofsnowbirdsin the fallandwintermonths Hearing localpeople talkabout theirappreciationofgoing toKumuFarmstopickupfreshorganicproducebutareluctancetotrysomeofthemoreexoticherbsbecauseoftheirlackofknowledgeonhowtopreparethemsuggestsadesiretoexploredifferentcuisinesbutnotenoughopportunitytolearnaboutandincorporatethesefoodsintotheir cooking Hosting different tastings and cooking classes that integrate a farm to tableapproachmayhelp to removesome thesebarriers toeatinghealthynew foods With thesetypesofactivitieswecreatemoreeducatedconsumers Severalofour informantshavealsosuggestedraisingawarenessatanearlyagetoeducatethenextgenerationofeatersthroughschoolgardenprogramsthatgivechildrenadirectexperienceandappreciationofcultivating
ͺͺUnited StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof FoodandAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml89ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml90ShuteBldquoANewGenerationofFarmersrdquoTheNewYorkTimesAugust192011httpwwwnytimescomroomfordebate20110817couldͲfarmsͲsurviveͲwithoutͲillegalͲlaborweͲneedͲaͲnewͲgenerationͲofͲamericanͲfarmers91United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml92United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 56
preparingeatingandeventuallybuyingadelightfuldiversityof locallygrownnutritiousandwholefoodsEducatingFarmers Molokaihasgreatresourcesthatassistboththeprospectiveandcurrentfarmer ingaining inͲdepthagriculturalknowledgeand skills TheUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollege (UHMC) Molokai Farm confers an Associates Degree and Certificates in variousAgricultureampNaturalResourcestopics
CertificateofAchievementandASdegrees inHorticultureand LandscapeMaintenanceandSustainableTropicalCropManagement
Certificates of Competence in Agricultural Science Nursery Production and PestManagement
CertificatesofCompletioninTurfgrassSpecialistSustainableTropicalCropProductionandLandscapeMaintenance
Associates in Technical Studies Degree in Cultural and Natural Resource ManagementMĈlama`ina
InthepasttheMolokaiRuralDevelopmentProjectsponsoredtheAgricultureCohorttrainingprogramwhichserved8 farming families (27 familymemberstotal)committedtodevelopingsustainablefamilyfarms93The UHͲCTAHR Molokai Office delivered the training The project employed experientiallearning and instructionalmethodologies as best practices for intergenerational transfer oftechnology and expertise for sustainable agriculture Participants learned marketing farmplanningproductionplanningrecordkeepingcompleterequisitetaxforms(ScheduleF)farmequipmentsafetyandoperationsiteͲselectionassessmentirrigationsetͲupsoilfertilityplantnutritionpestmanagement (weeds insectsdiseases)harvesting commoditiespostͲharvesthandling grading and qualitymanagement organic certification basic computing businesssoftware and custom agricultureͲbased software Participants received training on usingspecialagriculture softwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRMolokaiextensionagentAltonArakakiThe first software they learned was on Production Mapping With this program farmersplannedandprojected theirproductionactivities throughout theyearanddeterminedwhenandhowmuch resourceswouldbeneeded to complete activities successfully TheprogramalsoprovidedfarmersanopportunitytorealisticallyestimateproductioncashflowoftheirfarmplansThesecondsoftwarethey learnedwastheScheduleFfinancialrecordkeepingprogramthatmaintainsrecords inatemplatethatwouldeventuallycompletetheirDepartmentoftheTreasuryProfitandLossfromFarmingIRSScheduleFForm1040AttheendofthetrainingthecohortparticipantsreceivedcopiesofthesoftwareOtherfarmingsoftwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRprovedusefulforfarmentrepreneursenrolledintheprojectThesoftwareincludedPlantTissueAnalysisndashRecordingandTrackingforplantnutritionmanagementandCalibratingYourSprayer(publishedbyCTAHRhttpwwwctahrhawaiieduocfreepubspdfPRREͲ6pdf)
93AkutagawaMalialdquoAgriculturalCohortProjectFinalReportrdquoAugust302007
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 57
Farmfamiliesincreasedtheirknowledgeandexperienceincropproductionandmanagementandapplied theiracquiredskills toestablishingorexpanding their farmbusiness Thecropsproducedbythe8 family farmenterprises includedorganicpapaya(3 farms)yamDioscareaorganicwatermelon and taro greenhouse lettucepumpkin taro (lu`au leaf table taro andvalueͲaddedkuloloproduct)andcoffeeSeveral participants were successful recipients of the Molokai Agricultural DevelopmentProgram awards having enrolled in RDPrsquos Kƻha`o Business Center Entrepreneurial TrainingProgram to receive oneͲtoͲone business consultation and assistance in developing theirbusinessplans
Allcohort familiesmadeprofitandexceededbenchmarkssetbyRDP Anestimated totalof$105000wasmade in cumulative sales over the yearmore than doubling the year 2 endprojectgoalof$50000 The farmproductsweremarketedonͲisland intrastateandon themainlandOrganicpapayasweremarketedtomainlandhubsinLosAngelesSanFranciscoandPortlandFromthesehugecitiestheyweresoldandshippedtoinlandmarkets
From thiscomprehensive trainingparticipants learnedandexperiencedboth theagriculturalsciencesandartofrunningasuccessfulbusinessInthesciencecurriculumparticipantslearnedsubjectmatters insoilplantsplantdiseases insectsweedsplantnutritionmanagementofplant pests and plant nutrition In the agriͲbusiness curriculum participants learned postharvesthandlinggradingorganic certificationmarketingand farmproductionplanningandmanagement Both experiential learning and classroom instruction proved invaluable Themajorityofthesefamiliesremainsuccessfultodaymorethan5yearsaftertheprogramendedTrainingslikethisgivefarmersthenecessarytoolstorunasuccessfulagribusinessUHͲCTAHRcontinues toassistby focusingon teachingbeginning farmersasaway to cultivate thenextgenerationoffarmersandreversethenationwidetrendofanagingfarmingpopulationSust`ĈinableMolokaihasalso focusedoncomplementing thisworkbybringingpermaculture(ecologicalfarming)inpartnershipwiththePermacultureResearchInstituteUSAtointerestedlocal adults and homesteaders to farm responsibly and sustainably From herewersquove beenteachingsustainablefarmingstrategiestoanestimated100MolokaiHighSchoolstudentsandinstallingthefeaturesofaminiͲahupua`aasademonstrationandteachingtoolIt is recommended that tobuilda strong farmingcommunity in thenextgenerationwewillneedtotakeproactivestepsnowandstartpreparingnewfarmersearlyonfromgradeschoollevel with school gardens up through middle and high school as youth begin to exploreagricultureasacareerGeneralagricultureclassescanbesupplementedwithacurriculumthatincludes financial literacyentrepreneurshipbusinesshomeeconomicshealthandnutritionscience (biology ecology chemistry conservation) and engineering aspects From herestudentswill be able to understand agriculture from diverse viewpoints and disciplines anddevelopdifferentskills required foroperatingasuccessful farmenterprise Creatingadirectbridge tohighereducation throughcollegeandcareerpathway ladderprogramsavailableat
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 58
UHMCMolokaiandotheruniversityinstitutionsisidealOnefarmerwhohasastrongbusinessbackgroundandwasabookkeeperformanyyearspriorto farming recommended that youngpeople take courses inbookkeeping and accounting inadditiontoagricultureclassesPerhaps thegreatestways to impart farmingknowledge isbetween farmers SeveralofourfarmersthatweinterviewedindicatedthattheylearnbestfromeachotherandthatthereisadesiretoserveasmentorsfornewfarmerswholackexperienceThisisfeltparticularlyamongMolokairsquoshomesteadfarmersOnefarmerremarkedontheverycloseͲknitcommunityformedonthehomesteadandthatmosthavethesamemindsetthatldquonewopportunitiesforoneareopportunities for allrdquo As a group they rely on each other to share farming techniquesinformation on new equipment and promote their produce together Rarely is therecompetitionamongsthomesteadersbutadesire todemonstrate thatagriculture isa viableeconomicenginefortheislandOtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchersThereareanumberofincentiveprogramsthatassistfarmersranchersandlandownersiftheychoosetointegrateconservationandsustainablepracticesintheiroperationsThisisonewaythat Molokai producers can access critical funding and work with conservation expertsIncentive Programs through the US Department of Agriculture include the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service (NRCS) ndashMolokaiͲLanai Soil ampWater Conservation District(SWCD) which prepares local conservation and watershed management plans providesconservationeducationandpropagatesnativeplantstorestoreHawaiianecosystemsassistsfarmersand ranchers inanumberof federalFarmBillPrograms thatprovides incentives forvoluntary conservation practices to help reduce erosion protect streams and rivers restoreandestablishfishandwildlifehabitatandimproveairqualityo EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)respondstoimportantlocallyidentified
natural resource concerns Funds cover conservationplanningdesignand installation Itmayincludestrategiessuchasnoxiousweedcontrolbrushmanagementpasturehaylandplantingterracesandgroundcover
o GroundampSurfaceWaterConservation (GSWC) supports installationof irrigation related
conservation practices Strategies funded arewater catchment basinsmicroͲirrigationroofrunoffetc
o GrasslandReserveProgram(GRP)assistslandownersandoperatorsintherestorationand
protectionofgrasslandincludingrangelandandpasturelando WildlifeHabitat IncentiveProgram (WHIP) utilized for thecreationand improvementof
fish and wildlife habitat on private land Some practices funded include developingwetlandripariananduplandareas
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 59
o Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) wetland restoration enhancement or creation on
privatelando FarmampRanchlandProtectionProgram(FRPP)helpingstatetribalorlocalgovernmentto
purchasethedevelopmentrightstokeepproductivefarmandranchlandinagriculturaluseo Conservation Security Program (CSP) rewards farmers for protecting and improving the
environment Pays producerswho historically practice good stewardship on agriculturallandsandprovidesincentives
OtherprogramsadministeredthroughNRCSanditsaffiliatesincludeo AgriculturalDevelopment Program (ADP) provides funds to Resource Conservation and
DevelopmentCouncils throughout the nation to administer grants for community drivenprojectsthatpromoteagriculturaldevelopment
o Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) stimulates the development and adoption of
innovativeconservationapproachesand technologieswhile leveraging federal investmentinenvironmentalenhancementandprotectioninconjunctionwithagriculturalproduction
o CooperativeEcosystemStudiesUnit(CESU)provideopportunitiesforinterdisciplinaryand
multiͲagency research technical assistance and education Function as ldquovirtualrdquoorganizationslinkingseveralinstitutionstoincreaseaccesstoexpertiseandfacilities
ImproveRanchingPracticesampMaximizeUseampPotentialofSlaughterhouseThebroaderimpactfortheislandinhavingitsownslaughterhousethemostadvancedfacilityin theStateofHawaii is the revitalizationofMolokairsquos ranching industryWherequalityandincreased volume are paramount ranchers with the right tools may take advantage ofconsumer trends towards making healthier food choices through offering MolokaiͲgrowngrassͲfedorganicbeefasavalueͲaddednicheproduct
TherehavebeencriticismsaboutthequalityofMolokaibeef intermsoftaste Whilevisitorsandhealthconsciousindividualstendtobemorewillingtospendupto$5lbonlocalgrassfedbeeftheaverageMolokaiconsumertendstobemoreconcernedabouttasteAccordingtotheslaughterhousemanagerhighqualitypastureyieldshighqualitybeefandisapreͲrequisiteforenteringanichemarket Ranchersherearenot focusedongrass finishing theircattle HighqualitygrassgrownunderbestmanagementpracticesisneededtocreateagreatbeefproductItwill take time for the ranching industry to see the valueof adopting greatermeasures inalignmentwithorganicranchingpreceptstocaptureanichemarket
Venisonand lambshowmarketpotential Itwillbe interestingtotracktheprogressofthese
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 60
potential enterprises in the years ahead It is recommended thatMolokairsquos stateͲofͲtheͲartslaughterhousebeutilizedtoprocessanddistributemore localmeatandavarietyofanimalsforretailprocessingaswellasvalueͲaddedfooddevelopmentAdditionallythepossibilityandrequirements for processing goat through the slaughterhouse and the potentialmarket fortheseanimals shouldbe furtherexploredasaway toget feralgoats (andmoredeer)downfromthemountainasathreattouplandnativeforestsandontotheplateWemustbegintolookatwaystoturnthreatsintoopportunities
SustainableRanchingThe community has identified as a priority the support of ldquocontinued livestockͲraisingoperationsonMolokaithatusesustainablelandwatermanagementpracticestominimizetheriskoferosionandtoprotectMolokairsquoslimitedwaterresourcesrdquo94Sust`ĈinableMolokaihasbeenresearchingwaystobringthetoolsofHolisticManagementtoMolokai ranchers Theholisticmanagement framework touchesupon theways thatanimalscan play an important role in renewing the land through careful management andunderstandingthewatercyclemineralcycleenergyflowandecosystemdynamics Throughthismethodgrasslandscanbe improved tominimizenegativeeffectsofdroughtrebuildsoilandsequestercarbonaswellasprovidegoodpastureforhoovedanimalswhoareintegratedinto themanagement plan With holisticmanagement livestock actually provide a healingeffectonthelandthroughmimickingnatureandwildherdingbehaviorAnimalscanbeutilizedtoaerate the soilandaid in theplantingofgrass seedwith theirhooveswhilecontributingnutrientstothesoilfromtheirfeceswithhighdensitygrazingforshortperiodsfollowedbyarestorativeperiod Outcomesof this sustainablewayofmanagement include reduced costsand increased profits for the ranch more productive range land biologically active soilsreversal of desertification of eroded lands drought protection restorative effect on thewatershedimprovedwildlifehabitatandecosystemsandfoodsecurityRanchersaroundtheworldhavemetwithgreatsuccessthroughthismethodTherearesomeexamplesontheBigIslandofsuccessfulranchingwithHolisticManagementprinciplesWithappropriateplanningcollaboration and raising the necessary funds Sust`ĈinableMolokai would like to bring aHolisticManagementtrainingworkshoptoassisttheranchingcommunityStrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparednessOne farm business Kumu Farms has taken an active role in responding to food securityconcernsforMolokaiKumuFarmsaftertherecenttsunamiscarebegantoconsiderhowtheycouldhelpinincreasingMolokairsquosfoodsecurityandresiliencetodisastereventsKumuFarmsadoptedapolicy thatmakesMolokai firstpriority in termsof supplying the islandrsquosproduceneedsMolokaineedsaretakencareoffirstwiththesurplusexportedtotherestoftheStateandUSmainland
94MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 61
UH CTAHRwill be providing an `Ohana Gardening class for subsistence gardening Familygardens are the bestway to provide food security There is a phrase by Geoff Lawton arenowned permaculture teacher ldquoOne can solve all problems in a gardenrdquo In a gardendistributionandtransportationissuesareautomaticallyresolvedOthermeasuresthatcanbetaken to make food readily accessible to families and minimize the amount of time andresources to travel by foot is toworkwith families to plant breadfruit trees sweet potatobananaswet or dryland taroMany Hawaiian families particularly living on kuleana landsalreadyhavetheseplantsandtrees inthegroundasdirectbeneficiariesoftheirkupunawhocommonlyprovidedforthefamilyrsquosneedsrightintheirownbackyardOne farmer would like to see food forests on the mountain sides in every ahupua`aCollaborationwith large landownerscommunitygroupsand theahaki`ole leadershipwouldbeagoodstartingpointtocoordinatethistypeofworkMolokairsquos strength also lies in its diversified agriculture and family farms The use of largeacreagesof farm land forbiotech seedcropsutilized for researchpurposesonly impacts theislandrsquos food security and ability to produce food Typical industrialmonocrop culture alsoleavestheislandmorevulnerabletomasscropfailureGreaterresilienceisfoundthroughdiversificationoffoodcropsReintroducingthepracticeofseedsavingandgrowingmanyvarietiesofheirloomseedsadaptedtospecificgrowingregionsand climate regimes is away to increase food security Greater effortmust be placed increatingaseedbankpreservingandplantingexistingseedvarietiesparticularlycreatedbytheearlyHawaiians and passed down to the present generation and cultivating new varietiesadaptedtoonersquosgrowingareaRestoration ofWaikolu Valley was identified as a priority project under theMaui CountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)processTherestorationprojectwouldentailallowinghomesteaderstorestorethetaroterracesinthevalleyandreplanttaro95Molokairsquosgreat inventoryoffishpondsandmassivefringingreefsystemarealsoassetstotheislandrsquosabilitytoproducefoodCaremustbetakentorestoreuplandforeststostopsiltationandrunoffintotheoceanandfishpondsWorkmustbeundertakentorestoremorefishpondsandputthembackintoproduction
95Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter4ndashMauiCountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy2010ShortRangePriorityProjectsp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 62
ConclusionFarming is challenging onMolokai due to limited water resources high operational costsshippinghurdlesandtheabilitytogeta fairprice forproduce farmed Thesechallengesarenot insurmountable ifapproachedsystematicallyandcontinuedeffortsandcommitmentsaremade byMolokairsquos community to support local agriculture through education and creatingstructuresthatpoolresourcesandpeopletogetherThe island ismadestrongerby theassetswehavearichcultural legacyof `Ĉinamomonaapopulation thatmaintains traditional subsistence practices and upholds agriculture as theeconomic mainstay for the island lands fishponds and reefs capable of producing vastamounts of food a strongHawaiianHomestead farming community engaged in diversifiedagriculture a college and demonstration farm that offers agriculture certificate and degreeprograms local stateͲofͲtheͲart slaughterhousea community run commercialkitchen facilityforvalueͲadded foodproductionand trainingdedicatededucatorsandagricultureextensionagents from the University to help farmers in the field and an environment that ismorecooperativethancompetitiveintermsofsharingknowledgeandbestpractices
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 63
VI APPENDICES
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sustrsquoaina ble Molokai Survey Food Production amp Security
Do you care or think about where your food comes from ___yes ___no Do you prefer to buy local Molokai food products __ yes ___no __no preference Would you eat more local food if it were available __yes __no If yes what would you like to eat or buy if made grown on Molokai_______________________________________________________________________________ Do you feel you have access to locally grown food in the grocery stores and open markets ___yes ___no If no
what do you suggest to improve this situation_______________________________________________________
Are you a farmer or interested in farming ____ yes ____no If yes how old are you_________________
If yes what do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other ________________________________
What produce do you (plan to) farm_______________ ______________________________________ How much land are you farming (or is available for you) a Less than one acre b 1 ndash 5 acres c 15 - 40 acres d 40 acres or more
Do you grow your own food (farm gardening) _____ yes ______no If no what is the primary reason for not
growing your own food __Too busy __ Not interested __ Relying on others __Disabled __ Donrsquot know
how Other Reason _____________________________
Approximately what percentage of the food you eat is Prepared at home ______ Purchased from a restaurant ______ (total should equal 100)
Of the food you prepare at home approximately what percentage is grown caught andor produced (total should equal 100)
a By you andor your family ______ b On Molokai_______ c In Hawaii ________ d Outside Hawaii________
Would you grow food for sale if there were a viable market (guaranteed customer) (or more food if you already grow)
__Yes __No What subsistence activities do you do If none why (no interest no time donrsquot know how)
aHunting b FishingDiving c Gathering (what___________________) Other ______________ None because _______________________
To practice subsistence on Molokai we need our natural resources to be in good conditionprotected and we need access Which one is a bigger concern for you ___Conditionprotection of our natural resources ___Access to natural areasresources ___Both ndash equally
Overall how important is subsistence to your family ___Very Important ___Somewhat important
___Somewhat Unimportant ___Not Important at all
About what percent of your familyrsquos food comes from subsistence activities (fishing hunting gathering raising
animals cultivation) ________
AppendixA-FoodProduc0onampSecuritySurvey
Food Production ndash Informant Interviews ndash Farmers
Sustainable Molokai is creating an online database where we are inputting information about the islandrsquos food production We want to share what you are growing as well as include your manarsquoo on the status of Molokairsquos food supply Once this information is available to the public the island community would have a picture of what is going on in terms of food security and how we can all get together to fill in the gaps and meet needs
How old are you how long have you been farming
What produce do you farm or are interested in farming How much land is available for you
What has been your best cash crop
Has farming your specific productproduce been successful
What do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other___________________________
Do you sell or plan to sell food mostly on island What is your vision for an agricultural future for this island
AppendixB-InterviewQues0onsforFarmers
Food Security Interview Questions for Businesses
Sustainable Molokai is working on a database project which is collecting information about Molokairsquos food production We are surveying the community and would like to talk story with the islandrsquos grocery stores
Out of a 100 how much percentage of what you sell out of the store is locally grownproducedmade
If itrsquos not Molokai made where does the produce come that is being sold out of the store
What Molokai madegrown products do you sell out of the store
What are the requirements for local food to be sold out of your store (eg business license)
What is the most popularsuccessful or fastest selling local product sold
What do you consider to be the challenges that farmers face on Molokai
What would you like to sell that is Molokai made
Do you have any suggestions to potential farmers food businesses on Molokai What to sell when to sell etc
AppendixC-InterviewQues0onsforBusinesses
Molokai Agriculture Needs Assessment
a project of
Molokai-pedia
May 2012
Prepared by
Sust ʻāinableMolokai
Author
Malia Akutagawa
with
Lahela Han Emillia Noordhoek and Harmonee Williams
ampamp amp
TableofContents
I Introduction1
II Background6
AStatewideOutlook6FromPlantationAgriculturetoBiotechSeedCrops6Agroecology6OrganicFarming7BuyLocalEatLocal7DiversifiedAgriculture8Agritourism8
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent9
III Methods14
KeyInterviewInformants15
IV KeyFindings17
LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood17AccesstoLocallyGrownFood17AwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood17Subsistence18
AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValue-AddedProducts21MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers27
ContactListofMolokaiRestaurantsLocalGroceryStoresGasStations27PreferredLocalFoodstoBuyfromFarmerstoSellorIncorporateInMenu29
MolokaiFarmerPerspectivesontheirPersonalandCollectiveAssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities30
MolokaiFarmerProfile(ageexperiencenumbersfarming)30AverageAcreageFarmed30Wind30Drought31MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)32WeedsPestsWildAnimals33HighOperationalCosts34HighCostofWater34HighEquipmentCosts35
HighShippingCosts35Theft35Fire35NotEnoughLandtoFarmandCompetingUsesforAgricultureLand35LowPricesOfferedforLocalProduceNotEnoughDemandforGoodsAndProductInconsistency36LackofSupportforAgriculture36NeedforAdditionalEducationandTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunity37RanchingandtheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeChallengeswithMolokaiBeef37Slaughterhouse37LambSheep39DeerRanching39Aquaculture40
AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparation41
V Recommendations43
MitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElements43
Wind43Drought-ProofingReforestation43ProtectingWaterResourceRights44WildAnimalControl44IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth45
AddressingHighOperationalCosts46
EquipmentAccess46Shipping46
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoods47Marketing47FarmersMarketandCommunitySupportedAgriculture47AchievingFinancialSustainabilitythroughMIFFStrategy49Value-AddingandGoingOrganic50Agri-Tourism52ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms54OutreachandEducation55
IncreasingConsumerAwareness55EducatingFarmers56OtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchers58
ImproveRanchingPracticesandMaximizeUseandPotentialofSlaughterhouse59StrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness6o
VI Conclusion62
VII Appendices
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 1
Moloka`i pedia Molokai Agriculture Needs Assessment
I INTRODUCTIONMolokairsquosCulturalandHistoricLegacyasanAgriculturalBreadbasketFlyingover thesmallislandofMolokai(38mileslong10wide)oneisabletoseemuchoftheculturersquosrichheritagethe remnants of over 60 ancient Hawaiian fishponds stringing the coastline like lei (flowergarlands) thatonceheldhundredsof tonsof fish Inlandone seesalsoovergrown terracedtaro fields stretching into every ahupua`a (valley characterized as highly productive selfͲsustaining landdivisions spanning from themountaindown to the sea)These lo`i (wet taropatches)were craftedbybrilliantengineerswho channeled coolwaters throughan intricatesystemof`auwai(irrigationditches)thatmeanderedbetweenstreamandsuccessivepatchesenteredthestreamoncemoreandfedthelokoi`a(fishponds)Fromhistorictimesthisislandwascalled`Ĉinamomona(thefatorabundantland)Itproducedsomuchsurplusthatiteasilyfed armies of people from neighboring islands The people were inherently generous asscarcitydidnotexist
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 2
The Land and People Past and Present This island also produced themost famed andpowerful kahuna (priests) known for their Pule O`o (potent and ripened prayers) KahunafinishingschoolsforhigherlearningwerefoundhereMolokaiisalsoKaHulaPikobirthplaceof the dance (the giving and expression of life) and also the origin of its counterpart lua(martialartsasbringerofdeath)Togethertheyformthenecessarydualityofthehealerandwarrior to become one complete artOne comes to know the descendants of this land toexpressthatsamedualityakindnessandfriendlyopennessmingledwithanintenseferocityasprotectorsanddefendersofMolokaiNuiAHinaGreatChildofHinaSeventyͲtwopercent(72)ofMolokairsquospopulation isofNativeHawaiianancestryThe islandhasnostoplightsandnobuildingstallerthanacoconuttree Cardoorsarerarely locked AtrafficͲjamonMolokai isdescribedastwovehiclesstopped inthemiddleoftheroadwhiletheiroccupantstalkstoryanddriversbehindthemwaitpatientlyfortheconversationtoendAt least oneͲthird of the averageMolokai familys diet comes from traditional subsistenceactivities(huntingfishinggatheringandfarming)Itiscommonpracticetoexchangefishforvenisonbreadfruitfortaroandtogivefoodtokupuna(elders)whonolongercanfishorhuntforthemselves Whilenostrangertowestern influencesandthetragedyofthecommonsoftheislandsMolokaihasbestmanageditsnaturalresourcesandmaintainedagreatersenseofitsheritageas`ĈinamomonaSubsistenceandMolokairsquosEconomy As theplanemakes itsdescent the islandmoves intogreaterfocusOneseesadeepscarringofthelanddenudedlandscapesfromtheintroductionofhoovedanimals (goatdeerandcattle)decadesofheavyranchinghugewaterdiversionsthat were used for destructive plantation agriculture and now in support of the GMOcompaniesEroded gullies transport silt into the sea chokingonce abundant fishpondswithtoxic chemicalͲladen soils and inundating the largest contiguous fringing reef in the USDespite declining resources Molokai residents persist by supplementing their diet withsubsistence foods grown gathered caught fished andhuntedOne can say thepeoplenotonlysubsiston traditional foodsasaculturalpracticebutoutofnecessityBurdenedwitha12unemployment ratecoupledbyahighcostof living (gascostscurrentlyat$549gallonhighshippingcostsofgoodsbroughtbybargethatarepasseddowntothefamilyrsquosgrocerybilland100dieselpoweredelectricitycosting45centskwh)thepeopleturntotraditional lifeskillstostretchtheirdollarsTheyalsorelyonextended`ohana(families)andfriendsformutualbarteringandgoodwillAPlaceofContrasts Upon landingonMolokairsquos shortairstripone cannothelpbut takeacooling and restorative breath and absorb the surroundings of a truly beautiful andmostspecial island Over timeone realizes thatMolokai is aplaceof contrastswherepast andpresentabundanceandscarcityeaseandhardshipoccupythesamespaceOnewondershowtochangetheparadigmsothebestofthepastbecomesthe futureandthe futurebecomesthe present ͲͲwhere the land flourishes and the people thriveOur goal is to become theabundanceourancestorssaweverydayoftheir livesthatwemayrestorethepono (balanceandrightrelationship)andembracethetruemeaningofsustainability
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 3
MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandandtheWorkofSust`ĈinableMolokaiResidentstookitupon themselves to compile decades of community planning and identified cultural andfoundational values into a culminating and living document titled ldquoMolokai Future of AHawaiianIslandrdquo Itsetthestagefortheworkour islandwillundertakeforthenext40yearsandbeyond Itservedasacalltoactionthatresulted inthe formationofthisgrassrootsͲlednonprofit organization Sust`ĈinableMolokai The document has attracted the interests ofdecisionͲmakers in state and local government conservationists and environmentalistsHawaiian and other indigenous groups and green innovators It examines community andculturalvalues forwhich futuredecisionͲmakingshallbeguided It identifiesopportunities ineducation (both modern and traditional) business and vocational training diversifiedagricultureandaquacultureresponsible landusemanagementrestorationandstewardshiptomaintainopenspaceandprotecttraditionalsubsistencehostͲbasedculturallyappropriatemodels for tourism green jobs promoting energy selfͲsufficiency water conservationconvertingrelianceonfossilͲfuelͲpoweredautomobilestothoserunonrenewableenergyandatraditional`ahaki`olelocalgovernancestructurethatraisescommunityparityAs coͲauthors of this document our core leadership subsequently founded a grassrootsinitiativein2008toensurethattheplanwouldnotsitonashelftoholdunfulfilledcommunityhopesanddreams In2010weofficially incorporatedasa501(c)(3)nonprofitto implementtheplanpreserveourislandsrichcultureandhistoriclegacyof`ĈinamomonawhileembracingmodernpathwaystoasustainablefutureTheSust`ĈinabilityWheel
We define sust`Ĉinability in terms of restoringabundance or `Ĉinamomona to the land and people`ina reflects a covenant between the people and thelandwhereEarthsbountygoeshandinhandwithgoodstewardshipWeaskedourselveswhatmakesahappyhealthy and sust `Ĉina ble community We came upwiththe12priorityareasWesawthese12componentsas spokes on awheel connected to a central hub thatheldthemalltogetherThatcoreisthelokahi(unity)andthepono(harmony)betweenthelandandpeoplewhenwehonorthecovenantthatcomeswiththeword`INA
12ndashPOINTSUST`INABILITYWHEEL
CulturalIdentity LocalGreenEconomy CulturalandEnvironmentalEducation
FoodSovereigntyandSecurity WaterQualityandConservation RenewableEnergy
EnergyEfficientTransportation GreenBuildingandAffordableHousing
HealthyEnvironmentandAbundantResources
ResponsibleLandUseandProtectingSubsistence
ZeroWasteRecyclingandReͲUse CommunityHealthSafetyandWellͲBeing
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 4
Moloka`iͲpedia and the Agriculture Needs Assessment Moloka`iͲpedia is a projectundertakenbySust`ĈinableMolokaiforthepurposeofcreatingstrongercommunitynetworksinformingkeystakeholdersincreasingequityandaccesstopublicandprivatepartnershipsandresources andmobilizing our people to build as well asmeasure our progress towards asustainablefutureTheconceptforMoloka`iͲpediastemsfromour2009Sust`ainableMolokaiResource Guide that is based on our 12Ͳspoke Sustainability Wheel Positive communityinvolvementhaspromptedtheexpansionofthisworkTheprojectaddressesthecurrentlackof data specifically for our geographic area The majority of information on Molokai issubsumed within a triͲisle county system that does not account for the vast differencesbetween our rural island of 7345 to tourismͲfocused Lanai and urbanMauiwith amuchhigherpopulationdensityFurtherthereisnodatacollectiononthe12areasofsustainabilityidentified by our project Moloka`iͲpedia also seeks to address the isolation that manyindividualsandorganizationsoperate inThis siloͲeffectmakesusall ineffectiveSust`ĈinableMolokaiaimstoutilizeMoloka`iͲipediaasatooltoshowhowvariousentitiescanbenefitfromcollaboratingPublicprivateandnonprofitentitieswillbeabletoaccessspecificdatasetsseeaclearpictureofneedsͲtoͲassetsratiosmobilizecollectivelytofillexistinggapsandcapitalizeonavailableassetsandresourcestoachievesharedgoalsOuronlineopensourcedatabase isbeingorganizedalongthe12spokesoftheSust`ĈinabilityWheel Within each section we are collecting baseline and new data to provide acomprehensiveoverviewintheformofaldquoneedsandassetsassessmentrdquoofMolokairesourcesOncecompletewewillbeabletoseewhatwehaveandwhatismissingThiswillinformournext stageofworkandhelpus toeffectivelypursue solutionsonourpath to sustainabilityMoloka`iͲpediawillassistus inoureducationtrainingandadvocacyworkhelpusto identifyexistingcommunityassetsandinherentchallengesandfillcomplementaryrolesthatadvancelocaleffortsThisvehiclewillfacilitatethekuleana(responsibility)weplaceonourselvestobearchitectsofourowndestinyand indevelopinghomegrownsolutionsthatworkbest Inoursuccessothersalsosucceed Ourstrategyaimsto identifypartnershipsbetween individualscommunitygroupsbusinessesgovernmentalagenciesandotherserviceproviderswhocouldbenefitfromworkingtogetherWe envision Moloka`iͲpedia to serve as a tool for citizen empowerment returning dataownership to community toeffectmeaningful change and solutionsMoloka`iͲpediaensurescommunityselfͲdetermination inhowdata iscollectedandutilizednot justscientificallybutresponsibly ethically andwith good intent Itnecessitatesongoing community engagementwithnotonlythedataandthetechnologybutalso insharing ideasMoloka`iͲpediawillgiveeverydaypeopleaccesstoreal informationthat is importanttothemandthat improvestheirlivesespecially inatimeofgovernment inefficiencyandwastewheredecisionmakersoftendisconnectandabdicatetheirfiduciaryresponsibilityforthepeopleandplacestheyrepresentWhencitizensdetermine for themselveswhatdatasourcesare informationͲrichandofgreatvalue (including stories shared by kupuna farmers fishermen teachers coaches and
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 5
grassroots leaders)then life isbreathed intothedataand ithasthepowertotransform livesforthebetterThefirstsustainabilitytopicwehavebeguntosurveyourpopulationonisinFoodProductionToaidus in thisendeavorwesearchedexisting literatureonagriculturegenerallyaswellascombed through references toMolokaiͲspecificagriculture Thisbaselineworkhelpedus todetermine gaps in the data and refine our interview and survey questions The followingbackground information isprovidedtohelp layafoundationandcontextualbackdropforourstudy
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 6
II BACKGROUND
AStatewideOutlook
Agriculture isamajorcontributortoHawai`irsquoseconomyand isessential forproviding foodtoresidentsaswellasgeneratingrevenuethrougharobustexportmarket1Agriculturegenerates$29billion toHawai`irsquosannualeconomyandproduces42000 jobs2However there ismuchroomfor improvement intermsofprovidingenoughfoodforthe islandsaswellas increasingrevenuesfortheState
From Plantation Agriculture to Biotech Seed Crops Towards the end of the 20th centurymonocropplantationagriculture(sugarpineapple) lost itseconomicedgedueto lowerwageforeign competition3 Industrialized corporate agriculture in Hawai`i has shifted to biotechcropsnamelygeneticallymodifiedseedcornresearch4
WhilebiotechseedcropshaveprovenmosteconomicallylucrativeforHawai`iagriculturewithaprofitvalueof$177million in the2008Ͳ2009growingseason5allocatingpreciousacreageand limitedwaterresources toGMOseedcropresearchwould in the longͲtermcompromisethe Statersquos overall food security and limit the Statersquos ability to provide locally healthy andnutritiousfoodsIndustrialnonͲsustainablefarmingpracticesthatincludeheavyapplicationofsynthetic fertilizers and pesticides further degrade the ecological health and viability ofHawai`irsquosprimeagriculturallandsforpresentandfuturegenerations
AgroecologyHawai`irsquosgeographic isolationasan islandarchipelago leaves itmostvulnerableto food and fuel shortages natural disasters drought and rising sea levels associatedwithglobal climate change Measures to increase resilience and adaptability include adoptingagroecological approaches ldquoapply[ing] ecological science to the design of agricultural1State of Hawai`i Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism Office of Planning Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)ExecutiveSummaryii20102HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday3Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp4Ͳ5 ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50million Likewise thepineapple industryproduced954000 tonsof fruit in1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74millionͶHawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp5ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50millionLikewisethepineappleindustryproduced954000tonsoffruitin1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74million5ldquoTheHawaiiDepartmentofAgricultureestimatesthevalueofseedcorngrowingat$169millioninthe200809growingseasonmorethandoublethevaluefromthe200506ItrepresentedaboutoneͲthirdthevalueofallcropsgrowninthestatein200809rdquo5Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp30Ͳ31
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 7
systemsrdquo6Thismethodology includespracticesthatenhancethe life inthesoilthatprovidesnutritiousorganic food integratedpestmanagement throughguildingwithbeneficialplantsandtreesandattractingnaturalpredatorinsectsandanimalstoprotectcropsandselectingforbiodiversitytominimizecroplosses
Organic Farming Renewed interest in sustainable agricultural practices have arisen from aburgeoning organic industry and standards for organic certification that stress ecologicallybased farming and exclusion of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and geneticallymodifiedorganisms7TheUSorganicindustrynetted$178billioninretailsalesin2007approximately25intotalnationalfoodsales8Worldwidevalueoforganicproducestoodat$30billionasof2005witha14annualincreasesince20009Acreagededicatedtoorganicagriculturehasincreased20annuallysince2001with78millionacresinproductionworldwideasof200610Hawai`irsquos growth hasmirrored global and national trendswith State sales of organic cropsincreasing60between2005and2007from$5millionto$8million11Organic foods have becomemoremainstream with outlets including regular supermarketsrather than just the typical small natural food outposts12Whole FoodsMarket Inc has inrecentyearsestablishedapresenceinHawai`iWithitsreputationforbuyingfromsmalllocalfarmers the presence ofWhole Foods serves as an incentive for Hawai`i farmers to groworganicfood13Thereareanestimated200certifiedorganicproducers intheStateoperatingon a median of 5Ͳ13 acres of land14 The Big Island holds the most acreage for organicproductionat58followedbyMaui(22)Kaua`i(11)Molokai(7)andOahu(2)15TheindustrywillcontinuetoexpandwithincreasingconsumerpreferencefororganicfoodsBuyLocalEatLocalCommonthemesaroundagricultureemergedfromfocusgroupmeetingsconductedaspartofHawai`irsquos2010StatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS) These included support for diversified agriculture and increasing food security bysupportingFarmersMarketsandldquoBuyLocalEatLocalrdquo initiatives16TheHawai`iFarmBureauFederation StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculture andUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UHͲCTAHR) have sponsored these type ofcampaignsademphasizethefollowing
6UnitedNationsHumanRightsOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRightsEcoͲFarmingcandoublefoodproductionin10yearssaysnewUNreportMarch82011httpwwwohchrorgENNewsEventsPagesDisplayNewsaspxNewsID=10819ampLangID=E7RadovichTheodoreJLindaJCoxandJamesRHollyerldquoOverviewofOrganicFoodCropSystemsinHawai`irdquoCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesSustainableAgricultureNov2009SAͲ38RadovichCoxandHollyer20099RadovichCoxandHollyer200910RadovichCoxandHollyer200911RadovichCoxandHollyer200912RadovichCoxandHollyer200913RadovichCoxandHollyer200914RadovichCoxandHollyer200915RadovichCoxandHollyer200916Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)2010ExecutiveSummaryii
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 8
1 Enjoyexceptionaltasteandfreshnesspremiumtastemaximumfreshnessproducepicked
andeatenclosertoitsheightofripenesspackedwithnutrients2 Strengthen your local economy and community buying local food keeps your dollars
circulatinginyourcommunityBuildingrelationshipswiththefarmerswhogrowyourfoodstrengthensyourtiestothecommunityandtheland
3 Helppreserveopen space by supporting local farmersbuying local foodhelpspreservegreenopenspaceinyourcommunity
Part of this campaign also acknowledges lessening the Statersquos ecological footprint anddependenceonfossilfuelsfromheavyimportsfromthemainlandthathavemoreldquofoodmilesrdquoassociatedwiththemascomparedtolocallypurchasedfoodDiversifiedAgriculture Hawai`irsquosagriculture industrycapitalizesonthe islandsrsquotropicalyearͲroundgrowingclimateanduniquefeaturesthatallowfornicheindustries17Moresmallfarmshave gained a foothold in the diversified agriculture sector through cultivation of specialtycropssuchastropical fruitsmacadamianutscoffee flowersand freshproducesoldaroundtheglobe18TheldquoGrowninHawai`irdquobrandingisrecognizedaroundtheworldasaguaranteeofhighqualitydelicacies19Hawai`iRegionalCuisinehasalsobecomeknownforitsutilizationofthe freshest seafoodveggiesand tropical fruits inaunique fusionofEastWestand islandflavors20
In2008farmproductionindiversifiedagricultureproduced12200jobsthroughouttheState21Proactive measures to revitalize Hawaiirsquos agriculture industry through diversification hasbroughtrevenuesthatarecomparabletotheStatersquosearlyheydayswhensugarandpineapplewereking In2002HawaiirsquosAgriculturalFarmRevenuecrossed$5359million22Diversifiedagricultureaccountsfor69ofannualrevenueswithpineapple(19)andunprocessedcanesugar(12)trailingbehind23
AgriͲTourism Agriculture is also proving important to tourism Hawai`irsquos top economicengine24VisitorinterestinecoͲtoursagriͲtoursandculturallyauthenticexperiencesisontherise25 In2006agritourismbrought in$388million in revenueas reportedby112Hawai`iͲ
17Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp1218HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday19HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday20HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday21Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp2922ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200823ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200824HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday25HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 9
based farmsan increaseof14 from2003 figures ($339million)26The leadingcategoryofrevenuereceived fromagriͲtourswas$121million inonͲfarmdirectsalestovisitors27Otheractivitiesyieldingprofit includedbedandbreakfastamenitiesprovidingmeeting spacesandvenuesforeducationandentertainmentandoutdoorrecreation28
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent
FromancienttimesMolokaiwaswellknownas`Ĉinamomona(theldquofatrdquoorabundantland)foritswealthasanislandthatproducedfoodinsurplusfromitsverdantahupua`aandnumerousfishponds As on all Hawaiian islands Molokairsquos people and the natural resources weremanagedundertheahupua`asystemTheahupua`awasaunitoflandtypicallywedgeͲshapedrunning frommauka tomakai (mountain tosea)and following thenaturalboundariesof thewatershedThesystemwascomprisedofwaoakua(sacredplaceofthegods)uplandforeststhatgatheredtherainsTheareawassubjecttolimiteduses(egforkiamanubirdcatcherstogatherfeathersforcloakshelmetsandkahiliforthekahunakĈlaiwa`atoharvestkoaforcanoebuilding)and forceremonialpurposes Themountain forestswerepreserved intacttoformandprotectthewatershedandcarrynutrientslowerdowntheahupua`aintowaokanaka(thepeoplersquosdomain)Herethepeoplewerefreetogatheravarietyofplantsfordailyneedshardwood ofthe kauila tocarve ihe(spears) andmake toolsandimplementsolonĈ tocreate strongcordage forfishnets andfish linesmedicinalherbs `ie`iefor lashinghouse postsand canoesand maile forleiThefertileplains and fields were known as the kula lands a place rich in agriculture These landscontainedancientfeatsofwaterengineeringcontouredterracingoffieldsplantedintarothatslowedthepathofthewaterandallowedformaximumsoakageThewatercollectedandfed
26GeislerMalindaldquoagritourismprofilerdquoAgMRCagriculturalmarketingresourcecenterUpdatedJanuary2012httpwwwagmrcorgcommodities__productsagritourismagritourismͲprofile27Geisler201228Geisler2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 10
numerousspringsbelow`Auwai(irrigationditches)transportedwaterfromkahawai(streams)tomultiple lo`i(taropatches)andreturnedthewateroncemoreto itssourceTarobanana`ulu(breadfruit)tileafkƃ(sugarcane)wereallcultivatedinthekularegionFaunaharvestedfrom streams included `o`opu (goby) `opae (shrimp) and hihiwai (snail) Grasslandswereconverted to agricultural fields of `uala (sweet potato) Other kinds of plants and treescultivated here included kukui (candlenut) `ohe (bamboo) and lauhala (pandanus) At thebottomofthevalleyspringscarryingnutrientsfromaboveflowedalongtheshorelineandseaHere loko i`a (fishponds)were constructed to farm fish Thesewalled fishponds form semiͲcirclesalongtheshorelineandaredesignedasmicroͲenvironmentsforcertainbrackishwaterand herbivorous fish likemullet and awa (milkfish) that feed on abundantmats of algaetherebyproducingfoodforthepeoplewithouthavingtoapplyexcessivefishingpressurealongthereefandopenoceanExistingwithintheahupua`awasastrictcodeofconduct(kapusystem)amongstthepeopleofthe land (hoa`Ĉina) as delegated and enforced by the ali`i (chiefs) and their konohiki (landagents)forthecarefulmanagementofthenaturalresourcesThehoa`Ĉinapossessedrightsofgathering and usage of the natural resourceswithin their ahupua`a of residencewith theunderstandingthattheyalsohadkuleana(responsibility)tomĈlama(carefor)thelandandseaandharvestappropriatelyfornomorethantheirneeds Theyengaged inpo`alimacollectiveworkdayswherethepeoplepooledtheir labortoengage inpublicworks improvementssuchas constructing additional lo`i and `auwai and building fishponds From the conscientiousmanagementof the landwatersand seaand themaintenanceofgenealogicaland spiritualrelationshipstothenaturalworldtheresourceswerebroughttoastateofabundanceTheahupua`asystemsustainedthepeopleforcenturiesUponCaptainCookrsquosarrivaltotheHawaiianislandsin1778heestimatedthepopulationtobebetween 20000 to 3600029 Introduced diseases for which the people had no immunitydecimatedthepopulationthroughouttheislandsBy1836Molokairsquospopulationhaddwindledtoanestimated8700andwasfurtherreducedto2307peoplebythetimeacensuswastakenneartheturnofthecenturyin189630Kamehamehabroughtabout theunificationofall the islandsunderoneKingdomofHawai`iWesterninfluencesandtheteachingsofChristianmissionariesbroughtaboutdecisionsamongtheali`itoabolishthekapusystem(1819)privatizeanddeconstructtheahupua`a(Maheleof1848)Whilethechiefsreceivedtheirapportionmentoflandsmanyhoa`Ĉinaoutofignorancetrust intheirchiefstocare fortheirwellͲbeingandgovern them justlyor for fearofreprisalfailed to register land claims to small kuleana parcels that would have kept them with acomfortablepieceoflandtomaintaintheir`ohana(family)withhale(home)andgardenplotsHawai`irsquosentry into the internationalmarket shifted the laborof themaka`Ĉinana (commonpeople) away from agriculture and towardsdeforestationof theupland forests to fulfill the
29MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml30MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 11
kingdomrsquos sandalwood tradewithChina Otherenterprises includedwhalingandplantationagriculture that brought immigrants from around theworld toHawai`irsquos shores and alteredwatershedsthroughthediversionofwatersfrom lushwindwardvalleystodry leewardplainsforthemassproductionofsugarcaneandpineappleWithoutwatertoirrigatetheirtarofieldsmanywere forced toabandon the lo`iandmake for thecityManyMolokai families left theisland insearchofwork inthemorecommercialcenters locatedonMauiandOahu31ThosewhostayedbehindmaintainedtheirconnectiontotraditionalpathwaysandsubsistencelivingEarlyunsuccessfulagriculture trialsonMolokai included sugar coffee sisalwhitepotatoescottoncorngrapesbeansbarleyoatswheatandalfalfa32Thesecropsfailedduetoheavywindsandinsects33TheareawiththegreatestpopulationconcentrationwaseastMolokaiTheeasternmostvalleyof Halawa Valley was rich in lo`i produced taro commercially and supported a thrivingcommunityuntiltwotsunamiin1946and1967devastatedthevalleyThecommercialcentersmovedtoPuko`oandthenKamalowhichheldanaturalharborforimportandexportofgoodsTheCooke family acquired the arid central andwestMolokaiplains aboutoneͲthirdof theisland These landsarenowownedbyMolokaiPropertiesLtdcommonlyknownasMolokaiRanchToattractcommercetoitslandholdingstheRanchdredgedaharborinKaunakakaiandconstructedawharf TodayKaunakakai servesas themaincenterofbusinesswithKamaloWharfhaving fallen intodisrepairandmuchof theareaemptiedof familiesTheRanchalsostrategically purchased lands thatwould give them riparian and correlative rights tomajorstreams and aquifer water in centralMolokai They diverted water to their westernmostpropertiesusedforcattleranchingMuch of their lands in Kualapu`u and Maunaloa were utilized by Dole and Del Montecompanies forpineapplecultivation34Thepineapple industryservedas theeconomicenginefortheislanduntilitphasedoutin1987duetocheaperlaborabroadTodaymanyofMolokaiRanchrsquoslandholdingsthatgrewpineapplearenowleasedforbiotechcornresearchandcoffeeproductionTheHawaiianHomesCommissionActameasuretorehabilitateNativeHawaiiansof50bloodquantumormorebyreturningthemtothe landtobuildhomesandfarmwaspassedbytheUS federal government in 1920Molokai served as the staging ground for the programrsquossuccess or failure Hawaiian Home lands were designated in the areas of Kapa`akeaKalama`ula Pala`au andHo`olehua andmore recentlyUalapu`e NativeHawaiian familiesfromneighboringislandscametoMolokaitobuildtheirhomesandmakethelandproductiveTheir early successes aided in the establishment ofmore homesteads on the other islandsWiththeinfluxofadditionalHawaiianfamiliesandJapaneseandFilipinoimmigrantstoworkinthepineapplefieldsMolokairsquospopulationhadincreasedto442735InrecentyearsMolokairsquos31MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml32MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml33MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml34MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml35MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 12
population has grown to include snowbirds and retirees from theUSmainland aswell asthose seeking amore quiet and rural lifestyle Today the population ofMolokai stands at7345
In 1987Molokairsquos livestock industrywas crippled by the StateDepartment of AgriculturersquosmandatetoeradicateallcattleontheislandduetothethreatofbovinetuberculosisAnotherheavyblowwasdealtattheclosureoftheoldslaughterhouse inKaunakakai Muchplanningfrom the grassroots level upwas undertaken to resolve this problem Commitments frommultiplecountystateandfederalpartnersinͲkindcontributionsbyvolunteermembersoftheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeandcountlessvolunteerhoursandservicesofferedbyvariouslocal businesses and individual residents led to the establishment of a new slaughterhousefacilitylocatedinHo`olehua
Erecting this stateͲofͲtheͲart facility represented a vehicle to facilitate the restoration ofMolokairsquos ranching industry and the ability for the island toproduce and sell itsownmeatRanchersandhomesteadfarmersnowhadavenuetoprocesstheiranimalsInadditiontothemoreestablishedranchesanestimated150Molokai familiesraise livestock largely forhomeconsumption With the adventof thenew slaughterhouse therearenowopportunities forthese small scale farmers to expand into commercial livestock production Stores andrestaurantsneednot import all theirmeat fromoffͲisland as theynowhave access to localmeatMoniesgeneratedcouldbenefitthecommunitydirectlyThe introduction of hooved animals toMolokai has devastated the natural ecology of theislandCattleranchingferaldeerandgoathaveerodedthelandHeavyrainstransporttonsofsilteachyearontoMolokairsquosreefsandfishpondsIntroducedmangrovehavealsodestroyedasignificant percentage of Molokairsquos fishponds Mangroves encroach and break throughfishpond walls trap sediments and choke off underwater springs such that the watercirculationandecologyarenolongerviableforfishproductionDespite thesehardshipsand setbacksover theyearsagriculture remains the cornerstoneofthe islandrsquoseconomyMolokairsquos ruralcharacter lends toacloseͲknit communitywithpeoplewhoperpetuate strong cultural values traditional subsistence and selfͲreliance Thepeopleembrace local autonomy and are very involved in local governing processes AgriculturenonprofitssmallbusinessenterprisesandlocalmomandpopstoresarethefoundationofthelongͲtermeconomyonislandMuchofthesocialculturalandserviceorientedprogramsarealsogeneratedfromthegrassroots locallevelthroughtheworkofchurchgroupsnonprofitsandunincorporatedhuiDuringtheFocusMauiNuiproceedings in2003MauiMolokaiandLana`iresidentsgatheredtostrategicallyplanafutureforMauiCountyThe120MolokaiparticipantsoutlinedchallengestheyfacedasacommunityandprovidedstrategiesandactionplanstoaddressthemMolokairesidents identified top five community priorities which included inter alia creating jobs(409) strengthening the economy (296) growingmore food locally (217) protectingandpromotingruralidentity(191)andsupportingsmallbusinessdevelopment(130)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 13
TheMaui CountyWorkforce Investment Board (WIB) Local Plan provides an Assessment ofLaborMarketTrendstodevelopaComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategyovera10yearspanOneofWIBsgoalsistofocusondiversifyingtheeconomyincludingtheagriculturalsectorandldquonicheareasrdquoTheplanrecognizestheneedforexpansioninvalueͲaddedopportunitieswhichemphasize the uniqueness ofMaui Nui The increased production andmarketing of newagricultureproductshaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketsTheplanalso identifiesentrepreneurshipasan importantgrowtharealdquoThedevelopmentofentrepreneurshipskills is importanttothesuccessofMaui [Countyrsquos]smallbusinesses Datacollected by the Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism and otherorganizationssuggestmoreandmoreresidentsaretakingtoselfͲemploymentForMolokaiasignificant number of new business startͲupswithin the past decade have been agriculturalenterprises(36total)particularlyfromtheHawaiianHomesteadareainHo`olehua36TheMolokai Education Centers Business Plan (2007) acknowledges the islands diversifiedagricultureindustryasamajorcontributortoMolokaiseconomywithroomforfuturegrowthAreas for future growth include valueͲadded food product development as a nichemarketMECsBusinessPlanaddsthatagriculturalcourseofferingsatthecollegeandrelevanttrainingwillplayasignificantroleinpreparingtheworkforceforadiversifiedeconomyWhile community and countyplanningobjectives clearly identify agriculture asaneconomicmainstay forMolokaiacomprehensiveprofileofMolokairsquosagriculture industryhasnotbeenfullyanalyzedOne of the objectives of this Needs Assessment is to determinewhereMolokai fits in theoverall Statewide picture for agriculture Has Molokai experienced similar successes andchallenges that farmers on the other islands face What are the strengths and assets ofMolokairsquos agricultural community aswell asneeds challenges andopportunities What isworkingandwhatisnrsquotWhataretheperceptionsoflocalconsumersWhatisthedemandforlocalMolokai grownproducemeat and seafood Howmany are farming What isbeingfarmedandwhereWhatarethelimitingfactorstofarmingonMolokaiIstherecommunitysupportforlocalfarmersDostoresandrestaurantsonMolokaihavestrongrelationshipswithlocal farmers and make priority for their produce and valueͲadded items How can westrengthenagricultureonMolokaiHowfoodsecureisMolokaiThesearethequestionsthatwesetouttoanswerthroughtheneedsassessment
36AkutagawaMalialdquoKƻha`oBusinessCenterndashEntrepreneurialTrainingampSupportFinalReportrdquoMarch312009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 14
III METHODS
Weadoptedthefollowingmethodsandstrategies An islandwidesurveyonfoodproductionandsecuritystartedfromFebruary27toMarch
272012(SeeAppendixforSurveyFormandResultsAnalysisSummary) Twohundredeight (208)surveyswerecompletedbytheadultmembers (overtheageof
18)ofthegeneralMolokaipopulationbringingoursamplepopulationat39Molokairsquosadultpopulationisat5401outofatotalislandpopulationof7345
Target SampleSizeADULTPOPULATION(Individualsover18
yearsofage)
208
Surveysweremadeavailableatvariouscommunity resourcecentersaswellasonlinevia
ourwebsiteEmailalertsandFacebook invitationsweremade for the tech savvy GivenMolokairsquos rural character and varying levels of knowledge and exposure of the generalpopulation to technology themost effectivemethod for data collection proved to bethroughdirectphysical inquiriesRespondentsweremost receptive toour surveyswhenofferedatourmultiplesurveytablesplaced inpublicareasparticularlystrategic locationsof commerce such as sidewalks fronting grocery stores and during various communityevents
Atotalof36 interviewswereconductedwithagricultureexpertsandeducators (3)small
andmediumͲscalefarmersandCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)operatorsgrowingdiversifiedandorganiccrops(14)deerandcattleranchers(3)fishermenandaquacultureproducers (3) localgroceryandhealth foodstores (5)meatprocessorsandvalueͲaddedfoodproducers(4)hotelandrestaurants(3)andother informants(1)(SeeAppendixforInterviewQuestionsandResultsAnalysis)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 15
Keyinterviewinformantsincluded
AgricultureExpertsampEducators
GlennTevesMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureampHumanResources(UHͲCTAHR)ph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJenniferHawkinsMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUHͲCTAHRph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJamesBoswellCertifedOrganicInspectorandAgricultureInstructorUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollegendashMolokaiFarmph(808)567Ͳ6577boswelljhawaiiedu
FarmersndashDiversifiedampOrganicCropsCastleAdolphoHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerof`inaKulaniFarmsHo`olehuaKimoKaiamaHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKaiamaFarmsHo`olehuaRickTamanahaofKaleikoaFarmsHawaiianHomesteadFamilyFarmHo`olehuaKalaniHanHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKuikamokuFarmsHo`olehuaTuddiPurdyHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm(808)567Ͳ6601wwwmolokaiͲalohacommacnutsJaneTevesHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofHuaKalaFarmHo`olehuaLynnDeCoiteHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofLampRFarmHo`olehuandashMahana(808)567Ͳ9234wwwlandrfarmscomKu`uleiArceofArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamShariLynofMali`oFarmandExecutiveDirectorofKaHalePomaika`iKamaloandUalapu`eEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8107httpwwwlocalharvestorgmalioͲfarmͲorganicallyͲgrowingͲonͲmolokaiͲM11205EllenSpruanceOwnerofPapaoHakuFarmMapulehuandKumimiEastMolokaiJamieRonzelloCSAOperatorMahanaGardensJoeKennedyPermaculturistMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanaEmanuelaVinciguerraMarketingDirectorofKumuFarmsMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanawwwkumufarmscom
RanchersEdmundPedroOwnerofPedroRanchEastMolokaiJanRoneyManagerofPu`uOHokuRanchEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8109wwwpuuohokucomfarmDesmundManabaOwnerofDJCRanchIncHo`olehuandashMahana
FishermanAquacultureProducerDedrickManabaFishermanKaunakakaiSteveChaikinOwnerofMolokaiSeaFarmPala`au(808)553Ͳ3547wwwbroodstockcomMyronAkutagawaandShermanNapoleonJrKeKua`ĈinaHanaunaHouPuko`oEastMolokai
MeatProcessorValueͲAddedProducersJackSpruanceDirectorofMolokaiLivestockCooperative(MolokaiSlaughterhouse)Ho`olehuaBrendaKaneshiroBeekeeperandOwnerofMolokaiMeliKamaloEastMolokai(800)434Ͳ2550NancyGoveSaltMasterandOwnerofPacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ8484wwwpacificahawaiicomChrisMebileChongrsquosPoiShopKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ4313
GroceryStoresCrystalIgusaandStaffFriendlyMarketCenterKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5595KevinMisakiofMisakirsquosGroceryKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5505DennisTurnerOwnerofOutpostNaturalFoodsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ3377SonyaYuenOwnerofKualapu`uMarketKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ6243NaniPeleManagerofMaunaloaGeneralStoreMaunaloa(808)552Ͳ2346
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 16
HotelampRestaurants
TinaPriceManagerofKualapu`uCookhouseKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ9655GenePikeExecutiveChefatHulaShoresRestaurantHotelMolokaiKamiloloa(808)553Ͳ5347httpwwwhotelmolokaicomKerrieFeltCoͲOwnerofMolokaiBurger(808)553Ͳ3533wwwmolokaiburgercom
OtherInformantsByronEspaniolaAhaMokuRepresentativeforKaluakoiMaunaloa
WewereunsuccessfulinsecuringaninterviewwithMonsantoasthelargestemployerand
agricultureoperationonMolokai Our repeated inquiries remainedunanswered TherewereadditionalMolokaigrowersranchersaquacultureoperators fishermenstoresandrestaurantsthatwewantedto interviewbut inthe interestofgeneratingthisreport inatimelymannerwewereunabletofullymeetthisobjective
Findings were also supplemented through research of existing literature of global
statewideandMolokaiͲspecificagriculturefactsandtrendsAreviewofcurrentandpriorcommunityͲbased planning economic education and training initiatives in support ofagriculturewerealsoexaminedThesearereferencedthroughoutthedocument
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 17
IV KEYFINDINGS
Thissectionhasbeenorganizedintothefollowingcategories LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProducts MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgriculture
Producers Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengths
NeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFoodAccesstoLocallyGrownFoodWeaskedMolokairesidentsiftheyfeltaccesswasavailabletolocallygrown food in the localgrocery storesandopenmarkets78of those surveyed felttheyhaveaccesswhile13felttheydidnotAwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood
Doyoucareorthinkaboutwhereyourfoodcomesfrom
DoyouprefertobuymorelocalMolokaifoodproducts
Wouldyoueatmorelocalfoodifitwereavailable
98ofthosesurveyedwouldeatmorelocalfoodifitwasavailablewhile1wouldnot
90ofthosesurveyedprefertobuylocalMolokaifoodproductswhile2donot
94 of the sample populationcarethink about where theirfood comes from while 5 donot
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 18
QuestionWhatwouldyouliketoeatorbuyifitwasmadeorgrownonMolokai
TheMolokaipopulationwantstoeatasmuch Molokai made products aspossible Fresh vegetables and fruitsranked the highest Specificallymentioned items were kalo (taro)sweet potato brussel sprouts bittermelon cabbage olives pumpkinasparagus corn lettuce tomatoesbroccoli cucumber eggplant squashzucchini beans carrots onion garlicginger spinach melons watermelonspears strawberries and persimmonsMeat products included requests for
fishchickenporkandbeefValueaddedproductrequestsincludedhamburgersausagetofupoibutterand jamRequestswerealsomade fordairyproducts likemilkeggscheeseandgoatcheeseWhile 90 of those surveyed stated theywould buymore local food if itwas available itappearsthatsomerespondents(25people)feltthattherewasnrsquotenoughdemandonislandforlocalproduceandthatlikelyposedachallengetoMolokaifarmersWequeriedMolokairesidentsonwhattheywouldliketoseeintermsofimprovingagricultureonMolokaiandincreasingtheiraccessascustomerstolocalfoodsTheseweresomeoftheirresponses
ldquomoresupportforlocalfarmersrdquoldquo(createa)betterfarmersmarketrdquoldquobybuyinglocalrdquoldquothatstoresbuyandsellmorelocalproducerdquoldquocoͲopͲonedistributorrdquoldquolabelgmoandorganicproductssoweknowrdquo
SubsistenceWealso surveyed theMolokaipopulation todetermine someof theirpracticesaroundfoodpreparationandwhatpercentageoftheirfoodcamefromdifferentsources AswehadsurveyedMolokairsquosfarmingcommunityandanalyzedthebehavioroftheislandrsquosmaingrocerystoresonwhatitemstheyselectedtosellwewantedtoknowiftheremightbeadirectcorrelationbetweenconsumerdemand for localproductsand levelofselfͲsufficiencyamongthegeneralpopulationtoengageinsubsistenceactivitiesWe foundthatanaverage825ofthosesurveyedpreparetheir foodathomewhile174mainlyeatrestaurantͲpreparedfoods
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 19
QuestionOfthefoodyouprepareathomeapproximatelywhatpercentageisgrown
caughtandorproduced
Fromoursurveyresponsestowhatpercentageoffoodpreparedathomecamefromwhatwasgrowncaughtandorproducedby individuals themselvesonMolokai ingeneralwithin theStateofHawai`ioveralland fromoutsideofHawai`iwe found that residentsaccessed foodfromthesemultiplesourcesatanearequalratewitharangeof236to272 fromeachsourceItisinterestingtonotethat246ofthefoodpreparedintheaveragepersonrsquoshomecame frompersonal subsistence activities The figure of 272 of locally grown caught orproducedfoodsmay includebothofwhat isavailable inMolokaistoresaswellaswhatmighthave been bartered or shared by otherMolokai residents as a result of their subsistenceactivities Whenaskeddirectlywhatpercentageof food consumed comes from subsistenceactivitiesanaverageof401camefromitemsthatwerefishedhuntedgatheredraisedorgrown (to includeonersquospersonalharvestsand foodsacquiredandsharedbarteredbyothersalsoengagedinsubsistence)Thusitwouldmakesensethatcombiningthetwofiguresinthegraphaboveofpreparedfoodsgrowncaughtandorproducedbytheindividualsthemselves(246) andwhatwas acquired generally fromMolokai resources (272) either shared byothers or bought directly from the store the cumulative total being 518 one mayextrapolatefromthisdatathatthedifferencebetween518and401being117maybethe amount of locally produced foods sold in Molokairsquos stores When polled as to theimportance of subsistence activities in their lives 72 of the respondents said itwas veryimportant to them Of the13who responded that theydonotengage inany subsistenceactivitylackoftimewascitedasthegreatestreasonwhytheydidnottakepartinsubsistenceIn comparing our general data on subsistencewith the results presented in theGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReport37in1993wefoundthatsubsistencemaybeplayingan
37MatsuokaJonDaviannaMcGregorLucianoMinerbiMaliaAkutagawaGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReportMolokaiDepartmentofBusinessEconomicDevelopmentandTourism1993
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 20
even bigger role today than it did two decades ago Loss of jobs and the global economicdownturnmaybecontributingfactors
SubsistenceFactors 1993 2012Estimatedtotalpercentageoffoodthatcomesfromvarioussubsistenceactivities
28 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored38 Ͳ for Native HawaiianMolokaifamilies50 Ͳ 54 respondents out of241surveyed
40 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored
Overall importance ofsubsistence to Molokaifamilies
51Ͳveryimportant25Ͳsomewhatimportant11Ͳsomewhatunimportant32Ͳnotatallimportant
72Ͳveryimportant21Ͳsomewhatimportant1Ͳsomewhatunimportant2Ͳnotatallimportant
From this information though not as comprehensive and rigorous in its exploration ofsubsistence on Molokai as the 1993 Task Force Report we are assured that subsistencecontinuestobeanimportantpartofMolokairsquosfamiliesandoveralleconomyFiftyͲthreepercent (53)ofour respondents stated that they grow theirown food throughfarmingorgardeningWhenpolledastothekindsofsubsistenceactivitiestheytypicallyengageinrespondentsidentifiedthefollowing
HUNTING 39ofthosesurveyedhunt(axisdeerwild
piggoat)FISHINGampDIVING 57ofthosesurveyedfishordive
GATHERING 32gather(limuopihicrabpipipilĈrsquoau
harsquoukersquouke)asasubsistenceactivity
OTHER 4citedamixtureofraisinglivestock
sharingandtradingfoodasasubsistenceactivity
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 21
ThefactthatsubsistenceremainsasignificantcontributortohowMolokaifamiliesacquiretheirfoodthisinturnmayalsoaffectlocalmarketbehaviorintermsofwhatlocallyproduceditemsareplacedonstoreshelvesandwhetherMolokai farmersandproducers find itnecessary toprovideasignificantvolumeoffoodforthelocalMolokaimarketAvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProductsWewerepleasedtofindthatMolokairsquosagricultureindustryisquitediverseandhostsanumberof small family farms both on the Hawaiian Homestead in Ho`olehua and also dotting thelandscape inMana`eEastMolokai Duringour interviewsweasked farmers ranchersandaquaculturistswhatcropsandvalueͲaddedproducts theycultivatedprocessedvalueͲaddedandsoldandwhatweretheirprimarymarketsWealsocombedtheinternetandlearnedbywordofmouthofotheragribusinesses The following tableprovides for the readeranatͲaͲglancelistofgrowersonMolokaiandwhattypesoffoodandproductsareavailableonislandItalsolistsprimarylocalaswellasoffͲislandmarketsProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldMeatsampEggs
MolokaiGrassFedBeef PedroRanchPu`uOHokuRanchKualapu`uRanchPohakuloaRanch
ProcessedandsoldbySlaughterhouse(MolokaiLivestockCooperative)toMolokaiBurgerFriendlyMarketCenterKualapu`uMarketKualapu`uCookhousePu`uOHokuRanch
Venison DJCRanchLLC NotsoldSharedonlywithcustomersonformalhuntsandMolokaifamiliesforsubsistence
Lamb(freerange) KalapanaandDeeannaKeli`iho`omalu
PilotphaseProcessedatMolokaiSlaughterhouseSoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketCenterandMisakirsquos
FreeRangeEggs Davis`ohana MolokaiMinimartMana`eGoodsampGrindzotherMolokaigrocerystores(notebecamemorepopularandvisibleinstoresaftermainlandeggswererecallednationwideforbacterialcontamination)
DuckEggs WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SeafoodFishndashakutunaakuleopakapakaahionomahimahionaga
Variouscommercialfishermen5onisland
DirectCustomerSalesOffͲIslandWholesalerDistributor(forhotelsandrestaurants)
Shrimp KeawaNuiFarms(808)558Ͳ8931httpwwwkeawanuifarmscomMolokaiSeaFarms
FriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosOffͲIslandOnlineSalesforShrimpBroodstock
SeaweedLimuOgo(Gracilaria) KeawaNuiFarmMolokaiSeaFarms
MisakirsquosOffͲIsland
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 22
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldGreensampOtherVegetables
Lettuces KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(808)558Ͳ8306
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Kale WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
MustardCabbage Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BokChoy ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamMali`oFarm
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
Chinesecabbage ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistArugula WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsales
SwissChard JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomatillo JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomato ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sweetcorn ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistChinesePeas ArcersquosFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SoyBeans JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BlackBeans Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
GreenBeans ArcersquosFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
GreenOnion KuikamokuFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
AllMolokaigrocerystoresCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Radish KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Beets KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 23
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
GreensampOtherVegetablesBrocolli ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistEggplant ArcersquosFarm
Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Carrots JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SweetPotatoSweetPotatoChips
LampRFarm VariouslocalMolokaistores8tonsshippedweeklyoffͲisland
YamsYamChips(indevelopmentphase)
TuipulotuFarm
Tarondashregularandcertifiedbiodynamicdifferentvarietiesdryandwetlu`auleaf
`inaKulaniFarmsKaiamaFarmsKimMarkhamPapaoHakuFarm
FriendlyMarketCenterdirectsalestocustomersCertifiedbiodynamictarosoldoffͲislandathealthstoreoutlets
Avocado PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm558Ͳ8383httpwwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Organicginger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲIslandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Organicturmeric PapaOHakuFarm NotsoldMedicinaluseAwa Pu`uOHokuRanchKaiamaFarms DirectsalestocustomersChiliPepper Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproduceshared
withclientsintreatmentandforclientfundraising
HerbsampSpicesBasils(ItalianThai) KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm
(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanadaCommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Thyme JamieRonzello(CSA)KumuFarms CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dill KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Oregano KimMarkhamKumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
ItalianParsley KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 24
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
HerbsampSpicesChineseParsley KimMarkhamMali`oFarmWaialua
Permafarm(CSA)CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Cilantro KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Rosemary KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Spearmint KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Lavender KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Savory KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sage KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Cinnamon PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm(808)553Ͳ8383wwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Vanilla PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Cacao PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
FruitsampNutsOrange Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tangerine Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 25
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
FruitsampNutsLimes Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Papayandashconventionalandorganic
KaiamaFarmsKaleikoaFarmsHuaKalaFarmNoahKuohaKumuFarmsMali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
VariouslocalMolokaistoresexportedthroughoutHawaiianislandsWholeFoodsoutletsMainlandUSandCanadaCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Watermelon `AinaKulaniFarm DirectsalestocustomersBananaAppleBanana HuaKalaFarm`AinaKulaniFarms
KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
Kualapu`uMarketOutpostFriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Rambutan WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
JackFruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Mango Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentandsoldbythemCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Soursop WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dragonfruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Strawberry PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Lychee PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
MacadamiaNuts PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm DirectsalestovisitorsparticipatinginfarmtourMailorders
Coffee CoffeesofHawai`i(808)567Ͳ9490wwwcoffeesofhawaiicom
AllMolokaistoresonlineorders
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 26
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
ValueͲAddedProductsCilantroLimePesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaionlinesales
outletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
BasilMacadamiaNutPesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
PickledOrganicGinger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲislandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Honey(premiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyhoneycombs)
MolokaiMeliKimMarkham
KumuFarmsOutpostNaturalFoodStore
Poi ChongrsquosPoiShop AllMolokaistoresKulolo `inaKulaniFarms DirectSalesTaroChips HuaKalaFarm NotenoughvolumetosellregularlyYamChips TuipulotoFarm StillindevelopmentstageBeeswaxCandlesChapstick MolokaiMeli KumuFarmsGourmetSeaSalt PacificaHawai`iSeaSalts
HawaiiKaiCorporationhttpwwwhawaiikaicocom
Pu`uOHokuRanchKumuFarmsKamakanaCountryStoreMolokaiWinesampSpiritsBlueMonkeyFriendlyMarketCenteroutletsthroughoutHawaiiStateandUSMainlandonlinesales
Other Tileaf KimMarkham KukuiStarters PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm Giventohomesteadersfor
reforestationinHo`olehuaFlowersgingerakulekulecigar
PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm ShippedleistooffͲisland
Tropicalflowers(variety) KuleanaWorkCenterwwwmolokaiflowerscom
OnlinesalesanddirectsalesatSaturdayOpenMarketdays
SeedsSeedbank Ka`anoTheMolokaiSeedProject553Ͳ4243
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 27
MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers
Molokairsquos grocery stores and restaurants selllocallygrownharvestedandprocessed itemsAnaverageof2of locallygrownorMadeonMolokai products are sold in local grocerystores Some stores such asMisakirsquos carry ahigher percentage (15) ofMolokai produceThoseestablishmentsweinterviewedallstatedthat they want to sell everything that isMolokaimade PapayasweetpotatoChongrsquosPoicoffeeKanemitsubreadandKumuFarmspesto are the most common Molokai itemsfound in localstores Misakirsquostendstocarryagreater assortment of Molokai produce andvalueͲadded products in addition to thesecommon items Misakirsquos sells LampR sweetpotatochipsstringbeansbittermelonutongeggplant green onion lime and lemon FishalsoarepurchasedfromlocalfishermenSome stores and restaurants also purchaseMolokaigrass fedbeefprocessed through theislandrsquosslaughterhouseTheseordersarefilledonaconsistentbasisSmaller stores like Kualapu`u Market andMaunaloaGeneralStorethatdonotexperienceas much traffic as the grocery stores inKaunakakai have to concern themselves withhowquicklyanitemsellsForsomecustomersMolokaigrassfedbeefisanacquiredtasteandit may take a more conscientious eaterconsidering the health benefits of grass fedbeeftoappreciateitsflavorButiftheaveragecustomer does not appreciate these qualitiesandprefersacertaintasteofbeefthatshehasgrown accustomed to then the store risksspoilage The samegoes for fruits likemangothatripenquicklybutmaynotsellfastenough
especially sincemany families havemango trees in their own back yards For these smallstorescarryingitemsthatwillsellquicklyisimportantespeciallymeatandproducethathaveashort shelf life Kualapu`uMarket typically sellsMolokai coffee sweet potato chips poi
MOLOKAIESTABLISHMENTSSELLINGORSERVINGFOODampGROCERIES
ONMOLOKAIRESTAURANTSampFASTFOODCoffeesofHawaii 567Ͳ9655HulaShores(HotelMolokai)
553Ͳ5347
KanemitsuBakeryampRestaurant
553Ͳ5855
KualapursquouCookhouse 567Ͳ9655LittleGrassShack 553Ͳ5862MakarsquosCorner 553Ͳ8058ManarsquoeGoodznGrindz 558Ͳ8498MolokaiBurger 553Ͳ3533MolokaiDriveInn 553Ͳ5655MolokaiPizzaCafeacute 553Ͳ3288MolokaiRoastPorkHouse 553Ͳ9068MrsKrsquos 553Ͳ3201SundownDeli 553Ͳ3713LOCALGROCERYSTORESFriendlyMarketCenter 553Ͳ5595CPascuaStore 553Ͳ5443KamoisSnackNGo 553Ͳ5443KualapuuMarketLtd 567Ͳ6243MaunaloaGeneralStore 552Ͳ2346Misakis 553Ͳ5505MolokaiMiniMart 553Ͳ4447OutpostNaturalFoods 553Ͳ3377MolokaiWinesNSpirits 553Ͳ5009TheStoreHouse 553Ͳ3399KamakanaCountryStore 553Ͳ5725GASSTATIONSHayakuGasNGo 553Ͳ3444RawlinsChevronStation 553Ͳ3214ReferenceSustainableMolokaiResourceGuide2009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 28
MolokaibreadandeggsMaunaloaGeneralStoremakesitapointtoacceptproducefromthecommunitygarden runby theKaHaleMua low incomehousing They typicallygrow stringbeans tomatoeseggplantand lettuce Maunaloa residentsarealsopermitted toutilize thefacilitytopreparemusubibentoandlocalplatelunchestosellpreparedfoodsaswellastheirartandcraftsatthefrontofthestoreOther locallyproduced items that someof the storeswould like to sell inmore volume aretomatoesbananasfishanddairyIfMolokaifarmerselectnottogroworsellcertainproduceor products to the local grocery stores the storeswill sell offͲisland produce (egManoalettuce Kula tomatoes etc) Sometimes they will also order items from as far away asCaliforniaorMexicotosatisfycustomerdemandsandpreferencesTherequirementsarenotoverlystringentforthelocalfarmertosellproduceandvalueͲaddedfoodstolocalgrocerystoresForsomestoreslikeFriendlyMarketindividualsmustpossessabusinesslicenseForotherstoresthatreceivesmallquantitiesoffreshproduceatatimetheydonotrequireproofofbusinesslicenseGrocery stores showcasing locally grown food feel cheated when farmers simultaneouslypeddletheirproduceonthestreetPricing isalsoan issue forMolokaistores Theywould like tobuymore locallygrown itemshowevertheycangetproducealotcheaperfromthemainlandForexampletheaveragecostofatomatothatislocallygrownis$2lbwhilestorescanacquiretomatoesfromthemainlandfor$1lbandpassthesavingsontothecustomerFriendlyMarkethasexpressedapreferenceforbuyingproduce from farmerswhohaveapricecostandplan (egthat identifiesspecificamountsofproducethatwillbeavailableandtheircost)toensureitemconsistencyinpricingandavailabilityIdeallystoreswanttosaveonpayingshippingcoststoimportfoodfromthemainlandandoffͲislandbyprovidingpreferenceforlocallygrownfoodsConsistencyisimportantforstorestocontinuecarryingspecificitemsprovidedbylocalfarmersandproducers Consistencywas citedbyevery store and restaurantwe interviewed as thenumberonechallengethatmostfarmersfaceinworkingwiththemMisakirsquoshasfoundawayaround this issue TheypurchaseMolokai fish caught and sold to theHonolulu fishmarketthroughadistributortheresothatcustomerscanstillbenefitfromeatingMolokaicaughtfishMisakirsquosalsoprefers tobuy fromanOahudistributor thatbuys thebulkof itsproduce fromMolokai farmers In thisway by buying in bulk through a distributorMisakirsquos is assured aconsistentproductTherearestoreswhospecificallyselect for localandorganic foodsaspartoftheirmarketingstrategy Onesuchstore istheOutpostNaturalFoodsStorewhichwillselleverythingthat isMolokaimade ConsumersexpecttopayaheftiergrocerybillastheyhaveanexpectationofbuyinglocalandpreferablyorganicallygrownandproducedfoodsOtheritemsthatcannotbesourced locallyorare in lessersupplyorforwhichthere isademandfor(egapplespearsandoranges)aresourcedfromthemainlandandsoldattheOutpost
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 29
We interviewed3restaurantsKualapu`uCookhouseHotelMolokairsquosHulaShoresrestaurantandMolokaiBurger Useofandemphasisonuseof localmeatseafoodandproducevariedTheKualapu`uCookhouseestimates that itutilizes1ofMolokaigrownproduceandvalueͲadded products in its dishes as it does not have strict requirements to do so It primarilypurchasesMolokailettucethroughKualapu`uMarketHotelMolokaiuses less than20 localproduceand seafood in itsdishesbutwould ideallyprefer toutilizeat least60of locallygrownandharvested foodson theirmenu ThehotelcurrentlybuyslocallygrownlettuceeggplantandpapayafromKumuFarmsandincorporatesthesefoods intotheirmenu Freshfish isthefastestandmostpopularselling itemanddoesnot requireapricecost listwhenbuying from fishermen Patronsbuy fishdishesatmarketprice Itwascommunicated thataschefs it is important toestablish relationshipswith localfarmersandacquirehighend itemsonaconsistentbasis Whathasbeenachallengeforthechefs at the hotel is figuring outwho is growingwhat and searching these farmers out toprovidetheproducemeatandseafoodtheyneedWhatwouldeasilyservethemwouldbeabrokeror localdistributor to takeon that typeofwork Currently theHotel is consideringsettingasidesomespaceonthehotelgroundsforanherbgardentoreadilysupplysomeofthekitchenrsquosneedswhileprovidingsomekindofyouthinternshipprogramtoinstallandmaintainthegardenMolokai Burger exclusively serves 100Molokai grass fed beef for its burgers and TuesdayMexican menu The restaurant purchases 240 pounds of Molokai beef from theslaughterhouse It receives positive customer feedback its loyal customers being especiallyhealth conscious individuals and local and nativeHawaiian activistswhomake it a point tosupportestablishments thatutilize localMolokai foods MolokaiBurgeralsopurchases fromKumuFarmsonaweeklybasis8poundsoftheirvegetablegreenstoserveintheirspecialsaladand chicken salad plates Molokai sweet potatoes are also utilized for sweet potato nachochipsontheMexicanmenu Whilenot locallyproducedMolokaiBurgeralsopurchasesbunsfromalocalMolokaidistributorasawaytosupportasmanylocalbusinessesaspossible
QuestionWhatlocalfooditemswouldyouliketosellorincorporateinyourmenuthatarenotcurrentlyavailableorareinshortsupply
FriendlyMarket orangesallcitrusesmangoavocadobokchoywonboktropicalfruits inseasonfishporkprocessed through slaughterhousealldairy (milk cheese)or soybasedmilkasanalternativeand free rangeeggsWillsellalllocalitemsMisakirsquosbananasandtomatoesWillsellanythinggrownandmadeonMolokaiOutpostNaturalFoodsStorestrawberriescantaloupescucumbers tomatoespotatoesandYukon from localgrowersKualapu`uCookhouselocalfreerangechickeneggsKualapu`uMarketagreaterdiversityandselectionoflocalproducegrownbyMolokairsquosfarmersMaunaloaGeneralStoremorebananasandpapayasastheyselloutfastestHulaShoresRestaurantofHotelMolokaivenisonMolokaiBurgeraconsistentsupplyofMolokaitomatoesfreerangeeggsandfishthatarereasonablypriced
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 30
Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities
QuestionAreyoua farmerIfsohowoldareyouͶΨ ȋȌ ǡ
ͶͶǤ
ǡ ͷͶǤ
QuestiontofarmersinterviewedHowlonghaveyoubeenfarming
ʹʹ ͶͲǤ
QuestionHowmuchlandareyoufarming
ǡͶͶǢ͵ʹͳͷǢͷͳͷǦͶͲ͵ͶͲǤ ǡͲ
ǡͲƬʹͲͲƮǦǤ
QuestiontofarmerswhatdoyoufeelarethechallengesfarmersfaceonMolokaiNatureandtheElementsWindHomestead farmers must contend with high winds on a regular basis Thus initial farmplanning must include installing windbreaks to avoid crop damage from weathering Thecommunity has identified in several former planning documents such as the MolokaiEmpowermentZoneApplication(1998)massplantingofwindbreaksthroughouttheHo`olehuaareatoprotecthomesteadfarm landsasoneofthe40priorityprojects IntheendMolokaiwas successful in achieving theMolokai Enterprise Community federal designation a step
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 31
secondtoEmpowermentZonestatus Windbreaksremainedpartofthe40priorityprojectsInstallationofwindbreakshave alsobeen reiterated as a ShortRangePriorityProject in theMaui County Comprehensive EconomicDevelopment Strategy (CEDS) 201038However notmuchhasbeendonetomovethisfromaconceptualstagetoimplementation
Thesituationwasexacerbatedin2005upontheintroductionofthevirulenterythrinagallwaspthatdestroyedthevastmajorityofwiliwilitreesStatewideLarvaeimplantedintothetissueofwiliwili leaves form tumorous like growths and effectively starve the trees from receivingnutrition39Muchof thewiliwili trees thathad servedprimarilyaswindbreaksdiedwithinayearor two Thus farms thathadestablishedwiliwiliwindbreaksbecamenewlyexposed towinds With the introduction of Eurytoma by scientists a predator species that exclusivelyfeedsonerythrinagallwaspsandavoidsnativewaspsthesurvivingwiliwilihavebeenabletomakeacomeback40DroughtAnumberoffarmershavecitedcurrentdroughtconditionsasaseriousthreattofarmingOnefarmerreportedthatherentireorganicgingercropfailedduetodroughtandshewasunabletoyieldaharvestthisyearAtthetimewestartedourinterviewsinFebruary(2012)Molokaiwasexperiencingthelowestrainfallinadecadecomparableto2001droughtfiguresAdrywinterandspringseasonhavebeencausingwatershortages Arecentheavystorm inMarch (2012)brought some reliefbutwithprimarilyeroded soilsexposed to theelementsmuchofthatmuddiedwaterwashed intotheseatochokecoralsaffectnurserygrounds forfishandcoverlimu(seaweed)beds41Steadypercolationintotheaquiferisnecessarytomakea difference to the watershed and levels in the reservoir42 According to Glenn TevesExtensionAgent forUHͲCTAHRdroughtconditionsaffect insectbehavior Forexampleantsseekingwaterwillfindasubstitutebyacquiringhoneydewfromcertaininsectsthatproduceitsuchasldquoaphidsmealybugswhitefliesandscaleshellipknown tosuckplant juicesandweakenthem hellip [and] spread plant viruses on an array of crops such as melons peppers andtomatoesrdquo43 Animals will also chew through drip irrigation systems to access water in adrought andwill subsequently cause leaks andwater loss for the farmer44Cows are alsoaffectedwithahigher incidenceofmiscarriageorsmallercalfsizedueto lackofhighquality
38 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1102 AgricultureReforestationWindbreakPlantingp5039RichardsSabrinaldquoWaspwarsNewpredatorchecksHawai`irsquosgallwaspepidemicrdquoSciencelineJanuary62011httpsciencelineorg201101waspͲwars40Richards201141 Teves G ldquoEffects of Rain and Droughtrdquo Molokai Dispatch March 15 2012httpthemolokaidispatchcomeffectsͲofͲrainͲandͲdrought42Teves201243Teves201244Teves2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 32
food consumed during pregnancy45Deerwill also compete and feed on grass reserves forcattleTevesroughlyestimatesthatfarmersandranchershaveexperiencedacumulativecroplossvaluedat$1millionduetothedrought46MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)Builtinthe1950sandlsquo60stheMISwasconstructedtotransportwaterfromWaikoluValleyonthenorthshoretothefarmingareasofCentralMolokaitoprovidewaterforthesolepurposeofagriculture47WaikoluValleyprovideswatertothesystemviaa51milelongtunnelPipesand flumes convey thewater to the Kualapu`u Reservoirwhich is designed for amaximumdepthof54feetor14billiongalloncapacity48TheHawaiianHomesCommissionAct (ldquoHHCArdquo)of1920sect221(d)grantedhomesteadersldquotherighttousefreeofallchargeanyofthewateruponthe islandofMolokairdquo49Thisprovisionwasamended in1955togiveHawaiianHomesatwoͲthirdswaterallocationpreference fromtheMIS50 The Department of Agriculture whichmanages theMIS has not enforced thisprovision Presently80oftheMIS isconsumedbynonͲhomesteadersdespite23rdswaterreservation requirement for homesteaders51 It has been recently noted that homesteaderwaterusagehasincreasedbynearly20comparedtolastyear52TheMISWaterUseAdvisoryBoardspeculatedthathomesteadfamiliesareexpandingtheirfamilygardens53TheentireislandofMolokaihasbeendesignatedbytheStateCommissiononWaterResourcesManagement (CWRM or ldquoWater Commissionrdquo) a sole source aquifer and critical watermanagementarea Thesedesignationsunderscorethefactthattheentire islanddependsonone water source for its drinking water subsistence and agricultural needs and carefulmanagementisnecessarytomaintaintheaquiferRecords for the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) revealed that as of December 2011 theKualapu`ureservoirhadloweredto11feet(ascomparedto17feetayearprior)andcontinuedtodecline54Todaythereservoirhasloweredanotherfootwithstoragelevels50lessthana
45Teves201246Teves201247BaldaufNatashaHalsquoaheoKaholsquoohalahalaandDavidSakodaldquoTheMoloka`i IrrigationSystem AVision foraSustainableFuturerdquoDecember1200948BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200949BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200950BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200951BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200952ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion53ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion54ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 33
year ago55 Current rainfall is 10 of normal levels and those utilizing theMIS have beensubjecttoa30restrictioninwaterusageoverthepast3years56TheStatelegislaturerecentlysetaside$125millionforimprovementstotheMIS57Fundswillcover Anewhydropowerplantwaterflowwillproduceenergyandoffsetelectricalcosts Replacement of aboveͲground concrete flume with an underground pipeline to avoid
animalsanddebrisfromfallingintoandcontaminatingthewatersupply StructuralrepairtoMISaccessbridge Installation of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system to allow for
monitoringofwaterflowremotelyThis is a step in the right direction and hopefullywill assist in decreasingwater loss in thesystemandimprovemanagementoftheMISWeedsPestsWildAnimalsNumerousfarmersinterviewedparticularlyintheHo`olehuaHomesteadareahaveciteddeerasamajorproblem incrop failureTheorganicpapaya farmershavebeenhithardwithonefarmerhavinglosthisentirecropofpapayatreesSeedlingswereeatenandadulttreeswerealsoaffectedbydeerrubbings Anotherfarmerhashadtoadoptprotectivemeasuresforhisyoungkukuistarter treesasdeerseekingmoisture fromyoungplantswilleat them Hehasindicatedthatyoungkukuitreeshavetoreachacertainheightwheredeercannolongerbitethe leaves from the top Farmers are also experiencing brokenwater and irrigation pipesdestroyedbydeer One farmerwas issued a $700waterbillbefore discovering hisbrokenwaterpipeMuchofthisactivityhasbeenattributedtotheongoingdroughtconditionsdeerareseekingfarmsforwaterandfood It isestimatedthat$1million inagricultureprofitwaslosttodeerwithinthelastyearAnotherproblemthatfarmersencounteredafewyearsagowasaninfestationofratandmiceTheyweresonumerousthatdriversoftensawthemcrossingtheroad One farmerresolvedthisproblemonhisfarmbyadopting20cats
55ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions56ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions57ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 34
Other farmershavecitedpestsandweedsasaproblemon their farms Oneorganic farmerstatedthatshefinds itachallengebecauseuseofpesticidesandherbicidesareprohibited inorganicfarmingThere is an urgent need to keepMolokairsquos bee population healthy as they are pollinatorsimportant to theagriculture industry Threats to the localbeepopulation includepesticidesbeetlesandmitesHighOperationalCostsOfthe208surveyed61peopleconsideredhighoperationalcostsasabigchallengetofarmingonMolokaiThesecostsinclude Labor Infrastructure Toolsimplements Fuelforequipmentandvehicles Supplies such as fertilizer compost pesticides herbicides seeds irrigation supplies etc
Supplycostsareespeciallyhigherdue toadditionalcostmarkͲup forshipping items in toMolokai
Electricitycostsforrunningrefrigerationchiller Allfeesandtaxesincurredfromrunningabusiness Specialcostsfororganiccertification(est$1300peryear)HighCostofWaterSeventy(70)surveyrespondentsfeltfarming ismadedifficultbythehighcostofwater Thiswasespeciallytrueforfarmerswhoareoncountywater insteadofcheaperagriculturewaterfromtheMolokaiIrrigationSystemThesefarmersareontheEastEndoftheislandAlsoitisverydifficultforpeople inMaunaloaandKaluakoitofarmandevengardenduetothewatersystemrunbyMolokaiRanch Ratesforwaterareastronomicalhaving increasedby17858TheStatePublicUtilitiesCommissionallowedforarateincreasefortheRanchrsquosMolokaiPublicUtilitiesfrom$318per1000gallonsto$60459TheWaiolaOMolokaiIncwateralsoownedbyMolokaiRanchwas approved for a rate increase from$185 to $51560 These increasesimpactapproximately1200residentsonthewestsideoftheisland61
58BernardoRldquoMolokaiwaterusersprotestratehikerdquoHonoluluStarBulletinSeptember52008httparchivesstarbulletincom20080905newsstory08html59Bernardo200860Bernardo200861Bernardo2008
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 35
HighEquipmentCostsSixty(60) survey respondents considered high equipment costs as a challenge to farmingTractor costs can range from $21000 to $80000 depending on the size neededwhich isrelativetotheamountofacreagetobefarmedManysmallandbeginningfarmerslackaccesstocapitaltopurchasebigticketitemssuchasequipmentHighShippingCostsYoungBrothersistheprimaryshippingproviderforMolokaiSomefarmersutilizecargoplanessuchasKamakaAir for shipmentofmoreperishable items Shipping fromMolokai involvesaddedcostanddisadvantagesforMolokaiasaruralislandtryingtotransportgoodsacrosstheoceantothelargerurbancenterssuchasOahuandMauiForthoseutilizingdistributorsthatisanotheraddedcostIn thepast farmers receivedapartialbreakon shippingcosts throughYoungBrothers TheFarmBureauassisted indefrayingchargesassociatedwith theMolokai toHonoluu legwhilethefarmerwasrequiredtocoveronlythecostofshippingfromHonolulutothemainlandThishelped to level the playing field forMolokai farmerswith the rest of farmers onOahu andStatewide Within the last five yearshowever thispolicyhasbeendiscontinued causing adisadvantagetotheMolokaifarmerYoungBrotherswillbephasingoutitsldquoGrdquoVans218cubicftcontainersforshippingpricedat$180containerandwillbepalletizingeverythingItwillnolongerbeeasytodropitemsoffatthepierandshipoutFarmerswillneedtomakethetransitionandwilllikelyhavetosolicittheservicesofMakoaTruckingtopalletizetheirgoodsandtransportthemtothepierTheftOne farmer interviewed cited crop theft as a challenge There are also risks of theft ofequipmenttoolsandsupplieswithoutadequatestorageandsecuritymeasuresFireA localbeekeeping family thatproducespremiumorganic raw kiawehoneyexperienced adevastatingfirein2009thatwipedoutthemajorityoftheirhivesTheyhaveahighamountoforderstofillandarecurrentlyrecoveringfromthedamagetotheirhivesNotEnoughLandtoFarmampCompetingUsesforAgricultureLandThe Molokai Agricultural Park owned by the State of Hawai`i is located in theHo`olehuaMahanaregionadjacenttoMolokaiRanchandHawaiianHomeLandsItconsistsof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 36
22subdividedlotsspanningatotalof753acres62Thepurposeofagriculturalparksstatewideistoprovideaffordable longͲterm leasestosmallfarmers63CurrentlyallMolokaiAgPark landsare being utilized64 Thismakes it difficult for new farmerswho are nonͲhomesteaders tosecurecheaplandSeedbiotechcompaniessuchasMonsantoandMycogenhavegainedasolidfootholdontheisland Their use of prime agriculture lands and limited water resources impact the localfarming community It is problematic especially for organic farmers who risk losing theircertification if their farmsare inproximity toGMO crops It is known thata local familyofbeekeeperswereforcedtomovetheirhivesorelserisklosingtheirorganichoneycertificationLow Prices Offered for Local Produce Not Enough Demand for Goods and ProductInconsistencyOfthosesurveyed25peoplefeltthatnotenoughconsumerdemandforproducewasamajorchallenge for farmers Whileour surveyalso found that90ofour respondentswouldbuymorelocalfoodifitwasavailableMolokairsquossmallpopulationlimitshowmuchproducefarmerscanplaceinthelocalmarketManyof the farmers thatwe interviewedwere frustratedat the lowprices theyget for theproduce theygrow They find itdifficult tonegotiatewith storesonpricing For them it ischallengingtomakealivingorbeeconomicallysustainablebysellingproduceonlyonMolokaiOne certified organic and biodynamic farmer informed us that she is offered $110lb byMolokai stores forherorganicgingerbut she can sell itatamuchhigherpriceonOahuat$5lbinstoresthatshowcaseorganicfoodsWiththatamountsheisabletomakeaprofitaswellasrecoupherproductionandshippingcostsUHCTAHRAgricultureExtensionAgentGlennTevesstatesthatalotoffarmersdonotpaycloseenoughattentiontotheirpricingOftentimestheywillpricetheirproduceonthelowendThissetsanegativestandardthatmakesitmoredifficultforotherfarmerstogetareasonablepricefor their crops He recommends that farmers check regularly on produce prices andmakecomparisonsalsoonhowmuchtheysellforontheotherislandssothattheycanprovidemorecompetitivepricingthatisadvantageoustothemLackofSupportforAgricultureLawmakershavealsobecomeunsupportivetopreservingagriculturelandsAbusesaboundonagricultural landswithmultiͲmilliondollargentlemanestatesdevelopedanddefinedasldquofarm
62StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks63StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks64StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 37
dwellingsrdquo and attractive landscaping required underCCRs andAssociationRules dubbed aslegitimateldquoagriculturerdquo Theseldquofarmdwellingsrdquo increasethepriceofagriculture landforrealfarmersNationwide family farmersarebeingedgedoutby largecorporateproducersat the rateof330farmersperweek65TheUnitedStateshasanestimated5millionfewerfarmsthanithadinthe1930s66Today2millionfarmsexist intheUSwith565000 identifiedasfamilyfarms67ThereasonforthisisthatfederalgovernmentpoliciesfavorlargeͲscalecorporateagriculturePoliciessuchassubsidizingbigagriculturecreatesafalsesetͲpointontrueproductioncosts68TheAmerican taxpayerabsorbs thesehefty costs The federalgovernment spentover$177billion in agricultural subsidies from the years of 1995 to 200669 These large agricultureoperationsareabletoprovidehugevolumesoffoodforacheappricebecauseofthesubsidiesallocatedTheyeasilyoutcompeteandsqueezeoutthesmallfarmerthatreceivesnohelpfromsubsidies andmust pass to the customer the true costs of production in order to remain aviablebusinessStrongcorporatelobbyingmaintainsthisstatusquo
NeedforAdditionalEducationampTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunityOfthosesurveyed33farmersconsideredalackofcapacityeducationtobeachallengeSomefarmersaredauntedbythecostsofhighereducationandthetimetheywouldneedtoinvestineducationalongsidebalancingfamilyresponsibilitiesandfullͲtimefarmingProficiency inknowledgeandexperienceoffarmingprinciplesandtechniques isnecessaryforallfarmers Theymustunderstandfarmplanninghowtoplantmaintainandharvestcropshowtosetupirrigationmeetthebiologicalandmineralneedsoftheircropshowtomaintainsoil health how to minimize offͲfarm releases of pollutants and toxins such as chemicalfertilizersandpesticidesoperateand repair toolsandmachinerybasic carpentry skillsandpossess a true passion for farming A lot is learned through trial and error but educationcombinedwithpracticalexperience gives farmers abetter chance atmaking it These skillsalonearenottheonlyrequirementshoweverAfarmer(orparticipatingfamilymembers)mustalsobefinanciallyliterateandpossessstrongbusinessbookkeepingaccountingandmarketingskills To lease landsaccessbusinessstartup fundssuccessfullyapply for loansandreceive financing forbigequipmentpurchases the
65ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml66ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml67ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml68ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml69ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 38
farmerhastohavegoodcreditandbefinancially literate Ifhe issaddledwithdebtandbadcreditthenhewillneedtocreateandsticktoaplanforrepairinghiscreditOther skills a farmermust cultivate to successfully start an agricultureenterprise is learninghowtodomarketresearchandbusinessplanningItrsquosbettertomakemistakesonpaperfirstrather than in real life aftermuch time and investment has beenmade Once the farmenterprise isupand running then the farmerhas to contendwithkeeping financial recordscurrenteitherpersonallyortruesecuringabookkeeperoraccountant BusinessandpayrolltaxeswillneedtobepaidfeesforspecialcertificationssuchasorganicfarmingmayalsohavetobefactoredinAfarmermustbeawareofwhattogrowandproduceandhowtomarketherproducts inorder tobeprofitable Shemustbedisciplined in implementingher farmplanaccount for year round staggered plantings and harvests and crop rotations and reinvestprofitsbackintothebusinessRarelydotheseskillsexistinonepersonMostfarmersjustwanttofarmandnotdealwiththeother details of running a business As they age too farmerswill need to think about asuccession plan Ideally it should be a family enterprise with familymembers possessingdifferent skill sets and playing different roles that collectivelymake a successful agricultureenterpriseRanchingampTheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeMolokairsquos history includes large scale ranching of cattle which was once an enterpriseendeavorbyMolokaiRanch the islandrsquos largestprivate landownernow known asMolokaiProperties Limited SinceMPLrsquos closure ofmajor operations ranching is currently done bymembersof thecommunity inwhich theycultivate the remainingcattleonproperty CattleRanchersincludePohakuloaRanchKualapu`uRanchPedroRanchandPu`uOHokuRanchChallengeswithMolokaiBeef Muchof theranchingcommunitydonot finish theiranimals through theslaughterhouse
preferringtosellcattleoffisland Lessmeat isproducedon the islandwhich in turnmeans lessMolokaibeefavailable for
consumptioninrestaurantsandstores More than one individualentity does not like the tasteconsistency of the beef ndash some
suggestedthatthemeatbecuredlonger Somemembersofthecooperativefeelthecostforanimalprocessing($65animal)isunfair
since it isnotbasedonactualproductyield(egdeerorgoatmeatyields lesspoundsofmeatthancattle)
SlaughterhouseTheMolokai Livestock Cooperative which operates the only slaughterhouse facility on theislandprocessescattleandpork Pork isnotusually sold to storesdue to thepreferenceof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 39
Molokaifamiliestoutilizerearedhogsforhomeconsumption Thuspork issubjectusuallytocustomkillsonlyAsforcattleamaximumof18headperweekandaminimumof5headperweekgoes through the slaughterhousewitha cumulative totalof730animalsprocessed todatesincethefacilityopeneditsdoorsseveralyearsagoTheslaughterhouse iscurrentlynotoperatingatfullcapacity There isahistoricalcontextforsome of the challenges that the Molokai Livestock Cooperative faces today After thewholesale TB eradication of Molokai cattle in the 1980s and the closure of the oldslaughterhouseinKaunakakailocalranchersinitiallyworkedtogetanewslaughterhousebuiltwiththeirsweatequityandthroughsecuringfundingfromCountyStateandFederalsourcesUnfortunatelytheprocessofmovingthisprojectfromaconceptualphasetobrickandmortartook over a decade to complete By the time the slaughterhouse facility was completedranchershadmovedaway fromgrassͲfinishedcattleonMolokai to finishing theiranimalsonthe mainland Over time the ranchersrsquo commitment to strengthening their own localslaughterhouse as a viable economic engine had wavered Some ranches do not see aneconomic incentive to return to the formermodelofgrass finishing theircattleandpreferaquickerturnͲaroundtimeandtheconvenienceofsellingtheiranimalspreͲfinishedWhile theMolokaiLivestockCooperativersquosnew slaughterhousehasmadepositive inroads togettingMolokai grassͲfedbeef in local grocery stores and restaurants through itsworkwithcommittedranchersutilizingthefacility lackofvolumefromholdͲoutranchersalso limitstheslaughterhousersquosabilitytoexpandthemarketandfullydevelopanorganicnicheproduct Tomakeupforthisshortfalltheslaughterhousenowshipsin30headofnonͲMolokaicattle(50oftotalstock)onaregularbasisLambSheepForthepast5yearsahusbandandwifeteamhasbeenexperimentingwithranchingfreerangelambssheepon55acresof land inwestMolokai Thecouplehas80animals (60ewes20lambs) Theyharvestthe lambsat6monthsofageandhavebeentestingthequalityoftheanimalsMost recently they market tested their lambs The lambs were processed at theslaughterhouse ThemeatwassoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketandMisakirsquos CustomerfeedbackhasbeenverypositiveThelambmeatsoldoutquicklyinthestoresRightnowthelambsheep ranchers are trying to figure out pricing whether to sell directly to theslaughterhouseforprocessingmarketinganddistributionortohandlesomeofthoseaspectsontheirownDeerRanchingDeerranchingisnotawidespreadactivityinfactthereareonlytwopeopleontheislandthatraisevenisonDeerpensexist inMaunaloaandPalarsquoauwithasmuchas260animalscorralled
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 40
within high game fencing The deer ranching is part of a safari tour businesswhich allowsvisitorstoexperiencehuntinggameDeercanbeprocessed through theMolokaiSlaughterhouse if theanimal ispresentedat thefacilityat leastonehourafterthekillandaUSDACertified Inspectorparticipates inthehuntThisiscurrentlynotbeingdonebydeerranchersonMolokaiTheownersofDJCRanch Incwhich currentlyoperates adeer ranchhasdone some initialmarkettestingandresearchonthedemandandpotentialforvenisonmeatproduction Theyhave found ahugedemand from restaurants and the generalpublic for venisondue to thehealthbenefitsandsuperiortasteofMolokaiaxisdeerThereiscurrentlynosteadysourceforvenisonmeatandvalueͲaddedproductsinHawai`iDJCRanchhasstatedinitsmarketingplanthatinthefirstyeartheycouldprovidevenisononaseasonalbasisandinitiallyproducegroundvenison and sausages As herd numbers increase additional markets could potentially beopeneduptoWholeFoodsandCostco CurrentlyDJCRanchhasaUSDA licensetoslaughtervenisonandcouldutilizetheMolokaiSlaughterhouseThecompanyisFDAapprovedthroughthe USDA with its own stamp and seal formarketing The products that DJC Ranch hadconsideredmarketingwere
1 Groundvenisonforhumanconsumptionandalsodogfood2 9differentsausageswhichithasdevelopedandsuccessfullymarkettested3 Venisoncornedbeef4 Freshcuts5 Innards
ThereismuchpotentialinthisareaandhopefullyinvestmentscanbesuccessfullyacquiredtoimplementDJCRanchrsquosplanAdditionally theremaybeopportunity tocreateacollaborationbetweendeer ranchersandfarmerssufferingfromcrop lossesduetodeergrazing ifaplancouldbeundertakentodivertdeerfromcultivatedlandsandabsorbthemintoranchingoperationsAquacultureEffortshavebeenmadetorestorefishpondsandhavemetwithsomesuccessforsubsistenceuses State regulations affecting the restoration andutilizationof theseponds limituses tosubsistenceandeducationalpurposesmaking itdifficult toutilize theponds for commercialaquacultureThisisunfortunategiventhehardworkonthepartofthecommunityandfederalfunds invested inProjectLoko I`aatrainingprogramthathadservedanestimated20youngMolokai adults in drystack and fishpondwall reconstruction fishpond husbandry live rockcultivation for theaquarium industry shrimpand seaweedaquaculturewater samplingandanalysis leadershipandentrepreneurial skills Theseyoungadultswere trainedwithall thetools to be successful in aquaculture butwere not given the chance to commercially leaseMolokaipondsandestablishabusiness
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 41
PlansandfundingallocatedtoestablishafinfishhatcheryonMolokaiasearlyas1991andtostockfishpondsforcommercialproductionwerestalledandareunlikelytocometofruitionTheMolokai Ice House completed construction at the KaunakakaiWharf in 1993 It wasestablishedbya local commercial fishermenrsquoscooperativeof40 individualswho contributedapproximately 60Ͳ70 of Molokairsquos commercial fish landings The Ice House operatedsuccessfullyfornearlyadecadeprovidingicefreshfishpokeandseaweedforsaleA Native Hawaiian nonͲprofit Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou established a successful limu(seaweed)growersnetworkandlimubuyͲbackprogramwith30familieslivingalongMolokairsquossouthandcentralshores These familieswere trained incultivationof theedibleandhighlyprizedseaweedGracilariaparvisporacommonlyknownas limuogo Anestimated1000 lbsweeklywereshippedtoOahufishmarketsaswellasdistributedtotheMolokaiIceHouseandvariousstoresonislandintheformoffreshandvalueͲaddedproducts(limusalsaandnamasu)Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou served as amarketer and broker for the families In the endhowever some of themore successful growers opted to sell and distribute their harvestsindependently causing the cooperative typeof structure todismantleanddriving thepricesdownforMolokailimuogoduetocompetitionamongstthegrowersTherearetwoshrimpfarmsonMolokaiMolokaiSeaFarmsinPala`auandKeawaNuiFarmsineastMolokaiKeawaNuiFarmssuppliesSPFcertifiedPenaeusvannameishrimpbroodstockaswellasseasonalharvestsoftilapia fishand limuogo70MolokaiSeaFarmsalsospecializes indiseasefreeSPFPvannameibroodstockandservescustomersthroughouttheworld71PacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsandHawai`iKaiCorporationbothfarmseasaltfromMolokairsquosoceanwaters Thesesaltscarryessentialmineralsandtraceelements Molokaisaltproductionhasreachedaglobalmarketas farasChinaandEurope Productscanalsobe found inMolokaistoresAddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparationMolokairsquoshiddensubsistenceeconomy isastrengththatassistsfamiliestoday inachronicallydepressedeconomyThereisenoughdeergoatandwildpigonthelandandfishonthereeftomeet the peoplersquos protein requirements and provide food security for tomorrow TheHo`olehuaHomesteadcommunitywithfamilyfarmsdottingthelandscapehasenoughproduceandstarchinthegroundtofeedtheircommunityAscomparedtootherislandsMolokaiisinbettershapethanmostifnotallislandsHoweverthereisstillastrongrelianceonYoungBrotherstoshipinfoodtotheislandAtanygiventimethereisanestimated4daysoffoodstockedonMolokairsquosstoreshelvesNodisaster
70KeawaNuiFarmshttpwwwkeawanuifarmscom71MolokaiSeaFarmshttpwwwbroodstockcomHawaiian_SPF_Shrimp_Broodstockhomehtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 42
scenarioplanninghaseverbeenundertakenforhowthiscommunityshouldrespondifonedaythebargedoesnotarriveandalltransportationvenuesbyseaairandlandwereinterruptedAccordingtooneinformantMolokairsquosfoodreservesarestoredonMauibytheAmericanRedCross This iswrong Molokai isoneofthefew islandswithoutamainairportonthecoastalshores In timesofdisaster (eghurricane tsunami) therewouldbebetter accesson theislandtoreceiveassistanceRealisticallyhoweverMolokaiwouldbeofalesserprioritytoshipin food and medical supplies in a Statewide disaster scenario due to the islandrsquos smallpopulationInitialaidwouldbefocusedprimarilyonurbananddenselypopulatedareasontheneighboringislandsIntheMana`eandKaunakakaiareas(eastandcentralMolokai)whereasignificantportionofMolokairsquospopulationisconcentratedtheroadsandmajorityofhomesarelocatedonthecoastwithin the tsunami and flood zone corridor Getting assistance to these areas would beproblematic No major farming takes place in Kaunakakai and Mana`e except for homegardensandsomewetlandtarocultivationinthelushervalleysontheeastsideMonoͲcropping increases risks ofwholesale andmass crop failure Whilemost smallͲscalefarmers are doing diversified agriculture onMolokai not enough effort has beenmade topreserve thehundredsofvarietiesofsweetpotatobreadfruit taroandothercanoeplantsNot enough has been done to cultivate and preserve varieties of regionallyͲadapted openͲpollinatedseedsforhomegardensandsmallscalefarmersUHCTAHRhasthroughitsresearchdevelopedseedsadapted tocertainenvironments Moreeffortmaybeneeded toget theseseedstofarmers
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 43
V RECOMMENDATIONSMitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElementsWindAswindwillcontinuetobeanissueforfarmersespeciallyhomesteadfarmersintheHo`olehuaareaitisimportanttoestablishacomprehensiveprojecttoinstallwindbreaksthatwillhelptoopenupmorehomesteadlandforfarmingCostcanbeafactorforsmallͲscaleandbeginningfarmersThusaccessingfundingandcreatingcollaborativepartnershipswithcoreleadershipisnecessarytomovethisprojectalongOtherthingstoconsider intermsofdecidingwhattypesofwindbreaksto installwouldbetooptimizethepotentialofthewindbreakstoservemultiplefunctionsOnecommoncomplaintamongsthomesteadfarmershasbeenthedestructionofcropsfromgrazingdeerProvidingavegetativewindbreakwith tightplantings could serve as a living fence that keepsout deerSelectingalso fornitrogen fixingspecieswillalsoaddnutrientstothesoilandboost farmerrsquoscropsIdentifiedasakeyprojectintheEnvironmentSectionofMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandisprovidingwindbreaks inHo`olehuaThevision istoplantwindbreaksldquoalongthecoastalpaliaround the central plain andhellip along individual farmersrsquo lots Native trees and treeswithsecondarymarketvalue(fruittreesandhardwoods)rdquoshouldbeutilized72DroughtͲProofingReforestationThecommunity initiateddocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian Islandhas identified in itsAgricultureampAquacultureSectionthefollowingpriorities73
Recognize the limited availability of water as a primary factor in prioritizing suitableagriculturalfoodcrops
Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture foodproduction
Water is a limiting factor in farming especially in light of chronic drought conditions andcontinuousmandatorycutbacksonwateruse from theMolokai IrrigationSystem TherearewaysthatthefarmercanharvestwateraswellasminimizewaterlossPlantingwindbreakswillaidincreatingamicroclimatethatwillreduceevapotranspirationandallowforsomeshadeforcrops that require less sunlight Installing swales and terraces on contour in tandem withplantingswillslowthepathofwaterrunoffcomingontothepropertycreategoodsoakagethatwillbuildthewatertableandnaturallyfeedcropsMulchingandplantinggroundcoverspecies
72MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf73MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 44
alongsidemain crops will retainmoisture and support soil health These droughtͲproofingstrategiesworkinginconcertwillprovideagreatbenefittothefarmerA longertermstrategythatonehomestead farmersuggestedand forwhichhehasbeguntospreadamongstotherhomesteaders is conductingmassplantingsofKukui trees to createaforest forHo`olehua and capture rain He is setting the example by creating a kukui plantnurseryonhispropertyandgivingkeikiplantstootherhomesteadersAdoptionofthesetypesofstrategiesshouldalsobeconsideredbynonͲhomesteaduserswhohaveutilizedthe lionrsquosshareofMISwater ReforestationoftheslopesofMaunaloathathadbeendamagedbycattleranchingandpineapplecultivationwouldalso lessendependenceonwaterdiversions Thishasbeen identifiedasakeyprojectunder the communitydocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandalongwithcertainerosioncontrolmeasuresfortheWestEnd gulches that include installing ldquorock dikes (gabions) hedgerow plantings [and] siltationpondsrdquo74
ProtectingWaterResourceRights
TheWater Code directs the Commission to ldquoincorporate and protect adequate reserves ofwaterforcurrentandforeseeabledevelopmentanduseofHawaiianhomelandsassetforthinsection 221 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Actrdquo75 Additionally by law the HawaiianHomes Commission Act recognizes a twoͲthirdswater preference for homesteaders on theMolokai IrrigationSystem76These lawsshouldbeenforcedandtheDepartmentofHawaiianHomeLandsneedstoactivelyadvocateonbehalfofhomesteaderstoensuretheprotectionoftheir water rights The Department of Agriculture which manages the MIS must alsoresponsiblymeettheStatersquosfiduciarydutybyassuringthatwaterallocationsareincompliancewiththetwoͲthirdsprovisionforhomesteaders
WildAnimalControl
A number of farmers plagued by deer have opted to allow subsistence hunting on theirpropertyorhunt thedeer themselvesOthersare installing fencing tokeep thedeerout AlocaldeerranchersurmisedthatalotofthedeerareoriginatingfromdryMolokaiRanchlandsandmovingtowardsthehomesteadregionofHo`olehuainsearchofwaterandfoodThisdeerfarmerwouldliketoworkwithMolokaiRanchtoleaseandexpandhisoperationsontoRanchlandserect fencingandprovideadequatewater for thedeer toprevent them from invadingtheHomestead Withcollaborationamong farmersMolokaiRanchand localdeer ranchersthiscouldprovideawinͲwinsolutionforall
74MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf75HawRevStatSection174CͲ101(a)76HawaiianHomesCommissionActsect221(d)1920amended1955
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 45
IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth
Typicallyweeds are found in disturbed areas Weeds are bioͲindicators of soil health andstructureTheyservedifferentfunctionsandareoftenpioneerspeciesthatcomeintoasystemearly on to create optimal conditions for the next stages of succession into amorematuresystem Differentweedsperformdifferent functions suchasaddingnitrogen to the soil reͲmineralizingthesoilwithdeeptaprootsthatbringnutrientsbelowuptothesurfacelooseningcompacted hard pan soils to allow for aeration and room for new seedlings to grow andstabilizingfragileandexposedsoilswithrootstructuresthatfanoutmorewidelytoholdloosesoiltogetherThekeyistoselectspeciesthataremoreusefultothefarmerthanthenaturalordisturbedvegetationandovertimethesespecieswilloutcompeteweedyvarietiesDiversifyingcropsandmimickingnaturalsuccessiondoingtimestackingwithdenserplantingsofperenniallegumesgroundcoverswindbreaks fruit treesandvinesofpreferredspecieswillallow formaturation of the system create better soil health and select out nonͲfavorable weedyspeciesOne farmerwhooperatesanorganicpapaya farmdoesthe followingtopreservesoil fertilityandcontrolpests77 Utilizesa localmanufacturerfromOahuwhorecyclesusedcookingoilfatsbonesandfish
collected from restaurants foodmanufacturersand fishoutletsand turns thiswaste into100 certified organic soil amendments Tons of rawmaterialwaste now diverted fromlandfill
Usesdolomiteandcrushedcoraltoamendsoilorgypsumassubstitute Growssunnhemponrestingfieldstohelpwithnematodesandfixnitrogeninsoil Providescovercropofgrassesandweedsbetween rowsofmaturepapaya trees irrigated
withmicroͲsprinklerstokeepmoistureandlifeinthesoil Maintainsadiversefloraratherthanengaginginmonocropping Responds to cut worms (seasonal) by planting extra seedling trays to replace damaged
seedlings Sprays kumulus (organic sulfur) and baking soda to combat powderymildewmites and
thrips Ripsandairsoutoldfieldsandrestsfieldsforatleast15monthstoaddressnematodeissue Focusesongrowingthestrongesthealthiestplantstoprovidegreaterresistancetopests
77UniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesFeaturedFarmerRickTamanahaKaleikoafarmsHo`olehuaMoloka`iHĈnai`AiNewsletterJuneͲJulyͲAugust2011httpwwwctahrhawaiiedusustainagnewsarticlesV8ͲKaleikoaFarmsͲFFpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 46
AddressingHighOperationalCosts
EquipmentAccessSeveralcommunitypartnerscametogethertoaddressoneofthemajorimpedimentsforsmallfarmersonMolokai access toequipment TheMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityndashKeAupuniLƃkahipurchasedatractoraspartofaplannedequipmentrentalprogramadministeredbyUHCTAHR and the Hawaiian Homestead Association TheMolokai Rural Development ProjectpurchasedtractorimplementstofurtherassistthefarmersTheseimplementsincludedaJactoArbusAirblast Sprayerwith TractorMount to assist farmers in spraying their fieldswithoutadded labor Samp A AG 20 Spreader to allow growers to improve their soil pH and organicmatter Miller Bobcat 250 welder to aid farmers in repairing and fabricating tools andimplements aswell as serve as a training tool inwelding and farmmechanics and aGreatPlainsSubSoilerSS1300toassistfarmersinfieldpreparationwithminimalsoildisruptionWhilefarmerswillstillneedaccesstootherformsofequipmenttocutdown laborandtimetheEquipmentRentalModel isagoodone that shouldbe replicated tobenefit theMolokaifarming community overall and ameliorate farmersrsquo chances of success by bringing theirindividualcostsdownShipping
Howtotacklehighshippingcosts Consolidation Compilecargoandnegotiatewithcarriersbased on volume78 This could be handled formally through a cooperative structure orinformally through a hui of farmers The Molokai community has also recommendedcommissioning a ldquostudy to explore new alternatives for transportation links (air and sea)betweenMolokaiandotherareasandmarketsrdquo79Another alternative that Sust`ĈinableMolokai is preliminarily exploring is the feasibility ofprovidingasailingvesselequippedwithchillspacethatwouldideallybepoweredbyrenewableenergy (egwind solar) to serve as a communal shipping vessel forMolokai exports andimportsOneofourconcernsisnotonlythehighshippingcoststhatresidentsincurbutalsodealingwiththeinevitableconsequencesofglobalpeakoilandhelpingtoincreaseourislandrsquosfuelandenergysecurity
78Youn JL ldquoRootsofChange ToRichardNelsondiversification ismuchmore than justabuzzwordrdquoHawaiiBusiness Magazine February 2004 httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange79 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1105 InfrastructureTransportationAlternativesp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 47
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoodsOne of the areas where some farmers feel challenged is marketing and distributing theirproducts offͲisland While some of themwant to take advantage of better pricing on theneighbor islands the lackofknowledgeandexperience inpenetrating thosemarketscanbedauntingfortheMolokaifarmerItwasalsoexpressedtousfromvendorsandrestaurantsthatit is difficult to determine which farmer is selling what and to achieve a level of productconsistencyamong individualfarmers ForMolokaistoresandrestaurants itwouldbeeasiertodealwithabrokerdistributorormarketingteamwho isplugged intotheMolokaifarmingcommunityandcouldconsolidategoodsamongstallfarmersandachieveafairpriceforthemCoststoretainthisdistributorcouldalsobesharedamongstthefarmersThisdistributorcouldalso handlemarkets on neighboring islandsmainland and internationally and remove theheadachefromfarmerswhojustwanttofarmOriginallytheHiki`olaFarmersCooperativewassetuptosellanddistributefarmersrsquoproductsandhelptoremovethe impedimentsandpersonalchallengesfarmersface inmarketingtheirproduceandproducts independently HoweverthisprovedunsuccessfulbecauseofproductinconsistencyThismaybeanongoingchallengebutnotcompletelyinsurmountablePerhapsmorecarefulfarmplanningandcollaborationwithfarmersmaybeneededtocollectivelygrowspecific items tomaintainacertainvolumeandconsistency Issuesof seasonalityhoweverwillalwaysimpactconsistencyMarketingFarmers couldalso increase theirprofits throughappropriatebrandinga common logoandsharedwebsitefeaturingldquoGrownonMolokairdquoorldquoMadeonMolokairdquoproductlineThiswouldalsohelpprospectivevalueͲaddedfoodentrepreneurswhoarechallengedbyhighstartͲupandinsurancecoststhatcomeswithdevelopingaproductdesigningalogoandlabelandcomingupwithappropriatepackagingUnderonebrandandacommoninsurancethesecostscanbeminimizedandthevalueͲaddedproducercouldfocuschieflyoncreatingaqualityproductFarmersMarketampCommunitySupportedAgricultureMolokairsquoscurrentSaturdaymarketlocatedintheheartofKaunakakaiTownisanopenmarketwherethereareavarietyofitemssoldartscraftsvarioussundriesbakedgoodsandavarietyof vegetablesand fruits Ithasbeen suggested that theMolokaiopenmarketbe improvedupon to reflect a true farmersmarket Improvementswould includeproviding chill space toprovide other products like Molokai grass fed beef and seafood showcasing valueͲaddedMolokaiproductssellingmoreandbonafideMolokaiproduceandincreasingaccessibilityforlow income families to fresh local produce and other foods through undergoing the formalprocessandclearancetoacceptEBTfoodstamps
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 48
FarmersMarkets serve as an important venue for farmers to sell directly to customers andcreatepositiverelationshipswiththemForthosewhoprefertofarmandleavethesellingandmarketingtoothersalocaldistributorcouldfillthoseshoesSomehavesuggestedthatseveralfarmersmarketsbeestablishedwithinthevariousdistrictsofthe island (east central and west Molokai) to make local foods readily accessible to allconsumersAnother suggestionwas thatMolokai create its own local dollar or Local Exchange TradingSystem (LETS) amongst a communityor groupofpeoplewhomutually agree toextend andearn credit from each other through a series of transactions and exchanges of goods andservicesDirectbarterbetweenpartiesisnotnecessaryratheronecanearnLETScreditsfromperformingaserviceorgivingagoodandbereciprocatedatalatertimeforgoodsorservicesofequalvalue(egprovidingbabysittingservicestoearncreditsandreceiveplumbingworkinreturn)LETSallowscommunitiesgreater flexibilityandcreatesequalityamong itsmembersofferingvaluebeyondtheconventionalmonetarysystemSome farmers create their own market by operating a CSA or Community SupportedAgricultureTheWaialuaPermafarmhasbeenoperatingsuccessfullyforabout30yearsnowasaCSATheWaialuaPermafarmhasfamiliesthatregularlysubscribetotheirCSAandpurchaseweekly or biͲmonthly boxes of veggies and fruits The Waialua Permafarm provides animpressive listing of vegetable and fruits that they grow with customers choosing theirfavoritesWhateverisinseasonandpreferredbythecustomeriswhattheCSAprovidesPu`uOHokuRanchalsoprovidesveggieboxesaswellasamore recentoperation runningoutofMahanaGardensOneMolokaiCSAoperatorsuggestedtheSiskiyouSustainableCooperativeinOregonasagreatmodel that could help farmers here to consolidate their efforts and create direct farmer toconsumer relationships Some of the best practices coming from Siskiyou SustainableCooperativeinclude Acollectiveoffarmerswhowantedtoformamarketingandbusinesscooperative Their business plan included visionary goals such as a credit union for farmers a
cooperatively owned state of the art commercial kitchen and seed cleaning facilityaffordablehealthinsuranceforfarmfamiliesetc
Inthefirst2yearsthefarmersdeveloped3marketingvenuesaCSAafarmstandalongtheroadsideandacooperatively runmarketboothEventually theCooperative focusedmoreexclusivelyontheCSAasitprovedmostfinanciallysuccessful
Farmersrsquogoal istoprovidecontinualaccesstomore locallygrownandproducedfoodsandtomaketheCSAboxmoreofaldquooneͲstopshoppingrdquoexperienceformembersTodatetheCSA offers bread cheese eggs flowers beef and buffalo products coffee and honey inadditiontotheregularproduceboxes
CoͲopprovidescertifiedorganicfruitsvegetablesandspecialty itemsproducedon9smallͲscalefamilyfarmsandranches
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 49
Feeds250 families throughcooperativeCommunitySupportedAgriculture (CSA)marketingand distribution program while enhancing the economic viability of their sustainableagricultureoperations
CoͲopoffersasmallsharethatfeeds2peopleandalargesharethatfeeds3Ͳ5peopleCoͲopdropsoffthefoodboxesto7differentspotsonaweeklybasis
ProvidingproducetolowͲincomepopulationsispartofCoͲoprsquosmissionCoͲopprovidesfoodtoACCESSandfoodbanks
CoͲopalsosuccessfullyappliedtoacceptfoodstampsCoͲopunderstandsthateatingfreshhealthyfood is importantforeveryoneespeciallyforthemorevulnerablepopulations likechildrenpregnantandnursingmotherstheelderlyanddisabledThesepeoplearemostinneedofnutrientͲdensehighqualityfoods
CSAmembersalsobenefit from farmdaysofferedby thecoͲopmembersget tosee theirfoodbeing grown andmeet their farmersCoͲop also sends recipes andnewsletterswitheachboxtohelpmemberslearnnewandexcitingwaystopreparetheirvegetables
CoͲopworks toexpandmarkets for localseedproducers toprovidevarietiesofregionallyͲadaptedopenͲpollinated seeds forhomegardenersand smallͲscale farmersCoͲop leasesseed cleaning equipment from a local nonͲprofit to improve seed quality and encouragegrowers toproducemore seedas theequipment saves time Oneof thecoͲop foundingmembers started his own local seed company see websitewwwbiodynamicseedsblogspotcom
CoͲop farms utilize interns as an inexpensive labor pool while providing them withopportunitiesto learnhowtogrow foodandruna farmoperation Inaneffort toprovidequality internships someof thecoͲopmembers formedanonͲprofit toprovideeducationandsocialopportunitiesforfarminternsSeewebsitehttproguefarmcorpsorg
AchievingFinancialSustainabilityThroughMIFFStrategyTodays farmermust possess a diverse skillsͲset to be truly competitive in a globalmarketAccordingtoRichardNelsonpresidentofHawaiiBizlinkLLCanagricultureͲconsultingfirmontheBigIslandnichemarketdevelopmentisthekeytosuccessfulagribusinessinHawaiiratherthan the agricultureasacommoditymindset80 Headds [A]g iseconomicdevelopmentanditisalsotourismVisitorswanttoeattheNalogreensandthefreshfishseethepineappleplantationandvisit theaquacultureoperationsahard look [needs tobe taken in]assistingfarmers with a variety of things including development of market plans business planspackagedesignintroductiontobuyersdevelopmentoftradeshowsandmarketingvenuesforlocalproducers[E]veryfarmerhasgottogetsmarterItsnolongerjustharvestingproductandthrowing it inabinFarmershavetowearmultiplehatsnow81Aswe looktobuildinggreatercapacityinourfarmingcommunitymoreeducationandtrainingmustbeavailableforfarmerstomeettheseemergingtrendsinagriculture
80YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange81YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 50
Farmers are more likely to succeed through diversification The Multiple Income FarmingFamilies (MIFF) model is a strategy for strengthening agribusinesses through generatingmultiplerevenuestreamsOne exampleof aMultiple Income Farming Family isMolokaiMeli inoperation since 2004MolokaiMeli sellspremiumorganic rawkiawehoneyasavalueͲaddedproductThe familymarketsldquomelisticksrdquoorhoneysealed instrawsassimplesnacks Theyalsoprovidedifferentgradesofhoneypremiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyandhoneycombsthattheyadvertiseand sell through their website The family doesnrsquot stop there Their eldest child Elijahdevelopedhisownbusiness around adressing recipeheperfectedmadewithMolokaiMelihoneyTheyoungerdaughtershavealsodevelopedtheirownproductsbeeswaxcandlesandchapstickthataresoldatKumuFarmsandMolokairsquosspecialtyshopsAllfamilymemberssuitupintheirbeekeepingsuitstocareforthebeesInitiallywhentheystartedtheirbusinesstheyhadnot fullyreachedtheir financialgoal insecuringallthestartͲupcoststheyneeded Theylearnedtoadaptandadjustedtheirbusinessplan Whenfacedwithapredicamentthattheywould not receive their bees on time to start their operations smoothly they turned thischallengeintoanewbusinessopportunitybyprovidingtheislandrsquossolebeeremovalservicesThey utilized this initial stock of bees for honey production and continue to replenish theirstoresbymaintainingbeeremovalservicesValueͲAddingampGoingOrganicThecommunitysupportsorganicvalueͲaddedandsustainablefarming82 Encourageandsupportorganicandenvironmentallyfriendlyfarmingmethodstechniques SupporttheproductionofvalueͲaddedproducts SupportthefarmingofcertifiedorganicandornonͲGMOcropsAnexampleofwhereMolokaifarmershaveachievedsuccess is inproducingcertifiedorganicpapayaMolokaiistheonlyplaceintheworldwhereorganicpapayaisgrowncommerciallyAsmallairportrunway that lacks thecapacity toreceive largeplanesand internationalcarriershaskeptMolokaibiologicallypurerthantheother islands inthat ithasnotbeenexposedtothepapaya ringspotvirus likewise thebananabunchy topvirushasalsonot takena strongholdonMolokaibananaKumu Farms is a local distributor of organic sunrisestrawberry papaya In themidͲ1990sKumuFarms invested inandbuiltaforcedͲhotͲair(FHA)chemicalfreetreatmentfacilitywiththeapprovalof theUSDepartmentofAgriculture to treat itscertifiedorganicpapayaonsiteand distribute directly to its various markets throughout the State of Hawai`i the USMainland and Canada83 Thirty percent (30) of the organic papaya supply comes from
82MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf83KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 51
homesteadfarmingfamilieswhoarepartofKumuFarmsldquosatelliteprogramrdquo84ThesefarmersarepaidbyKumuFarms$075lbfororganicpapayawhichismorethandoublewhatfarmerstypicallygetforconventionalGMOpapayaat$030lb MolokaiOrganicPapayaretails inthemainlandUSat$5lbProducingcropsorganically isawaytovalueͲaddandenteranichemarket This isespeciallyusefulforsmallfarmswhocannotcompetewithlargeproducersOneofthesatellitefarmshasexpressedadesiretobegindistributingandmarketingitsorganicpapayaindependentlyofKumuFarmstorealizedirectmarketprofitsInanycaseKumuFarmsplaysavaluablerole inproviding itsownFHAchemicalfreetreatmentfacilitydoingoutreachto small farmers to assume the costs of shipping distribution and marketing For manybeginning farmers these types of opportunitiesmitigate some of the costs of running anagribusinessandgivethemaleguptogrowandeventuallyexpandtheirownenterprisesThe 2010 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process forMaui Countyidentified the main economic sectors forMauiMolokai and Lanai islands They includeAgriculture Arts and Entertainment Government Healthcare Recreation and SportsRenewableEnergyResearchampDevelopment (RampD)and theVisitor Industry MolokaiCEDSparticipantshave identifiedprioritygoalsandobjectivesundereachsector ForAgricultureampAquacultureMolokai residentselectedasapriorityobjectiveaneffective ldquoBuy Localrdquo (ldquoBuyMolokairdquocampaign)andtheestablishmentofaldquoMadeonMolokairdquobrandAdditionally a September 2009 report provided by theMaui EconomicDevelopment Board(MEDB)onldquoEntrepreneurshipandtheFutureofMolokairdquodeterminedfrommultiplesurveysofMolokairsquos business community areas for growth and opportunity for the islandrsquos economyRespondents identified asopportunities ldquouniquelyMolokai lsquonichersquoproducts (organicpapayacoffeecookiesMolokaibreadetc)rdquoandldquovalueͲaddedproducts (tarochipspackageddriedmangococonutandbanana)rdquoIncreasedproductionandmarketingofnewvalueͲaddedfoodproductsprovide longershelf life requires lessvolumeof rawproductandhaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketswishingtotrynewandexoticfoods ValueͲaddingandcreationofnicheproducts thatplay to the strengthsofwhat farmershere cangrowprovidesagreateradvantagetoMolokaiproducersandallowsthemtobemorecompetitiveinthemarket A few years ago theMolokai Rural Development Project (RDP) offered ValueͲAdded FoodProductionTrainingattheLanikehaCommercialKitchen inpartnershipwithHawaiianHomestheMolokaiCommunityServiceCouncilandKƻha`oBusinessCenterThetrainingwasgearedtoestablishingsuccessfulvalueͲadded foodbusinessesto fulfillanichemarketandaid inthediversification ofMolokairsquos agriculture industry RDP designed the training along theMIFFmodelofprovidingmultipleincomestreamsforfarmingfamiliesThelocalfarmerthroughthistrainingcouldsupplementhis income throughvalueͲaddingorconnectwithanentrepreneurwishingtoturnldquowasterdquo(discardedoffͲgradeproduce)intoopportunity
84KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 52
Currently Lanikeha holds a number of anchor tenants that regularly produce valueͲaddeditems Products thathavecomeoutofLanikeha includepoisweetpotatochipshoneyseasaltpestoproductsbakedandcatereditemsUtilizingLanikehaasaCommunityCommercialKitchen Incubator for additional valueͲadded product development and training is key todeveloping new food entrepreneurs on Molokai and strengthening the islands agricultureeconomyAgriͲTourismPriorities identified inMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian IslandrsquosAgricultureAquacultureSectionincludessupportofldquoagroͲtourismendeavorsrdquo85An area in which there is room for growth and diversification is the agritourism industryAccording to the Hawaii Agritourism Association (HATA) agritourism assists farmers withsupplementalincomebyprovidinganichemarketthatinvolvesconnectingtheconsumertothelandandthegrowersbyeducatingthemaboutagriculturalproductsandprovidingadirectandinteractiveexperienceOf theprofitsmade fromagͲtourism relatedactivitiesmost revenuesaregainedthroughonfarmsalesdirecttofarmvisitorsAdditionallymanyoperationsreceiveorders for products after visitors return home suggesting gains made through buildingrelationshipswithcustomersthroughagritourismvenuesAccording toHATAagritourism isagrowingglobal trend thatprovides farmswith income increative ways enhances diversity of visitor experiences while at the same time supportsculturalidentityTheMolokaiResponsibleTourism InitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanprovidesabasisfor identifyingacceptablehostͲvisitorexperiences inkeepingwithMolokairsquoscultureandruralpace 86 Focus group sessions interviews and surveys revealed that residents favoredsustainablecommunitytourismtheelementsofwhichinclude Operationsby localand traditionalpopulation toenhance thequalityof lifeprotectand
restoretheenvironmentalandculturalassetsandengagevisitorsontermsdefinedbythecommunity
Activitiesevolvingasasolutiontoeconomicenvironmentalsocialeducationalandcultural
growthchallenges
85MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf86McGregorDaviannaldquoMolokaiResponsibleTourismInitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanForMoloka`irdquoKe`AupuniLƃkĈhindashMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityFebruary2006httphuinethawaiirdporgmolokaiFinal20Report20Ͳ20with20coverpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 53
Advocating a fair exchange of value between the host and the hosted Preserving the
communityrsquossenseofplacethatbringsdignityandpridetothehost Featuringauthenticandgenuineactivities forguests Sharing realcultureby thepeople
whopracticeit Creatingabalancedratiobetweenthelocalpopulationandvisitorcountsothatthesenseof
placeisnotoverwhelmedbylargescaletourismSomeactionsteps identified tomeet theseprinciples includedculturalexchangeeducationaltoursbuilding thekama`ainavisitormarketworkingwithentrepreneurcohortsestablishingcommunitynetworksandcollaborativeeffortsSuccesswouldbemeasuredwithanincreaseinthe number of jobs in the visitor industry and an increase in contributions to the islandrsquoseconomyfromvisitoractivitiesandretailpurchasesSome Molokai farmers have shown interest in agriͲtourism as evidenced by a programsupportedbytheKƻha`oBusinessCentertheCountyOfficeofEconomicDevelopmentandtheMolokaiAgriculturalDevelopmentProgramafewyearsagotoprovideintroductoryagritourismworkshops and site visits to various farmsonMauiMaui farms likeAli`iKula Lavender andSurfingGoatDairyhaveservedasgreatmentorsTheseactivitieshave inspiredandpromptedMolokai farmersto lookathowtheycan improvetheirown farmingoperationsand increaserevenuethroughdiversificationPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm isoneexampleofagritourismonMolokai The familyprovides farmtoursandgivesvisitorstheldquomacadamiaexperiencerdquothroughaneducationalcomponentandanopportunity to taste and purchase their product Relationships builtwith visitors serve tocreatealoyalcustomerbaseThePurdyrsquosprovidedirectmarketingbymailtocustomerswhohavevisitedtheminthepastThismethodhasbeenquiteeffectiveforthemTherearenegativeviewsonMolokaiabout tourismorconventionalaspectsof tourism thatexploittheHawaiianhostculture One farmerwhodislikestourismstatedhoweverthathehaswelcomedhundredsofpeopleofallagestovisittourandworkonhis family farm Forhimnoproprietarysecretsarekeptjustadesiretoshareknowledgeandthefamilyrsquospassionfor farming In this sense tourism takes a differentmeaning one that ismore about aneducational exchange and an opportunity to volunteer and gain knowledge throughexperiencingaworkingfarmfirsthand
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 54
ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms
Lawsmustbeenforcedtomake it favorabletothe farmerto farm Enforcementofthe lawsthataccuratelydefineagricultureandappropriatefarmdwellingsiscriticaltothemaintenanceofHawai`irsquosinventoryofagriculturallandslestweforfeitafoodsecurefutureforHawai`i
MolokaiisoneofthefewislandsifnottheonlyHawaiianislandthatselfͲidentifiesitsdesiredandprimaryeconomy tobeagriculture rather than tourismThemajorityofour informantsrespondedtothefollowingquestioninthismanner
Question What is your Agriculture Vision for Molokai
ldquoTo truly be the agriculture breadbasket of the Staterdquo
Muchofthissentimentcanbeattributedtoourhistoriclegacyas`inaMomonaandaculturethathasneverforgottenthatthewealthofthe land isdeterminedbyhowmuchfoodcanbeproduced and howmuch can be shared This is the essence ofMolokairsquos two economiesagricultureandtraditionalsubsistence
InkeepingwithavisionforMolokaitobetheagriculturebreadbasketoftheStatefarmerssaythatchangesneed tobemadeby theStategovernment toprovideaguaranteedmarket forMolokai farmers to supply urban and densely populated islands like Oahu rather thanperpetuatingalosingpropositionforMolokairsquosfarmerswhoareforcedtocompetewithotherswhohavemoredirectaccesstothemarket
ExcerptsfromMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandmakescommunityobjectivesclearastothehighprioritygiventoprotectingtheinterestsoflocalagriculture87 Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture food
production Promoteandsupport family farmsonMolokai inorder toprotectagricultureaquaculture
resourcesfromcommercialexploitation Promoteactivitiesand incentives thatwillhelpsupport theeconomicsecurityofour farm
families
AdditionalacreageforAgriculturalParksshouldbereservedtosupporttheexpansionoflocalfamilyfarmsPracticesthatconflictwiththespiritandpoliciesidentifiedforAgParkssuchasleasingorsubͲleasingto largecorporateindustrialagricultureandbiotechcompaniesshouldbeprohibited
87MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 55
Newtrendsrelatedtoan increasingappreciationanddemandfor localandregionalproduceencourage the return of small family farms88 Family farms are important to the soul andresilienceofacommunity Where industrialagriculturecompaniestendtocauseerosionandpollution through destructive practiceswith the use ofmachinery and heavy application ofchemical fertilizersherbicides andpesticides independent small family farmshave amoreintimate relationship with the land and are keen on preserving green and open spaces inalignmentwithcommunityvalues89
Related to thedeclineofsmall family farms is theagingofAmericarsquos farmers Molokai isnodifferent Theaverageageofthefarmerswesurveyedwere54yearsoldwhilethenationalaverage is 5790 The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 70 of the nationrsquosagricultural landwill changehandswithin the next 20 yearsdue to the agingpopulationoffarmers91 Ifthenextgeneration isnot interested infarmingthere isarealthreatthatthesefarmlandswillbeconvertedtononͲagriculturepurposes92 It is imperativethentocultivateanewgenerationofbeginningfarmers
OutreachampEducationIncreasingConsumerAwareness Reviewofsurveyand interviewresponsesstimulated livelyinformalinquiryanddiscussionamongfriendsfamilyandcolleaguesOnesuchdiscussionwasabout the need to raise greater consumer awareness of different kinds of foods herbsvegetablesthatattractthemoreexperiencedpalettebut forwhichthe localpopulationmaynotbeaccustomedtooutsideoftheirowntraditionalfoodsOneobservationthatwasmadebyKumuFarmsisthatsalesarelowinthesummerandpickupagainatthearrivalofsnowbirdsin the fallandwintermonths Hearing localpeople talkabout theirappreciationofgoing toKumuFarmstopickupfreshorganicproducebutareluctancetotrysomeofthemoreexoticherbsbecauseoftheirlackofknowledgeonhowtopreparethemsuggestsadesiretoexploredifferentcuisinesbutnotenoughopportunitytolearnaboutandincorporatethesefoodsintotheir cooking Hosting different tastings and cooking classes that integrate a farm to tableapproachmayhelp to removesome thesebarriers toeatinghealthynew foods With thesetypesofactivitieswecreatemoreeducatedconsumers Severalofour informantshavealsosuggestedraisingawarenessatanearlyagetoeducatethenextgenerationofeatersthroughschoolgardenprogramsthatgivechildrenadirectexperienceandappreciationofcultivating
ͺͺUnited StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof FoodandAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml89ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml90ShuteBldquoANewGenerationofFarmersrdquoTheNewYorkTimesAugust192011httpwwwnytimescomroomfordebate20110817couldͲfarmsͲsurviveͲwithoutͲillegalͲlaborweͲneedͲaͲnewͲgenerationͲofͲamericanͲfarmers91United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml92United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 56
preparingeatingandeventuallybuyingadelightfuldiversityof locallygrownnutritiousandwholefoodsEducatingFarmers Molokaihasgreatresourcesthatassistboththeprospectiveandcurrentfarmer ingaining inͲdepthagriculturalknowledgeand skills TheUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollege (UHMC) Molokai Farm confers an Associates Degree and Certificates in variousAgricultureampNaturalResourcestopics
CertificateofAchievementandASdegrees inHorticultureand LandscapeMaintenanceandSustainableTropicalCropManagement
Certificates of Competence in Agricultural Science Nursery Production and PestManagement
CertificatesofCompletioninTurfgrassSpecialistSustainableTropicalCropProductionandLandscapeMaintenance
Associates in Technical Studies Degree in Cultural and Natural Resource ManagementMĈlama`ina
InthepasttheMolokaiRuralDevelopmentProjectsponsoredtheAgricultureCohorttrainingprogramwhichserved8 farming families (27 familymemberstotal)committedtodevelopingsustainablefamilyfarms93The UHͲCTAHR Molokai Office delivered the training The project employed experientiallearning and instructionalmethodologies as best practices for intergenerational transfer oftechnology and expertise for sustainable agriculture Participants learned marketing farmplanningproductionplanningrecordkeepingcompleterequisitetaxforms(ScheduleF)farmequipmentsafetyandoperationsiteͲselectionassessmentirrigationsetͲupsoilfertilityplantnutritionpestmanagement (weeds insectsdiseases)harvesting commoditiespostͲharvesthandling grading and qualitymanagement organic certification basic computing businesssoftware and custom agricultureͲbased software Participants received training on usingspecialagriculture softwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRMolokaiextensionagentAltonArakakiThe first software they learned was on Production Mapping With this program farmersplannedandprojected theirproductionactivities throughout theyearanddeterminedwhenandhowmuch resourceswouldbeneeded to complete activities successfully TheprogramalsoprovidedfarmersanopportunitytorealisticallyestimateproductioncashflowoftheirfarmplansThesecondsoftwarethey learnedwastheScheduleFfinancialrecordkeepingprogramthatmaintainsrecords inatemplatethatwouldeventuallycompletetheirDepartmentoftheTreasuryProfitandLossfromFarmingIRSScheduleFForm1040AttheendofthetrainingthecohortparticipantsreceivedcopiesofthesoftwareOtherfarmingsoftwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRprovedusefulforfarmentrepreneursenrolledintheprojectThesoftwareincludedPlantTissueAnalysisndashRecordingandTrackingforplantnutritionmanagementandCalibratingYourSprayer(publishedbyCTAHRhttpwwwctahrhawaiieduocfreepubspdfPRREͲ6pdf)
93AkutagawaMalialdquoAgriculturalCohortProjectFinalReportrdquoAugust302007
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 57
Farmfamiliesincreasedtheirknowledgeandexperienceincropproductionandmanagementandapplied theiracquiredskills toestablishingorexpanding their farmbusiness Thecropsproducedbythe8 family farmenterprises includedorganicpapaya(3 farms)yamDioscareaorganicwatermelon and taro greenhouse lettucepumpkin taro (lu`au leaf table taro andvalueͲaddedkuloloproduct)andcoffeeSeveral participants were successful recipients of the Molokai Agricultural DevelopmentProgram awards having enrolled in RDPrsquos Kƻha`o Business Center Entrepreneurial TrainingProgram to receive oneͲtoͲone business consultation and assistance in developing theirbusinessplans
Allcohort familiesmadeprofitandexceededbenchmarkssetbyRDP Anestimated totalof$105000wasmade in cumulative sales over the yearmore than doubling the year 2 endprojectgoalof$50000 The farmproductsweremarketedonͲisland intrastateandon themainlandOrganicpapayasweremarketedtomainlandhubsinLosAngelesSanFranciscoandPortlandFromthesehugecitiestheyweresoldandshippedtoinlandmarkets
From thiscomprehensive trainingparticipants learnedandexperiencedboth theagriculturalsciencesandartofrunningasuccessfulbusinessInthesciencecurriculumparticipantslearnedsubjectmatters insoilplantsplantdiseases insectsweedsplantnutritionmanagementofplant pests and plant nutrition In the agriͲbusiness curriculum participants learned postharvesthandlinggradingorganic certificationmarketingand farmproductionplanningandmanagement Both experiential learning and classroom instruction proved invaluable Themajorityofthesefamiliesremainsuccessfultodaymorethan5yearsaftertheprogramendedTrainingslikethisgivefarmersthenecessarytoolstorunasuccessfulagribusinessUHͲCTAHRcontinues toassistby focusingon teachingbeginning farmersasaway to cultivate thenextgenerationoffarmersandreversethenationwidetrendofanagingfarmingpopulationSust`ĈinableMolokaihasalso focusedoncomplementing thisworkbybringingpermaculture(ecologicalfarming)inpartnershipwiththePermacultureResearchInstituteUSAtointerestedlocal adults and homesteaders to farm responsibly and sustainably From herewersquove beenteachingsustainablefarmingstrategiestoanestimated100MolokaiHighSchoolstudentsandinstallingthefeaturesofaminiͲahupua`aasademonstrationandteachingtoolIt is recommended that tobuilda strong farmingcommunity in thenextgenerationwewillneedtotakeproactivestepsnowandstartpreparingnewfarmersearlyonfromgradeschoollevel with school gardens up through middle and high school as youth begin to exploreagricultureasacareerGeneralagricultureclassescanbesupplementedwithacurriculumthatincludes financial literacyentrepreneurshipbusinesshomeeconomicshealthandnutritionscience (biology ecology chemistry conservation) and engineering aspects From herestudentswill be able to understand agriculture from diverse viewpoints and disciplines anddevelopdifferentskills required foroperatingasuccessful farmenterprise Creatingadirectbridge tohighereducation throughcollegeandcareerpathway ladderprogramsavailableat
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 58
UHMCMolokaiandotheruniversityinstitutionsisidealOnefarmerwhohasastrongbusinessbackgroundandwasabookkeeperformanyyearspriorto farming recommended that youngpeople take courses inbookkeeping and accounting inadditiontoagricultureclassesPerhaps thegreatestways to impart farmingknowledge isbetween farmers SeveralofourfarmersthatweinterviewedindicatedthattheylearnbestfromeachotherandthatthereisadesiretoserveasmentorsfornewfarmerswholackexperienceThisisfeltparticularlyamongMolokairsquoshomesteadfarmersOnefarmerremarkedontheverycloseͲknitcommunityformedonthehomesteadandthatmosthavethesamemindsetthatldquonewopportunitiesforoneareopportunities for allrdquo As a group they rely on each other to share farming techniquesinformation on new equipment and promote their produce together Rarely is therecompetitionamongsthomesteadersbutadesire todemonstrate thatagriculture isa viableeconomicenginefortheislandOtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchersThereareanumberofincentiveprogramsthatassistfarmersranchersandlandownersiftheychoosetointegrateconservationandsustainablepracticesintheiroperationsThisisonewaythat Molokai producers can access critical funding and work with conservation expertsIncentive Programs through the US Department of Agriculture include the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service (NRCS) ndashMolokaiͲLanai Soil ampWater Conservation District(SWCD) which prepares local conservation and watershed management plans providesconservationeducationandpropagatesnativeplantstorestoreHawaiianecosystemsassistsfarmersand ranchers inanumberof federalFarmBillPrograms thatprovides incentives forvoluntary conservation practices to help reduce erosion protect streams and rivers restoreandestablishfishandwildlifehabitatandimproveairqualityo EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)respondstoimportantlocallyidentified
natural resource concerns Funds cover conservationplanningdesignand installation Itmayincludestrategiessuchasnoxiousweedcontrolbrushmanagementpasturehaylandplantingterracesandgroundcover
o GroundampSurfaceWaterConservation (GSWC) supports installationof irrigation related
conservation practices Strategies funded arewater catchment basinsmicroͲirrigationroofrunoffetc
o GrasslandReserveProgram(GRP)assistslandownersandoperatorsintherestorationand
protectionofgrasslandincludingrangelandandpasturelando WildlifeHabitat IncentiveProgram (WHIP) utilized for thecreationand improvementof
fish and wildlife habitat on private land Some practices funded include developingwetlandripariananduplandareas
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 59
o Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) wetland restoration enhancement or creation on
privatelando FarmampRanchlandProtectionProgram(FRPP)helpingstatetribalorlocalgovernmentto
purchasethedevelopmentrightstokeepproductivefarmandranchlandinagriculturaluseo Conservation Security Program (CSP) rewards farmers for protecting and improving the
environment Pays producerswho historically practice good stewardship on agriculturallandsandprovidesincentives
OtherprogramsadministeredthroughNRCSanditsaffiliatesincludeo AgriculturalDevelopment Program (ADP) provides funds to Resource Conservation and
DevelopmentCouncils throughout the nation to administer grants for community drivenprojectsthatpromoteagriculturaldevelopment
o Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) stimulates the development and adoption of
innovativeconservationapproachesand technologieswhile leveraging federal investmentinenvironmentalenhancementandprotectioninconjunctionwithagriculturalproduction
o CooperativeEcosystemStudiesUnit(CESU)provideopportunitiesforinterdisciplinaryand
multiͲagency research technical assistance and education Function as ldquovirtualrdquoorganizationslinkingseveralinstitutionstoincreaseaccesstoexpertiseandfacilities
ImproveRanchingPracticesampMaximizeUseampPotentialofSlaughterhouseThebroaderimpactfortheislandinhavingitsownslaughterhousethemostadvancedfacilityin theStateofHawaii is the revitalizationofMolokairsquos ranching industryWherequalityandincreased volume are paramount ranchers with the right tools may take advantage ofconsumer trends towards making healthier food choices through offering MolokaiͲgrowngrassͲfedorganicbeefasavalueͲaddednicheproduct
TherehavebeencriticismsaboutthequalityofMolokaibeef intermsoftaste Whilevisitorsandhealthconsciousindividualstendtobemorewillingtospendupto$5lbonlocalgrassfedbeeftheaverageMolokaiconsumertendstobemoreconcernedabouttasteAccordingtotheslaughterhousemanagerhighqualitypastureyieldshighqualitybeefandisapreͲrequisiteforenteringanichemarket Ranchersherearenot focusedongrass finishing theircattle HighqualitygrassgrownunderbestmanagementpracticesisneededtocreateagreatbeefproductItwill take time for the ranching industry to see the valueof adopting greatermeasures inalignmentwithorganicranchingpreceptstocaptureanichemarket
Venisonand lambshowmarketpotential Itwillbe interestingtotracktheprogressofthese
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 60
potential enterprises in the years ahead It is recommended thatMolokairsquos stateͲofͲtheͲartslaughterhousebeutilizedtoprocessanddistributemore localmeatandavarietyofanimalsforretailprocessingaswellasvalueͲaddedfooddevelopmentAdditionallythepossibilityandrequirements for processing goat through the slaughterhouse and the potentialmarket fortheseanimals shouldbe furtherexploredasaway toget feralgoats (andmoredeer)downfromthemountainasathreattouplandnativeforestsandontotheplateWemustbegintolookatwaystoturnthreatsintoopportunities
SustainableRanchingThe community has identified as a priority the support of ldquocontinued livestockͲraisingoperationsonMolokaithatusesustainablelandwatermanagementpracticestominimizetheriskoferosionandtoprotectMolokairsquoslimitedwaterresourcesrdquo94Sust`ĈinableMolokaihasbeenresearchingwaystobringthetoolsofHolisticManagementtoMolokai ranchers Theholisticmanagement framework touchesupon theways thatanimalscan play an important role in renewing the land through careful management andunderstandingthewatercyclemineralcycleenergyflowandecosystemdynamics Throughthismethodgrasslandscanbe improved tominimizenegativeeffectsofdroughtrebuildsoilandsequestercarbonaswellasprovidegoodpastureforhoovedanimalswhoareintegratedinto themanagement plan With holisticmanagement livestock actually provide a healingeffectonthelandthroughmimickingnatureandwildherdingbehaviorAnimalscanbeutilizedtoaerate the soilandaid in theplantingofgrass seedwith theirhooveswhilecontributingnutrientstothesoilfromtheirfeceswithhighdensitygrazingforshortperiodsfollowedbyarestorativeperiod Outcomesof this sustainablewayofmanagement include reduced costsand increased profits for the ranch more productive range land biologically active soilsreversal of desertification of eroded lands drought protection restorative effect on thewatershedimprovedwildlifehabitatandecosystemsandfoodsecurityRanchersaroundtheworldhavemetwithgreatsuccessthroughthismethodTherearesomeexamplesontheBigIslandofsuccessfulranchingwithHolisticManagementprinciplesWithappropriateplanningcollaboration and raising the necessary funds Sust`ĈinableMolokai would like to bring aHolisticManagementtrainingworkshoptoassisttheranchingcommunityStrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparednessOne farm business Kumu Farms has taken an active role in responding to food securityconcernsforMolokaiKumuFarmsaftertherecenttsunamiscarebegantoconsiderhowtheycouldhelpinincreasingMolokairsquosfoodsecurityandresiliencetodisastereventsKumuFarmsadoptedapolicy thatmakesMolokai firstpriority in termsof supplying the islandrsquosproduceneedsMolokaineedsaretakencareoffirstwiththesurplusexportedtotherestoftheStateandUSmainland
94MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 61
UH CTAHRwill be providing an `Ohana Gardening class for subsistence gardening Familygardens are the bestway to provide food security There is a phrase by Geoff Lawton arenowned permaculture teacher ldquoOne can solve all problems in a gardenrdquo In a gardendistributionandtransportationissuesareautomaticallyresolvedOthermeasuresthatcanbetaken to make food readily accessible to families and minimize the amount of time andresources to travel by foot is toworkwith families to plant breadfruit trees sweet potatobananaswet or dryland taroMany Hawaiian families particularly living on kuleana landsalreadyhavetheseplantsandtrees inthegroundasdirectbeneficiariesoftheirkupunawhocommonlyprovidedforthefamilyrsquosneedsrightintheirownbackyardOne farmer would like to see food forests on the mountain sides in every ahupua`aCollaborationwith large landownerscommunitygroupsand theahaki`ole leadershipwouldbeagoodstartingpointtocoordinatethistypeofworkMolokairsquos strength also lies in its diversified agriculture and family farms The use of largeacreagesof farm land forbiotech seedcropsutilized for researchpurposesonly impacts theislandrsquos food security and ability to produce food Typical industrialmonocrop culture alsoleavestheislandmorevulnerabletomasscropfailureGreaterresilienceisfoundthroughdiversificationoffoodcropsReintroducingthepracticeofseedsavingandgrowingmanyvarietiesofheirloomseedsadaptedtospecificgrowingregionsand climate regimes is away to increase food security Greater effortmust be placed increatingaseedbankpreservingandplantingexistingseedvarietiesparticularlycreatedbytheearlyHawaiians and passed down to the present generation and cultivating new varietiesadaptedtoonersquosgrowingareaRestoration ofWaikolu Valley was identified as a priority project under theMaui CountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)processTherestorationprojectwouldentailallowinghomesteaderstorestorethetaroterracesinthevalleyandreplanttaro95Molokairsquosgreat inventoryoffishpondsandmassivefringingreefsystemarealsoassetstotheislandrsquosabilitytoproducefoodCaremustbetakentorestoreuplandforeststostopsiltationandrunoffintotheoceanandfishpondsWorkmustbeundertakentorestoremorefishpondsandputthembackintoproduction
95Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter4ndashMauiCountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy2010ShortRangePriorityProjectsp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 62
ConclusionFarming is challenging onMolokai due to limited water resources high operational costsshippinghurdlesandtheabilitytogeta fairprice forproduce farmed Thesechallengesarenot insurmountable ifapproachedsystematicallyandcontinuedeffortsandcommitmentsaremade byMolokairsquos community to support local agriculture through education and creatingstructuresthatpoolresourcesandpeopletogetherThe island ismadestrongerby theassetswehavearichcultural legacyof `Ĉinamomonaapopulation thatmaintains traditional subsistence practices and upholds agriculture as theeconomic mainstay for the island lands fishponds and reefs capable of producing vastamounts of food a strongHawaiianHomestead farming community engaged in diversifiedagriculture a college and demonstration farm that offers agriculture certificate and degreeprograms local stateͲofͲtheͲart slaughterhousea community run commercialkitchen facilityforvalueͲadded foodproductionand trainingdedicatededucatorsandagricultureextensionagents from the University to help farmers in the field and an environment that ismorecooperativethancompetitiveintermsofsharingknowledgeandbestpractices
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 63
VI APPENDICES
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sustrsquoaina ble Molokai Survey Food Production amp Security
Do you care or think about where your food comes from ___yes ___no Do you prefer to buy local Molokai food products __ yes ___no __no preference Would you eat more local food if it were available __yes __no If yes what would you like to eat or buy if made grown on Molokai_______________________________________________________________________________ Do you feel you have access to locally grown food in the grocery stores and open markets ___yes ___no If no
what do you suggest to improve this situation_______________________________________________________
Are you a farmer or interested in farming ____ yes ____no If yes how old are you_________________
If yes what do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other ________________________________
What produce do you (plan to) farm_______________ ______________________________________ How much land are you farming (or is available for you) a Less than one acre b 1 ndash 5 acres c 15 - 40 acres d 40 acres or more
Do you grow your own food (farm gardening) _____ yes ______no If no what is the primary reason for not
growing your own food __Too busy __ Not interested __ Relying on others __Disabled __ Donrsquot know
how Other Reason _____________________________
Approximately what percentage of the food you eat is Prepared at home ______ Purchased from a restaurant ______ (total should equal 100)
Of the food you prepare at home approximately what percentage is grown caught andor produced (total should equal 100)
a By you andor your family ______ b On Molokai_______ c In Hawaii ________ d Outside Hawaii________
Would you grow food for sale if there were a viable market (guaranteed customer) (or more food if you already grow)
__Yes __No What subsistence activities do you do If none why (no interest no time donrsquot know how)
aHunting b FishingDiving c Gathering (what___________________) Other ______________ None because _______________________
To practice subsistence on Molokai we need our natural resources to be in good conditionprotected and we need access Which one is a bigger concern for you ___Conditionprotection of our natural resources ___Access to natural areasresources ___Both ndash equally
Overall how important is subsistence to your family ___Very Important ___Somewhat important
___Somewhat Unimportant ___Not Important at all
About what percent of your familyrsquos food comes from subsistence activities (fishing hunting gathering raising
animals cultivation) ________
AppendixA-FoodProduc0onampSecuritySurvey
Food Production ndash Informant Interviews ndash Farmers
Sustainable Molokai is creating an online database where we are inputting information about the islandrsquos food production We want to share what you are growing as well as include your manarsquoo on the status of Molokairsquos food supply Once this information is available to the public the island community would have a picture of what is going on in terms of food security and how we can all get together to fill in the gaps and meet needs
How old are you how long have you been farming
What produce do you farm or are interested in farming How much land is available for you
What has been your best cash crop
Has farming your specific productproduce been successful
What do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other___________________________
Do you sell or plan to sell food mostly on island What is your vision for an agricultural future for this island
AppendixB-InterviewQues0onsforFarmers
Food Security Interview Questions for Businesses
Sustainable Molokai is working on a database project which is collecting information about Molokairsquos food production We are surveying the community and would like to talk story with the islandrsquos grocery stores
Out of a 100 how much percentage of what you sell out of the store is locally grownproducedmade
If itrsquos not Molokai made where does the produce come that is being sold out of the store
What Molokai madegrown products do you sell out of the store
What are the requirements for local food to be sold out of your store (eg business license)
What is the most popularsuccessful or fastest selling local product sold
What do you consider to be the challenges that farmers face on Molokai
What would you like to sell that is Molokai made
Do you have any suggestions to potential farmers food businesses on Molokai What to sell when to sell etc
AppendixC-InterviewQues0onsforBusinesses
ampamp amp
TableofContents
I Introduction1
II Background6
AStatewideOutlook6FromPlantationAgriculturetoBiotechSeedCrops6Agroecology6OrganicFarming7BuyLocalEatLocal7DiversifiedAgriculture8Agritourism8
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent9
III Methods14
KeyInterviewInformants15
IV KeyFindings17
LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood17AccesstoLocallyGrownFood17AwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood17Subsistence18
AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValue-AddedProducts21MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers27
ContactListofMolokaiRestaurantsLocalGroceryStoresGasStations27PreferredLocalFoodstoBuyfromFarmerstoSellorIncorporateInMenu29
MolokaiFarmerPerspectivesontheirPersonalandCollectiveAssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities30
MolokaiFarmerProfile(ageexperiencenumbersfarming)30AverageAcreageFarmed30Wind30Drought31MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)32WeedsPestsWildAnimals33HighOperationalCosts34HighCostofWater34HighEquipmentCosts35
HighShippingCosts35Theft35Fire35NotEnoughLandtoFarmandCompetingUsesforAgricultureLand35LowPricesOfferedforLocalProduceNotEnoughDemandforGoodsAndProductInconsistency36LackofSupportforAgriculture36NeedforAdditionalEducationandTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunity37RanchingandtheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeChallengeswithMolokaiBeef37Slaughterhouse37LambSheep39DeerRanching39Aquaculture40
AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparation41
V Recommendations43
MitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElements43
Wind43Drought-ProofingReforestation43ProtectingWaterResourceRights44WildAnimalControl44IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth45
AddressingHighOperationalCosts46
EquipmentAccess46Shipping46
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoods47Marketing47FarmersMarketandCommunitySupportedAgriculture47AchievingFinancialSustainabilitythroughMIFFStrategy49Value-AddingandGoingOrganic50Agri-Tourism52ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms54OutreachandEducation55
IncreasingConsumerAwareness55EducatingFarmers56OtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchers58
ImproveRanchingPracticesandMaximizeUseandPotentialofSlaughterhouse59StrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness6o
VI Conclusion62
VII Appendices
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 1
Moloka`i pedia Molokai Agriculture Needs Assessment
I INTRODUCTIONMolokairsquosCulturalandHistoricLegacyasanAgriculturalBreadbasketFlyingover thesmallislandofMolokai(38mileslong10wide)oneisabletoseemuchoftheculturersquosrichheritagethe remnants of over 60 ancient Hawaiian fishponds stringing the coastline like lei (flowergarlands) thatonceheldhundredsof tonsof fish Inlandone seesalsoovergrown terracedtaro fields stretching into every ahupua`a (valley characterized as highly productive selfͲsustaining landdivisions spanning from themountaindown to the sea)These lo`i (wet taropatches)were craftedbybrilliantengineerswho channeled coolwaters throughan intricatesystemof`auwai(irrigationditches)thatmeanderedbetweenstreamandsuccessivepatchesenteredthestreamoncemoreandfedthelokoi`a(fishponds)Fromhistorictimesthisislandwascalled`Ĉinamomona(thefatorabundantland)Itproducedsomuchsurplusthatiteasilyfed armies of people from neighboring islands The people were inherently generous asscarcitydidnotexist
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 2
The Land and People Past and Present This island also produced themost famed andpowerful kahuna (priests) known for their Pule O`o (potent and ripened prayers) KahunafinishingschoolsforhigherlearningwerefoundhereMolokaiisalsoKaHulaPikobirthplaceof the dance (the giving and expression of life) and also the origin of its counterpart lua(martialartsasbringerofdeath)Togethertheyformthenecessarydualityofthehealerandwarrior to become one complete artOne comes to know the descendants of this land toexpressthatsamedualityakindnessandfriendlyopennessmingledwithanintenseferocityasprotectorsanddefendersofMolokaiNuiAHinaGreatChildofHinaSeventyͲtwopercent(72)ofMolokairsquospopulation isofNativeHawaiianancestryThe islandhasnostoplightsandnobuildingstallerthanacoconuttree Cardoorsarerarely locked AtrafficͲjamonMolokai isdescribedastwovehiclesstopped inthemiddleoftheroadwhiletheiroccupantstalkstoryanddriversbehindthemwaitpatientlyfortheconversationtoendAt least oneͲthird of the averageMolokai familys diet comes from traditional subsistenceactivities(huntingfishinggatheringandfarming)Itiscommonpracticetoexchangefishforvenisonbreadfruitfortaroandtogivefoodtokupuna(elders)whonolongercanfishorhuntforthemselves Whilenostrangertowestern influencesandthetragedyofthecommonsoftheislandsMolokaihasbestmanageditsnaturalresourcesandmaintainedagreatersenseofitsheritageas`ĈinamomonaSubsistenceandMolokairsquosEconomy As theplanemakes itsdescent the islandmoves intogreaterfocusOneseesadeepscarringofthelanddenudedlandscapesfromtheintroductionofhoovedanimals (goatdeerandcattle)decadesofheavyranchinghugewaterdiversionsthat were used for destructive plantation agriculture and now in support of the GMOcompaniesEroded gullies transport silt into the sea chokingonce abundant fishpondswithtoxic chemicalͲladen soils and inundating the largest contiguous fringing reef in the USDespite declining resources Molokai residents persist by supplementing their diet withsubsistence foods grown gathered caught fished andhuntedOne can say thepeoplenotonlysubsiston traditional foodsasaculturalpracticebutoutofnecessityBurdenedwitha12unemployment ratecoupledbyahighcostof living (gascostscurrentlyat$549gallonhighshippingcostsofgoodsbroughtbybargethatarepasseddowntothefamilyrsquosgrocerybilland100dieselpoweredelectricitycosting45centskwh)thepeopleturntotraditional lifeskillstostretchtheirdollarsTheyalsorelyonextended`ohana(families)andfriendsformutualbarteringandgoodwillAPlaceofContrasts Upon landingonMolokairsquos shortairstripone cannothelpbut takeacooling and restorative breath and absorb the surroundings of a truly beautiful andmostspecial island Over timeone realizes thatMolokai is aplaceof contrastswherepast andpresentabundanceandscarcityeaseandhardshipoccupythesamespaceOnewondershowtochangetheparadigmsothebestofthepastbecomesthe futureandthe futurebecomesthe present ͲͲwhere the land flourishes and the people thriveOur goal is to become theabundanceourancestorssaweverydayoftheir livesthatwemayrestorethepono (balanceandrightrelationship)andembracethetruemeaningofsustainability
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 3
MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandandtheWorkofSust`ĈinableMolokaiResidentstookitupon themselves to compile decades of community planning and identified cultural andfoundational values into a culminating and living document titled ldquoMolokai Future of AHawaiianIslandrdquo Itsetthestagefortheworkour islandwillundertakeforthenext40yearsandbeyond Itservedasacalltoactionthatresulted inthe formationofthisgrassrootsͲlednonprofit organization Sust`ĈinableMolokai The document has attracted the interests ofdecisionͲmakers in state and local government conservationists and environmentalistsHawaiian and other indigenous groups and green innovators It examines community andculturalvalues forwhich futuredecisionͲmakingshallbeguided It identifiesopportunities ineducation (both modern and traditional) business and vocational training diversifiedagricultureandaquacultureresponsible landusemanagementrestorationandstewardshiptomaintainopenspaceandprotecttraditionalsubsistencehostͲbasedculturallyappropriatemodels for tourism green jobs promoting energy selfͲsufficiency water conservationconvertingrelianceonfossilͲfuelͲpoweredautomobilestothoserunonrenewableenergyandatraditional`ahaki`olelocalgovernancestructurethatraisescommunityparityAs coͲauthors of this document our core leadership subsequently founded a grassrootsinitiativein2008toensurethattheplanwouldnotsitonashelftoholdunfulfilledcommunityhopesanddreams In2010weofficially incorporatedasa501(c)(3)nonprofitto implementtheplanpreserveourislandsrichcultureandhistoriclegacyof`ĈinamomonawhileembracingmodernpathwaystoasustainablefutureTheSust`ĈinabilityWheel
We define sust`Ĉinability in terms of restoringabundance or `Ĉinamomona to the land and people`ina reflects a covenant between the people and thelandwhereEarthsbountygoeshandinhandwithgoodstewardshipWeaskedourselveswhatmakesahappyhealthy and sust `Ĉina ble community We came upwiththe12priorityareasWesawthese12componentsas spokes on awheel connected to a central hub thatheldthemalltogetherThatcoreisthelokahi(unity)andthepono(harmony)betweenthelandandpeoplewhenwehonorthecovenantthatcomeswiththeword`INA
12ndashPOINTSUST`INABILITYWHEEL
CulturalIdentity LocalGreenEconomy CulturalandEnvironmentalEducation
FoodSovereigntyandSecurity WaterQualityandConservation RenewableEnergy
EnergyEfficientTransportation GreenBuildingandAffordableHousing
HealthyEnvironmentandAbundantResources
ResponsibleLandUseandProtectingSubsistence
ZeroWasteRecyclingandReͲUse CommunityHealthSafetyandWellͲBeing
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 4
Moloka`iͲpedia and the Agriculture Needs Assessment Moloka`iͲpedia is a projectundertakenbySust`ĈinableMolokaiforthepurposeofcreatingstrongercommunitynetworksinformingkeystakeholdersincreasingequityandaccesstopublicandprivatepartnershipsandresources andmobilizing our people to build as well asmeasure our progress towards asustainablefutureTheconceptforMoloka`iͲpediastemsfromour2009Sust`ainableMolokaiResource Guide that is based on our 12Ͳspoke Sustainability Wheel Positive communityinvolvementhaspromptedtheexpansionofthisworkTheprojectaddressesthecurrentlackof data specifically for our geographic area The majority of information on Molokai issubsumed within a triͲisle county system that does not account for the vast differencesbetween our rural island of 7345 to tourismͲfocused Lanai and urbanMauiwith amuchhigherpopulationdensityFurtherthereisnodatacollectiononthe12areasofsustainabilityidentified by our project Moloka`iͲpedia also seeks to address the isolation that manyindividualsandorganizationsoperate inThis siloͲeffectmakesusall ineffectiveSust`ĈinableMolokaiaimstoutilizeMoloka`iͲipediaasatooltoshowhowvariousentitiescanbenefitfromcollaboratingPublicprivateandnonprofitentitieswillbeabletoaccessspecificdatasetsseeaclearpictureofneedsͲtoͲassetsratiosmobilizecollectivelytofillexistinggapsandcapitalizeonavailableassetsandresourcestoachievesharedgoalsOuronlineopensourcedatabase isbeingorganizedalongthe12spokesoftheSust`ĈinabilityWheel Within each section we are collecting baseline and new data to provide acomprehensiveoverviewintheformofaldquoneedsandassetsassessmentrdquoofMolokairesourcesOncecompletewewillbeabletoseewhatwehaveandwhatismissingThiswillinformournext stageofworkandhelpus toeffectivelypursue solutionsonourpath to sustainabilityMoloka`iͲpediawillassistus inoureducationtrainingandadvocacyworkhelpusto identifyexistingcommunityassetsandinherentchallengesandfillcomplementaryrolesthatadvancelocaleffortsThisvehiclewillfacilitatethekuleana(responsibility)weplaceonourselvestobearchitectsofourowndestinyand indevelopinghomegrownsolutionsthatworkbest Inoursuccessothersalsosucceed Ourstrategyaimsto identifypartnershipsbetween individualscommunitygroupsbusinessesgovernmentalagenciesandotherserviceproviderswhocouldbenefitfromworkingtogetherWe envision Moloka`iͲpedia to serve as a tool for citizen empowerment returning dataownership to community toeffectmeaningful change and solutionsMoloka`iͲpediaensurescommunityselfͲdetermination inhowdata iscollectedandutilizednot justscientificallybutresponsibly ethically andwith good intent Itnecessitatesongoing community engagementwithnotonlythedataandthetechnologybutalso insharing ideasMoloka`iͲpediawillgiveeverydaypeopleaccesstoreal informationthat is importanttothemandthat improvestheirlivesespecially inatimeofgovernment inefficiencyandwastewheredecisionmakersoftendisconnectandabdicatetheirfiduciaryresponsibilityforthepeopleandplacestheyrepresentWhencitizensdetermine for themselveswhatdatasourcesare informationͲrichandofgreatvalue (including stories shared by kupuna farmers fishermen teachers coaches and
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 5
grassroots leaders)then life isbreathed intothedataand ithasthepowertotransform livesforthebetterThefirstsustainabilitytopicwehavebeguntosurveyourpopulationonisinFoodProductionToaidus in thisendeavorwesearchedexisting literatureonagriculturegenerallyaswellascombed through references toMolokaiͲspecificagriculture Thisbaselineworkhelpedus todetermine gaps in the data and refine our interview and survey questions The followingbackground information isprovidedtohelp layafoundationandcontextualbackdropforourstudy
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 6
II BACKGROUND
AStatewideOutlook
Agriculture isamajorcontributortoHawai`irsquoseconomyand isessential forproviding foodtoresidentsaswellasgeneratingrevenuethrougharobustexportmarket1Agriculturegenerates$29billion toHawai`irsquosannualeconomyandproduces42000 jobs2However there ismuchroomfor improvement intermsofprovidingenoughfoodforthe islandsaswellas increasingrevenuesfortheState
From Plantation Agriculture to Biotech Seed Crops Towards the end of the 20th centurymonocropplantationagriculture(sugarpineapple) lost itseconomicedgedueto lowerwageforeign competition3 Industrialized corporate agriculture in Hawai`i has shifted to biotechcropsnamelygeneticallymodifiedseedcornresearch4
WhilebiotechseedcropshaveprovenmosteconomicallylucrativeforHawai`iagriculturewithaprofitvalueof$177million in the2008Ͳ2009growingseason5allocatingpreciousacreageand limitedwaterresources toGMOseedcropresearchwould in the longͲtermcompromisethe Statersquos overall food security and limit the Statersquos ability to provide locally healthy andnutritiousfoodsIndustrialnonͲsustainablefarmingpracticesthatincludeheavyapplicationofsynthetic fertilizers and pesticides further degrade the ecological health and viability ofHawai`irsquosprimeagriculturallandsforpresentandfuturegenerations
AgroecologyHawai`irsquosgeographic isolationasan islandarchipelago leaves itmostvulnerableto food and fuel shortages natural disasters drought and rising sea levels associatedwithglobal climate change Measures to increase resilience and adaptability include adoptingagroecological approaches ldquoapply[ing] ecological science to the design of agricultural1State of Hawai`i Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism Office of Planning Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)ExecutiveSummaryii20102HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday3Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp4Ͳ5 ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50million Likewise thepineapple industryproduced954000 tonsof fruit in1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74millionͶHawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp5ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50millionLikewisethepineappleindustryproduced954000tonsoffruitin1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74million5ldquoTheHawaiiDepartmentofAgricultureestimatesthevalueofseedcorngrowingat$169millioninthe200809growingseasonmorethandoublethevaluefromthe200506ItrepresentedaboutoneͲthirdthevalueofallcropsgrowninthestatein200809rdquo5Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp30Ͳ31
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 7
systemsrdquo6Thismethodology includespracticesthatenhancethe life inthesoilthatprovidesnutritiousorganic food integratedpestmanagement throughguildingwithbeneficialplantsandtreesandattractingnaturalpredatorinsectsandanimalstoprotectcropsandselectingforbiodiversitytominimizecroplosses
Organic Farming Renewed interest in sustainable agricultural practices have arisen from aburgeoning organic industry and standards for organic certification that stress ecologicallybased farming and exclusion of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and geneticallymodifiedorganisms7TheUSorganicindustrynetted$178billioninretailsalesin2007approximately25intotalnationalfoodsales8Worldwidevalueoforganicproducestoodat$30billionasof2005witha14annualincreasesince20009Acreagededicatedtoorganicagriculturehasincreased20annuallysince2001with78millionacresinproductionworldwideasof200610Hawai`irsquos growth hasmirrored global and national trendswith State sales of organic cropsincreasing60between2005and2007from$5millionto$8million11Organic foods have becomemoremainstream with outlets including regular supermarketsrather than just the typical small natural food outposts12Whole FoodsMarket Inc has inrecentyearsestablishedapresenceinHawai`iWithitsreputationforbuyingfromsmalllocalfarmers the presence ofWhole Foods serves as an incentive for Hawai`i farmers to groworganicfood13Thereareanestimated200certifiedorganicproducers intheStateoperatingon a median of 5Ͳ13 acres of land14 The Big Island holds the most acreage for organicproductionat58followedbyMaui(22)Kaua`i(11)Molokai(7)andOahu(2)15TheindustrywillcontinuetoexpandwithincreasingconsumerpreferencefororganicfoodsBuyLocalEatLocalCommonthemesaroundagricultureemergedfromfocusgroupmeetingsconductedaspartofHawai`irsquos2010StatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS) These included support for diversified agriculture and increasing food security bysupportingFarmersMarketsandldquoBuyLocalEatLocalrdquo initiatives16TheHawai`iFarmBureauFederation StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculture andUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UHͲCTAHR) have sponsored these type ofcampaignsademphasizethefollowing
6UnitedNationsHumanRightsOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRightsEcoͲFarmingcandoublefoodproductionin10yearssaysnewUNreportMarch82011httpwwwohchrorgENNewsEventsPagesDisplayNewsaspxNewsID=10819ampLangID=E7RadovichTheodoreJLindaJCoxandJamesRHollyerldquoOverviewofOrganicFoodCropSystemsinHawai`irdquoCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesSustainableAgricultureNov2009SAͲ38RadovichCoxandHollyer20099RadovichCoxandHollyer200910RadovichCoxandHollyer200911RadovichCoxandHollyer200912RadovichCoxandHollyer200913RadovichCoxandHollyer200914RadovichCoxandHollyer200915RadovichCoxandHollyer200916Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)2010ExecutiveSummaryii
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 8
1 Enjoyexceptionaltasteandfreshnesspremiumtastemaximumfreshnessproducepicked
andeatenclosertoitsheightofripenesspackedwithnutrients2 Strengthen your local economy and community buying local food keeps your dollars
circulatinginyourcommunityBuildingrelationshipswiththefarmerswhogrowyourfoodstrengthensyourtiestothecommunityandtheland
3 Helppreserveopen space by supporting local farmersbuying local foodhelpspreservegreenopenspaceinyourcommunity
Part of this campaign also acknowledges lessening the Statersquos ecological footprint anddependenceonfossilfuelsfromheavyimportsfromthemainlandthathavemoreldquofoodmilesrdquoassociatedwiththemascomparedtolocallypurchasedfoodDiversifiedAgriculture Hawai`irsquosagriculture industrycapitalizesonthe islandsrsquotropicalyearͲroundgrowingclimateanduniquefeaturesthatallowfornicheindustries17Moresmallfarmshave gained a foothold in the diversified agriculture sector through cultivation of specialtycropssuchastropical fruitsmacadamianutscoffee flowersand freshproducesoldaroundtheglobe18TheldquoGrowninHawai`irdquobrandingisrecognizedaroundtheworldasaguaranteeofhighqualitydelicacies19Hawai`iRegionalCuisinehasalsobecomeknownforitsutilizationofthe freshest seafoodveggiesand tropical fruits inaunique fusionofEastWestand islandflavors20
In2008farmproductionindiversifiedagricultureproduced12200jobsthroughouttheState21Proactive measures to revitalize Hawaiirsquos agriculture industry through diversification hasbroughtrevenuesthatarecomparabletotheStatersquosearlyheydayswhensugarandpineapplewereking In2002HawaiirsquosAgriculturalFarmRevenuecrossed$5359million22Diversifiedagricultureaccountsfor69ofannualrevenueswithpineapple(19)andunprocessedcanesugar(12)trailingbehind23
AgriͲTourism Agriculture is also proving important to tourism Hawai`irsquos top economicengine24VisitorinterestinecoͲtoursagriͲtoursandculturallyauthenticexperiencesisontherise25 In2006agritourismbrought in$388million in revenueas reportedby112Hawai`iͲ
17Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp1218HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday19HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday20HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday21Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp2922ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200823ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200824HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday25HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 9
based farmsan increaseof14 from2003 figures ($339million)26The leadingcategoryofrevenuereceived fromagriͲtourswas$121million inonͲfarmdirectsalestovisitors27Otheractivitiesyieldingprofit includedbedandbreakfastamenitiesprovidingmeeting spacesandvenuesforeducationandentertainmentandoutdoorrecreation28
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent
FromancienttimesMolokaiwaswellknownas`Ĉinamomona(theldquofatrdquoorabundantland)foritswealthasanislandthatproducedfoodinsurplusfromitsverdantahupua`aandnumerousfishponds As on all Hawaiian islands Molokairsquos people and the natural resources weremanagedundertheahupua`asystemTheahupua`awasaunitoflandtypicallywedgeͲshapedrunning frommauka tomakai (mountain tosea)and following thenaturalboundariesof thewatershedThesystemwascomprisedofwaoakua(sacredplaceofthegods)uplandforeststhatgatheredtherainsTheareawassubjecttolimiteduses(egforkiamanubirdcatcherstogatherfeathersforcloakshelmetsandkahiliforthekahunakĈlaiwa`atoharvestkoaforcanoebuilding)and forceremonialpurposes Themountain forestswerepreserved intacttoformandprotectthewatershedandcarrynutrientslowerdowntheahupua`aintowaokanaka(thepeoplersquosdomain)Herethepeoplewerefreetogatheravarietyofplantsfordailyneedshardwood ofthe kauila tocarve ihe(spears) andmake toolsandimplementsolonĈ tocreate strongcordage forfishnets andfish linesmedicinalherbs `ie`iefor lashinghouse postsand canoesand maile forleiThefertileplains and fields were known as the kula lands a place rich in agriculture These landscontainedancientfeatsofwaterengineeringcontouredterracingoffieldsplantedintarothatslowedthepathofthewaterandallowedformaximumsoakageThewatercollectedandfed
26GeislerMalindaldquoagritourismprofilerdquoAgMRCagriculturalmarketingresourcecenterUpdatedJanuary2012httpwwwagmrcorgcommodities__productsagritourismagritourismͲprofile27Geisler201228Geisler2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 10
numerousspringsbelow`Auwai(irrigationditches)transportedwaterfromkahawai(streams)tomultiple lo`i(taropatches)andreturnedthewateroncemoreto itssourceTarobanana`ulu(breadfruit)tileafkƃ(sugarcane)wereallcultivatedinthekularegionFaunaharvestedfrom streams included `o`opu (goby) `opae (shrimp) and hihiwai (snail) Grasslandswereconverted to agricultural fields of `uala (sweet potato) Other kinds of plants and treescultivated here included kukui (candlenut) `ohe (bamboo) and lauhala (pandanus) At thebottomofthevalleyspringscarryingnutrientsfromaboveflowedalongtheshorelineandseaHere loko i`a (fishponds)were constructed to farm fish Thesewalled fishponds form semiͲcirclesalongtheshorelineandaredesignedasmicroͲenvironmentsforcertainbrackishwaterand herbivorous fish likemullet and awa (milkfish) that feed on abundantmats of algaetherebyproducingfoodforthepeoplewithouthavingtoapplyexcessivefishingpressurealongthereefandopenoceanExistingwithintheahupua`awasastrictcodeofconduct(kapusystem)amongstthepeopleofthe land (hoa`Ĉina) as delegated and enforced by the ali`i (chiefs) and their konohiki (landagents)forthecarefulmanagementofthenaturalresourcesThehoa`Ĉinapossessedrightsofgathering and usage of the natural resourceswithin their ahupua`a of residencewith theunderstandingthattheyalsohadkuleana(responsibility)tomĈlama(carefor)thelandandseaandharvestappropriatelyfornomorethantheirneeds Theyengaged inpo`alimacollectiveworkdayswherethepeoplepooledtheir labortoengage inpublicworks improvementssuchas constructing additional lo`i and `auwai and building fishponds From the conscientiousmanagementof the landwatersand seaand themaintenanceofgenealogicaland spiritualrelationshipstothenaturalworldtheresourceswerebroughttoastateofabundanceTheahupua`asystemsustainedthepeopleforcenturiesUponCaptainCookrsquosarrivaltotheHawaiianislandsin1778heestimatedthepopulationtobebetween 20000 to 3600029 Introduced diseases for which the people had no immunitydecimatedthepopulationthroughouttheislandsBy1836Molokairsquospopulationhaddwindledtoanestimated8700andwasfurtherreducedto2307peoplebythetimeacensuswastakenneartheturnofthecenturyin189630Kamehamehabroughtabout theunificationofall the islandsunderoneKingdomofHawai`iWesterninfluencesandtheteachingsofChristianmissionariesbroughtaboutdecisionsamongtheali`itoabolishthekapusystem(1819)privatizeanddeconstructtheahupua`a(Maheleof1848)Whilethechiefsreceivedtheirapportionmentoflandsmanyhoa`Ĉinaoutofignorancetrust intheirchiefstocare fortheirwellͲbeingandgovern them justlyor for fearofreprisalfailed to register land claims to small kuleana parcels that would have kept them with acomfortablepieceoflandtomaintaintheir`ohana(family)withhale(home)andgardenplotsHawai`irsquosentry into the internationalmarket shifted the laborof themaka`Ĉinana (commonpeople) away from agriculture and towardsdeforestationof theupland forests to fulfill the
29MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml30MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 11
kingdomrsquos sandalwood tradewithChina Otherenterprises includedwhalingandplantationagriculture that brought immigrants from around theworld toHawai`irsquos shores and alteredwatershedsthroughthediversionofwatersfrom lushwindwardvalleystodry leewardplainsforthemassproductionofsugarcaneandpineappleWithoutwatertoirrigatetheirtarofieldsmanywere forced toabandon the lo`iandmake for thecityManyMolokai families left theisland insearchofwork inthemorecommercialcenters locatedonMauiandOahu31ThosewhostayedbehindmaintainedtheirconnectiontotraditionalpathwaysandsubsistencelivingEarlyunsuccessfulagriculture trialsonMolokai included sugar coffee sisalwhitepotatoescottoncorngrapesbeansbarleyoatswheatandalfalfa32Thesecropsfailedduetoheavywindsandinsects33TheareawiththegreatestpopulationconcentrationwaseastMolokaiTheeasternmostvalleyof Halawa Valley was rich in lo`i produced taro commercially and supported a thrivingcommunityuntiltwotsunamiin1946and1967devastatedthevalleyThecommercialcentersmovedtoPuko`oandthenKamalowhichheldanaturalharborforimportandexportofgoodsTheCooke family acquired the arid central andwestMolokaiplains aboutoneͲthirdof theisland These landsarenowownedbyMolokaiPropertiesLtdcommonlyknownasMolokaiRanchToattractcommercetoitslandholdingstheRanchdredgedaharborinKaunakakaiandconstructedawharf TodayKaunakakai servesas themaincenterofbusinesswithKamaloWharfhaving fallen intodisrepairandmuchof theareaemptiedof familiesTheRanchalsostrategically purchased lands thatwould give them riparian and correlative rights tomajorstreams and aquifer water in centralMolokai They diverted water to their westernmostpropertiesusedforcattleranchingMuch of their lands in Kualapu`u and Maunaloa were utilized by Dole and Del Montecompanies forpineapplecultivation34Thepineapple industryservedas theeconomicenginefortheislanduntilitphasedoutin1987duetocheaperlaborabroadTodaymanyofMolokaiRanchrsquoslandholdingsthatgrewpineapplearenowleasedforbiotechcornresearchandcoffeeproductionTheHawaiianHomesCommissionActameasuretorehabilitateNativeHawaiiansof50bloodquantumormorebyreturningthemtothe landtobuildhomesandfarmwaspassedbytheUS federal government in 1920Molokai served as the staging ground for the programrsquossuccess or failure Hawaiian Home lands were designated in the areas of Kapa`akeaKalama`ula Pala`au andHo`olehua andmore recentlyUalapu`e NativeHawaiian familiesfromneighboringislandscametoMolokaitobuildtheirhomesandmakethelandproductiveTheir early successes aided in the establishment ofmore homesteads on the other islandsWiththeinfluxofadditionalHawaiianfamiliesandJapaneseandFilipinoimmigrantstoworkinthepineapplefieldsMolokairsquospopulationhadincreasedto442735InrecentyearsMolokairsquos31MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml32MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml33MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml34MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml35MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 12
population has grown to include snowbirds and retirees from theUSmainland aswell asthose seeking amore quiet and rural lifestyle Today the population ofMolokai stands at7345
In 1987Molokairsquos livestock industrywas crippled by the StateDepartment of AgriculturersquosmandatetoeradicateallcattleontheislandduetothethreatofbovinetuberculosisAnotherheavyblowwasdealtattheclosureoftheoldslaughterhouse inKaunakakai Muchplanningfrom the grassroots level upwas undertaken to resolve this problem Commitments frommultiplecountystateandfederalpartnersinͲkindcontributionsbyvolunteermembersoftheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeandcountlessvolunteerhoursandservicesofferedbyvariouslocal businesses and individual residents led to the establishment of a new slaughterhousefacilitylocatedinHo`olehua
Erecting this stateͲofͲtheͲart facility represented a vehicle to facilitate the restoration ofMolokairsquos ranching industry and the ability for the island toproduce and sell itsownmeatRanchersandhomesteadfarmersnowhadavenuetoprocesstheiranimalsInadditiontothemoreestablishedranchesanestimated150Molokai familiesraise livestock largely forhomeconsumption With the adventof thenew slaughterhouse therearenowopportunities forthese small scale farmers to expand into commercial livestock production Stores andrestaurantsneednot import all theirmeat fromoffͲisland as theynowhave access to localmeatMoniesgeneratedcouldbenefitthecommunitydirectlyThe introduction of hooved animals toMolokai has devastated the natural ecology of theislandCattleranchingferaldeerandgoathaveerodedthelandHeavyrainstransporttonsofsilteachyearontoMolokairsquosreefsandfishpondsIntroducedmangrovehavealsodestroyedasignificant percentage of Molokairsquos fishponds Mangroves encroach and break throughfishpond walls trap sediments and choke off underwater springs such that the watercirculationandecologyarenolongerviableforfishproductionDespite thesehardshipsand setbacksover theyearsagriculture remains the cornerstoneofthe islandrsquoseconomyMolokairsquos ruralcharacter lends toacloseͲknit communitywithpeoplewhoperpetuate strong cultural values traditional subsistence and selfͲreliance Thepeopleembrace local autonomy and are very involved in local governing processes AgriculturenonprofitssmallbusinessenterprisesandlocalmomandpopstoresarethefoundationofthelongͲtermeconomyonislandMuchofthesocialculturalandserviceorientedprogramsarealsogeneratedfromthegrassroots locallevelthroughtheworkofchurchgroupsnonprofitsandunincorporatedhuiDuringtheFocusMauiNuiproceedings in2003MauiMolokaiandLana`iresidentsgatheredtostrategicallyplanafutureforMauiCountyThe120MolokaiparticipantsoutlinedchallengestheyfacedasacommunityandprovidedstrategiesandactionplanstoaddressthemMolokairesidents identified top five community priorities which included inter alia creating jobs(409) strengthening the economy (296) growingmore food locally (217) protectingandpromotingruralidentity(191)andsupportingsmallbusinessdevelopment(130)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 13
TheMaui CountyWorkforce Investment Board (WIB) Local Plan provides an Assessment ofLaborMarketTrendstodevelopaComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategyovera10yearspanOneofWIBsgoalsistofocusondiversifyingtheeconomyincludingtheagriculturalsectorandldquonicheareasrdquoTheplanrecognizestheneedforexpansioninvalueͲaddedopportunitieswhichemphasize the uniqueness ofMaui Nui The increased production andmarketing of newagricultureproductshaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketsTheplanalso identifiesentrepreneurshipasan importantgrowtharealdquoThedevelopmentofentrepreneurshipskills is importanttothesuccessofMaui [Countyrsquos]smallbusinesses Datacollected by the Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism and otherorganizationssuggestmoreandmoreresidentsaretakingtoselfͲemploymentForMolokaiasignificant number of new business startͲupswithin the past decade have been agriculturalenterprises(36total)particularlyfromtheHawaiianHomesteadareainHo`olehua36TheMolokai Education Centers Business Plan (2007) acknowledges the islands diversifiedagricultureindustryasamajorcontributortoMolokaiseconomywithroomforfuturegrowthAreas for future growth include valueͲadded food product development as a nichemarketMECsBusinessPlanaddsthatagriculturalcourseofferingsatthecollegeandrelevanttrainingwillplayasignificantroleinpreparingtheworkforceforadiversifiedeconomyWhile community and countyplanningobjectives clearly identify agriculture asaneconomicmainstay forMolokaiacomprehensiveprofileofMolokairsquosagriculture industryhasnotbeenfullyanalyzedOne of the objectives of this Needs Assessment is to determinewhereMolokai fits in theoverall Statewide picture for agriculture Has Molokai experienced similar successes andchallenges that farmers on the other islands face What are the strengths and assets ofMolokairsquos agricultural community aswell asneeds challenges andopportunities What isworkingandwhatisnrsquotWhataretheperceptionsoflocalconsumersWhatisthedemandforlocalMolokai grownproducemeat and seafood Howmany are farming What isbeingfarmedandwhereWhatarethelimitingfactorstofarmingonMolokaiIstherecommunitysupportforlocalfarmersDostoresandrestaurantsonMolokaihavestrongrelationshipswithlocal farmers and make priority for their produce and valueͲadded items How can westrengthenagricultureonMolokaiHowfoodsecureisMolokaiThesearethequestionsthatwesetouttoanswerthroughtheneedsassessment
36AkutagawaMalialdquoKƻha`oBusinessCenterndashEntrepreneurialTrainingampSupportFinalReportrdquoMarch312009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 14
III METHODS
Weadoptedthefollowingmethodsandstrategies An islandwidesurveyonfoodproductionandsecuritystartedfromFebruary27toMarch
272012(SeeAppendixforSurveyFormandResultsAnalysisSummary) Twohundredeight (208)surveyswerecompletedbytheadultmembers (overtheageof
18)ofthegeneralMolokaipopulationbringingoursamplepopulationat39Molokairsquosadultpopulationisat5401outofatotalislandpopulationof7345
Target SampleSizeADULTPOPULATION(Individualsover18
yearsofage)
208
Surveysweremadeavailableatvariouscommunity resourcecentersaswellasonlinevia
ourwebsiteEmailalertsandFacebook invitationsweremade for the tech savvy GivenMolokairsquos rural character and varying levels of knowledge and exposure of the generalpopulation to technology themost effectivemethod for data collection proved to bethroughdirectphysical inquiriesRespondentsweremost receptive toour surveyswhenofferedatourmultiplesurveytablesplaced inpublicareasparticularlystrategic locationsof commerce such as sidewalks fronting grocery stores and during various communityevents
Atotalof36 interviewswereconductedwithagricultureexpertsandeducators (3)small
andmediumͲscalefarmersandCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)operatorsgrowingdiversifiedandorganiccrops(14)deerandcattleranchers(3)fishermenandaquacultureproducers (3) localgroceryandhealth foodstores (5)meatprocessorsandvalueͲaddedfoodproducers(4)hotelandrestaurants(3)andother informants(1)(SeeAppendixforInterviewQuestionsandResultsAnalysis)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 15
Keyinterviewinformantsincluded
AgricultureExpertsampEducators
GlennTevesMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureampHumanResources(UHͲCTAHR)ph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJenniferHawkinsMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUHͲCTAHRph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJamesBoswellCertifedOrganicInspectorandAgricultureInstructorUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollegendashMolokaiFarmph(808)567Ͳ6577boswelljhawaiiedu
FarmersndashDiversifiedampOrganicCropsCastleAdolphoHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerof`inaKulaniFarmsHo`olehuaKimoKaiamaHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKaiamaFarmsHo`olehuaRickTamanahaofKaleikoaFarmsHawaiianHomesteadFamilyFarmHo`olehuaKalaniHanHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKuikamokuFarmsHo`olehuaTuddiPurdyHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm(808)567Ͳ6601wwwmolokaiͲalohacommacnutsJaneTevesHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofHuaKalaFarmHo`olehuaLynnDeCoiteHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofLampRFarmHo`olehuandashMahana(808)567Ͳ9234wwwlandrfarmscomKu`uleiArceofArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamShariLynofMali`oFarmandExecutiveDirectorofKaHalePomaika`iKamaloandUalapu`eEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8107httpwwwlocalharvestorgmalioͲfarmͲorganicallyͲgrowingͲonͲmolokaiͲM11205EllenSpruanceOwnerofPapaoHakuFarmMapulehuandKumimiEastMolokaiJamieRonzelloCSAOperatorMahanaGardensJoeKennedyPermaculturistMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanaEmanuelaVinciguerraMarketingDirectorofKumuFarmsMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanawwwkumufarmscom
RanchersEdmundPedroOwnerofPedroRanchEastMolokaiJanRoneyManagerofPu`uOHokuRanchEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8109wwwpuuohokucomfarmDesmundManabaOwnerofDJCRanchIncHo`olehuandashMahana
FishermanAquacultureProducerDedrickManabaFishermanKaunakakaiSteveChaikinOwnerofMolokaiSeaFarmPala`au(808)553Ͳ3547wwwbroodstockcomMyronAkutagawaandShermanNapoleonJrKeKua`ĈinaHanaunaHouPuko`oEastMolokai
MeatProcessorValueͲAddedProducersJackSpruanceDirectorofMolokaiLivestockCooperative(MolokaiSlaughterhouse)Ho`olehuaBrendaKaneshiroBeekeeperandOwnerofMolokaiMeliKamaloEastMolokai(800)434Ͳ2550NancyGoveSaltMasterandOwnerofPacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ8484wwwpacificahawaiicomChrisMebileChongrsquosPoiShopKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ4313
GroceryStoresCrystalIgusaandStaffFriendlyMarketCenterKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5595KevinMisakiofMisakirsquosGroceryKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5505DennisTurnerOwnerofOutpostNaturalFoodsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ3377SonyaYuenOwnerofKualapu`uMarketKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ6243NaniPeleManagerofMaunaloaGeneralStoreMaunaloa(808)552Ͳ2346
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 16
HotelampRestaurants
TinaPriceManagerofKualapu`uCookhouseKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ9655GenePikeExecutiveChefatHulaShoresRestaurantHotelMolokaiKamiloloa(808)553Ͳ5347httpwwwhotelmolokaicomKerrieFeltCoͲOwnerofMolokaiBurger(808)553Ͳ3533wwwmolokaiburgercom
OtherInformantsByronEspaniolaAhaMokuRepresentativeforKaluakoiMaunaloa
WewereunsuccessfulinsecuringaninterviewwithMonsantoasthelargestemployerand
agricultureoperationonMolokai Our repeated inquiries remainedunanswered TherewereadditionalMolokaigrowersranchersaquacultureoperators fishermenstoresandrestaurantsthatwewantedto interviewbut inthe interestofgeneratingthisreport inatimelymannerwewereunabletofullymeetthisobjective
Findings were also supplemented through research of existing literature of global
statewideandMolokaiͲspecificagriculturefactsandtrendsAreviewofcurrentandpriorcommunityͲbased planning economic education and training initiatives in support ofagriculturewerealsoexaminedThesearereferencedthroughoutthedocument
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 17
IV KEYFINDINGS
Thissectionhasbeenorganizedintothefollowingcategories LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProducts MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgriculture
Producers Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengths
NeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFoodAccesstoLocallyGrownFoodWeaskedMolokairesidentsiftheyfeltaccesswasavailabletolocallygrown food in the localgrocery storesandopenmarkets78of those surveyed felttheyhaveaccesswhile13felttheydidnotAwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood
Doyoucareorthinkaboutwhereyourfoodcomesfrom
DoyouprefertobuymorelocalMolokaifoodproducts
Wouldyoueatmorelocalfoodifitwereavailable
98ofthosesurveyedwouldeatmorelocalfoodifitwasavailablewhile1wouldnot
90ofthosesurveyedprefertobuylocalMolokaifoodproductswhile2donot
94 of the sample populationcarethink about where theirfood comes from while 5 donot
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 18
QuestionWhatwouldyouliketoeatorbuyifitwasmadeorgrownonMolokai
TheMolokaipopulationwantstoeatasmuch Molokai made products aspossible Fresh vegetables and fruitsranked the highest Specificallymentioned items were kalo (taro)sweet potato brussel sprouts bittermelon cabbage olives pumpkinasparagus corn lettuce tomatoesbroccoli cucumber eggplant squashzucchini beans carrots onion garlicginger spinach melons watermelonspears strawberries and persimmonsMeat products included requests for
fishchickenporkandbeefValueaddedproductrequestsincludedhamburgersausagetofupoibutterand jamRequestswerealsomade fordairyproducts likemilkeggscheeseandgoatcheeseWhile 90 of those surveyed stated theywould buymore local food if itwas available itappearsthatsomerespondents(25people)feltthattherewasnrsquotenoughdemandonislandforlocalproduceandthatlikelyposedachallengetoMolokaifarmersWequeriedMolokairesidentsonwhattheywouldliketoseeintermsofimprovingagricultureonMolokaiandincreasingtheiraccessascustomerstolocalfoodsTheseweresomeoftheirresponses
ldquomoresupportforlocalfarmersrdquoldquo(createa)betterfarmersmarketrdquoldquobybuyinglocalrdquoldquothatstoresbuyandsellmorelocalproducerdquoldquocoͲopͲonedistributorrdquoldquolabelgmoandorganicproductssoweknowrdquo
SubsistenceWealso surveyed theMolokaipopulation todetermine someof theirpracticesaroundfoodpreparationandwhatpercentageoftheirfoodcamefromdifferentsources AswehadsurveyedMolokairsquosfarmingcommunityandanalyzedthebehavioroftheislandrsquosmaingrocerystoresonwhatitemstheyselectedtosellwewantedtoknowiftheremightbeadirectcorrelationbetweenconsumerdemand for localproductsand levelofselfͲsufficiencyamongthegeneralpopulationtoengageinsubsistenceactivitiesWe foundthatanaverage825ofthosesurveyedpreparetheir foodathomewhile174mainlyeatrestaurantͲpreparedfoods
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 19
QuestionOfthefoodyouprepareathomeapproximatelywhatpercentageisgrown
caughtandorproduced
Fromoursurveyresponsestowhatpercentageoffoodpreparedathomecamefromwhatwasgrowncaughtandorproducedby individuals themselvesonMolokai ingeneralwithin theStateofHawai`ioveralland fromoutsideofHawai`iwe found that residentsaccessed foodfromthesemultiplesourcesatanearequalratewitharangeof236to272 fromeachsourceItisinterestingtonotethat246ofthefoodpreparedintheaveragepersonrsquoshomecame frompersonal subsistence activities The figure of 272 of locally grown caught orproducedfoodsmay includebothofwhat isavailable inMolokaistoresaswellaswhatmighthave been bartered or shared by otherMolokai residents as a result of their subsistenceactivities Whenaskeddirectlywhatpercentageof food consumed comes from subsistenceactivitiesanaverageof401camefromitemsthatwerefishedhuntedgatheredraisedorgrown (to includeonersquospersonalharvestsand foodsacquiredandsharedbarteredbyothersalsoengagedinsubsistence)Thusitwouldmakesensethatcombiningthetwofiguresinthegraphaboveofpreparedfoodsgrowncaughtandorproducedbytheindividualsthemselves(246) andwhatwas acquired generally fromMolokai resources (272) either shared byothers or bought directly from the store the cumulative total being 518 one mayextrapolatefromthisdatathatthedifferencebetween518and401being117maybethe amount of locally produced foods sold in Molokairsquos stores When polled as to theimportance of subsistence activities in their lives 72 of the respondents said itwas veryimportant to them Of the13who responded that theydonotengage inany subsistenceactivitylackoftimewascitedasthegreatestreasonwhytheydidnottakepartinsubsistenceIn comparing our general data on subsistencewith the results presented in theGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReport37in1993wefoundthatsubsistencemaybeplayingan
37MatsuokaJonDaviannaMcGregorLucianoMinerbiMaliaAkutagawaGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReportMolokaiDepartmentofBusinessEconomicDevelopmentandTourism1993
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 20
even bigger role today than it did two decades ago Loss of jobs and the global economicdownturnmaybecontributingfactors
SubsistenceFactors 1993 2012Estimatedtotalpercentageoffoodthatcomesfromvarioussubsistenceactivities
28 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored38 Ͳ for Native HawaiianMolokaifamilies50 Ͳ 54 respondents out of241surveyed
40 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored
Overall importance ofsubsistence to Molokaifamilies
51Ͳveryimportant25Ͳsomewhatimportant11Ͳsomewhatunimportant32Ͳnotatallimportant
72Ͳveryimportant21Ͳsomewhatimportant1Ͳsomewhatunimportant2Ͳnotatallimportant
From this information though not as comprehensive and rigorous in its exploration ofsubsistence on Molokai as the 1993 Task Force Report we are assured that subsistencecontinuestobeanimportantpartofMolokairsquosfamiliesandoveralleconomyFiftyͲthreepercent (53)ofour respondents stated that they grow theirown food throughfarmingorgardeningWhenpolledastothekindsofsubsistenceactivitiestheytypicallyengageinrespondentsidentifiedthefollowing
HUNTING 39ofthosesurveyedhunt(axisdeerwild
piggoat)FISHINGampDIVING 57ofthosesurveyedfishordive
GATHERING 32gather(limuopihicrabpipipilĈrsquoau
harsquoukersquouke)asasubsistenceactivity
OTHER 4citedamixtureofraisinglivestock
sharingandtradingfoodasasubsistenceactivity
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 21
ThefactthatsubsistenceremainsasignificantcontributortohowMolokaifamiliesacquiretheirfoodthisinturnmayalsoaffectlocalmarketbehaviorintermsofwhatlocallyproduceditemsareplacedonstoreshelvesandwhetherMolokai farmersandproducers find itnecessary toprovideasignificantvolumeoffoodforthelocalMolokaimarketAvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProductsWewerepleasedtofindthatMolokairsquosagricultureindustryisquitediverseandhostsanumberof small family farms both on the Hawaiian Homestead in Ho`olehua and also dotting thelandscape inMana`eEastMolokai Duringour interviewsweasked farmers ranchersandaquaculturistswhatcropsandvalueͲaddedproducts theycultivatedprocessedvalueͲaddedandsoldandwhatweretheirprimarymarketsWealsocombedtheinternetandlearnedbywordofmouthofotheragribusinesses The following tableprovides for the readeranatͲaͲglancelistofgrowersonMolokaiandwhattypesoffoodandproductsareavailableonislandItalsolistsprimarylocalaswellasoffͲislandmarketsProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldMeatsampEggs
MolokaiGrassFedBeef PedroRanchPu`uOHokuRanchKualapu`uRanchPohakuloaRanch
ProcessedandsoldbySlaughterhouse(MolokaiLivestockCooperative)toMolokaiBurgerFriendlyMarketCenterKualapu`uMarketKualapu`uCookhousePu`uOHokuRanch
Venison DJCRanchLLC NotsoldSharedonlywithcustomersonformalhuntsandMolokaifamiliesforsubsistence
Lamb(freerange) KalapanaandDeeannaKeli`iho`omalu
PilotphaseProcessedatMolokaiSlaughterhouseSoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketCenterandMisakirsquos
FreeRangeEggs Davis`ohana MolokaiMinimartMana`eGoodsampGrindzotherMolokaigrocerystores(notebecamemorepopularandvisibleinstoresaftermainlandeggswererecallednationwideforbacterialcontamination)
DuckEggs WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SeafoodFishndashakutunaakuleopakapakaahionomahimahionaga
Variouscommercialfishermen5onisland
DirectCustomerSalesOffͲIslandWholesalerDistributor(forhotelsandrestaurants)
Shrimp KeawaNuiFarms(808)558Ͳ8931httpwwwkeawanuifarmscomMolokaiSeaFarms
FriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosOffͲIslandOnlineSalesforShrimpBroodstock
SeaweedLimuOgo(Gracilaria) KeawaNuiFarmMolokaiSeaFarms
MisakirsquosOffͲIsland
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 22
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldGreensampOtherVegetables
Lettuces KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(808)558Ͳ8306
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Kale WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
MustardCabbage Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BokChoy ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamMali`oFarm
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
Chinesecabbage ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistArugula WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsales
SwissChard JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomatillo JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomato ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sweetcorn ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistChinesePeas ArcersquosFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SoyBeans JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BlackBeans Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
GreenBeans ArcersquosFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
GreenOnion KuikamokuFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
AllMolokaigrocerystoresCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Radish KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Beets KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 23
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
GreensampOtherVegetablesBrocolli ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistEggplant ArcersquosFarm
Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Carrots JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SweetPotatoSweetPotatoChips
LampRFarm VariouslocalMolokaistores8tonsshippedweeklyoffͲisland
YamsYamChips(indevelopmentphase)
TuipulotuFarm
Tarondashregularandcertifiedbiodynamicdifferentvarietiesdryandwetlu`auleaf
`inaKulaniFarmsKaiamaFarmsKimMarkhamPapaoHakuFarm
FriendlyMarketCenterdirectsalestocustomersCertifiedbiodynamictarosoldoffͲislandathealthstoreoutlets
Avocado PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm558Ͳ8383httpwwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Organicginger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲIslandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Organicturmeric PapaOHakuFarm NotsoldMedicinaluseAwa Pu`uOHokuRanchKaiamaFarms DirectsalestocustomersChiliPepper Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproduceshared
withclientsintreatmentandforclientfundraising
HerbsampSpicesBasils(ItalianThai) KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm
(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanadaCommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Thyme JamieRonzello(CSA)KumuFarms CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dill KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Oregano KimMarkhamKumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
ItalianParsley KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 24
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
HerbsampSpicesChineseParsley KimMarkhamMali`oFarmWaialua
Permafarm(CSA)CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Cilantro KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Rosemary KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Spearmint KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Lavender KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Savory KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sage KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Cinnamon PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm(808)553Ͳ8383wwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Vanilla PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Cacao PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
FruitsampNutsOrange Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tangerine Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 25
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
FruitsampNutsLimes Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Papayandashconventionalandorganic
KaiamaFarmsKaleikoaFarmsHuaKalaFarmNoahKuohaKumuFarmsMali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
VariouslocalMolokaistoresexportedthroughoutHawaiianislandsWholeFoodsoutletsMainlandUSandCanadaCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Watermelon `AinaKulaniFarm DirectsalestocustomersBananaAppleBanana HuaKalaFarm`AinaKulaniFarms
KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
Kualapu`uMarketOutpostFriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Rambutan WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
JackFruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Mango Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentandsoldbythemCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Soursop WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dragonfruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Strawberry PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Lychee PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
MacadamiaNuts PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm DirectsalestovisitorsparticipatinginfarmtourMailorders
Coffee CoffeesofHawai`i(808)567Ͳ9490wwwcoffeesofhawaiicom
AllMolokaistoresonlineorders
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 26
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
ValueͲAddedProductsCilantroLimePesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaionlinesales
outletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
BasilMacadamiaNutPesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
PickledOrganicGinger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲislandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Honey(premiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyhoneycombs)
MolokaiMeliKimMarkham
KumuFarmsOutpostNaturalFoodStore
Poi ChongrsquosPoiShop AllMolokaistoresKulolo `inaKulaniFarms DirectSalesTaroChips HuaKalaFarm NotenoughvolumetosellregularlyYamChips TuipulotoFarm StillindevelopmentstageBeeswaxCandlesChapstick MolokaiMeli KumuFarmsGourmetSeaSalt PacificaHawai`iSeaSalts
HawaiiKaiCorporationhttpwwwhawaiikaicocom
Pu`uOHokuRanchKumuFarmsKamakanaCountryStoreMolokaiWinesampSpiritsBlueMonkeyFriendlyMarketCenteroutletsthroughoutHawaiiStateandUSMainlandonlinesales
Other Tileaf KimMarkham KukuiStarters PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm Giventohomesteadersfor
reforestationinHo`olehuaFlowersgingerakulekulecigar
PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm ShippedleistooffͲisland
Tropicalflowers(variety) KuleanaWorkCenterwwwmolokaiflowerscom
OnlinesalesanddirectsalesatSaturdayOpenMarketdays
SeedsSeedbank Ka`anoTheMolokaiSeedProject553Ͳ4243
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 27
MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers
Molokairsquos grocery stores and restaurants selllocallygrownharvestedandprocessed itemsAnaverageof2of locallygrownorMadeonMolokai products are sold in local grocerystores Some stores such asMisakirsquos carry ahigher percentage (15) ofMolokai produceThoseestablishmentsweinterviewedallstatedthat they want to sell everything that isMolokaimade PapayasweetpotatoChongrsquosPoicoffeeKanemitsubreadandKumuFarmspesto are the most common Molokai itemsfound in localstores Misakirsquostendstocarryagreater assortment of Molokai produce andvalueͲadded products in addition to thesecommon items Misakirsquos sells LampR sweetpotatochipsstringbeansbittermelonutongeggplant green onion lime and lemon FishalsoarepurchasedfromlocalfishermenSome stores and restaurants also purchaseMolokaigrass fedbeefprocessed through theislandrsquosslaughterhouseTheseordersarefilledonaconsistentbasisSmaller stores like Kualapu`u Market andMaunaloaGeneralStorethatdonotexperienceas much traffic as the grocery stores inKaunakakai have to concern themselves withhowquicklyanitemsellsForsomecustomersMolokaigrassfedbeefisanacquiredtasteandit may take a more conscientious eaterconsidering the health benefits of grass fedbeeftoappreciateitsflavorButiftheaveragecustomer does not appreciate these qualitiesandprefersacertaintasteofbeefthatshehasgrown accustomed to then the store risksspoilage The samegoes for fruits likemangothatripenquicklybutmaynotsellfastenough
especially sincemany families havemango trees in their own back yards For these smallstorescarryingitemsthatwillsellquicklyisimportantespeciallymeatandproducethathaveashort shelf life Kualapu`uMarket typically sellsMolokai coffee sweet potato chips poi
MOLOKAIESTABLISHMENTSSELLINGORSERVINGFOODampGROCERIES
ONMOLOKAIRESTAURANTSampFASTFOODCoffeesofHawaii 567Ͳ9655HulaShores(HotelMolokai)
553Ͳ5347
KanemitsuBakeryampRestaurant
553Ͳ5855
KualapursquouCookhouse 567Ͳ9655LittleGrassShack 553Ͳ5862MakarsquosCorner 553Ͳ8058ManarsquoeGoodznGrindz 558Ͳ8498MolokaiBurger 553Ͳ3533MolokaiDriveInn 553Ͳ5655MolokaiPizzaCafeacute 553Ͳ3288MolokaiRoastPorkHouse 553Ͳ9068MrsKrsquos 553Ͳ3201SundownDeli 553Ͳ3713LOCALGROCERYSTORESFriendlyMarketCenter 553Ͳ5595CPascuaStore 553Ͳ5443KamoisSnackNGo 553Ͳ5443KualapuuMarketLtd 567Ͳ6243MaunaloaGeneralStore 552Ͳ2346Misakis 553Ͳ5505MolokaiMiniMart 553Ͳ4447OutpostNaturalFoods 553Ͳ3377MolokaiWinesNSpirits 553Ͳ5009TheStoreHouse 553Ͳ3399KamakanaCountryStore 553Ͳ5725GASSTATIONSHayakuGasNGo 553Ͳ3444RawlinsChevronStation 553Ͳ3214ReferenceSustainableMolokaiResourceGuide2009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 28
MolokaibreadandeggsMaunaloaGeneralStoremakesitapointtoacceptproducefromthecommunitygarden runby theKaHaleMua low incomehousing They typicallygrow stringbeans tomatoeseggplantand lettuce Maunaloa residentsarealsopermitted toutilize thefacilitytopreparemusubibentoandlocalplatelunchestosellpreparedfoodsaswellastheirartandcraftsatthefrontofthestoreOther locallyproduced items that someof the storeswould like to sell inmore volume aretomatoesbananasfishanddairyIfMolokaifarmerselectnottogroworsellcertainproduceor products to the local grocery stores the storeswill sell offͲisland produce (egManoalettuce Kula tomatoes etc) Sometimes they will also order items from as far away asCaliforniaorMexicotosatisfycustomerdemandsandpreferencesTherequirementsarenotoverlystringentforthelocalfarmertosellproduceandvalueͲaddedfoodstolocalgrocerystoresForsomestoreslikeFriendlyMarketindividualsmustpossessabusinesslicenseForotherstoresthatreceivesmallquantitiesoffreshproduceatatimetheydonotrequireproofofbusinesslicenseGrocery stores showcasing locally grown food feel cheated when farmers simultaneouslypeddletheirproduceonthestreetPricing isalsoan issue forMolokaistores Theywould like tobuymore locallygrown itemshowevertheycangetproducealotcheaperfromthemainlandForexampletheaveragecostofatomatothatislocallygrownis$2lbwhilestorescanacquiretomatoesfromthemainlandfor$1lbandpassthesavingsontothecustomerFriendlyMarkethasexpressedapreferenceforbuyingproduce from farmerswhohaveapricecostandplan (egthat identifiesspecificamountsofproducethatwillbeavailableandtheircost)toensureitemconsistencyinpricingandavailabilityIdeallystoreswanttosaveonpayingshippingcoststoimportfoodfromthemainlandandoffͲislandbyprovidingpreferenceforlocallygrownfoodsConsistencyisimportantforstorestocontinuecarryingspecificitemsprovidedbylocalfarmersandproducers Consistencywas citedbyevery store and restaurantwe interviewed as thenumberonechallengethatmostfarmersfaceinworkingwiththemMisakirsquoshasfoundawayaround this issue TheypurchaseMolokai fish caught and sold to theHonolulu fishmarketthroughadistributortheresothatcustomerscanstillbenefitfromeatingMolokaicaughtfishMisakirsquosalsoprefers tobuy fromanOahudistributor thatbuys thebulkof itsproduce fromMolokai farmers In thisway by buying in bulk through a distributorMisakirsquos is assured aconsistentproductTherearestoreswhospecificallyselect for localandorganic foodsaspartoftheirmarketingstrategy Onesuchstore istheOutpostNaturalFoodsStorewhichwillselleverythingthat isMolokaimade ConsumersexpecttopayaheftiergrocerybillastheyhaveanexpectationofbuyinglocalandpreferablyorganicallygrownandproducedfoodsOtheritemsthatcannotbesourced locallyorare in lessersupplyorforwhichthere isademandfor(egapplespearsandoranges)aresourcedfromthemainlandandsoldattheOutpost
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 29
We interviewed3restaurantsKualapu`uCookhouseHotelMolokairsquosHulaShoresrestaurantandMolokaiBurger Useofandemphasisonuseof localmeatseafoodandproducevariedTheKualapu`uCookhouseestimates that itutilizes1ofMolokaigrownproduceandvalueͲadded products in its dishes as it does not have strict requirements to do so It primarilypurchasesMolokailettucethroughKualapu`uMarketHotelMolokaiuses less than20 localproduceand seafood in itsdishesbutwould ideallyprefer toutilizeat least60of locallygrownandharvested foodson theirmenu ThehotelcurrentlybuyslocallygrownlettuceeggplantandpapayafromKumuFarmsandincorporatesthesefoods intotheirmenu Freshfish isthefastestandmostpopularselling itemanddoesnot requireapricecost listwhenbuying from fishermen Patronsbuy fishdishesatmarketprice Itwascommunicated thataschefs it is important toestablish relationshipswith localfarmersandacquirehighend itemsonaconsistentbasis Whathasbeenachallengeforthechefs at the hotel is figuring outwho is growingwhat and searching these farmers out toprovidetheproducemeatandseafoodtheyneedWhatwouldeasilyservethemwouldbeabrokeror localdistributor to takeon that typeofwork Currently theHotel is consideringsettingasidesomespaceonthehotelgroundsforanherbgardentoreadilysupplysomeofthekitchenrsquosneedswhileprovidingsomekindofyouthinternshipprogramtoinstallandmaintainthegardenMolokai Burger exclusively serves 100Molokai grass fed beef for its burgers and TuesdayMexican menu The restaurant purchases 240 pounds of Molokai beef from theslaughterhouse It receives positive customer feedback its loyal customers being especiallyhealth conscious individuals and local and nativeHawaiian activistswhomake it a point tosupportestablishments thatutilize localMolokai foods MolokaiBurgeralsopurchases fromKumuFarmsonaweeklybasis8poundsoftheirvegetablegreenstoserveintheirspecialsaladand chicken salad plates Molokai sweet potatoes are also utilized for sweet potato nachochipsontheMexicanmenu Whilenot locallyproducedMolokaiBurgeralsopurchasesbunsfromalocalMolokaidistributorasawaytosupportasmanylocalbusinessesaspossible
QuestionWhatlocalfooditemswouldyouliketosellorincorporateinyourmenuthatarenotcurrentlyavailableorareinshortsupply
FriendlyMarket orangesallcitrusesmangoavocadobokchoywonboktropicalfruits inseasonfishporkprocessed through slaughterhousealldairy (milk cheese)or soybasedmilkasanalternativeand free rangeeggsWillsellalllocalitemsMisakirsquosbananasandtomatoesWillsellanythinggrownandmadeonMolokaiOutpostNaturalFoodsStorestrawberriescantaloupescucumbers tomatoespotatoesandYukon from localgrowersKualapu`uCookhouselocalfreerangechickeneggsKualapu`uMarketagreaterdiversityandselectionoflocalproducegrownbyMolokairsquosfarmersMaunaloaGeneralStoremorebananasandpapayasastheyselloutfastestHulaShoresRestaurantofHotelMolokaivenisonMolokaiBurgeraconsistentsupplyofMolokaitomatoesfreerangeeggsandfishthatarereasonablypriced
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 30
Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities
QuestionAreyoua farmerIfsohowoldareyouͶΨ ȋȌ ǡ
ͶͶǤ
ǡ ͷͶǤ
QuestiontofarmersinterviewedHowlonghaveyoubeenfarming
ʹʹ ͶͲǤ
QuestionHowmuchlandareyoufarming
ǡͶͶǢ͵ʹͳͷǢͷͳͷǦͶͲ͵ͶͲǤ ǡͲ
ǡͲƬʹͲͲƮǦǤ
QuestiontofarmerswhatdoyoufeelarethechallengesfarmersfaceonMolokaiNatureandtheElementsWindHomestead farmers must contend with high winds on a regular basis Thus initial farmplanning must include installing windbreaks to avoid crop damage from weathering Thecommunity has identified in several former planning documents such as the MolokaiEmpowermentZoneApplication(1998)massplantingofwindbreaksthroughouttheHo`olehuaareatoprotecthomesteadfarm landsasoneofthe40priorityprojects IntheendMolokaiwas successful in achieving theMolokai Enterprise Community federal designation a step
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 31
secondtoEmpowermentZonestatus Windbreaksremainedpartofthe40priorityprojectsInstallationofwindbreakshave alsobeen reiterated as a ShortRangePriorityProject in theMaui County Comprehensive EconomicDevelopment Strategy (CEDS) 201038However notmuchhasbeendonetomovethisfromaconceptualstagetoimplementation
Thesituationwasexacerbatedin2005upontheintroductionofthevirulenterythrinagallwaspthatdestroyedthevastmajorityofwiliwilitreesStatewideLarvaeimplantedintothetissueofwiliwili leaves form tumorous like growths and effectively starve the trees from receivingnutrition39Muchof thewiliwili trees thathad servedprimarilyaswindbreaksdiedwithinayearor two Thus farms thathadestablishedwiliwiliwindbreaksbecamenewlyexposed towinds With the introduction of Eurytoma by scientists a predator species that exclusivelyfeedsonerythrinagallwaspsandavoidsnativewaspsthesurvivingwiliwilihavebeenabletomakeacomeback40DroughtAnumberoffarmershavecitedcurrentdroughtconditionsasaseriousthreattofarmingOnefarmerreportedthatherentireorganicgingercropfailedduetodroughtandshewasunabletoyieldaharvestthisyearAtthetimewestartedourinterviewsinFebruary(2012)Molokaiwasexperiencingthelowestrainfallinadecadecomparableto2001droughtfiguresAdrywinterandspringseasonhavebeencausingwatershortages Arecentheavystorm inMarch (2012)brought some reliefbutwithprimarilyeroded soilsexposed to theelementsmuchofthatmuddiedwaterwashed intotheseatochokecoralsaffectnurserygrounds forfishandcoverlimu(seaweed)beds41Steadypercolationintotheaquiferisnecessarytomakea difference to the watershed and levels in the reservoir42 According to Glenn TevesExtensionAgent forUHͲCTAHRdroughtconditionsaffect insectbehavior Forexampleantsseekingwaterwillfindasubstitutebyacquiringhoneydewfromcertaininsectsthatproduceitsuchasldquoaphidsmealybugswhitefliesandscaleshellipknown tosuckplant juicesandweakenthem hellip [and] spread plant viruses on an array of crops such as melons peppers andtomatoesrdquo43 Animals will also chew through drip irrigation systems to access water in adrought andwill subsequently cause leaks andwater loss for the farmer44Cows are alsoaffectedwithahigher incidenceofmiscarriageorsmallercalfsizedueto lackofhighquality
38 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1102 AgricultureReforestationWindbreakPlantingp5039RichardsSabrinaldquoWaspwarsNewpredatorchecksHawai`irsquosgallwaspepidemicrdquoSciencelineJanuary62011httpsciencelineorg201101waspͲwars40Richards201141 Teves G ldquoEffects of Rain and Droughtrdquo Molokai Dispatch March 15 2012httpthemolokaidispatchcomeffectsͲofͲrainͲandͲdrought42Teves201243Teves201244Teves2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 32
food consumed during pregnancy45Deerwill also compete and feed on grass reserves forcattleTevesroughlyestimatesthatfarmersandranchershaveexperiencedacumulativecroplossvaluedat$1millionduetothedrought46MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)Builtinthe1950sandlsquo60stheMISwasconstructedtotransportwaterfromWaikoluValleyonthenorthshoretothefarmingareasofCentralMolokaitoprovidewaterforthesolepurposeofagriculture47WaikoluValleyprovideswatertothesystemviaa51milelongtunnelPipesand flumes convey thewater to the Kualapu`u Reservoirwhich is designed for amaximumdepthof54feetor14billiongalloncapacity48TheHawaiianHomesCommissionAct (ldquoHHCArdquo)of1920sect221(d)grantedhomesteadersldquotherighttousefreeofallchargeanyofthewateruponthe islandofMolokairdquo49Thisprovisionwasamended in1955togiveHawaiianHomesatwoͲthirdswaterallocationpreference fromtheMIS50 The Department of Agriculture whichmanages theMIS has not enforced thisprovision Presently80oftheMIS isconsumedbynonͲhomesteadersdespite23rdswaterreservation requirement for homesteaders51 It has been recently noted that homesteaderwaterusagehasincreasedbynearly20comparedtolastyear52TheMISWaterUseAdvisoryBoardspeculatedthathomesteadfamiliesareexpandingtheirfamilygardens53TheentireislandofMolokaihasbeendesignatedbytheStateCommissiononWaterResourcesManagement (CWRM or ldquoWater Commissionrdquo) a sole source aquifer and critical watermanagementarea Thesedesignationsunderscorethefactthattheentire islanddependsonone water source for its drinking water subsistence and agricultural needs and carefulmanagementisnecessarytomaintaintheaquiferRecords for the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) revealed that as of December 2011 theKualapu`ureservoirhadloweredto11feet(ascomparedto17feetayearprior)andcontinuedtodecline54Todaythereservoirhasloweredanotherfootwithstoragelevels50lessthana
45Teves201246Teves201247BaldaufNatashaHalsquoaheoKaholsquoohalahalaandDavidSakodaldquoTheMoloka`i IrrigationSystem AVision foraSustainableFuturerdquoDecember1200948BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200949BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200950BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200951BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200952ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion53ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion54ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 33
year ago55 Current rainfall is 10 of normal levels and those utilizing theMIS have beensubjecttoa30restrictioninwaterusageoverthepast3years56TheStatelegislaturerecentlysetaside$125millionforimprovementstotheMIS57Fundswillcover Anewhydropowerplantwaterflowwillproduceenergyandoffsetelectricalcosts Replacement of aboveͲground concrete flume with an underground pipeline to avoid
animalsanddebrisfromfallingintoandcontaminatingthewatersupply StructuralrepairtoMISaccessbridge Installation of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system to allow for
monitoringofwaterflowremotelyThis is a step in the right direction and hopefullywill assist in decreasingwater loss in thesystemandimprovemanagementoftheMISWeedsPestsWildAnimalsNumerousfarmersinterviewedparticularlyintheHo`olehuaHomesteadareahaveciteddeerasamajorproblem incrop failureTheorganicpapaya farmershavebeenhithardwithonefarmerhavinglosthisentirecropofpapayatreesSeedlingswereeatenandadulttreeswerealsoaffectedbydeerrubbings Anotherfarmerhashadtoadoptprotectivemeasuresforhisyoungkukuistarter treesasdeerseekingmoisture fromyoungplantswilleat them Hehasindicatedthatyoungkukuitreeshavetoreachacertainheightwheredeercannolongerbitethe leaves from the top Farmers are also experiencing brokenwater and irrigation pipesdestroyedbydeer One farmerwas issued a $700waterbillbefore discovering hisbrokenwaterpipeMuchofthisactivityhasbeenattributedtotheongoingdroughtconditionsdeerareseekingfarmsforwaterandfood It isestimatedthat$1million inagricultureprofitwaslosttodeerwithinthelastyearAnotherproblemthatfarmersencounteredafewyearsagowasaninfestationofratandmiceTheyweresonumerousthatdriversoftensawthemcrossingtheroad One farmerresolvedthisproblemonhisfarmbyadopting20cats
55ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions56ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions57ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 34
Other farmershavecitedpestsandweedsasaproblemon their farms Oneorganic farmerstatedthatshefinds itachallengebecauseuseofpesticidesandherbicidesareprohibited inorganicfarmingThere is an urgent need to keepMolokairsquos bee population healthy as they are pollinatorsimportant to theagriculture industry Threats to the localbeepopulation includepesticidesbeetlesandmitesHighOperationalCostsOfthe208surveyed61peopleconsideredhighoperationalcostsasabigchallengetofarmingonMolokaiThesecostsinclude Labor Infrastructure Toolsimplements Fuelforequipmentandvehicles Supplies such as fertilizer compost pesticides herbicides seeds irrigation supplies etc
Supplycostsareespeciallyhigherdue toadditionalcostmarkͲup forshipping items in toMolokai
Electricitycostsforrunningrefrigerationchiller Allfeesandtaxesincurredfromrunningabusiness Specialcostsfororganiccertification(est$1300peryear)HighCostofWaterSeventy(70)surveyrespondentsfeltfarming ismadedifficultbythehighcostofwater Thiswasespeciallytrueforfarmerswhoareoncountywater insteadofcheaperagriculturewaterfromtheMolokaiIrrigationSystemThesefarmersareontheEastEndoftheislandAlsoitisverydifficultforpeople inMaunaloaandKaluakoitofarmandevengardenduetothewatersystemrunbyMolokaiRanch Ratesforwaterareastronomicalhaving increasedby17858TheStatePublicUtilitiesCommissionallowedforarateincreasefortheRanchrsquosMolokaiPublicUtilitiesfrom$318per1000gallonsto$60459TheWaiolaOMolokaiIncwateralsoownedbyMolokaiRanchwas approved for a rate increase from$185 to $51560 These increasesimpactapproximately1200residentsonthewestsideoftheisland61
58BernardoRldquoMolokaiwaterusersprotestratehikerdquoHonoluluStarBulletinSeptember52008httparchivesstarbulletincom20080905newsstory08html59Bernardo200860Bernardo200861Bernardo2008
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 35
HighEquipmentCostsSixty(60) survey respondents considered high equipment costs as a challenge to farmingTractor costs can range from $21000 to $80000 depending on the size neededwhich isrelativetotheamountofacreagetobefarmedManysmallandbeginningfarmerslackaccesstocapitaltopurchasebigticketitemssuchasequipmentHighShippingCostsYoungBrothersistheprimaryshippingproviderforMolokaiSomefarmersutilizecargoplanessuchasKamakaAir for shipmentofmoreperishable items Shipping fromMolokai involvesaddedcostanddisadvantagesforMolokaiasaruralislandtryingtotransportgoodsacrosstheoceantothelargerurbancenterssuchasOahuandMauiForthoseutilizingdistributorsthatisanotheraddedcostIn thepast farmers receivedapartialbreakon shippingcosts throughYoungBrothers TheFarmBureauassisted indefrayingchargesassociatedwith theMolokai toHonoluu legwhilethefarmerwasrequiredtocoveronlythecostofshippingfromHonolulutothemainlandThishelped to level the playing field forMolokai farmerswith the rest of farmers onOahu andStatewide Within the last five yearshowever thispolicyhasbeendiscontinued causing adisadvantagetotheMolokaifarmerYoungBrotherswillbephasingoutitsldquoGrdquoVans218cubicftcontainersforshippingpricedat$180containerandwillbepalletizingeverythingItwillnolongerbeeasytodropitemsoffatthepierandshipoutFarmerswillneedtomakethetransitionandwilllikelyhavetosolicittheservicesofMakoaTruckingtopalletizetheirgoodsandtransportthemtothepierTheftOne farmer interviewed cited crop theft as a challenge There are also risks of theft ofequipmenttoolsandsupplieswithoutadequatestorageandsecuritymeasuresFireA localbeekeeping family thatproducespremiumorganic raw kiawehoneyexperienced adevastatingfirein2009thatwipedoutthemajorityoftheirhivesTheyhaveahighamountoforderstofillandarecurrentlyrecoveringfromthedamagetotheirhivesNotEnoughLandtoFarmampCompetingUsesforAgricultureLandThe Molokai Agricultural Park owned by the State of Hawai`i is located in theHo`olehuaMahanaregionadjacenttoMolokaiRanchandHawaiianHomeLandsItconsistsof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 36
22subdividedlotsspanningatotalof753acres62Thepurposeofagriculturalparksstatewideistoprovideaffordable longͲterm leasestosmallfarmers63CurrentlyallMolokaiAgPark landsare being utilized64 Thismakes it difficult for new farmerswho are nonͲhomesteaders tosecurecheaplandSeedbiotechcompaniessuchasMonsantoandMycogenhavegainedasolidfootholdontheisland Their use of prime agriculture lands and limited water resources impact the localfarming community It is problematic especially for organic farmers who risk losing theircertification if their farmsare inproximity toGMO crops It is known thata local familyofbeekeeperswereforcedtomovetheirhivesorelserisklosingtheirorganichoneycertificationLow Prices Offered for Local Produce Not Enough Demand for Goods and ProductInconsistencyOfthosesurveyed25peoplefeltthatnotenoughconsumerdemandforproducewasamajorchallenge for farmers Whileour surveyalso found that90ofour respondentswouldbuymorelocalfoodifitwasavailableMolokairsquossmallpopulationlimitshowmuchproducefarmerscanplaceinthelocalmarketManyof the farmers thatwe interviewedwere frustratedat the lowprices theyget for theproduce theygrow They find itdifficult tonegotiatewith storesonpricing For them it ischallengingtomakealivingorbeeconomicallysustainablebysellingproduceonlyonMolokaiOne certified organic and biodynamic farmer informed us that she is offered $110lb byMolokai stores forherorganicgingerbut she can sell itatamuchhigherpriceonOahuat$5lbinstoresthatshowcaseorganicfoodsWiththatamountsheisabletomakeaprofitaswellasrecoupherproductionandshippingcostsUHCTAHRAgricultureExtensionAgentGlennTevesstatesthatalotoffarmersdonotpaycloseenoughattentiontotheirpricingOftentimestheywillpricetheirproduceonthelowendThissetsanegativestandardthatmakesitmoredifficultforotherfarmerstogetareasonablepricefor their crops He recommends that farmers check regularly on produce prices andmakecomparisonsalsoonhowmuchtheysellforontheotherislandssothattheycanprovidemorecompetitivepricingthatisadvantageoustothemLackofSupportforAgricultureLawmakershavealsobecomeunsupportivetopreservingagriculturelandsAbusesaboundonagricultural landswithmultiͲmilliondollargentlemanestatesdevelopedanddefinedasldquofarm
62StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks63StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks64StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 37
dwellingsrdquo and attractive landscaping required underCCRs andAssociationRules dubbed aslegitimateldquoagriculturerdquo Theseldquofarmdwellingsrdquo increasethepriceofagriculture landforrealfarmersNationwide family farmersarebeingedgedoutby largecorporateproducersat the rateof330farmersperweek65TheUnitedStateshasanestimated5millionfewerfarmsthanithadinthe1930s66Today2millionfarmsexist intheUSwith565000 identifiedasfamilyfarms67ThereasonforthisisthatfederalgovernmentpoliciesfavorlargeͲscalecorporateagriculturePoliciessuchassubsidizingbigagriculturecreatesafalsesetͲpointontrueproductioncosts68TheAmerican taxpayerabsorbs thesehefty costs The federalgovernment spentover$177billion in agricultural subsidies from the years of 1995 to 200669 These large agricultureoperationsareabletoprovidehugevolumesoffoodforacheappricebecauseofthesubsidiesallocatedTheyeasilyoutcompeteandsqueezeoutthesmallfarmerthatreceivesnohelpfromsubsidies andmust pass to the customer the true costs of production in order to remain aviablebusinessStrongcorporatelobbyingmaintainsthisstatusquo
NeedforAdditionalEducationampTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunityOfthosesurveyed33farmersconsideredalackofcapacityeducationtobeachallengeSomefarmersaredauntedbythecostsofhighereducationandthetimetheywouldneedtoinvestineducationalongsidebalancingfamilyresponsibilitiesandfullͲtimefarmingProficiency inknowledgeandexperienceoffarmingprinciplesandtechniques isnecessaryforallfarmers Theymustunderstandfarmplanninghowtoplantmaintainandharvestcropshowtosetupirrigationmeetthebiologicalandmineralneedsoftheircropshowtomaintainsoil health how to minimize offͲfarm releases of pollutants and toxins such as chemicalfertilizersandpesticidesoperateand repair toolsandmachinerybasic carpentry skillsandpossess a true passion for farming A lot is learned through trial and error but educationcombinedwithpracticalexperience gives farmers abetter chance atmaking it These skillsalonearenottheonlyrequirementshoweverAfarmer(orparticipatingfamilymembers)mustalsobefinanciallyliterateandpossessstrongbusinessbookkeepingaccountingandmarketingskills To lease landsaccessbusinessstartup fundssuccessfullyapply for loansandreceive financing forbigequipmentpurchases the
65ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml66ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml67ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml68ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml69ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 38
farmerhastohavegoodcreditandbefinancially literate Ifhe issaddledwithdebtandbadcreditthenhewillneedtocreateandsticktoaplanforrepairinghiscreditOther skills a farmermust cultivate to successfully start an agricultureenterprise is learninghowtodomarketresearchandbusinessplanningItrsquosbettertomakemistakesonpaperfirstrather than in real life aftermuch time and investment has beenmade Once the farmenterprise isupand running then the farmerhas to contendwithkeeping financial recordscurrenteitherpersonallyortruesecuringabookkeeperoraccountant BusinessandpayrolltaxeswillneedtobepaidfeesforspecialcertificationssuchasorganicfarmingmayalsohavetobefactoredinAfarmermustbeawareofwhattogrowandproduceandhowtomarketherproducts inorder tobeprofitable Shemustbedisciplined in implementingher farmplanaccount for year round staggered plantings and harvests and crop rotations and reinvestprofitsbackintothebusinessRarelydotheseskillsexistinonepersonMostfarmersjustwanttofarmandnotdealwiththeother details of running a business As they age too farmerswill need to think about asuccession plan Ideally it should be a family enterprise with familymembers possessingdifferent skill sets and playing different roles that collectivelymake a successful agricultureenterpriseRanchingampTheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeMolokairsquos history includes large scale ranching of cattle which was once an enterpriseendeavorbyMolokaiRanch the islandrsquos largestprivate landownernow known asMolokaiProperties Limited SinceMPLrsquos closure ofmajor operations ranching is currently done bymembersof thecommunity inwhich theycultivate the remainingcattleonproperty CattleRanchersincludePohakuloaRanchKualapu`uRanchPedroRanchandPu`uOHokuRanchChallengeswithMolokaiBeef Muchof theranchingcommunitydonot finish theiranimals through theslaughterhouse
preferringtosellcattleoffisland Lessmeat isproducedon the islandwhich in turnmeans lessMolokaibeefavailable for
consumptioninrestaurantsandstores More than one individualentity does not like the tasteconsistency of the beef ndash some
suggestedthatthemeatbecuredlonger Somemembersofthecooperativefeelthecostforanimalprocessing($65animal)isunfair
since it isnotbasedonactualproductyield(egdeerorgoatmeatyields lesspoundsofmeatthancattle)
SlaughterhouseTheMolokai Livestock Cooperative which operates the only slaughterhouse facility on theislandprocessescattleandpork Pork isnotusually sold to storesdue to thepreferenceof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 39
Molokaifamiliestoutilizerearedhogsforhomeconsumption Thuspork issubjectusuallytocustomkillsonlyAsforcattleamaximumof18headperweekandaminimumof5headperweekgoes through the slaughterhousewitha cumulative totalof730animalsprocessed todatesincethefacilityopeneditsdoorsseveralyearsagoTheslaughterhouse iscurrentlynotoperatingatfullcapacity There isahistoricalcontextforsome of the challenges that the Molokai Livestock Cooperative faces today After thewholesale TB eradication of Molokai cattle in the 1980s and the closure of the oldslaughterhouseinKaunakakailocalranchersinitiallyworkedtogetanewslaughterhousebuiltwiththeirsweatequityandthroughsecuringfundingfromCountyStateandFederalsourcesUnfortunatelytheprocessofmovingthisprojectfromaconceptualphasetobrickandmortartook over a decade to complete By the time the slaughterhouse facility was completedranchershadmovedaway fromgrassͲfinishedcattleonMolokai to finishing theiranimalsonthe mainland Over time the ranchersrsquo commitment to strengthening their own localslaughterhouse as a viable economic engine had wavered Some ranches do not see aneconomic incentive to return to the formermodelofgrass finishing theircattleandpreferaquickerturnͲaroundtimeandtheconvenienceofsellingtheiranimalspreͲfinishedWhile theMolokaiLivestockCooperativersquosnew slaughterhousehasmadepositive inroads togettingMolokai grassͲfedbeef in local grocery stores and restaurants through itsworkwithcommittedranchersutilizingthefacility lackofvolumefromholdͲoutranchersalso limitstheslaughterhousersquosabilitytoexpandthemarketandfullydevelopanorganicnicheproduct Tomakeupforthisshortfalltheslaughterhousenowshipsin30headofnonͲMolokaicattle(50oftotalstock)onaregularbasisLambSheepForthepast5yearsahusbandandwifeteamhasbeenexperimentingwithranchingfreerangelambssheepon55acresof land inwestMolokai Thecouplehas80animals (60ewes20lambs) Theyharvestthe lambsat6monthsofageandhavebeentestingthequalityoftheanimalsMost recently they market tested their lambs The lambs were processed at theslaughterhouse ThemeatwassoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketandMisakirsquos CustomerfeedbackhasbeenverypositiveThelambmeatsoldoutquicklyinthestoresRightnowthelambsheep ranchers are trying to figure out pricing whether to sell directly to theslaughterhouseforprocessingmarketinganddistributionortohandlesomeofthoseaspectsontheirownDeerRanchingDeerranchingisnotawidespreadactivityinfactthereareonlytwopeopleontheislandthatraisevenisonDeerpensexist inMaunaloaandPalarsquoauwithasmuchas260animalscorralled
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 40
within high game fencing The deer ranching is part of a safari tour businesswhich allowsvisitorstoexperiencehuntinggameDeercanbeprocessed through theMolokaiSlaughterhouse if theanimal ispresentedat thefacilityat leastonehourafterthekillandaUSDACertified Inspectorparticipates inthehuntThisiscurrentlynotbeingdonebydeerranchersonMolokaiTheownersofDJCRanch Incwhich currentlyoperates adeer ranchhasdone some initialmarkettestingandresearchonthedemandandpotentialforvenisonmeatproduction Theyhave found ahugedemand from restaurants and the generalpublic for venisondue to thehealthbenefitsandsuperiortasteofMolokaiaxisdeerThereiscurrentlynosteadysourceforvenisonmeatandvalueͲaddedproductsinHawai`iDJCRanchhasstatedinitsmarketingplanthatinthefirstyeartheycouldprovidevenisononaseasonalbasisandinitiallyproducegroundvenison and sausages As herd numbers increase additional markets could potentially beopeneduptoWholeFoodsandCostco CurrentlyDJCRanchhasaUSDA licensetoslaughtervenisonandcouldutilizetheMolokaiSlaughterhouseThecompanyisFDAapprovedthroughthe USDA with its own stamp and seal formarketing The products that DJC Ranch hadconsideredmarketingwere
1 Groundvenisonforhumanconsumptionandalsodogfood2 9differentsausageswhichithasdevelopedandsuccessfullymarkettested3 Venisoncornedbeef4 Freshcuts5 Innards
ThereismuchpotentialinthisareaandhopefullyinvestmentscanbesuccessfullyacquiredtoimplementDJCRanchrsquosplanAdditionally theremaybeopportunity tocreateacollaborationbetweendeer ranchersandfarmerssufferingfromcrop lossesduetodeergrazing ifaplancouldbeundertakentodivertdeerfromcultivatedlandsandabsorbthemintoranchingoperationsAquacultureEffortshavebeenmadetorestorefishpondsandhavemetwithsomesuccessforsubsistenceuses State regulations affecting the restoration andutilizationof theseponds limituses tosubsistenceandeducationalpurposesmaking itdifficult toutilize theponds for commercialaquacultureThisisunfortunategiventhehardworkonthepartofthecommunityandfederalfunds invested inProjectLoko I`aatrainingprogramthathadservedanestimated20youngMolokai adults in drystack and fishpondwall reconstruction fishpond husbandry live rockcultivation for theaquarium industry shrimpand seaweedaquaculturewater samplingandanalysis leadershipandentrepreneurial skills Theseyoungadultswere trainedwithall thetools to be successful in aquaculture butwere not given the chance to commercially leaseMolokaipondsandestablishabusiness
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 41
PlansandfundingallocatedtoestablishafinfishhatcheryonMolokaiasearlyas1991andtostockfishpondsforcommercialproductionwerestalledandareunlikelytocometofruitionTheMolokai Ice House completed construction at the KaunakakaiWharf in 1993 It wasestablishedbya local commercial fishermenrsquoscooperativeof40 individualswho contributedapproximately 60Ͳ70 of Molokairsquos commercial fish landings The Ice House operatedsuccessfullyfornearlyadecadeprovidingicefreshfishpokeandseaweedforsaleA Native Hawaiian nonͲprofit Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou established a successful limu(seaweed)growersnetworkandlimubuyͲbackprogramwith30familieslivingalongMolokairsquossouthandcentralshores These familieswere trained incultivationof theedibleandhighlyprizedseaweedGracilariaparvisporacommonlyknownas limuogo Anestimated1000 lbsweeklywereshippedtoOahufishmarketsaswellasdistributedtotheMolokaiIceHouseandvariousstoresonislandintheformoffreshandvalueͲaddedproducts(limusalsaandnamasu)Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou served as amarketer and broker for the families In the endhowever some of themore successful growers opted to sell and distribute their harvestsindependently causing the cooperative typeof structure todismantleanddriving thepricesdownforMolokailimuogoduetocompetitionamongstthegrowersTherearetwoshrimpfarmsonMolokaiMolokaiSeaFarmsinPala`auandKeawaNuiFarmsineastMolokaiKeawaNuiFarmssuppliesSPFcertifiedPenaeusvannameishrimpbroodstockaswellasseasonalharvestsoftilapia fishand limuogo70MolokaiSeaFarmsalsospecializes indiseasefreeSPFPvannameibroodstockandservescustomersthroughouttheworld71PacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsandHawai`iKaiCorporationbothfarmseasaltfromMolokairsquosoceanwaters Thesesaltscarryessentialmineralsandtraceelements Molokaisaltproductionhasreachedaglobalmarketas farasChinaandEurope Productscanalsobe found inMolokaistoresAddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparationMolokairsquoshiddensubsistenceeconomy isastrengththatassistsfamiliestoday inachronicallydepressedeconomyThereisenoughdeergoatandwildpigonthelandandfishonthereeftomeet the peoplersquos protein requirements and provide food security for tomorrow TheHo`olehuaHomesteadcommunitywithfamilyfarmsdottingthelandscapehasenoughproduceandstarchinthegroundtofeedtheircommunityAscomparedtootherislandsMolokaiisinbettershapethanmostifnotallislandsHoweverthereisstillastrongrelianceonYoungBrotherstoshipinfoodtotheislandAtanygiventimethereisanestimated4daysoffoodstockedonMolokairsquosstoreshelvesNodisaster
70KeawaNuiFarmshttpwwwkeawanuifarmscom71MolokaiSeaFarmshttpwwwbroodstockcomHawaiian_SPF_Shrimp_Broodstockhomehtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 42
scenarioplanninghaseverbeenundertakenforhowthiscommunityshouldrespondifonedaythebargedoesnotarriveandalltransportationvenuesbyseaairandlandwereinterruptedAccordingtooneinformantMolokairsquosfoodreservesarestoredonMauibytheAmericanRedCross This iswrong Molokai isoneofthefew islandswithoutamainairportonthecoastalshores In timesofdisaster (eghurricane tsunami) therewouldbebetter accesson theislandtoreceiveassistanceRealisticallyhoweverMolokaiwouldbeofalesserprioritytoshipin food and medical supplies in a Statewide disaster scenario due to the islandrsquos smallpopulationInitialaidwouldbefocusedprimarilyonurbananddenselypopulatedareasontheneighboringislandsIntheMana`eandKaunakakaiareas(eastandcentralMolokai)whereasignificantportionofMolokairsquospopulationisconcentratedtheroadsandmajorityofhomesarelocatedonthecoastwithin the tsunami and flood zone corridor Getting assistance to these areas would beproblematic No major farming takes place in Kaunakakai and Mana`e except for homegardensandsomewetlandtarocultivationinthelushervalleysontheeastsideMonoͲcropping increases risks ofwholesale andmass crop failure Whilemost smallͲscalefarmers are doing diversified agriculture onMolokai not enough effort has beenmade topreserve thehundredsofvarietiesofsweetpotatobreadfruit taroandothercanoeplantsNot enough has been done to cultivate and preserve varieties of regionallyͲadapted openͲpollinatedseedsforhomegardensandsmallscalefarmersUHCTAHRhasthroughitsresearchdevelopedseedsadapted tocertainenvironments Moreeffortmaybeneeded toget theseseedstofarmers
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 43
V RECOMMENDATIONSMitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElementsWindAswindwillcontinuetobeanissueforfarmersespeciallyhomesteadfarmersintheHo`olehuaareaitisimportanttoestablishacomprehensiveprojecttoinstallwindbreaksthatwillhelptoopenupmorehomesteadlandforfarmingCostcanbeafactorforsmallͲscaleandbeginningfarmersThusaccessingfundingandcreatingcollaborativepartnershipswithcoreleadershipisnecessarytomovethisprojectalongOtherthingstoconsider intermsofdecidingwhattypesofwindbreaksto installwouldbetooptimizethepotentialofthewindbreakstoservemultiplefunctionsOnecommoncomplaintamongsthomesteadfarmershasbeenthedestructionofcropsfromgrazingdeerProvidingavegetativewindbreakwith tightplantings could serve as a living fence that keepsout deerSelectingalso fornitrogen fixingspecieswillalsoaddnutrientstothesoilandboost farmerrsquoscropsIdentifiedasakeyprojectintheEnvironmentSectionofMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandisprovidingwindbreaks inHo`olehuaThevision istoplantwindbreaksldquoalongthecoastalpaliaround the central plain andhellip along individual farmersrsquo lots Native trees and treeswithsecondarymarketvalue(fruittreesandhardwoods)rdquoshouldbeutilized72DroughtͲProofingReforestationThecommunity initiateddocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian Islandhas identified in itsAgricultureampAquacultureSectionthefollowingpriorities73
Recognize the limited availability of water as a primary factor in prioritizing suitableagriculturalfoodcrops
Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture foodproduction
Water is a limiting factor in farming especially in light of chronic drought conditions andcontinuousmandatorycutbacksonwateruse from theMolokai IrrigationSystem TherearewaysthatthefarmercanharvestwateraswellasminimizewaterlossPlantingwindbreakswillaidincreatingamicroclimatethatwillreduceevapotranspirationandallowforsomeshadeforcrops that require less sunlight Installing swales and terraces on contour in tandem withplantingswillslowthepathofwaterrunoffcomingontothepropertycreategoodsoakagethatwillbuildthewatertableandnaturallyfeedcropsMulchingandplantinggroundcoverspecies
72MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf73MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 44
alongsidemain crops will retainmoisture and support soil health These droughtͲproofingstrategiesworkinginconcertwillprovideagreatbenefittothefarmerA longertermstrategythatonehomestead farmersuggestedand forwhichhehasbeguntospreadamongstotherhomesteaders is conductingmassplantingsofKukui trees to createaforest forHo`olehua and capture rain He is setting the example by creating a kukui plantnurseryonhispropertyandgivingkeikiplantstootherhomesteadersAdoptionofthesetypesofstrategiesshouldalsobeconsideredbynonͲhomesteaduserswhohaveutilizedthe lionrsquosshareofMISwater ReforestationoftheslopesofMaunaloathathadbeendamagedbycattleranchingandpineapplecultivationwouldalso lessendependenceonwaterdiversions Thishasbeen identifiedasakeyprojectunder the communitydocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandalongwithcertainerosioncontrolmeasuresfortheWestEnd gulches that include installing ldquorock dikes (gabions) hedgerow plantings [and] siltationpondsrdquo74
ProtectingWaterResourceRights
TheWater Code directs the Commission to ldquoincorporate and protect adequate reserves ofwaterforcurrentandforeseeabledevelopmentanduseofHawaiianhomelandsassetforthinsection 221 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Actrdquo75 Additionally by law the HawaiianHomes Commission Act recognizes a twoͲthirdswater preference for homesteaders on theMolokai IrrigationSystem76These lawsshouldbeenforcedandtheDepartmentofHawaiianHomeLandsneedstoactivelyadvocateonbehalfofhomesteaderstoensuretheprotectionoftheir water rights The Department of Agriculture which manages the MIS must alsoresponsiblymeettheStatersquosfiduciarydutybyassuringthatwaterallocationsareincompliancewiththetwoͲthirdsprovisionforhomesteaders
WildAnimalControl
A number of farmers plagued by deer have opted to allow subsistence hunting on theirpropertyorhunt thedeer themselvesOthersare installing fencing tokeep thedeerout AlocaldeerranchersurmisedthatalotofthedeerareoriginatingfromdryMolokaiRanchlandsandmovingtowardsthehomesteadregionofHo`olehuainsearchofwaterandfoodThisdeerfarmerwouldliketoworkwithMolokaiRanchtoleaseandexpandhisoperationsontoRanchlandserect fencingandprovideadequatewater for thedeer toprevent them from invadingtheHomestead Withcollaborationamong farmersMolokaiRanchand localdeer ranchersthiscouldprovideawinͲwinsolutionforall
74MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf75HawRevStatSection174CͲ101(a)76HawaiianHomesCommissionActsect221(d)1920amended1955
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 45
IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth
Typicallyweeds are found in disturbed areas Weeds are bioͲindicators of soil health andstructureTheyservedifferentfunctionsandareoftenpioneerspeciesthatcomeintoasystemearly on to create optimal conditions for the next stages of succession into amorematuresystem Differentweedsperformdifferent functions suchasaddingnitrogen to the soil reͲmineralizingthesoilwithdeeptaprootsthatbringnutrientsbelowuptothesurfacelooseningcompacted hard pan soils to allow for aeration and room for new seedlings to grow andstabilizingfragileandexposedsoilswithrootstructuresthatfanoutmorewidelytoholdloosesoiltogetherThekeyistoselectspeciesthataremoreusefultothefarmerthanthenaturalordisturbedvegetationandovertimethesespecieswilloutcompeteweedyvarietiesDiversifyingcropsandmimickingnaturalsuccessiondoingtimestackingwithdenserplantingsofperenniallegumesgroundcoverswindbreaks fruit treesandvinesofpreferredspecieswillallow formaturation of the system create better soil health and select out nonͲfavorable weedyspeciesOne farmerwhooperatesanorganicpapaya farmdoesthe followingtopreservesoil fertilityandcontrolpests77 Utilizesa localmanufacturerfromOahuwhorecyclesusedcookingoilfatsbonesandfish
collected from restaurants foodmanufacturersand fishoutletsand turns thiswaste into100 certified organic soil amendments Tons of rawmaterialwaste now diverted fromlandfill
Usesdolomiteandcrushedcoraltoamendsoilorgypsumassubstitute Growssunnhemponrestingfieldstohelpwithnematodesandfixnitrogeninsoil Providescovercropofgrassesandweedsbetween rowsofmaturepapaya trees irrigated
withmicroͲsprinklerstokeepmoistureandlifeinthesoil Maintainsadiversefloraratherthanengaginginmonocropping Responds to cut worms (seasonal) by planting extra seedling trays to replace damaged
seedlings Sprays kumulus (organic sulfur) and baking soda to combat powderymildewmites and
thrips Ripsandairsoutoldfieldsandrestsfieldsforatleast15monthstoaddressnematodeissue Focusesongrowingthestrongesthealthiestplantstoprovidegreaterresistancetopests
77UniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesFeaturedFarmerRickTamanahaKaleikoafarmsHo`olehuaMoloka`iHĈnai`AiNewsletterJuneͲJulyͲAugust2011httpwwwctahrhawaiiedusustainagnewsarticlesV8ͲKaleikoaFarmsͲFFpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 46
AddressingHighOperationalCosts
EquipmentAccessSeveralcommunitypartnerscametogethertoaddressoneofthemajorimpedimentsforsmallfarmersonMolokai access toequipment TheMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityndashKeAupuniLƃkahipurchasedatractoraspartofaplannedequipmentrentalprogramadministeredbyUHCTAHR and the Hawaiian Homestead Association TheMolokai Rural Development ProjectpurchasedtractorimplementstofurtherassistthefarmersTheseimplementsincludedaJactoArbusAirblast Sprayerwith TractorMount to assist farmers in spraying their fieldswithoutadded labor Samp A AG 20 Spreader to allow growers to improve their soil pH and organicmatter Miller Bobcat 250 welder to aid farmers in repairing and fabricating tools andimplements aswell as serve as a training tool inwelding and farmmechanics and aGreatPlainsSubSoilerSS1300toassistfarmersinfieldpreparationwithminimalsoildisruptionWhilefarmerswillstillneedaccesstootherformsofequipmenttocutdown laborandtimetheEquipmentRentalModel isagoodone that shouldbe replicated tobenefit theMolokaifarming community overall and ameliorate farmersrsquo chances of success by bringing theirindividualcostsdownShipping
Howtotacklehighshippingcosts Consolidation Compilecargoandnegotiatewithcarriersbased on volume78 This could be handled formally through a cooperative structure orinformally through a hui of farmers The Molokai community has also recommendedcommissioning a ldquostudy to explore new alternatives for transportation links (air and sea)betweenMolokaiandotherareasandmarketsrdquo79Another alternative that Sust`ĈinableMolokai is preliminarily exploring is the feasibility ofprovidingasailingvesselequippedwithchillspacethatwouldideallybepoweredbyrenewableenergy (egwind solar) to serve as a communal shipping vessel forMolokai exports andimportsOneofourconcernsisnotonlythehighshippingcoststhatresidentsincurbutalsodealingwiththeinevitableconsequencesofglobalpeakoilandhelpingtoincreaseourislandrsquosfuelandenergysecurity
78Youn JL ldquoRootsofChange ToRichardNelsondiversification ismuchmore than justabuzzwordrdquoHawaiiBusiness Magazine February 2004 httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange79 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1105 InfrastructureTransportationAlternativesp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 47
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoodsOne of the areas where some farmers feel challenged is marketing and distributing theirproducts offͲisland While some of themwant to take advantage of better pricing on theneighbor islands the lackofknowledgeandexperience inpenetrating thosemarketscanbedauntingfortheMolokaifarmerItwasalsoexpressedtousfromvendorsandrestaurantsthatit is difficult to determine which farmer is selling what and to achieve a level of productconsistencyamong individualfarmers ForMolokaistoresandrestaurants itwouldbeeasiertodealwithabrokerdistributorormarketingteamwho isplugged intotheMolokaifarmingcommunityandcouldconsolidategoodsamongstallfarmersandachieveafairpriceforthemCoststoretainthisdistributorcouldalsobesharedamongstthefarmersThisdistributorcouldalso handlemarkets on neighboring islandsmainland and internationally and remove theheadachefromfarmerswhojustwanttofarmOriginallytheHiki`olaFarmersCooperativewassetuptosellanddistributefarmersrsquoproductsandhelptoremovethe impedimentsandpersonalchallengesfarmersface inmarketingtheirproduceandproducts independently HoweverthisprovedunsuccessfulbecauseofproductinconsistencyThismaybeanongoingchallengebutnotcompletelyinsurmountablePerhapsmorecarefulfarmplanningandcollaborationwithfarmersmaybeneededtocollectivelygrowspecific items tomaintainacertainvolumeandconsistency Issuesof seasonalityhoweverwillalwaysimpactconsistencyMarketingFarmers couldalso increase theirprofits throughappropriatebrandinga common logoandsharedwebsitefeaturingldquoGrownonMolokairdquoorldquoMadeonMolokairdquoproductlineThiswouldalsohelpprospectivevalueͲaddedfoodentrepreneurswhoarechallengedbyhighstartͲupandinsurancecoststhatcomeswithdevelopingaproductdesigningalogoandlabelandcomingupwithappropriatepackagingUnderonebrandandacommoninsurancethesecostscanbeminimizedandthevalueͲaddedproducercouldfocuschieflyoncreatingaqualityproductFarmersMarketampCommunitySupportedAgricultureMolokairsquoscurrentSaturdaymarketlocatedintheheartofKaunakakaiTownisanopenmarketwherethereareavarietyofitemssoldartscraftsvarioussundriesbakedgoodsandavarietyof vegetablesand fruits Ithasbeen suggested that theMolokaiopenmarketbe improvedupon to reflect a true farmersmarket Improvementswould includeproviding chill space toprovide other products like Molokai grass fed beef and seafood showcasing valueͲaddedMolokaiproductssellingmoreandbonafideMolokaiproduceandincreasingaccessibilityforlow income families to fresh local produce and other foods through undergoing the formalprocessandclearancetoacceptEBTfoodstamps
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 48
FarmersMarkets serve as an important venue for farmers to sell directly to customers andcreatepositiverelationshipswiththemForthosewhoprefertofarmandleavethesellingandmarketingtoothersalocaldistributorcouldfillthoseshoesSomehavesuggestedthatseveralfarmersmarketsbeestablishedwithinthevariousdistrictsofthe island (east central and west Molokai) to make local foods readily accessible to allconsumersAnother suggestionwas thatMolokai create its own local dollar or Local Exchange TradingSystem (LETS) amongst a communityor groupofpeoplewhomutually agree toextend andearn credit from each other through a series of transactions and exchanges of goods andservicesDirectbarterbetweenpartiesisnotnecessaryratheronecanearnLETScreditsfromperformingaserviceorgivingagoodandbereciprocatedatalatertimeforgoodsorservicesofequalvalue(egprovidingbabysittingservicestoearncreditsandreceiveplumbingworkinreturn)LETSallowscommunitiesgreater flexibilityandcreatesequalityamong itsmembersofferingvaluebeyondtheconventionalmonetarysystemSome farmers create their own market by operating a CSA or Community SupportedAgricultureTheWaialuaPermafarmhasbeenoperatingsuccessfullyforabout30yearsnowasaCSATheWaialuaPermafarmhasfamiliesthatregularlysubscribetotheirCSAandpurchaseweekly or biͲmonthly boxes of veggies and fruits The Waialua Permafarm provides animpressive listing of vegetable and fruits that they grow with customers choosing theirfavoritesWhateverisinseasonandpreferredbythecustomeriswhattheCSAprovidesPu`uOHokuRanchalsoprovidesveggieboxesaswellasamore recentoperation runningoutofMahanaGardensOneMolokaiCSAoperatorsuggestedtheSiskiyouSustainableCooperativeinOregonasagreatmodel that could help farmers here to consolidate their efforts and create direct farmer toconsumer relationships Some of the best practices coming from Siskiyou SustainableCooperativeinclude Acollectiveoffarmerswhowantedtoformamarketingandbusinesscooperative Their business plan included visionary goals such as a credit union for farmers a
cooperatively owned state of the art commercial kitchen and seed cleaning facilityaffordablehealthinsuranceforfarmfamiliesetc
Inthefirst2yearsthefarmersdeveloped3marketingvenuesaCSAafarmstandalongtheroadsideandacooperatively runmarketboothEventually theCooperative focusedmoreexclusivelyontheCSAasitprovedmostfinanciallysuccessful
Farmersrsquogoal istoprovidecontinualaccesstomore locallygrownandproducedfoodsandtomaketheCSAboxmoreofaldquooneͲstopshoppingrdquoexperienceformembersTodatetheCSA offers bread cheese eggs flowers beef and buffalo products coffee and honey inadditiontotheregularproduceboxes
CoͲopprovidescertifiedorganicfruitsvegetablesandspecialty itemsproducedon9smallͲscalefamilyfarmsandranches
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 49
Feeds250 families throughcooperativeCommunitySupportedAgriculture (CSA)marketingand distribution program while enhancing the economic viability of their sustainableagricultureoperations
CoͲopoffersasmallsharethatfeeds2peopleandalargesharethatfeeds3Ͳ5peopleCoͲopdropsoffthefoodboxesto7differentspotsonaweeklybasis
ProvidingproducetolowͲincomepopulationsispartofCoͲoprsquosmissionCoͲopprovidesfoodtoACCESSandfoodbanks
CoͲopalsosuccessfullyappliedtoacceptfoodstampsCoͲopunderstandsthateatingfreshhealthyfood is importantforeveryoneespeciallyforthemorevulnerablepopulations likechildrenpregnantandnursingmotherstheelderlyanddisabledThesepeoplearemostinneedofnutrientͲdensehighqualityfoods
CSAmembersalsobenefit from farmdaysofferedby thecoͲopmembersget tosee theirfoodbeing grown andmeet their farmersCoͲop also sends recipes andnewsletterswitheachboxtohelpmemberslearnnewandexcitingwaystopreparetheirvegetables
CoͲopworks toexpandmarkets for localseedproducers toprovidevarietiesofregionallyͲadaptedopenͲpollinated seeds forhomegardenersand smallͲscale farmersCoͲop leasesseed cleaning equipment from a local nonͲprofit to improve seed quality and encouragegrowers toproducemore seedas theequipment saves time Oneof thecoͲop foundingmembers started his own local seed company see websitewwwbiodynamicseedsblogspotcom
CoͲop farms utilize interns as an inexpensive labor pool while providing them withopportunitiesto learnhowtogrow foodandruna farmoperation Inaneffort toprovidequality internships someof thecoͲopmembers formedanonͲprofit toprovideeducationandsocialopportunitiesforfarminternsSeewebsitehttproguefarmcorpsorg
AchievingFinancialSustainabilityThroughMIFFStrategyTodays farmermust possess a diverse skillsͲset to be truly competitive in a globalmarketAccordingtoRichardNelsonpresidentofHawaiiBizlinkLLCanagricultureͲconsultingfirmontheBigIslandnichemarketdevelopmentisthekeytosuccessfulagribusinessinHawaiiratherthan the agricultureasacommoditymindset80 Headds [A]g iseconomicdevelopmentanditisalsotourismVisitorswanttoeattheNalogreensandthefreshfishseethepineappleplantationandvisit theaquacultureoperationsahard look [needs tobe taken in]assistingfarmers with a variety of things including development of market plans business planspackagedesignintroductiontobuyersdevelopmentoftradeshowsandmarketingvenuesforlocalproducers[E]veryfarmerhasgottogetsmarterItsnolongerjustharvestingproductandthrowing it inabinFarmershavetowearmultiplehatsnow81Aswe looktobuildinggreatercapacityinourfarmingcommunitymoreeducationandtrainingmustbeavailableforfarmerstomeettheseemergingtrendsinagriculture
80YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange81YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 50
Farmers are more likely to succeed through diversification The Multiple Income FarmingFamilies (MIFF) model is a strategy for strengthening agribusinesses through generatingmultiplerevenuestreamsOne exampleof aMultiple Income Farming Family isMolokaiMeli inoperation since 2004MolokaiMeli sellspremiumorganic rawkiawehoneyasavalueͲaddedproductThe familymarketsldquomelisticksrdquoorhoneysealed instrawsassimplesnacks Theyalsoprovidedifferentgradesofhoneypremiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyandhoneycombsthattheyadvertiseand sell through their website The family doesnrsquot stop there Their eldest child Elijahdevelopedhisownbusiness around adressing recipeheperfectedmadewithMolokaiMelihoneyTheyoungerdaughtershavealsodevelopedtheirownproductsbeeswaxcandlesandchapstickthataresoldatKumuFarmsandMolokairsquosspecialtyshopsAllfamilymemberssuitupintheirbeekeepingsuitstocareforthebeesInitiallywhentheystartedtheirbusinesstheyhadnot fullyreachedtheir financialgoal insecuringallthestartͲupcoststheyneeded Theylearnedtoadaptandadjustedtheirbusinessplan Whenfacedwithapredicamentthattheywould not receive their bees on time to start their operations smoothly they turned thischallengeintoanewbusinessopportunitybyprovidingtheislandrsquossolebeeremovalservicesThey utilized this initial stock of bees for honey production and continue to replenish theirstoresbymaintainingbeeremovalservicesValueͲAddingampGoingOrganicThecommunitysupportsorganicvalueͲaddedandsustainablefarming82 Encourageandsupportorganicandenvironmentallyfriendlyfarmingmethodstechniques SupporttheproductionofvalueͲaddedproducts SupportthefarmingofcertifiedorganicandornonͲGMOcropsAnexampleofwhereMolokaifarmershaveachievedsuccess is inproducingcertifiedorganicpapayaMolokaiistheonlyplaceintheworldwhereorganicpapayaisgrowncommerciallyAsmallairportrunway that lacks thecapacity toreceive largeplanesand internationalcarriershaskeptMolokaibiologicallypurerthantheother islands inthat ithasnotbeenexposedtothepapaya ringspotvirus likewise thebananabunchy topvirushasalsonot takena strongholdonMolokaibananaKumu Farms is a local distributor of organic sunrisestrawberry papaya In themidͲ1990sKumuFarms invested inandbuiltaforcedͲhotͲair(FHA)chemicalfreetreatmentfacilitywiththeapprovalof theUSDepartmentofAgriculture to treat itscertifiedorganicpapayaonsiteand distribute directly to its various markets throughout the State of Hawai`i the USMainland and Canada83 Thirty percent (30) of the organic papaya supply comes from
82MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf83KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 51
homesteadfarmingfamilieswhoarepartofKumuFarmsldquosatelliteprogramrdquo84ThesefarmersarepaidbyKumuFarms$075lbfororganicpapayawhichismorethandoublewhatfarmerstypicallygetforconventionalGMOpapayaat$030lb MolokaiOrganicPapayaretails inthemainlandUSat$5lbProducingcropsorganically isawaytovalueͲaddandenteranichemarket This isespeciallyusefulforsmallfarmswhocannotcompetewithlargeproducersOneofthesatellitefarmshasexpressedadesiretobegindistributingandmarketingitsorganicpapayaindependentlyofKumuFarmstorealizedirectmarketprofitsInanycaseKumuFarmsplaysavaluablerole inproviding itsownFHAchemicalfreetreatmentfacilitydoingoutreachto small farmers to assume the costs of shipping distribution and marketing For manybeginning farmers these types of opportunitiesmitigate some of the costs of running anagribusinessandgivethemaleguptogrowandeventuallyexpandtheirownenterprisesThe 2010 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process forMaui Countyidentified the main economic sectors forMauiMolokai and Lanai islands They includeAgriculture Arts and Entertainment Government Healthcare Recreation and SportsRenewableEnergyResearchampDevelopment (RampD)and theVisitor Industry MolokaiCEDSparticipantshave identifiedprioritygoalsandobjectivesundereachsector ForAgricultureampAquacultureMolokai residentselectedasapriorityobjectiveaneffective ldquoBuy Localrdquo (ldquoBuyMolokairdquocampaign)andtheestablishmentofaldquoMadeonMolokairdquobrandAdditionally a September 2009 report provided by theMaui EconomicDevelopment Board(MEDB)onldquoEntrepreneurshipandtheFutureofMolokairdquodeterminedfrommultiplesurveysofMolokairsquos business community areas for growth and opportunity for the islandrsquos economyRespondents identified asopportunities ldquouniquelyMolokai lsquonichersquoproducts (organicpapayacoffeecookiesMolokaibreadetc)rdquoandldquovalueͲaddedproducts (tarochipspackageddriedmangococonutandbanana)rdquoIncreasedproductionandmarketingofnewvalueͲaddedfoodproductsprovide longershelf life requires lessvolumeof rawproductandhaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketswishingtotrynewandexoticfoods ValueͲaddingandcreationofnicheproducts thatplay to the strengthsofwhat farmershere cangrowprovidesagreateradvantagetoMolokaiproducersandallowsthemtobemorecompetitiveinthemarket A few years ago theMolokai Rural Development Project (RDP) offered ValueͲAdded FoodProductionTrainingattheLanikehaCommercialKitchen inpartnershipwithHawaiianHomestheMolokaiCommunityServiceCouncilandKƻha`oBusinessCenterThetrainingwasgearedtoestablishingsuccessfulvalueͲadded foodbusinessesto fulfillanichemarketandaid inthediversification ofMolokairsquos agriculture industry RDP designed the training along theMIFFmodelofprovidingmultipleincomestreamsforfarmingfamiliesThelocalfarmerthroughthistrainingcouldsupplementhis income throughvalueͲaddingorconnectwithanentrepreneurwishingtoturnldquowasterdquo(discardedoffͲgradeproduce)intoopportunity
84KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 52
Currently Lanikeha holds a number of anchor tenants that regularly produce valueͲaddeditems Products thathavecomeoutofLanikeha includepoisweetpotatochipshoneyseasaltpestoproductsbakedandcatereditemsUtilizingLanikehaasaCommunityCommercialKitchen Incubator for additional valueͲadded product development and training is key todeveloping new food entrepreneurs on Molokai and strengthening the islands agricultureeconomyAgriͲTourismPriorities identified inMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian IslandrsquosAgricultureAquacultureSectionincludessupportofldquoagroͲtourismendeavorsrdquo85An area in which there is room for growth and diversification is the agritourism industryAccording to the Hawaii Agritourism Association (HATA) agritourism assists farmers withsupplementalincomebyprovidinganichemarketthatinvolvesconnectingtheconsumertothelandandthegrowersbyeducatingthemaboutagriculturalproductsandprovidingadirectandinteractiveexperienceOf theprofitsmade fromagͲtourism relatedactivitiesmost revenuesaregainedthroughonfarmsalesdirecttofarmvisitorsAdditionallymanyoperationsreceiveorders for products after visitors return home suggesting gains made through buildingrelationshipswithcustomersthroughagritourismvenuesAccording toHATAagritourism isagrowingglobal trend thatprovides farmswith income increative ways enhances diversity of visitor experiences while at the same time supportsculturalidentityTheMolokaiResponsibleTourism InitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanprovidesabasisfor identifyingacceptablehostͲvisitorexperiences inkeepingwithMolokairsquoscultureandruralpace 86 Focus group sessions interviews and surveys revealed that residents favoredsustainablecommunitytourismtheelementsofwhichinclude Operationsby localand traditionalpopulation toenhance thequalityof lifeprotectand
restoretheenvironmentalandculturalassetsandengagevisitorsontermsdefinedbythecommunity
Activitiesevolvingasasolutiontoeconomicenvironmentalsocialeducationalandcultural
growthchallenges
85MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf86McGregorDaviannaldquoMolokaiResponsibleTourismInitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanForMoloka`irdquoKe`AupuniLƃkĈhindashMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityFebruary2006httphuinethawaiirdporgmolokaiFinal20Report20Ͳ20with20coverpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 53
Advocating a fair exchange of value between the host and the hosted Preserving the
communityrsquossenseofplacethatbringsdignityandpridetothehost Featuringauthenticandgenuineactivities forguests Sharing realcultureby thepeople
whopracticeit Creatingabalancedratiobetweenthelocalpopulationandvisitorcountsothatthesenseof
placeisnotoverwhelmedbylargescaletourismSomeactionsteps identified tomeet theseprinciples includedculturalexchangeeducationaltoursbuilding thekama`ainavisitormarketworkingwithentrepreneurcohortsestablishingcommunitynetworksandcollaborativeeffortsSuccesswouldbemeasuredwithanincreaseinthe number of jobs in the visitor industry and an increase in contributions to the islandrsquoseconomyfromvisitoractivitiesandretailpurchasesSome Molokai farmers have shown interest in agriͲtourism as evidenced by a programsupportedbytheKƻha`oBusinessCentertheCountyOfficeofEconomicDevelopmentandtheMolokaiAgriculturalDevelopmentProgramafewyearsagotoprovideintroductoryagritourismworkshops and site visits to various farmsonMauiMaui farms likeAli`iKula Lavender andSurfingGoatDairyhaveservedasgreatmentorsTheseactivitieshave inspiredandpromptedMolokai farmersto lookathowtheycan improvetheirown farmingoperationsand increaserevenuethroughdiversificationPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm isoneexampleofagritourismonMolokai The familyprovides farmtoursandgivesvisitorstheldquomacadamiaexperiencerdquothroughaneducationalcomponentandanopportunity to taste and purchase their product Relationships builtwith visitors serve tocreatealoyalcustomerbaseThePurdyrsquosprovidedirectmarketingbymailtocustomerswhohavevisitedtheminthepastThismethodhasbeenquiteeffectiveforthemTherearenegativeviewsonMolokaiabout tourismorconventionalaspectsof tourism thatexploittheHawaiianhostculture One farmerwhodislikestourismstatedhoweverthathehaswelcomedhundredsofpeopleofallagestovisittourandworkonhis family farm Forhimnoproprietarysecretsarekeptjustadesiretoshareknowledgeandthefamilyrsquospassionfor farming In this sense tourism takes a differentmeaning one that ismore about aneducational exchange and an opportunity to volunteer and gain knowledge throughexperiencingaworkingfarmfirsthand
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 54
ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms
Lawsmustbeenforcedtomake it favorabletothe farmerto farm Enforcementofthe lawsthataccuratelydefineagricultureandappropriatefarmdwellingsiscriticaltothemaintenanceofHawai`irsquosinventoryofagriculturallandslestweforfeitafoodsecurefutureforHawai`i
MolokaiisoneofthefewislandsifnottheonlyHawaiianislandthatselfͲidentifiesitsdesiredandprimaryeconomy tobeagriculture rather than tourismThemajorityofour informantsrespondedtothefollowingquestioninthismanner
Question What is your Agriculture Vision for Molokai
ldquoTo truly be the agriculture breadbasket of the Staterdquo
Muchofthissentimentcanbeattributedtoourhistoriclegacyas`inaMomonaandaculturethathasneverforgottenthatthewealthofthe land isdeterminedbyhowmuchfoodcanbeproduced and howmuch can be shared This is the essence ofMolokairsquos two economiesagricultureandtraditionalsubsistence
InkeepingwithavisionforMolokaitobetheagriculturebreadbasketoftheStatefarmerssaythatchangesneed tobemadeby theStategovernment toprovideaguaranteedmarket forMolokai farmers to supply urban and densely populated islands like Oahu rather thanperpetuatingalosingpropositionforMolokairsquosfarmerswhoareforcedtocompetewithotherswhohavemoredirectaccesstothemarket
ExcerptsfromMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandmakescommunityobjectivesclearastothehighprioritygiventoprotectingtheinterestsoflocalagriculture87 Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture food
production Promoteandsupport family farmsonMolokai inorder toprotectagricultureaquaculture
resourcesfromcommercialexploitation Promoteactivitiesand incentives thatwillhelpsupport theeconomicsecurityofour farm
families
AdditionalacreageforAgriculturalParksshouldbereservedtosupporttheexpansionoflocalfamilyfarmsPracticesthatconflictwiththespiritandpoliciesidentifiedforAgParkssuchasleasingorsubͲleasingto largecorporateindustrialagricultureandbiotechcompaniesshouldbeprohibited
87MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 55
Newtrendsrelatedtoan increasingappreciationanddemandfor localandregionalproduceencourage the return of small family farms88 Family farms are important to the soul andresilienceofacommunity Where industrialagriculturecompaniestendtocauseerosionandpollution through destructive practiceswith the use ofmachinery and heavy application ofchemical fertilizersherbicides andpesticides independent small family farmshave amoreintimate relationship with the land and are keen on preserving green and open spaces inalignmentwithcommunityvalues89
Related to thedeclineofsmall family farms is theagingofAmericarsquos farmers Molokai isnodifferent Theaverageageofthefarmerswesurveyedwere54yearsoldwhilethenationalaverage is 5790 The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 70 of the nationrsquosagricultural landwill changehandswithin the next 20 yearsdue to the agingpopulationoffarmers91 Ifthenextgeneration isnot interested infarmingthere isarealthreatthatthesefarmlandswillbeconvertedtononͲagriculturepurposes92 It is imperativethentocultivateanewgenerationofbeginningfarmers
OutreachampEducationIncreasingConsumerAwareness Reviewofsurveyand interviewresponsesstimulated livelyinformalinquiryanddiscussionamongfriendsfamilyandcolleaguesOnesuchdiscussionwasabout the need to raise greater consumer awareness of different kinds of foods herbsvegetablesthatattractthemoreexperiencedpalettebut forwhichthe localpopulationmaynotbeaccustomedtooutsideoftheirowntraditionalfoodsOneobservationthatwasmadebyKumuFarmsisthatsalesarelowinthesummerandpickupagainatthearrivalofsnowbirdsin the fallandwintermonths Hearing localpeople talkabout theirappreciationofgoing toKumuFarmstopickupfreshorganicproducebutareluctancetotrysomeofthemoreexoticherbsbecauseoftheirlackofknowledgeonhowtopreparethemsuggestsadesiretoexploredifferentcuisinesbutnotenoughopportunitytolearnaboutandincorporatethesefoodsintotheir cooking Hosting different tastings and cooking classes that integrate a farm to tableapproachmayhelp to removesome thesebarriers toeatinghealthynew foods With thesetypesofactivitieswecreatemoreeducatedconsumers Severalofour informantshavealsosuggestedraisingawarenessatanearlyagetoeducatethenextgenerationofeatersthroughschoolgardenprogramsthatgivechildrenadirectexperienceandappreciationofcultivating
ͺͺUnited StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof FoodandAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml89ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml90ShuteBldquoANewGenerationofFarmersrdquoTheNewYorkTimesAugust192011httpwwwnytimescomroomfordebate20110817couldͲfarmsͲsurviveͲwithoutͲillegalͲlaborweͲneedͲaͲnewͲgenerationͲofͲamericanͲfarmers91United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml92United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 56
preparingeatingandeventuallybuyingadelightfuldiversityof locallygrownnutritiousandwholefoodsEducatingFarmers Molokaihasgreatresourcesthatassistboththeprospectiveandcurrentfarmer ingaining inͲdepthagriculturalknowledgeand skills TheUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollege (UHMC) Molokai Farm confers an Associates Degree and Certificates in variousAgricultureampNaturalResourcestopics
CertificateofAchievementandASdegrees inHorticultureand LandscapeMaintenanceandSustainableTropicalCropManagement
Certificates of Competence in Agricultural Science Nursery Production and PestManagement
CertificatesofCompletioninTurfgrassSpecialistSustainableTropicalCropProductionandLandscapeMaintenance
Associates in Technical Studies Degree in Cultural and Natural Resource ManagementMĈlama`ina
InthepasttheMolokaiRuralDevelopmentProjectsponsoredtheAgricultureCohorttrainingprogramwhichserved8 farming families (27 familymemberstotal)committedtodevelopingsustainablefamilyfarms93The UHͲCTAHR Molokai Office delivered the training The project employed experientiallearning and instructionalmethodologies as best practices for intergenerational transfer oftechnology and expertise for sustainable agriculture Participants learned marketing farmplanningproductionplanningrecordkeepingcompleterequisitetaxforms(ScheduleF)farmequipmentsafetyandoperationsiteͲselectionassessmentirrigationsetͲupsoilfertilityplantnutritionpestmanagement (weeds insectsdiseases)harvesting commoditiespostͲharvesthandling grading and qualitymanagement organic certification basic computing businesssoftware and custom agricultureͲbased software Participants received training on usingspecialagriculture softwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRMolokaiextensionagentAltonArakakiThe first software they learned was on Production Mapping With this program farmersplannedandprojected theirproductionactivities throughout theyearanddeterminedwhenandhowmuch resourceswouldbeneeded to complete activities successfully TheprogramalsoprovidedfarmersanopportunitytorealisticallyestimateproductioncashflowoftheirfarmplansThesecondsoftwarethey learnedwastheScheduleFfinancialrecordkeepingprogramthatmaintainsrecords inatemplatethatwouldeventuallycompletetheirDepartmentoftheTreasuryProfitandLossfromFarmingIRSScheduleFForm1040AttheendofthetrainingthecohortparticipantsreceivedcopiesofthesoftwareOtherfarmingsoftwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRprovedusefulforfarmentrepreneursenrolledintheprojectThesoftwareincludedPlantTissueAnalysisndashRecordingandTrackingforplantnutritionmanagementandCalibratingYourSprayer(publishedbyCTAHRhttpwwwctahrhawaiieduocfreepubspdfPRREͲ6pdf)
93AkutagawaMalialdquoAgriculturalCohortProjectFinalReportrdquoAugust302007
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 57
Farmfamiliesincreasedtheirknowledgeandexperienceincropproductionandmanagementandapplied theiracquiredskills toestablishingorexpanding their farmbusiness Thecropsproducedbythe8 family farmenterprises includedorganicpapaya(3 farms)yamDioscareaorganicwatermelon and taro greenhouse lettucepumpkin taro (lu`au leaf table taro andvalueͲaddedkuloloproduct)andcoffeeSeveral participants were successful recipients of the Molokai Agricultural DevelopmentProgram awards having enrolled in RDPrsquos Kƻha`o Business Center Entrepreneurial TrainingProgram to receive oneͲtoͲone business consultation and assistance in developing theirbusinessplans
Allcohort familiesmadeprofitandexceededbenchmarkssetbyRDP Anestimated totalof$105000wasmade in cumulative sales over the yearmore than doubling the year 2 endprojectgoalof$50000 The farmproductsweremarketedonͲisland intrastateandon themainlandOrganicpapayasweremarketedtomainlandhubsinLosAngelesSanFranciscoandPortlandFromthesehugecitiestheyweresoldandshippedtoinlandmarkets
From thiscomprehensive trainingparticipants learnedandexperiencedboth theagriculturalsciencesandartofrunningasuccessfulbusinessInthesciencecurriculumparticipantslearnedsubjectmatters insoilplantsplantdiseases insectsweedsplantnutritionmanagementofplant pests and plant nutrition In the agriͲbusiness curriculum participants learned postharvesthandlinggradingorganic certificationmarketingand farmproductionplanningandmanagement Both experiential learning and classroom instruction proved invaluable Themajorityofthesefamiliesremainsuccessfultodaymorethan5yearsaftertheprogramendedTrainingslikethisgivefarmersthenecessarytoolstorunasuccessfulagribusinessUHͲCTAHRcontinues toassistby focusingon teachingbeginning farmersasaway to cultivate thenextgenerationoffarmersandreversethenationwidetrendofanagingfarmingpopulationSust`ĈinableMolokaihasalso focusedoncomplementing thisworkbybringingpermaculture(ecologicalfarming)inpartnershipwiththePermacultureResearchInstituteUSAtointerestedlocal adults and homesteaders to farm responsibly and sustainably From herewersquove beenteachingsustainablefarmingstrategiestoanestimated100MolokaiHighSchoolstudentsandinstallingthefeaturesofaminiͲahupua`aasademonstrationandteachingtoolIt is recommended that tobuilda strong farmingcommunity in thenextgenerationwewillneedtotakeproactivestepsnowandstartpreparingnewfarmersearlyonfromgradeschoollevel with school gardens up through middle and high school as youth begin to exploreagricultureasacareerGeneralagricultureclassescanbesupplementedwithacurriculumthatincludes financial literacyentrepreneurshipbusinesshomeeconomicshealthandnutritionscience (biology ecology chemistry conservation) and engineering aspects From herestudentswill be able to understand agriculture from diverse viewpoints and disciplines anddevelopdifferentskills required foroperatingasuccessful farmenterprise Creatingadirectbridge tohighereducation throughcollegeandcareerpathway ladderprogramsavailableat
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 58
UHMCMolokaiandotheruniversityinstitutionsisidealOnefarmerwhohasastrongbusinessbackgroundandwasabookkeeperformanyyearspriorto farming recommended that youngpeople take courses inbookkeeping and accounting inadditiontoagricultureclassesPerhaps thegreatestways to impart farmingknowledge isbetween farmers SeveralofourfarmersthatweinterviewedindicatedthattheylearnbestfromeachotherandthatthereisadesiretoserveasmentorsfornewfarmerswholackexperienceThisisfeltparticularlyamongMolokairsquoshomesteadfarmersOnefarmerremarkedontheverycloseͲknitcommunityformedonthehomesteadandthatmosthavethesamemindsetthatldquonewopportunitiesforoneareopportunities for allrdquo As a group they rely on each other to share farming techniquesinformation on new equipment and promote their produce together Rarely is therecompetitionamongsthomesteadersbutadesire todemonstrate thatagriculture isa viableeconomicenginefortheislandOtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchersThereareanumberofincentiveprogramsthatassistfarmersranchersandlandownersiftheychoosetointegrateconservationandsustainablepracticesintheiroperationsThisisonewaythat Molokai producers can access critical funding and work with conservation expertsIncentive Programs through the US Department of Agriculture include the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service (NRCS) ndashMolokaiͲLanai Soil ampWater Conservation District(SWCD) which prepares local conservation and watershed management plans providesconservationeducationandpropagatesnativeplantstorestoreHawaiianecosystemsassistsfarmersand ranchers inanumberof federalFarmBillPrograms thatprovides incentives forvoluntary conservation practices to help reduce erosion protect streams and rivers restoreandestablishfishandwildlifehabitatandimproveairqualityo EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)respondstoimportantlocallyidentified
natural resource concerns Funds cover conservationplanningdesignand installation Itmayincludestrategiessuchasnoxiousweedcontrolbrushmanagementpasturehaylandplantingterracesandgroundcover
o GroundampSurfaceWaterConservation (GSWC) supports installationof irrigation related
conservation practices Strategies funded arewater catchment basinsmicroͲirrigationroofrunoffetc
o GrasslandReserveProgram(GRP)assistslandownersandoperatorsintherestorationand
protectionofgrasslandincludingrangelandandpasturelando WildlifeHabitat IncentiveProgram (WHIP) utilized for thecreationand improvementof
fish and wildlife habitat on private land Some practices funded include developingwetlandripariananduplandareas
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 59
o Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) wetland restoration enhancement or creation on
privatelando FarmampRanchlandProtectionProgram(FRPP)helpingstatetribalorlocalgovernmentto
purchasethedevelopmentrightstokeepproductivefarmandranchlandinagriculturaluseo Conservation Security Program (CSP) rewards farmers for protecting and improving the
environment Pays producerswho historically practice good stewardship on agriculturallandsandprovidesincentives
OtherprogramsadministeredthroughNRCSanditsaffiliatesincludeo AgriculturalDevelopment Program (ADP) provides funds to Resource Conservation and
DevelopmentCouncils throughout the nation to administer grants for community drivenprojectsthatpromoteagriculturaldevelopment
o Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) stimulates the development and adoption of
innovativeconservationapproachesand technologieswhile leveraging federal investmentinenvironmentalenhancementandprotectioninconjunctionwithagriculturalproduction
o CooperativeEcosystemStudiesUnit(CESU)provideopportunitiesforinterdisciplinaryand
multiͲagency research technical assistance and education Function as ldquovirtualrdquoorganizationslinkingseveralinstitutionstoincreaseaccesstoexpertiseandfacilities
ImproveRanchingPracticesampMaximizeUseampPotentialofSlaughterhouseThebroaderimpactfortheislandinhavingitsownslaughterhousethemostadvancedfacilityin theStateofHawaii is the revitalizationofMolokairsquos ranching industryWherequalityandincreased volume are paramount ranchers with the right tools may take advantage ofconsumer trends towards making healthier food choices through offering MolokaiͲgrowngrassͲfedorganicbeefasavalueͲaddednicheproduct
TherehavebeencriticismsaboutthequalityofMolokaibeef intermsoftaste Whilevisitorsandhealthconsciousindividualstendtobemorewillingtospendupto$5lbonlocalgrassfedbeeftheaverageMolokaiconsumertendstobemoreconcernedabouttasteAccordingtotheslaughterhousemanagerhighqualitypastureyieldshighqualitybeefandisapreͲrequisiteforenteringanichemarket Ranchersherearenot focusedongrass finishing theircattle HighqualitygrassgrownunderbestmanagementpracticesisneededtocreateagreatbeefproductItwill take time for the ranching industry to see the valueof adopting greatermeasures inalignmentwithorganicranchingpreceptstocaptureanichemarket
Venisonand lambshowmarketpotential Itwillbe interestingtotracktheprogressofthese
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 60
potential enterprises in the years ahead It is recommended thatMolokairsquos stateͲofͲtheͲartslaughterhousebeutilizedtoprocessanddistributemore localmeatandavarietyofanimalsforretailprocessingaswellasvalueͲaddedfooddevelopmentAdditionallythepossibilityandrequirements for processing goat through the slaughterhouse and the potentialmarket fortheseanimals shouldbe furtherexploredasaway toget feralgoats (andmoredeer)downfromthemountainasathreattouplandnativeforestsandontotheplateWemustbegintolookatwaystoturnthreatsintoopportunities
SustainableRanchingThe community has identified as a priority the support of ldquocontinued livestockͲraisingoperationsonMolokaithatusesustainablelandwatermanagementpracticestominimizetheriskoferosionandtoprotectMolokairsquoslimitedwaterresourcesrdquo94Sust`ĈinableMolokaihasbeenresearchingwaystobringthetoolsofHolisticManagementtoMolokai ranchers Theholisticmanagement framework touchesupon theways thatanimalscan play an important role in renewing the land through careful management andunderstandingthewatercyclemineralcycleenergyflowandecosystemdynamics Throughthismethodgrasslandscanbe improved tominimizenegativeeffectsofdroughtrebuildsoilandsequestercarbonaswellasprovidegoodpastureforhoovedanimalswhoareintegratedinto themanagement plan With holisticmanagement livestock actually provide a healingeffectonthelandthroughmimickingnatureandwildherdingbehaviorAnimalscanbeutilizedtoaerate the soilandaid in theplantingofgrass seedwith theirhooveswhilecontributingnutrientstothesoilfromtheirfeceswithhighdensitygrazingforshortperiodsfollowedbyarestorativeperiod Outcomesof this sustainablewayofmanagement include reduced costsand increased profits for the ranch more productive range land biologically active soilsreversal of desertification of eroded lands drought protection restorative effect on thewatershedimprovedwildlifehabitatandecosystemsandfoodsecurityRanchersaroundtheworldhavemetwithgreatsuccessthroughthismethodTherearesomeexamplesontheBigIslandofsuccessfulranchingwithHolisticManagementprinciplesWithappropriateplanningcollaboration and raising the necessary funds Sust`ĈinableMolokai would like to bring aHolisticManagementtrainingworkshoptoassisttheranchingcommunityStrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparednessOne farm business Kumu Farms has taken an active role in responding to food securityconcernsforMolokaiKumuFarmsaftertherecenttsunamiscarebegantoconsiderhowtheycouldhelpinincreasingMolokairsquosfoodsecurityandresiliencetodisastereventsKumuFarmsadoptedapolicy thatmakesMolokai firstpriority in termsof supplying the islandrsquosproduceneedsMolokaineedsaretakencareoffirstwiththesurplusexportedtotherestoftheStateandUSmainland
94MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 61
UH CTAHRwill be providing an `Ohana Gardening class for subsistence gardening Familygardens are the bestway to provide food security There is a phrase by Geoff Lawton arenowned permaculture teacher ldquoOne can solve all problems in a gardenrdquo In a gardendistributionandtransportationissuesareautomaticallyresolvedOthermeasuresthatcanbetaken to make food readily accessible to families and minimize the amount of time andresources to travel by foot is toworkwith families to plant breadfruit trees sweet potatobananaswet or dryland taroMany Hawaiian families particularly living on kuleana landsalreadyhavetheseplantsandtrees inthegroundasdirectbeneficiariesoftheirkupunawhocommonlyprovidedforthefamilyrsquosneedsrightintheirownbackyardOne farmer would like to see food forests on the mountain sides in every ahupua`aCollaborationwith large landownerscommunitygroupsand theahaki`ole leadershipwouldbeagoodstartingpointtocoordinatethistypeofworkMolokairsquos strength also lies in its diversified agriculture and family farms The use of largeacreagesof farm land forbiotech seedcropsutilized for researchpurposesonly impacts theislandrsquos food security and ability to produce food Typical industrialmonocrop culture alsoleavestheislandmorevulnerabletomasscropfailureGreaterresilienceisfoundthroughdiversificationoffoodcropsReintroducingthepracticeofseedsavingandgrowingmanyvarietiesofheirloomseedsadaptedtospecificgrowingregionsand climate regimes is away to increase food security Greater effortmust be placed increatingaseedbankpreservingandplantingexistingseedvarietiesparticularlycreatedbytheearlyHawaiians and passed down to the present generation and cultivating new varietiesadaptedtoonersquosgrowingareaRestoration ofWaikolu Valley was identified as a priority project under theMaui CountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)processTherestorationprojectwouldentailallowinghomesteaderstorestorethetaroterracesinthevalleyandreplanttaro95Molokairsquosgreat inventoryoffishpondsandmassivefringingreefsystemarealsoassetstotheislandrsquosabilitytoproducefoodCaremustbetakentorestoreuplandforeststostopsiltationandrunoffintotheoceanandfishpondsWorkmustbeundertakentorestoremorefishpondsandputthembackintoproduction
95Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter4ndashMauiCountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy2010ShortRangePriorityProjectsp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 62
ConclusionFarming is challenging onMolokai due to limited water resources high operational costsshippinghurdlesandtheabilitytogeta fairprice forproduce farmed Thesechallengesarenot insurmountable ifapproachedsystematicallyandcontinuedeffortsandcommitmentsaremade byMolokairsquos community to support local agriculture through education and creatingstructuresthatpoolresourcesandpeopletogetherThe island ismadestrongerby theassetswehavearichcultural legacyof `Ĉinamomonaapopulation thatmaintains traditional subsistence practices and upholds agriculture as theeconomic mainstay for the island lands fishponds and reefs capable of producing vastamounts of food a strongHawaiianHomestead farming community engaged in diversifiedagriculture a college and demonstration farm that offers agriculture certificate and degreeprograms local stateͲofͲtheͲart slaughterhousea community run commercialkitchen facilityforvalueͲadded foodproductionand trainingdedicatededucatorsandagricultureextensionagents from the University to help farmers in the field and an environment that ismorecooperativethancompetitiveintermsofsharingknowledgeandbestpractices
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 63
VI APPENDICES
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sustrsquoaina ble Molokai Survey Food Production amp Security
Do you care or think about where your food comes from ___yes ___no Do you prefer to buy local Molokai food products __ yes ___no __no preference Would you eat more local food if it were available __yes __no If yes what would you like to eat or buy if made grown on Molokai_______________________________________________________________________________ Do you feel you have access to locally grown food in the grocery stores and open markets ___yes ___no If no
what do you suggest to improve this situation_______________________________________________________
Are you a farmer or interested in farming ____ yes ____no If yes how old are you_________________
If yes what do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other ________________________________
What produce do you (plan to) farm_______________ ______________________________________ How much land are you farming (or is available for you) a Less than one acre b 1 ndash 5 acres c 15 - 40 acres d 40 acres or more
Do you grow your own food (farm gardening) _____ yes ______no If no what is the primary reason for not
growing your own food __Too busy __ Not interested __ Relying on others __Disabled __ Donrsquot know
how Other Reason _____________________________
Approximately what percentage of the food you eat is Prepared at home ______ Purchased from a restaurant ______ (total should equal 100)
Of the food you prepare at home approximately what percentage is grown caught andor produced (total should equal 100)
a By you andor your family ______ b On Molokai_______ c In Hawaii ________ d Outside Hawaii________
Would you grow food for sale if there were a viable market (guaranteed customer) (or more food if you already grow)
__Yes __No What subsistence activities do you do If none why (no interest no time donrsquot know how)
aHunting b FishingDiving c Gathering (what___________________) Other ______________ None because _______________________
To practice subsistence on Molokai we need our natural resources to be in good conditionprotected and we need access Which one is a bigger concern for you ___Conditionprotection of our natural resources ___Access to natural areasresources ___Both ndash equally
Overall how important is subsistence to your family ___Very Important ___Somewhat important
___Somewhat Unimportant ___Not Important at all
About what percent of your familyrsquos food comes from subsistence activities (fishing hunting gathering raising
animals cultivation) ________
AppendixA-FoodProduc0onampSecuritySurvey
Food Production ndash Informant Interviews ndash Farmers
Sustainable Molokai is creating an online database where we are inputting information about the islandrsquos food production We want to share what you are growing as well as include your manarsquoo on the status of Molokairsquos food supply Once this information is available to the public the island community would have a picture of what is going on in terms of food security and how we can all get together to fill in the gaps and meet needs
How old are you how long have you been farming
What produce do you farm or are interested in farming How much land is available for you
What has been your best cash crop
Has farming your specific productproduce been successful
What do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other___________________________
Do you sell or plan to sell food mostly on island What is your vision for an agricultural future for this island
AppendixB-InterviewQues0onsforFarmers
Food Security Interview Questions for Businesses
Sustainable Molokai is working on a database project which is collecting information about Molokairsquos food production We are surveying the community and would like to talk story with the islandrsquos grocery stores
Out of a 100 how much percentage of what you sell out of the store is locally grownproducedmade
If itrsquos not Molokai made where does the produce come that is being sold out of the store
What Molokai madegrown products do you sell out of the store
What are the requirements for local food to be sold out of your store (eg business license)
What is the most popularsuccessful or fastest selling local product sold
What do you consider to be the challenges that farmers face on Molokai
What would you like to sell that is Molokai made
Do you have any suggestions to potential farmers food businesses on Molokai What to sell when to sell etc
AppendixC-InterviewQues0onsforBusinesses
TableofContents
I Introduction1
II Background6
AStatewideOutlook6FromPlantationAgriculturetoBiotechSeedCrops6Agroecology6OrganicFarming7BuyLocalEatLocal7DiversifiedAgriculture8Agritourism8
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent9
III Methods14
KeyInterviewInformants15
IV KeyFindings17
LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood17AccesstoLocallyGrownFood17AwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood17Subsistence18
AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValue-AddedProducts21MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers27
ContactListofMolokaiRestaurantsLocalGroceryStoresGasStations27PreferredLocalFoodstoBuyfromFarmerstoSellorIncorporateInMenu29
MolokaiFarmerPerspectivesontheirPersonalandCollectiveAssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities30
MolokaiFarmerProfile(ageexperiencenumbersfarming)30AverageAcreageFarmed30Wind30Drought31MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)32WeedsPestsWildAnimals33HighOperationalCosts34HighCostofWater34HighEquipmentCosts35
HighShippingCosts35Theft35Fire35NotEnoughLandtoFarmandCompetingUsesforAgricultureLand35LowPricesOfferedforLocalProduceNotEnoughDemandforGoodsAndProductInconsistency36LackofSupportforAgriculture36NeedforAdditionalEducationandTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunity37RanchingandtheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeChallengeswithMolokaiBeef37Slaughterhouse37LambSheep39DeerRanching39Aquaculture40
AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparation41
V Recommendations43
MitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElements43
Wind43Drought-ProofingReforestation43ProtectingWaterResourceRights44WildAnimalControl44IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth45
AddressingHighOperationalCosts46
EquipmentAccess46Shipping46
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoods47Marketing47FarmersMarketandCommunitySupportedAgriculture47AchievingFinancialSustainabilitythroughMIFFStrategy49Value-AddingandGoingOrganic50Agri-Tourism52ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms54OutreachandEducation55
IncreasingConsumerAwareness55EducatingFarmers56OtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchers58
ImproveRanchingPracticesandMaximizeUseandPotentialofSlaughterhouse59StrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness6o
VI Conclusion62
VII Appendices
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 1
Moloka`i pedia Molokai Agriculture Needs Assessment
I INTRODUCTIONMolokairsquosCulturalandHistoricLegacyasanAgriculturalBreadbasketFlyingover thesmallislandofMolokai(38mileslong10wide)oneisabletoseemuchoftheculturersquosrichheritagethe remnants of over 60 ancient Hawaiian fishponds stringing the coastline like lei (flowergarlands) thatonceheldhundredsof tonsof fish Inlandone seesalsoovergrown terracedtaro fields stretching into every ahupua`a (valley characterized as highly productive selfͲsustaining landdivisions spanning from themountaindown to the sea)These lo`i (wet taropatches)were craftedbybrilliantengineerswho channeled coolwaters throughan intricatesystemof`auwai(irrigationditches)thatmeanderedbetweenstreamandsuccessivepatchesenteredthestreamoncemoreandfedthelokoi`a(fishponds)Fromhistorictimesthisislandwascalled`Ĉinamomona(thefatorabundantland)Itproducedsomuchsurplusthatiteasilyfed armies of people from neighboring islands The people were inherently generous asscarcitydidnotexist
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 2
The Land and People Past and Present This island also produced themost famed andpowerful kahuna (priests) known for their Pule O`o (potent and ripened prayers) KahunafinishingschoolsforhigherlearningwerefoundhereMolokaiisalsoKaHulaPikobirthplaceof the dance (the giving and expression of life) and also the origin of its counterpart lua(martialartsasbringerofdeath)Togethertheyformthenecessarydualityofthehealerandwarrior to become one complete artOne comes to know the descendants of this land toexpressthatsamedualityakindnessandfriendlyopennessmingledwithanintenseferocityasprotectorsanddefendersofMolokaiNuiAHinaGreatChildofHinaSeventyͲtwopercent(72)ofMolokairsquospopulation isofNativeHawaiianancestryThe islandhasnostoplightsandnobuildingstallerthanacoconuttree Cardoorsarerarely locked AtrafficͲjamonMolokai isdescribedastwovehiclesstopped inthemiddleoftheroadwhiletheiroccupantstalkstoryanddriversbehindthemwaitpatientlyfortheconversationtoendAt least oneͲthird of the averageMolokai familys diet comes from traditional subsistenceactivities(huntingfishinggatheringandfarming)Itiscommonpracticetoexchangefishforvenisonbreadfruitfortaroandtogivefoodtokupuna(elders)whonolongercanfishorhuntforthemselves Whilenostrangertowestern influencesandthetragedyofthecommonsoftheislandsMolokaihasbestmanageditsnaturalresourcesandmaintainedagreatersenseofitsheritageas`ĈinamomonaSubsistenceandMolokairsquosEconomy As theplanemakes itsdescent the islandmoves intogreaterfocusOneseesadeepscarringofthelanddenudedlandscapesfromtheintroductionofhoovedanimals (goatdeerandcattle)decadesofheavyranchinghugewaterdiversionsthat were used for destructive plantation agriculture and now in support of the GMOcompaniesEroded gullies transport silt into the sea chokingonce abundant fishpondswithtoxic chemicalͲladen soils and inundating the largest contiguous fringing reef in the USDespite declining resources Molokai residents persist by supplementing their diet withsubsistence foods grown gathered caught fished andhuntedOne can say thepeoplenotonlysubsiston traditional foodsasaculturalpracticebutoutofnecessityBurdenedwitha12unemployment ratecoupledbyahighcostof living (gascostscurrentlyat$549gallonhighshippingcostsofgoodsbroughtbybargethatarepasseddowntothefamilyrsquosgrocerybilland100dieselpoweredelectricitycosting45centskwh)thepeopleturntotraditional lifeskillstostretchtheirdollarsTheyalsorelyonextended`ohana(families)andfriendsformutualbarteringandgoodwillAPlaceofContrasts Upon landingonMolokairsquos shortairstripone cannothelpbut takeacooling and restorative breath and absorb the surroundings of a truly beautiful andmostspecial island Over timeone realizes thatMolokai is aplaceof contrastswherepast andpresentabundanceandscarcityeaseandhardshipoccupythesamespaceOnewondershowtochangetheparadigmsothebestofthepastbecomesthe futureandthe futurebecomesthe present ͲͲwhere the land flourishes and the people thriveOur goal is to become theabundanceourancestorssaweverydayoftheir livesthatwemayrestorethepono (balanceandrightrelationship)andembracethetruemeaningofsustainability
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 3
MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandandtheWorkofSust`ĈinableMolokaiResidentstookitupon themselves to compile decades of community planning and identified cultural andfoundational values into a culminating and living document titled ldquoMolokai Future of AHawaiianIslandrdquo Itsetthestagefortheworkour islandwillundertakeforthenext40yearsandbeyond Itservedasacalltoactionthatresulted inthe formationofthisgrassrootsͲlednonprofit organization Sust`ĈinableMolokai The document has attracted the interests ofdecisionͲmakers in state and local government conservationists and environmentalistsHawaiian and other indigenous groups and green innovators It examines community andculturalvalues forwhich futuredecisionͲmakingshallbeguided It identifiesopportunities ineducation (both modern and traditional) business and vocational training diversifiedagricultureandaquacultureresponsible landusemanagementrestorationandstewardshiptomaintainopenspaceandprotecttraditionalsubsistencehostͲbasedculturallyappropriatemodels for tourism green jobs promoting energy selfͲsufficiency water conservationconvertingrelianceonfossilͲfuelͲpoweredautomobilestothoserunonrenewableenergyandatraditional`ahaki`olelocalgovernancestructurethatraisescommunityparityAs coͲauthors of this document our core leadership subsequently founded a grassrootsinitiativein2008toensurethattheplanwouldnotsitonashelftoholdunfulfilledcommunityhopesanddreams In2010weofficially incorporatedasa501(c)(3)nonprofitto implementtheplanpreserveourislandsrichcultureandhistoriclegacyof`ĈinamomonawhileembracingmodernpathwaystoasustainablefutureTheSust`ĈinabilityWheel
We define sust`Ĉinability in terms of restoringabundance or `Ĉinamomona to the land and people`ina reflects a covenant between the people and thelandwhereEarthsbountygoeshandinhandwithgoodstewardshipWeaskedourselveswhatmakesahappyhealthy and sust `Ĉina ble community We came upwiththe12priorityareasWesawthese12componentsas spokes on awheel connected to a central hub thatheldthemalltogetherThatcoreisthelokahi(unity)andthepono(harmony)betweenthelandandpeoplewhenwehonorthecovenantthatcomeswiththeword`INA
12ndashPOINTSUST`INABILITYWHEEL
CulturalIdentity LocalGreenEconomy CulturalandEnvironmentalEducation
FoodSovereigntyandSecurity WaterQualityandConservation RenewableEnergy
EnergyEfficientTransportation GreenBuildingandAffordableHousing
HealthyEnvironmentandAbundantResources
ResponsibleLandUseandProtectingSubsistence
ZeroWasteRecyclingandReͲUse CommunityHealthSafetyandWellͲBeing
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 4
Moloka`iͲpedia and the Agriculture Needs Assessment Moloka`iͲpedia is a projectundertakenbySust`ĈinableMolokaiforthepurposeofcreatingstrongercommunitynetworksinformingkeystakeholdersincreasingequityandaccesstopublicandprivatepartnershipsandresources andmobilizing our people to build as well asmeasure our progress towards asustainablefutureTheconceptforMoloka`iͲpediastemsfromour2009Sust`ainableMolokaiResource Guide that is based on our 12Ͳspoke Sustainability Wheel Positive communityinvolvementhaspromptedtheexpansionofthisworkTheprojectaddressesthecurrentlackof data specifically for our geographic area The majority of information on Molokai issubsumed within a triͲisle county system that does not account for the vast differencesbetween our rural island of 7345 to tourismͲfocused Lanai and urbanMauiwith amuchhigherpopulationdensityFurtherthereisnodatacollectiononthe12areasofsustainabilityidentified by our project Moloka`iͲpedia also seeks to address the isolation that manyindividualsandorganizationsoperate inThis siloͲeffectmakesusall ineffectiveSust`ĈinableMolokaiaimstoutilizeMoloka`iͲipediaasatooltoshowhowvariousentitiescanbenefitfromcollaboratingPublicprivateandnonprofitentitieswillbeabletoaccessspecificdatasetsseeaclearpictureofneedsͲtoͲassetsratiosmobilizecollectivelytofillexistinggapsandcapitalizeonavailableassetsandresourcestoachievesharedgoalsOuronlineopensourcedatabase isbeingorganizedalongthe12spokesoftheSust`ĈinabilityWheel Within each section we are collecting baseline and new data to provide acomprehensiveoverviewintheformofaldquoneedsandassetsassessmentrdquoofMolokairesourcesOncecompletewewillbeabletoseewhatwehaveandwhatismissingThiswillinformournext stageofworkandhelpus toeffectivelypursue solutionsonourpath to sustainabilityMoloka`iͲpediawillassistus inoureducationtrainingandadvocacyworkhelpusto identifyexistingcommunityassetsandinherentchallengesandfillcomplementaryrolesthatadvancelocaleffortsThisvehiclewillfacilitatethekuleana(responsibility)weplaceonourselvestobearchitectsofourowndestinyand indevelopinghomegrownsolutionsthatworkbest Inoursuccessothersalsosucceed Ourstrategyaimsto identifypartnershipsbetween individualscommunitygroupsbusinessesgovernmentalagenciesandotherserviceproviderswhocouldbenefitfromworkingtogetherWe envision Moloka`iͲpedia to serve as a tool for citizen empowerment returning dataownership to community toeffectmeaningful change and solutionsMoloka`iͲpediaensurescommunityselfͲdetermination inhowdata iscollectedandutilizednot justscientificallybutresponsibly ethically andwith good intent Itnecessitatesongoing community engagementwithnotonlythedataandthetechnologybutalso insharing ideasMoloka`iͲpediawillgiveeverydaypeopleaccesstoreal informationthat is importanttothemandthat improvestheirlivesespecially inatimeofgovernment inefficiencyandwastewheredecisionmakersoftendisconnectandabdicatetheirfiduciaryresponsibilityforthepeopleandplacestheyrepresentWhencitizensdetermine for themselveswhatdatasourcesare informationͲrichandofgreatvalue (including stories shared by kupuna farmers fishermen teachers coaches and
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 5
grassroots leaders)then life isbreathed intothedataand ithasthepowertotransform livesforthebetterThefirstsustainabilitytopicwehavebeguntosurveyourpopulationonisinFoodProductionToaidus in thisendeavorwesearchedexisting literatureonagriculturegenerallyaswellascombed through references toMolokaiͲspecificagriculture Thisbaselineworkhelpedus todetermine gaps in the data and refine our interview and survey questions The followingbackground information isprovidedtohelp layafoundationandcontextualbackdropforourstudy
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 6
II BACKGROUND
AStatewideOutlook
Agriculture isamajorcontributortoHawai`irsquoseconomyand isessential forproviding foodtoresidentsaswellasgeneratingrevenuethrougharobustexportmarket1Agriculturegenerates$29billion toHawai`irsquosannualeconomyandproduces42000 jobs2However there ismuchroomfor improvement intermsofprovidingenoughfoodforthe islandsaswellas increasingrevenuesfortheState
From Plantation Agriculture to Biotech Seed Crops Towards the end of the 20th centurymonocropplantationagriculture(sugarpineapple) lost itseconomicedgedueto lowerwageforeign competition3 Industrialized corporate agriculture in Hawai`i has shifted to biotechcropsnamelygeneticallymodifiedseedcornresearch4
WhilebiotechseedcropshaveprovenmosteconomicallylucrativeforHawai`iagriculturewithaprofitvalueof$177million in the2008Ͳ2009growingseason5allocatingpreciousacreageand limitedwaterresources toGMOseedcropresearchwould in the longͲtermcompromisethe Statersquos overall food security and limit the Statersquos ability to provide locally healthy andnutritiousfoodsIndustrialnonͲsustainablefarmingpracticesthatincludeheavyapplicationofsynthetic fertilizers and pesticides further degrade the ecological health and viability ofHawai`irsquosprimeagriculturallandsforpresentandfuturegenerations
AgroecologyHawai`irsquosgeographic isolationasan islandarchipelago leaves itmostvulnerableto food and fuel shortages natural disasters drought and rising sea levels associatedwithglobal climate change Measures to increase resilience and adaptability include adoptingagroecological approaches ldquoapply[ing] ecological science to the design of agricultural1State of Hawai`i Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism Office of Planning Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)ExecutiveSummaryii20102HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday3Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp4Ͳ5 ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50million Likewise thepineapple industryproduced954000 tonsof fruit in1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74millionͶHawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp5ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50millionLikewisethepineappleindustryproduced954000tonsoffruitin1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74million5ldquoTheHawaiiDepartmentofAgricultureestimatesthevalueofseedcorngrowingat$169millioninthe200809growingseasonmorethandoublethevaluefromthe200506ItrepresentedaboutoneͲthirdthevalueofallcropsgrowninthestatein200809rdquo5Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp30Ͳ31
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 7
systemsrdquo6Thismethodology includespracticesthatenhancethe life inthesoilthatprovidesnutritiousorganic food integratedpestmanagement throughguildingwithbeneficialplantsandtreesandattractingnaturalpredatorinsectsandanimalstoprotectcropsandselectingforbiodiversitytominimizecroplosses
Organic Farming Renewed interest in sustainable agricultural practices have arisen from aburgeoning organic industry and standards for organic certification that stress ecologicallybased farming and exclusion of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and geneticallymodifiedorganisms7TheUSorganicindustrynetted$178billioninretailsalesin2007approximately25intotalnationalfoodsales8Worldwidevalueoforganicproducestoodat$30billionasof2005witha14annualincreasesince20009Acreagededicatedtoorganicagriculturehasincreased20annuallysince2001with78millionacresinproductionworldwideasof200610Hawai`irsquos growth hasmirrored global and national trendswith State sales of organic cropsincreasing60between2005and2007from$5millionto$8million11Organic foods have becomemoremainstream with outlets including regular supermarketsrather than just the typical small natural food outposts12Whole FoodsMarket Inc has inrecentyearsestablishedapresenceinHawai`iWithitsreputationforbuyingfromsmalllocalfarmers the presence ofWhole Foods serves as an incentive for Hawai`i farmers to groworganicfood13Thereareanestimated200certifiedorganicproducers intheStateoperatingon a median of 5Ͳ13 acres of land14 The Big Island holds the most acreage for organicproductionat58followedbyMaui(22)Kaua`i(11)Molokai(7)andOahu(2)15TheindustrywillcontinuetoexpandwithincreasingconsumerpreferencefororganicfoodsBuyLocalEatLocalCommonthemesaroundagricultureemergedfromfocusgroupmeetingsconductedaspartofHawai`irsquos2010StatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS) These included support for diversified agriculture and increasing food security bysupportingFarmersMarketsandldquoBuyLocalEatLocalrdquo initiatives16TheHawai`iFarmBureauFederation StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculture andUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UHͲCTAHR) have sponsored these type ofcampaignsademphasizethefollowing
6UnitedNationsHumanRightsOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRightsEcoͲFarmingcandoublefoodproductionin10yearssaysnewUNreportMarch82011httpwwwohchrorgENNewsEventsPagesDisplayNewsaspxNewsID=10819ampLangID=E7RadovichTheodoreJLindaJCoxandJamesRHollyerldquoOverviewofOrganicFoodCropSystemsinHawai`irdquoCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesSustainableAgricultureNov2009SAͲ38RadovichCoxandHollyer20099RadovichCoxandHollyer200910RadovichCoxandHollyer200911RadovichCoxandHollyer200912RadovichCoxandHollyer200913RadovichCoxandHollyer200914RadovichCoxandHollyer200915RadovichCoxandHollyer200916Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)2010ExecutiveSummaryii
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 8
1 Enjoyexceptionaltasteandfreshnesspremiumtastemaximumfreshnessproducepicked
andeatenclosertoitsheightofripenesspackedwithnutrients2 Strengthen your local economy and community buying local food keeps your dollars
circulatinginyourcommunityBuildingrelationshipswiththefarmerswhogrowyourfoodstrengthensyourtiestothecommunityandtheland
3 Helppreserveopen space by supporting local farmersbuying local foodhelpspreservegreenopenspaceinyourcommunity
Part of this campaign also acknowledges lessening the Statersquos ecological footprint anddependenceonfossilfuelsfromheavyimportsfromthemainlandthathavemoreldquofoodmilesrdquoassociatedwiththemascomparedtolocallypurchasedfoodDiversifiedAgriculture Hawai`irsquosagriculture industrycapitalizesonthe islandsrsquotropicalyearͲroundgrowingclimateanduniquefeaturesthatallowfornicheindustries17Moresmallfarmshave gained a foothold in the diversified agriculture sector through cultivation of specialtycropssuchastropical fruitsmacadamianutscoffee flowersand freshproducesoldaroundtheglobe18TheldquoGrowninHawai`irdquobrandingisrecognizedaroundtheworldasaguaranteeofhighqualitydelicacies19Hawai`iRegionalCuisinehasalsobecomeknownforitsutilizationofthe freshest seafoodveggiesand tropical fruits inaunique fusionofEastWestand islandflavors20
In2008farmproductionindiversifiedagricultureproduced12200jobsthroughouttheState21Proactive measures to revitalize Hawaiirsquos agriculture industry through diversification hasbroughtrevenuesthatarecomparabletotheStatersquosearlyheydayswhensugarandpineapplewereking In2002HawaiirsquosAgriculturalFarmRevenuecrossed$5359million22Diversifiedagricultureaccountsfor69ofannualrevenueswithpineapple(19)andunprocessedcanesugar(12)trailingbehind23
AgriͲTourism Agriculture is also proving important to tourism Hawai`irsquos top economicengine24VisitorinterestinecoͲtoursagriͲtoursandculturallyauthenticexperiencesisontherise25 In2006agritourismbrought in$388million in revenueas reportedby112Hawai`iͲ
17Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp1218HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday19HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday20HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday21Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp2922ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200823ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200824HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday25HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 9
based farmsan increaseof14 from2003 figures ($339million)26The leadingcategoryofrevenuereceived fromagriͲtourswas$121million inonͲfarmdirectsalestovisitors27Otheractivitiesyieldingprofit includedbedandbreakfastamenitiesprovidingmeeting spacesandvenuesforeducationandentertainmentandoutdoorrecreation28
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent
FromancienttimesMolokaiwaswellknownas`Ĉinamomona(theldquofatrdquoorabundantland)foritswealthasanislandthatproducedfoodinsurplusfromitsverdantahupua`aandnumerousfishponds As on all Hawaiian islands Molokairsquos people and the natural resources weremanagedundertheahupua`asystemTheahupua`awasaunitoflandtypicallywedgeͲshapedrunning frommauka tomakai (mountain tosea)and following thenaturalboundariesof thewatershedThesystemwascomprisedofwaoakua(sacredplaceofthegods)uplandforeststhatgatheredtherainsTheareawassubjecttolimiteduses(egforkiamanubirdcatcherstogatherfeathersforcloakshelmetsandkahiliforthekahunakĈlaiwa`atoharvestkoaforcanoebuilding)and forceremonialpurposes Themountain forestswerepreserved intacttoformandprotectthewatershedandcarrynutrientslowerdowntheahupua`aintowaokanaka(thepeoplersquosdomain)Herethepeoplewerefreetogatheravarietyofplantsfordailyneedshardwood ofthe kauila tocarve ihe(spears) andmake toolsandimplementsolonĈ tocreate strongcordage forfishnets andfish linesmedicinalherbs `ie`iefor lashinghouse postsand canoesand maile forleiThefertileplains and fields were known as the kula lands a place rich in agriculture These landscontainedancientfeatsofwaterengineeringcontouredterracingoffieldsplantedintarothatslowedthepathofthewaterandallowedformaximumsoakageThewatercollectedandfed
26GeislerMalindaldquoagritourismprofilerdquoAgMRCagriculturalmarketingresourcecenterUpdatedJanuary2012httpwwwagmrcorgcommodities__productsagritourismagritourismͲprofile27Geisler201228Geisler2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 10
numerousspringsbelow`Auwai(irrigationditches)transportedwaterfromkahawai(streams)tomultiple lo`i(taropatches)andreturnedthewateroncemoreto itssourceTarobanana`ulu(breadfruit)tileafkƃ(sugarcane)wereallcultivatedinthekularegionFaunaharvestedfrom streams included `o`opu (goby) `opae (shrimp) and hihiwai (snail) Grasslandswereconverted to agricultural fields of `uala (sweet potato) Other kinds of plants and treescultivated here included kukui (candlenut) `ohe (bamboo) and lauhala (pandanus) At thebottomofthevalleyspringscarryingnutrientsfromaboveflowedalongtheshorelineandseaHere loko i`a (fishponds)were constructed to farm fish Thesewalled fishponds form semiͲcirclesalongtheshorelineandaredesignedasmicroͲenvironmentsforcertainbrackishwaterand herbivorous fish likemullet and awa (milkfish) that feed on abundantmats of algaetherebyproducingfoodforthepeoplewithouthavingtoapplyexcessivefishingpressurealongthereefandopenoceanExistingwithintheahupua`awasastrictcodeofconduct(kapusystem)amongstthepeopleofthe land (hoa`Ĉina) as delegated and enforced by the ali`i (chiefs) and their konohiki (landagents)forthecarefulmanagementofthenaturalresourcesThehoa`Ĉinapossessedrightsofgathering and usage of the natural resourceswithin their ahupua`a of residencewith theunderstandingthattheyalsohadkuleana(responsibility)tomĈlama(carefor)thelandandseaandharvestappropriatelyfornomorethantheirneeds Theyengaged inpo`alimacollectiveworkdayswherethepeoplepooledtheir labortoengage inpublicworks improvementssuchas constructing additional lo`i and `auwai and building fishponds From the conscientiousmanagementof the landwatersand seaand themaintenanceofgenealogicaland spiritualrelationshipstothenaturalworldtheresourceswerebroughttoastateofabundanceTheahupua`asystemsustainedthepeopleforcenturiesUponCaptainCookrsquosarrivaltotheHawaiianislandsin1778heestimatedthepopulationtobebetween 20000 to 3600029 Introduced diseases for which the people had no immunitydecimatedthepopulationthroughouttheislandsBy1836Molokairsquospopulationhaddwindledtoanestimated8700andwasfurtherreducedto2307peoplebythetimeacensuswastakenneartheturnofthecenturyin189630Kamehamehabroughtabout theunificationofall the islandsunderoneKingdomofHawai`iWesterninfluencesandtheteachingsofChristianmissionariesbroughtaboutdecisionsamongtheali`itoabolishthekapusystem(1819)privatizeanddeconstructtheahupua`a(Maheleof1848)Whilethechiefsreceivedtheirapportionmentoflandsmanyhoa`Ĉinaoutofignorancetrust intheirchiefstocare fortheirwellͲbeingandgovern them justlyor for fearofreprisalfailed to register land claims to small kuleana parcels that would have kept them with acomfortablepieceoflandtomaintaintheir`ohana(family)withhale(home)andgardenplotsHawai`irsquosentry into the internationalmarket shifted the laborof themaka`Ĉinana (commonpeople) away from agriculture and towardsdeforestationof theupland forests to fulfill the
29MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml30MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 11
kingdomrsquos sandalwood tradewithChina Otherenterprises includedwhalingandplantationagriculture that brought immigrants from around theworld toHawai`irsquos shores and alteredwatershedsthroughthediversionofwatersfrom lushwindwardvalleystodry leewardplainsforthemassproductionofsugarcaneandpineappleWithoutwatertoirrigatetheirtarofieldsmanywere forced toabandon the lo`iandmake for thecityManyMolokai families left theisland insearchofwork inthemorecommercialcenters locatedonMauiandOahu31ThosewhostayedbehindmaintainedtheirconnectiontotraditionalpathwaysandsubsistencelivingEarlyunsuccessfulagriculture trialsonMolokai included sugar coffee sisalwhitepotatoescottoncorngrapesbeansbarleyoatswheatandalfalfa32Thesecropsfailedduetoheavywindsandinsects33TheareawiththegreatestpopulationconcentrationwaseastMolokaiTheeasternmostvalleyof Halawa Valley was rich in lo`i produced taro commercially and supported a thrivingcommunityuntiltwotsunamiin1946and1967devastatedthevalleyThecommercialcentersmovedtoPuko`oandthenKamalowhichheldanaturalharborforimportandexportofgoodsTheCooke family acquired the arid central andwestMolokaiplains aboutoneͲthirdof theisland These landsarenowownedbyMolokaiPropertiesLtdcommonlyknownasMolokaiRanchToattractcommercetoitslandholdingstheRanchdredgedaharborinKaunakakaiandconstructedawharf TodayKaunakakai servesas themaincenterofbusinesswithKamaloWharfhaving fallen intodisrepairandmuchof theareaemptiedof familiesTheRanchalsostrategically purchased lands thatwould give them riparian and correlative rights tomajorstreams and aquifer water in centralMolokai They diverted water to their westernmostpropertiesusedforcattleranchingMuch of their lands in Kualapu`u and Maunaloa were utilized by Dole and Del Montecompanies forpineapplecultivation34Thepineapple industryservedas theeconomicenginefortheislanduntilitphasedoutin1987duetocheaperlaborabroadTodaymanyofMolokaiRanchrsquoslandholdingsthatgrewpineapplearenowleasedforbiotechcornresearchandcoffeeproductionTheHawaiianHomesCommissionActameasuretorehabilitateNativeHawaiiansof50bloodquantumormorebyreturningthemtothe landtobuildhomesandfarmwaspassedbytheUS federal government in 1920Molokai served as the staging ground for the programrsquossuccess or failure Hawaiian Home lands were designated in the areas of Kapa`akeaKalama`ula Pala`au andHo`olehua andmore recentlyUalapu`e NativeHawaiian familiesfromneighboringislandscametoMolokaitobuildtheirhomesandmakethelandproductiveTheir early successes aided in the establishment ofmore homesteads on the other islandsWiththeinfluxofadditionalHawaiianfamiliesandJapaneseandFilipinoimmigrantstoworkinthepineapplefieldsMolokairsquospopulationhadincreasedto442735InrecentyearsMolokairsquos31MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml32MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml33MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml34MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml35MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 12
population has grown to include snowbirds and retirees from theUSmainland aswell asthose seeking amore quiet and rural lifestyle Today the population ofMolokai stands at7345
In 1987Molokairsquos livestock industrywas crippled by the StateDepartment of AgriculturersquosmandatetoeradicateallcattleontheislandduetothethreatofbovinetuberculosisAnotherheavyblowwasdealtattheclosureoftheoldslaughterhouse inKaunakakai Muchplanningfrom the grassroots level upwas undertaken to resolve this problem Commitments frommultiplecountystateandfederalpartnersinͲkindcontributionsbyvolunteermembersoftheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeandcountlessvolunteerhoursandservicesofferedbyvariouslocal businesses and individual residents led to the establishment of a new slaughterhousefacilitylocatedinHo`olehua
Erecting this stateͲofͲtheͲart facility represented a vehicle to facilitate the restoration ofMolokairsquos ranching industry and the ability for the island toproduce and sell itsownmeatRanchersandhomesteadfarmersnowhadavenuetoprocesstheiranimalsInadditiontothemoreestablishedranchesanestimated150Molokai familiesraise livestock largely forhomeconsumption With the adventof thenew slaughterhouse therearenowopportunities forthese small scale farmers to expand into commercial livestock production Stores andrestaurantsneednot import all theirmeat fromoffͲisland as theynowhave access to localmeatMoniesgeneratedcouldbenefitthecommunitydirectlyThe introduction of hooved animals toMolokai has devastated the natural ecology of theislandCattleranchingferaldeerandgoathaveerodedthelandHeavyrainstransporttonsofsilteachyearontoMolokairsquosreefsandfishpondsIntroducedmangrovehavealsodestroyedasignificant percentage of Molokairsquos fishponds Mangroves encroach and break throughfishpond walls trap sediments and choke off underwater springs such that the watercirculationandecologyarenolongerviableforfishproductionDespite thesehardshipsand setbacksover theyearsagriculture remains the cornerstoneofthe islandrsquoseconomyMolokairsquos ruralcharacter lends toacloseͲknit communitywithpeoplewhoperpetuate strong cultural values traditional subsistence and selfͲreliance Thepeopleembrace local autonomy and are very involved in local governing processes AgriculturenonprofitssmallbusinessenterprisesandlocalmomandpopstoresarethefoundationofthelongͲtermeconomyonislandMuchofthesocialculturalandserviceorientedprogramsarealsogeneratedfromthegrassroots locallevelthroughtheworkofchurchgroupsnonprofitsandunincorporatedhuiDuringtheFocusMauiNuiproceedings in2003MauiMolokaiandLana`iresidentsgatheredtostrategicallyplanafutureforMauiCountyThe120MolokaiparticipantsoutlinedchallengestheyfacedasacommunityandprovidedstrategiesandactionplanstoaddressthemMolokairesidents identified top five community priorities which included inter alia creating jobs(409) strengthening the economy (296) growingmore food locally (217) protectingandpromotingruralidentity(191)andsupportingsmallbusinessdevelopment(130)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 13
TheMaui CountyWorkforce Investment Board (WIB) Local Plan provides an Assessment ofLaborMarketTrendstodevelopaComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategyovera10yearspanOneofWIBsgoalsistofocusondiversifyingtheeconomyincludingtheagriculturalsectorandldquonicheareasrdquoTheplanrecognizestheneedforexpansioninvalueͲaddedopportunitieswhichemphasize the uniqueness ofMaui Nui The increased production andmarketing of newagricultureproductshaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketsTheplanalso identifiesentrepreneurshipasan importantgrowtharealdquoThedevelopmentofentrepreneurshipskills is importanttothesuccessofMaui [Countyrsquos]smallbusinesses Datacollected by the Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism and otherorganizationssuggestmoreandmoreresidentsaretakingtoselfͲemploymentForMolokaiasignificant number of new business startͲupswithin the past decade have been agriculturalenterprises(36total)particularlyfromtheHawaiianHomesteadareainHo`olehua36TheMolokai Education Centers Business Plan (2007) acknowledges the islands diversifiedagricultureindustryasamajorcontributortoMolokaiseconomywithroomforfuturegrowthAreas for future growth include valueͲadded food product development as a nichemarketMECsBusinessPlanaddsthatagriculturalcourseofferingsatthecollegeandrelevanttrainingwillplayasignificantroleinpreparingtheworkforceforadiversifiedeconomyWhile community and countyplanningobjectives clearly identify agriculture asaneconomicmainstay forMolokaiacomprehensiveprofileofMolokairsquosagriculture industryhasnotbeenfullyanalyzedOne of the objectives of this Needs Assessment is to determinewhereMolokai fits in theoverall Statewide picture for agriculture Has Molokai experienced similar successes andchallenges that farmers on the other islands face What are the strengths and assets ofMolokairsquos agricultural community aswell asneeds challenges andopportunities What isworkingandwhatisnrsquotWhataretheperceptionsoflocalconsumersWhatisthedemandforlocalMolokai grownproducemeat and seafood Howmany are farming What isbeingfarmedandwhereWhatarethelimitingfactorstofarmingonMolokaiIstherecommunitysupportforlocalfarmersDostoresandrestaurantsonMolokaihavestrongrelationshipswithlocal farmers and make priority for their produce and valueͲadded items How can westrengthenagricultureonMolokaiHowfoodsecureisMolokaiThesearethequestionsthatwesetouttoanswerthroughtheneedsassessment
36AkutagawaMalialdquoKƻha`oBusinessCenterndashEntrepreneurialTrainingampSupportFinalReportrdquoMarch312009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 14
III METHODS
Weadoptedthefollowingmethodsandstrategies An islandwidesurveyonfoodproductionandsecuritystartedfromFebruary27toMarch
272012(SeeAppendixforSurveyFormandResultsAnalysisSummary) Twohundredeight (208)surveyswerecompletedbytheadultmembers (overtheageof
18)ofthegeneralMolokaipopulationbringingoursamplepopulationat39Molokairsquosadultpopulationisat5401outofatotalislandpopulationof7345
Target SampleSizeADULTPOPULATION(Individualsover18
yearsofage)
208
Surveysweremadeavailableatvariouscommunity resourcecentersaswellasonlinevia
ourwebsiteEmailalertsandFacebook invitationsweremade for the tech savvy GivenMolokairsquos rural character and varying levels of knowledge and exposure of the generalpopulation to technology themost effectivemethod for data collection proved to bethroughdirectphysical inquiriesRespondentsweremost receptive toour surveyswhenofferedatourmultiplesurveytablesplaced inpublicareasparticularlystrategic locationsof commerce such as sidewalks fronting grocery stores and during various communityevents
Atotalof36 interviewswereconductedwithagricultureexpertsandeducators (3)small
andmediumͲscalefarmersandCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)operatorsgrowingdiversifiedandorganiccrops(14)deerandcattleranchers(3)fishermenandaquacultureproducers (3) localgroceryandhealth foodstores (5)meatprocessorsandvalueͲaddedfoodproducers(4)hotelandrestaurants(3)andother informants(1)(SeeAppendixforInterviewQuestionsandResultsAnalysis)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 15
Keyinterviewinformantsincluded
AgricultureExpertsampEducators
GlennTevesMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureampHumanResources(UHͲCTAHR)ph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJenniferHawkinsMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUHͲCTAHRph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJamesBoswellCertifedOrganicInspectorandAgricultureInstructorUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollegendashMolokaiFarmph(808)567Ͳ6577boswelljhawaiiedu
FarmersndashDiversifiedampOrganicCropsCastleAdolphoHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerof`inaKulaniFarmsHo`olehuaKimoKaiamaHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKaiamaFarmsHo`olehuaRickTamanahaofKaleikoaFarmsHawaiianHomesteadFamilyFarmHo`olehuaKalaniHanHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKuikamokuFarmsHo`olehuaTuddiPurdyHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm(808)567Ͳ6601wwwmolokaiͲalohacommacnutsJaneTevesHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofHuaKalaFarmHo`olehuaLynnDeCoiteHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofLampRFarmHo`olehuandashMahana(808)567Ͳ9234wwwlandrfarmscomKu`uleiArceofArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamShariLynofMali`oFarmandExecutiveDirectorofKaHalePomaika`iKamaloandUalapu`eEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8107httpwwwlocalharvestorgmalioͲfarmͲorganicallyͲgrowingͲonͲmolokaiͲM11205EllenSpruanceOwnerofPapaoHakuFarmMapulehuandKumimiEastMolokaiJamieRonzelloCSAOperatorMahanaGardensJoeKennedyPermaculturistMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanaEmanuelaVinciguerraMarketingDirectorofKumuFarmsMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanawwwkumufarmscom
RanchersEdmundPedroOwnerofPedroRanchEastMolokaiJanRoneyManagerofPu`uOHokuRanchEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8109wwwpuuohokucomfarmDesmundManabaOwnerofDJCRanchIncHo`olehuandashMahana
FishermanAquacultureProducerDedrickManabaFishermanKaunakakaiSteveChaikinOwnerofMolokaiSeaFarmPala`au(808)553Ͳ3547wwwbroodstockcomMyronAkutagawaandShermanNapoleonJrKeKua`ĈinaHanaunaHouPuko`oEastMolokai
MeatProcessorValueͲAddedProducersJackSpruanceDirectorofMolokaiLivestockCooperative(MolokaiSlaughterhouse)Ho`olehuaBrendaKaneshiroBeekeeperandOwnerofMolokaiMeliKamaloEastMolokai(800)434Ͳ2550NancyGoveSaltMasterandOwnerofPacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ8484wwwpacificahawaiicomChrisMebileChongrsquosPoiShopKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ4313
GroceryStoresCrystalIgusaandStaffFriendlyMarketCenterKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5595KevinMisakiofMisakirsquosGroceryKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5505DennisTurnerOwnerofOutpostNaturalFoodsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ3377SonyaYuenOwnerofKualapu`uMarketKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ6243NaniPeleManagerofMaunaloaGeneralStoreMaunaloa(808)552Ͳ2346
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 16
HotelampRestaurants
TinaPriceManagerofKualapu`uCookhouseKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ9655GenePikeExecutiveChefatHulaShoresRestaurantHotelMolokaiKamiloloa(808)553Ͳ5347httpwwwhotelmolokaicomKerrieFeltCoͲOwnerofMolokaiBurger(808)553Ͳ3533wwwmolokaiburgercom
OtherInformantsByronEspaniolaAhaMokuRepresentativeforKaluakoiMaunaloa
WewereunsuccessfulinsecuringaninterviewwithMonsantoasthelargestemployerand
agricultureoperationonMolokai Our repeated inquiries remainedunanswered TherewereadditionalMolokaigrowersranchersaquacultureoperators fishermenstoresandrestaurantsthatwewantedto interviewbut inthe interestofgeneratingthisreport inatimelymannerwewereunabletofullymeetthisobjective
Findings were also supplemented through research of existing literature of global
statewideandMolokaiͲspecificagriculturefactsandtrendsAreviewofcurrentandpriorcommunityͲbased planning economic education and training initiatives in support ofagriculturewerealsoexaminedThesearereferencedthroughoutthedocument
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 17
IV KEYFINDINGS
Thissectionhasbeenorganizedintothefollowingcategories LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProducts MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgriculture
Producers Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengths
NeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFoodAccesstoLocallyGrownFoodWeaskedMolokairesidentsiftheyfeltaccesswasavailabletolocallygrown food in the localgrocery storesandopenmarkets78of those surveyed felttheyhaveaccesswhile13felttheydidnotAwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood
Doyoucareorthinkaboutwhereyourfoodcomesfrom
DoyouprefertobuymorelocalMolokaifoodproducts
Wouldyoueatmorelocalfoodifitwereavailable
98ofthosesurveyedwouldeatmorelocalfoodifitwasavailablewhile1wouldnot
90ofthosesurveyedprefertobuylocalMolokaifoodproductswhile2donot
94 of the sample populationcarethink about where theirfood comes from while 5 donot
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 18
QuestionWhatwouldyouliketoeatorbuyifitwasmadeorgrownonMolokai
TheMolokaipopulationwantstoeatasmuch Molokai made products aspossible Fresh vegetables and fruitsranked the highest Specificallymentioned items were kalo (taro)sweet potato brussel sprouts bittermelon cabbage olives pumpkinasparagus corn lettuce tomatoesbroccoli cucumber eggplant squashzucchini beans carrots onion garlicginger spinach melons watermelonspears strawberries and persimmonsMeat products included requests for
fishchickenporkandbeefValueaddedproductrequestsincludedhamburgersausagetofupoibutterand jamRequestswerealsomade fordairyproducts likemilkeggscheeseandgoatcheeseWhile 90 of those surveyed stated theywould buymore local food if itwas available itappearsthatsomerespondents(25people)feltthattherewasnrsquotenoughdemandonislandforlocalproduceandthatlikelyposedachallengetoMolokaifarmersWequeriedMolokairesidentsonwhattheywouldliketoseeintermsofimprovingagricultureonMolokaiandincreasingtheiraccessascustomerstolocalfoodsTheseweresomeoftheirresponses
ldquomoresupportforlocalfarmersrdquoldquo(createa)betterfarmersmarketrdquoldquobybuyinglocalrdquoldquothatstoresbuyandsellmorelocalproducerdquoldquocoͲopͲonedistributorrdquoldquolabelgmoandorganicproductssoweknowrdquo
SubsistenceWealso surveyed theMolokaipopulation todetermine someof theirpracticesaroundfoodpreparationandwhatpercentageoftheirfoodcamefromdifferentsources AswehadsurveyedMolokairsquosfarmingcommunityandanalyzedthebehavioroftheislandrsquosmaingrocerystoresonwhatitemstheyselectedtosellwewantedtoknowiftheremightbeadirectcorrelationbetweenconsumerdemand for localproductsand levelofselfͲsufficiencyamongthegeneralpopulationtoengageinsubsistenceactivitiesWe foundthatanaverage825ofthosesurveyedpreparetheir foodathomewhile174mainlyeatrestaurantͲpreparedfoods
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 19
QuestionOfthefoodyouprepareathomeapproximatelywhatpercentageisgrown
caughtandorproduced
Fromoursurveyresponsestowhatpercentageoffoodpreparedathomecamefromwhatwasgrowncaughtandorproducedby individuals themselvesonMolokai ingeneralwithin theStateofHawai`ioveralland fromoutsideofHawai`iwe found that residentsaccessed foodfromthesemultiplesourcesatanearequalratewitharangeof236to272 fromeachsourceItisinterestingtonotethat246ofthefoodpreparedintheaveragepersonrsquoshomecame frompersonal subsistence activities The figure of 272 of locally grown caught orproducedfoodsmay includebothofwhat isavailable inMolokaistoresaswellaswhatmighthave been bartered or shared by otherMolokai residents as a result of their subsistenceactivities Whenaskeddirectlywhatpercentageof food consumed comes from subsistenceactivitiesanaverageof401camefromitemsthatwerefishedhuntedgatheredraisedorgrown (to includeonersquospersonalharvestsand foodsacquiredandsharedbarteredbyothersalsoengagedinsubsistence)Thusitwouldmakesensethatcombiningthetwofiguresinthegraphaboveofpreparedfoodsgrowncaughtandorproducedbytheindividualsthemselves(246) andwhatwas acquired generally fromMolokai resources (272) either shared byothers or bought directly from the store the cumulative total being 518 one mayextrapolatefromthisdatathatthedifferencebetween518and401being117maybethe amount of locally produced foods sold in Molokairsquos stores When polled as to theimportance of subsistence activities in their lives 72 of the respondents said itwas veryimportant to them Of the13who responded that theydonotengage inany subsistenceactivitylackoftimewascitedasthegreatestreasonwhytheydidnottakepartinsubsistenceIn comparing our general data on subsistencewith the results presented in theGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReport37in1993wefoundthatsubsistencemaybeplayingan
37MatsuokaJonDaviannaMcGregorLucianoMinerbiMaliaAkutagawaGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReportMolokaiDepartmentofBusinessEconomicDevelopmentandTourism1993
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 20
even bigger role today than it did two decades ago Loss of jobs and the global economicdownturnmaybecontributingfactors
SubsistenceFactors 1993 2012Estimatedtotalpercentageoffoodthatcomesfromvarioussubsistenceactivities
28 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored38 Ͳ for Native HawaiianMolokaifamilies50 Ͳ 54 respondents out of241surveyed
40 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored
Overall importance ofsubsistence to Molokaifamilies
51Ͳveryimportant25Ͳsomewhatimportant11Ͳsomewhatunimportant32Ͳnotatallimportant
72Ͳveryimportant21Ͳsomewhatimportant1Ͳsomewhatunimportant2Ͳnotatallimportant
From this information though not as comprehensive and rigorous in its exploration ofsubsistence on Molokai as the 1993 Task Force Report we are assured that subsistencecontinuestobeanimportantpartofMolokairsquosfamiliesandoveralleconomyFiftyͲthreepercent (53)ofour respondents stated that they grow theirown food throughfarmingorgardeningWhenpolledastothekindsofsubsistenceactivitiestheytypicallyengageinrespondentsidentifiedthefollowing
HUNTING 39ofthosesurveyedhunt(axisdeerwild
piggoat)FISHINGampDIVING 57ofthosesurveyedfishordive
GATHERING 32gather(limuopihicrabpipipilĈrsquoau
harsquoukersquouke)asasubsistenceactivity
OTHER 4citedamixtureofraisinglivestock
sharingandtradingfoodasasubsistenceactivity
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 21
ThefactthatsubsistenceremainsasignificantcontributortohowMolokaifamiliesacquiretheirfoodthisinturnmayalsoaffectlocalmarketbehaviorintermsofwhatlocallyproduceditemsareplacedonstoreshelvesandwhetherMolokai farmersandproducers find itnecessary toprovideasignificantvolumeoffoodforthelocalMolokaimarketAvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProductsWewerepleasedtofindthatMolokairsquosagricultureindustryisquitediverseandhostsanumberof small family farms both on the Hawaiian Homestead in Ho`olehua and also dotting thelandscape inMana`eEastMolokai Duringour interviewsweasked farmers ranchersandaquaculturistswhatcropsandvalueͲaddedproducts theycultivatedprocessedvalueͲaddedandsoldandwhatweretheirprimarymarketsWealsocombedtheinternetandlearnedbywordofmouthofotheragribusinesses The following tableprovides for the readeranatͲaͲglancelistofgrowersonMolokaiandwhattypesoffoodandproductsareavailableonislandItalsolistsprimarylocalaswellasoffͲislandmarketsProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldMeatsampEggs
MolokaiGrassFedBeef PedroRanchPu`uOHokuRanchKualapu`uRanchPohakuloaRanch
ProcessedandsoldbySlaughterhouse(MolokaiLivestockCooperative)toMolokaiBurgerFriendlyMarketCenterKualapu`uMarketKualapu`uCookhousePu`uOHokuRanch
Venison DJCRanchLLC NotsoldSharedonlywithcustomersonformalhuntsandMolokaifamiliesforsubsistence
Lamb(freerange) KalapanaandDeeannaKeli`iho`omalu
PilotphaseProcessedatMolokaiSlaughterhouseSoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketCenterandMisakirsquos
FreeRangeEggs Davis`ohana MolokaiMinimartMana`eGoodsampGrindzotherMolokaigrocerystores(notebecamemorepopularandvisibleinstoresaftermainlandeggswererecallednationwideforbacterialcontamination)
DuckEggs WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SeafoodFishndashakutunaakuleopakapakaahionomahimahionaga
Variouscommercialfishermen5onisland
DirectCustomerSalesOffͲIslandWholesalerDistributor(forhotelsandrestaurants)
Shrimp KeawaNuiFarms(808)558Ͳ8931httpwwwkeawanuifarmscomMolokaiSeaFarms
FriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosOffͲIslandOnlineSalesforShrimpBroodstock
SeaweedLimuOgo(Gracilaria) KeawaNuiFarmMolokaiSeaFarms
MisakirsquosOffͲIsland
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 22
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldGreensampOtherVegetables
Lettuces KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(808)558Ͳ8306
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Kale WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
MustardCabbage Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BokChoy ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamMali`oFarm
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
Chinesecabbage ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistArugula WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsales
SwissChard JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomatillo JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomato ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sweetcorn ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistChinesePeas ArcersquosFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SoyBeans JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BlackBeans Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
GreenBeans ArcersquosFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
GreenOnion KuikamokuFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
AllMolokaigrocerystoresCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Radish KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Beets KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 23
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
GreensampOtherVegetablesBrocolli ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistEggplant ArcersquosFarm
Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Carrots JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SweetPotatoSweetPotatoChips
LampRFarm VariouslocalMolokaistores8tonsshippedweeklyoffͲisland
YamsYamChips(indevelopmentphase)
TuipulotuFarm
Tarondashregularandcertifiedbiodynamicdifferentvarietiesdryandwetlu`auleaf
`inaKulaniFarmsKaiamaFarmsKimMarkhamPapaoHakuFarm
FriendlyMarketCenterdirectsalestocustomersCertifiedbiodynamictarosoldoffͲislandathealthstoreoutlets
Avocado PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm558Ͳ8383httpwwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Organicginger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲIslandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Organicturmeric PapaOHakuFarm NotsoldMedicinaluseAwa Pu`uOHokuRanchKaiamaFarms DirectsalestocustomersChiliPepper Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproduceshared
withclientsintreatmentandforclientfundraising
HerbsampSpicesBasils(ItalianThai) KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm
(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanadaCommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Thyme JamieRonzello(CSA)KumuFarms CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dill KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Oregano KimMarkhamKumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
ItalianParsley KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 24
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
HerbsampSpicesChineseParsley KimMarkhamMali`oFarmWaialua
Permafarm(CSA)CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Cilantro KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Rosemary KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Spearmint KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Lavender KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Savory KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sage KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Cinnamon PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm(808)553Ͳ8383wwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Vanilla PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Cacao PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
FruitsampNutsOrange Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tangerine Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 25
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
FruitsampNutsLimes Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Papayandashconventionalandorganic
KaiamaFarmsKaleikoaFarmsHuaKalaFarmNoahKuohaKumuFarmsMali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
VariouslocalMolokaistoresexportedthroughoutHawaiianislandsWholeFoodsoutletsMainlandUSandCanadaCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Watermelon `AinaKulaniFarm DirectsalestocustomersBananaAppleBanana HuaKalaFarm`AinaKulaniFarms
KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
Kualapu`uMarketOutpostFriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Rambutan WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
JackFruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Mango Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentandsoldbythemCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Soursop WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dragonfruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Strawberry PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Lychee PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
MacadamiaNuts PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm DirectsalestovisitorsparticipatinginfarmtourMailorders
Coffee CoffeesofHawai`i(808)567Ͳ9490wwwcoffeesofhawaiicom
AllMolokaistoresonlineorders
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 26
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
ValueͲAddedProductsCilantroLimePesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaionlinesales
outletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
BasilMacadamiaNutPesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
PickledOrganicGinger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲislandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Honey(premiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyhoneycombs)
MolokaiMeliKimMarkham
KumuFarmsOutpostNaturalFoodStore
Poi ChongrsquosPoiShop AllMolokaistoresKulolo `inaKulaniFarms DirectSalesTaroChips HuaKalaFarm NotenoughvolumetosellregularlyYamChips TuipulotoFarm StillindevelopmentstageBeeswaxCandlesChapstick MolokaiMeli KumuFarmsGourmetSeaSalt PacificaHawai`iSeaSalts
HawaiiKaiCorporationhttpwwwhawaiikaicocom
Pu`uOHokuRanchKumuFarmsKamakanaCountryStoreMolokaiWinesampSpiritsBlueMonkeyFriendlyMarketCenteroutletsthroughoutHawaiiStateandUSMainlandonlinesales
Other Tileaf KimMarkham KukuiStarters PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm Giventohomesteadersfor
reforestationinHo`olehuaFlowersgingerakulekulecigar
PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm ShippedleistooffͲisland
Tropicalflowers(variety) KuleanaWorkCenterwwwmolokaiflowerscom
OnlinesalesanddirectsalesatSaturdayOpenMarketdays
SeedsSeedbank Ka`anoTheMolokaiSeedProject553Ͳ4243
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 27
MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers
Molokairsquos grocery stores and restaurants selllocallygrownharvestedandprocessed itemsAnaverageof2of locallygrownorMadeonMolokai products are sold in local grocerystores Some stores such asMisakirsquos carry ahigher percentage (15) ofMolokai produceThoseestablishmentsweinterviewedallstatedthat they want to sell everything that isMolokaimade PapayasweetpotatoChongrsquosPoicoffeeKanemitsubreadandKumuFarmspesto are the most common Molokai itemsfound in localstores Misakirsquostendstocarryagreater assortment of Molokai produce andvalueͲadded products in addition to thesecommon items Misakirsquos sells LampR sweetpotatochipsstringbeansbittermelonutongeggplant green onion lime and lemon FishalsoarepurchasedfromlocalfishermenSome stores and restaurants also purchaseMolokaigrass fedbeefprocessed through theislandrsquosslaughterhouseTheseordersarefilledonaconsistentbasisSmaller stores like Kualapu`u Market andMaunaloaGeneralStorethatdonotexperienceas much traffic as the grocery stores inKaunakakai have to concern themselves withhowquicklyanitemsellsForsomecustomersMolokaigrassfedbeefisanacquiredtasteandit may take a more conscientious eaterconsidering the health benefits of grass fedbeeftoappreciateitsflavorButiftheaveragecustomer does not appreciate these qualitiesandprefersacertaintasteofbeefthatshehasgrown accustomed to then the store risksspoilage The samegoes for fruits likemangothatripenquicklybutmaynotsellfastenough
especially sincemany families havemango trees in their own back yards For these smallstorescarryingitemsthatwillsellquicklyisimportantespeciallymeatandproducethathaveashort shelf life Kualapu`uMarket typically sellsMolokai coffee sweet potato chips poi
MOLOKAIESTABLISHMENTSSELLINGORSERVINGFOODampGROCERIES
ONMOLOKAIRESTAURANTSampFASTFOODCoffeesofHawaii 567Ͳ9655HulaShores(HotelMolokai)
553Ͳ5347
KanemitsuBakeryampRestaurant
553Ͳ5855
KualapursquouCookhouse 567Ͳ9655LittleGrassShack 553Ͳ5862MakarsquosCorner 553Ͳ8058ManarsquoeGoodznGrindz 558Ͳ8498MolokaiBurger 553Ͳ3533MolokaiDriveInn 553Ͳ5655MolokaiPizzaCafeacute 553Ͳ3288MolokaiRoastPorkHouse 553Ͳ9068MrsKrsquos 553Ͳ3201SundownDeli 553Ͳ3713LOCALGROCERYSTORESFriendlyMarketCenter 553Ͳ5595CPascuaStore 553Ͳ5443KamoisSnackNGo 553Ͳ5443KualapuuMarketLtd 567Ͳ6243MaunaloaGeneralStore 552Ͳ2346Misakis 553Ͳ5505MolokaiMiniMart 553Ͳ4447OutpostNaturalFoods 553Ͳ3377MolokaiWinesNSpirits 553Ͳ5009TheStoreHouse 553Ͳ3399KamakanaCountryStore 553Ͳ5725GASSTATIONSHayakuGasNGo 553Ͳ3444RawlinsChevronStation 553Ͳ3214ReferenceSustainableMolokaiResourceGuide2009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 28
MolokaibreadandeggsMaunaloaGeneralStoremakesitapointtoacceptproducefromthecommunitygarden runby theKaHaleMua low incomehousing They typicallygrow stringbeans tomatoeseggplantand lettuce Maunaloa residentsarealsopermitted toutilize thefacilitytopreparemusubibentoandlocalplatelunchestosellpreparedfoodsaswellastheirartandcraftsatthefrontofthestoreOther locallyproduced items that someof the storeswould like to sell inmore volume aretomatoesbananasfishanddairyIfMolokaifarmerselectnottogroworsellcertainproduceor products to the local grocery stores the storeswill sell offͲisland produce (egManoalettuce Kula tomatoes etc) Sometimes they will also order items from as far away asCaliforniaorMexicotosatisfycustomerdemandsandpreferencesTherequirementsarenotoverlystringentforthelocalfarmertosellproduceandvalueͲaddedfoodstolocalgrocerystoresForsomestoreslikeFriendlyMarketindividualsmustpossessabusinesslicenseForotherstoresthatreceivesmallquantitiesoffreshproduceatatimetheydonotrequireproofofbusinesslicenseGrocery stores showcasing locally grown food feel cheated when farmers simultaneouslypeddletheirproduceonthestreetPricing isalsoan issue forMolokaistores Theywould like tobuymore locallygrown itemshowevertheycangetproducealotcheaperfromthemainlandForexampletheaveragecostofatomatothatislocallygrownis$2lbwhilestorescanacquiretomatoesfromthemainlandfor$1lbandpassthesavingsontothecustomerFriendlyMarkethasexpressedapreferenceforbuyingproduce from farmerswhohaveapricecostandplan (egthat identifiesspecificamountsofproducethatwillbeavailableandtheircost)toensureitemconsistencyinpricingandavailabilityIdeallystoreswanttosaveonpayingshippingcoststoimportfoodfromthemainlandandoffͲislandbyprovidingpreferenceforlocallygrownfoodsConsistencyisimportantforstorestocontinuecarryingspecificitemsprovidedbylocalfarmersandproducers Consistencywas citedbyevery store and restaurantwe interviewed as thenumberonechallengethatmostfarmersfaceinworkingwiththemMisakirsquoshasfoundawayaround this issue TheypurchaseMolokai fish caught and sold to theHonolulu fishmarketthroughadistributortheresothatcustomerscanstillbenefitfromeatingMolokaicaughtfishMisakirsquosalsoprefers tobuy fromanOahudistributor thatbuys thebulkof itsproduce fromMolokai farmers In thisway by buying in bulk through a distributorMisakirsquos is assured aconsistentproductTherearestoreswhospecificallyselect for localandorganic foodsaspartoftheirmarketingstrategy Onesuchstore istheOutpostNaturalFoodsStorewhichwillselleverythingthat isMolokaimade ConsumersexpecttopayaheftiergrocerybillastheyhaveanexpectationofbuyinglocalandpreferablyorganicallygrownandproducedfoodsOtheritemsthatcannotbesourced locallyorare in lessersupplyorforwhichthere isademandfor(egapplespearsandoranges)aresourcedfromthemainlandandsoldattheOutpost
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 29
We interviewed3restaurantsKualapu`uCookhouseHotelMolokairsquosHulaShoresrestaurantandMolokaiBurger Useofandemphasisonuseof localmeatseafoodandproducevariedTheKualapu`uCookhouseestimates that itutilizes1ofMolokaigrownproduceandvalueͲadded products in its dishes as it does not have strict requirements to do so It primarilypurchasesMolokailettucethroughKualapu`uMarketHotelMolokaiuses less than20 localproduceand seafood in itsdishesbutwould ideallyprefer toutilizeat least60of locallygrownandharvested foodson theirmenu ThehotelcurrentlybuyslocallygrownlettuceeggplantandpapayafromKumuFarmsandincorporatesthesefoods intotheirmenu Freshfish isthefastestandmostpopularselling itemanddoesnot requireapricecost listwhenbuying from fishermen Patronsbuy fishdishesatmarketprice Itwascommunicated thataschefs it is important toestablish relationshipswith localfarmersandacquirehighend itemsonaconsistentbasis Whathasbeenachallengeforthechefs at the hotel is figuring outwho is growingwhat and searching these farmers out toprovidetheproducemeatandseafoodtheyneedWhatwouldeasilyservethemwouldbeabrokeror localdistributor to takeon that typeofwork Currently theHotel is consideringsettingasidesomespaceonthehotelgroundsforanherbgardentoreadilysupplysomeofthekitchenrsquosneedswhileprovidingsomekindofyouthinternshipprogramtoinstallandmaintainthegardenMolokai Burger exclusively serves 100Molokai grass fed beef for its burgers and TuesdayMexican menu The restaurant purchases 240 pounds of Molokai beef from theslaughterhouse It receives positive customer feedback its loyal customers being especiallyhealth conscious individuals and local and nativeHawaiian activistswhomake it a point tosupportestablishments thatutilize localMolokai foods MolokaiBurgeralsopurchases fromKumuFarmsonaweeklybasis8poundsoftheirvegetablegreenstoserveintheirspecialsaladand chicken salad plates Molokai sweet potatoes are also utilized for sweet potato nachochipsontheMexicanmenu Whilenot locallyproducedMolokaiBurgeralsopurchasesbunsfromalocalMolokaidistributorasawaytosupportasmanylocalbusinessesaspossible
QuestionWhatlocalfooditemswouldyouliketosellorincorporateinyourmenuthatarenotcurrentlyavailableorareinshortsupply
FriendlyMarket orangesallcitrusesmangoavocadobokchoywonboktropicalfruits inseasonfishporkprocessed through slaughterhousealldairy (milk cheese)or soybasedmilkasanalternativeand free rangeeggsWillsellalllocalitemsMisakirsquosbananasandtomatoesWillsellanythinggrownandmadeonMolokaiOutpostNaturalFoodsStorestrawberriescantaloupescucumbers tomatoespotatoesandYukon from localgrowersKualapu`uCookhouselocalfreerangechickeneggsKualapu`uMarketagreaterdiversityandselectionoflocalproducegrownbyMolokairsquosfarmersMaunaloaGeneralStoremorebananasandpapayasastheyselloutfastestHulaShoresRestaurantofHotelMolokaivenisonMolokaiBurgeraconsistentsupplyofMolokaitomatoesfreerangeeggsandfishthatarereasonablypriced
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 30
Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities
QuestionAreyoua farmerIfsohowoldareyouͶΨ ȋȌ ǡ
ͶͶǤ
ǡ ͷͶǤ
QuestiontofarmersinterviewedHowlonghaveyoubeenfarming
ʹʹ ͶͲǤ
QuestionHowmuchlandareyoufarming
ǡͶͶǢ͵ʹͳͷǢͷͳͷǦͶͲ͵ͶͲǤ ǡͲ
ǡͲƬʹͲͲƮǦǤ
QuestiontofarmerswhatdoyoufeelarethechallengesfarmersfaceonMolokaiNatureandtheElementsWindHomestead farmers must contend with high winds on a regular basis Thus initial farmplanning must include installing windbreaks to avoid crop damage from weathering Thecommunity has identified in several former planning documents such as the MolokaiEmpowermentZoneApplication(1998)massplantingofwindbreaksthroughouttheHo`olehuaareatoprotecthomesteadfarm landsasoneofthe40priorityprojects IntheendMolokaiwas successful in achieving theMolokai Enterprise Community federal designation a step
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 31
secondtoEmpowermentZonestatus Windbreaksremainedpartofthe40priorityprojectsInstallationofwindbreakshave alsobeen reiterated as a ShortRangePriorityProject in theMaui County Comprehensive EconomicDevelopment Strategy (CEDS) 201038However notmuchhasbeendonetomovethisfromaconceptualstagetoimplementation
Thesituationwasexacerbatedin2005upontheintroductionofthevirulenterythrinagallwaspthatdestroyedthevastmajorityofwiliwilitreesStatewideLarvaeimplantedintothetissueofwiliwili leaves form tumorous like growths and effectively starve the trees from receivingnutrition39Muchof thewiliwili trees thathad servedprimarilyaswindbreaksdiedwithinayearor two Thus farms thathadestablishedwiliwiliwindbreaksbecamenewlyexposed towinds With the introduction of Eurytoma by scientists a predator species that exclusivelyfeedsonerythrinagallwaspsandavoidsnativewaspsthesurvivingwiliwilihavebeenabletomakeacomeback40DroughtAnumberoffarmershavecitedcurrentdroughtconditionsasaseriousthreattofarmingOnefarmerreportedthatherentireorganicgingercropfailedduetodroughtandshewasunabletoyieldaharvestthisyearAtthetimewestartedourinterviewsinFebruary(2012)Molokaiwasexperiencingthelowestrainfallinadecadecomparableto2001droughtfiguresAdrywinterandspringseasonhavebeencausingwatershortages Arecentheavystorm inMarch (2012)brought some reliefbutwithprimarilyeroded soilsexposed to theelementsmuchofthatmuddiedwaterwashed intotheseatochokecoralsaffectnurserygrounds forfishandcoverlimu(seaweed)beds41Steadypercolationintotheaquiferisnecessarytomakea difference to the watershed and levels in the reservoir42 According to Glenn TevesExtensionAgent forUHͲCTAHRdroughtconditionsaffect insectbehavior Forexampleantsseekingwaterwillfindasubstitutebyacquiringhoneydewfromcertaininsectsthatproduceitsuchasldquoaphidsmealybugswhitefliesandscaleshellipknown tosuckplant juicesandweakenthem hellip [and] spread plant viruses on an array of crops such as melons peppers andtomatoesrdquo43 Animals will also chew through drip irrigation systems to access water in adrought andwill subsequently cause leaks andwater loss for the farmer44Cows are alsoaffectedwithahigher incidenceofmiscarriageorsmallercalfsizedueto lackofhighquality
38 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1102 AgricultureReforestationWindbreakPlantingp5039RichardsSabrinaldquoWaspwarsNewpredatorchecksHawai`irsquosgallwaspepidemicrdquoSciencelineJanuary62011httpsciencelineorg201101waspͲwars40Richards201141 Teves G ldquoEffects of Rain and Droughtrdquo Molokai Dispatch March 15 2012httpthemolokaidispatchcomeffectsͲofͲrainͲandͲdrought42Teves201243Teves201244Teves2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 32
food consumed during pregnancy45Deerwill also compete and feed on grass reserves forcattleTevesroughlyestimatesthatfarmersandranchershaveexperiencedacumulativecroplossvaluedat$1millionduetothedrought46MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)Builtinthe1950sandlsquo60stheMISwasconstructedtotransportwaterfromWaikoluValleyonthenorthshoretothefarmingareasofCentralMolokaitoprovidewaterforthesolepurposeofagriculture47WaikoluValleyprovideswatertothesystemviaa51milelongtunnelPipesand flumes convey thewater to the Kualapu`u Reservoirwhich is designed for amaximumdepthof54feetor14billiongalloncapacity48TheHawaiianHomesCommissionAct (ldquoHHCArdquo)of1920sect221(d)grantedhomesteadersldquotherighttousefreeofallchargeanyofthewateruponthe islandofMolokairdquo49Thisprovisionwasamended in1955togiveHawaiianHomesatwoͲthirdswaterallocationpreference fromtheMIS50 The Department of Agriculture whichmanages theMIS has not enforced thisprovision Presently80oftheMIS isconsumedbynonͲhomesteadersdespite23rdswaterreservation requirement for homesteaders51 It has been recently noted that homesteaderwaterusagehasincreasedbynearly20comparedtolastyear52TheMISWaterUseAdvisoryBoardspeculatedthathomesteadfamiliesareexpandingtheirfamilygardens53TheentireislandofMolokaihasbeendesignatedbytheStateCommissiononWaterResourcesManagement (CWRM or ldquoWater Commissionrdquo) a sole source aquifer and critical watermanagementarea Thesedesignationsunderscorethefactthattheentire islanddependsonone water source for its drinking water subsistence and agricultural needs and carefulmanagementisnecessarytomaintaintheaquiferRecords for the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) revealed that as of December 2011 theKualapu`ureservoirhadloweredto11feet(ascomparedto17feetayearprior)andcontinuedtodecline54Todaythereservoirhasloweredanotherfootwithstoragelevels50lessthana
45Teves201246Teves201247BaldaufNatashaHalsquoaheoKaholsquoohalahalaandDavidSakodaldquoTheMoloka`i IrrigationSystem AVision foraSustainableFuturerdquoDecember1200948BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200949BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200950BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200951BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200952ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion53ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion54ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 33
year ago55 Current rainfall is 10 of normal levels and those utilizing theMIS have beensubjecttoa30restrictioninwaterusageoverthepast3years56TheStatelegislaturerecentlysetaside$125millionforimprovementstotheMIS57Fundswillcover Anewhydropowerplantwaterflowwillproduceenergyandoffsetelectricalcosts Replacement of aboveͲground concrete flume with an underground pipeline to avoid
animalsanddebrisfromfallingintoandcontaminatingthewatersupply StructuralrepairtoMISaccessbridge Installation of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system to allow for
monitoringofwaterflowremotelyThis is a step in the right direction and hopefullywill assist in decreasingwater loss in thesystemandimprovemanagementoftheMISWeedsPestsWildAnimalsNumerousfarmersinterviewedparticularlyintheHo`olehuaHomesteadareahaveciteddeerasamajorproblem incrop failureTheorganicpapaya farmershavebeenhithardwithonefarmerhavinglosthisentirecropofpapayatreesSeedlingswereeatenandadulttreeswerealsoaffectedbydeerrubbings Anotherfarmerhashadtoadoptprotectivemeasuresforhisyoungkukuistarter treesasdeerseekingmoisture fromyoungplantswilleat them Hehasindicatedthatyoungkukuitreeshavetoreachacertainheightwheredeercannolongerbitethe leaves from the top Farmers are also experiencing brokenwater and irrigation pipesdestroyedbydeer One farmerwas issued a $700waterbillbefore discovering hisbrokenwaterpipeMuchofthisactivityhasbeenattributedtotheongoingdroughtconditionsdeerareseekingfarmsforwaterandfood It isestimatedthat$1million inagricultureprofitwaslosttodeerwithinthelastyearAnotherproblemthatfarmersencounteredafewyearsagowasaninfestationofratandmiceTheyweresonumerousthatdriversoftensawthemcrossingtheroad One farmerresolvedthisproblemonhisfarmbyadopting20cats
55ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions56ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions57ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 34
Other farmershavecitedpestsandweedsasaproblemon their farms Oneorganic farmerstatedthatshefinds itachallengebecauseuseofpesticidesandherbicidesareprohibited inorganicfarmingThere is an urgent need to keepMolokairsquos bee population healthy as they are pollinatorsimportant to theagriculture industry Threats to the localbeepopulation includepesticidesbeetlesandmitesHighOperationalCostsOfthe208surveyed61peopleconsideredhighoperationalcostsasabigchallengetofarmingonMolokaiThesecostsinclude Labor Infrastructure Toolsimplements Fuelforequipmentandvehicles Supplies such as fertilizer compost pesticides herbicides seeds irrigation supplies etc
Supplycostsareespeciallyhigherdue toadditionalcostmarkͲup forshipping items in toMolokai
Electricitycostsforrunningrefrigerationchiller Allfeesandtaxesincurredfromrunningabusiness Specialcostsfororganiccertification(est$1300peryear)HighCostofWaterSeventy(70)surveyrespondentsfeltfarming ismadedifficultbythehighcostofwater Thiswasespeciallytrueforfarmerswhoareoncountywater insteadofcheaperagriculturewaterfromtheMolokaiIrrigationSystemThesefarmersareontheEastEndoftheislandAlsoitisverydifficultforpeople inMaunaloaandKaluakoitofarmandevengardenduetothewatersystemrunbyMolokaiRanch Ratesforwaterareastronomicalhaving increasedby17858TheStatePublicUtilitiesCommissionallowedforarateincreasefortheRanchrsquosMolokaiPublicUtilitiesfrom$318per1000gallonsto$60459TheWaiolaOMolokaiIncwateralsoownedbyMolokaiRanchwas approved for a rate increase from$185 to $51560 These increasesimpactapproximately1200residentsonthewestsideoftheisland61
58BernardoRldquoMolokaiwaterusersprotestratehikerdquoHonoluluStarBulletinSeptember52008httparchivesstarbulletincom20080905newsstory08html59Bernardo200860Bernardo200861Bernardo2008
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 35
HighEquipmentCostsSixty(60) survey respondents considered high equipment costs as a challenge to farmingTractor costs can range from $21000 to $80000 depending on the size neededwhich isrelativetotheamountofacreagetobefarmedManysmallandbeginningfarmerslackaccesstocapitaltopurchasebigticketitemssuchasequipmentHighShippingCostsYoungBrothersistheprimaryshippingproviderforMolokaiSomefarmersutilizecargoplanessuchasKamakaAir for shipmentofmoreperishable items Shipping fromMolokai involvesaddedcostanddisadvantagesforMolokaiasaruralislandtryingtotransportgoodsacrosstheoceantothelargerurbancenterssuchasOahuandMauiForthoseutilizingdistributorsthatisanotheraddedcostIn thepast farmers receivedapartialbreakon shippingcosts throughYoungBrothers TheFarmBureauassisted indefrayingchargesassociatedwith theMolokai toHonoluu legwhilethefarmerwasrequiredtocoveronlythecostofshippingfromHonolulutothemainlandThishelped to level the playing field forMolokai farmerswith the rest of farmers onOahu andStatewide Within the last five yearshowever thispolicyhasbeendiscontinued causing adisadvantagetotheMolokaifarmerYoungBrotherswillbephasingoutitsldquoGrdquoVans218cubicftcontainersforshippingpricedat$180containerandwillbepalletizingeverythingItwillnolongerbeeasytodropitemsoffatthepierandshipoutFarmerswillneedtomakethetransitionandwilllikelyhavetosolicittheservicesofMakoaTruckingtopalletizetheirgoodsandtransportthemtothepierTheftOne farmer interviewed cited crop theft as a challenge There are also risks of theft ofequipmenttoolsandsupplieswithoutadequatestorageandsecuritymeasuresFireA localbeekeeping family thatproducespremiumorganic raw kiawehoneyexperienced adevastatingfirein2009thatwipedoutthemajorityoftheirhivesTheyhaveahighamountoforderstofillandarecurrentlyrecoveringfromthedamagetotheirhivesNotEnoughLandtoFarmampCompetingUsesforAgricultureLandThe Molokai Agricultural Park owned by the State of Hawai`i is located in theHo`olehuaMahanaregionadjacenttoMolokaiRanchandHawaiianHomeLandsItconsistsof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 36
22subdividedlotsspanningatotalof753acres62Thepurposeofagriculturalparksstatewideistoprovideaffordable longͲterm leasestosmallfarmers63CurrentlyallMolokaiAgPark landsare being utilized64 Thismakes it difficult for new farmerswho are nonͲhomesteaders tosecurecheaplandSeedbiotechcompaniessuchasMonsantoandMycogenhavegainedasolidfootholdontheisland Their use of prime agriculture lands and limited water resources impact the localfarming community It is problematic especially for organic farmers who risk losing theircertification if their farmsare inproximity toGMO crops It is known thata local familyofbeekeeperswereforcedtomovetheirhivesorelserisklosingtheirorganichoneycertificationLow Prices Offered for Local Produce Not Enough Demand for Goods and ProductInconsistencyOfthosesurveyed25peoplefeltthatnotenoughconsumerdemandforproducewasamajorchallenge for farmers Whileour surveyalso found that90ofour respondentswouldbuymorelocalfoodifitwasavailableMolokairsquossmallpopulationlimitshowmuchproducefarmerscanplaceinthelocalmarketManyof the farmers thatwe interviewedwere frustratedat the lowprices theyget for theproduce theygrow They find itdifficult tonegotiatewith storesonpricing For them it ischallengingtomakealivingorbeeconomicallysustainablebysellingproduceonlyonMolokaiOne certified organic and biodynamic farmer informed us that she is offered $110lb byMolokai stores forherorganicgingerbut she can sell itatamuchhigherpriceonOahuat$5lbinstoresthatshowcaseorganicfoodsWiththatamountsheisabletomakeaprofitaswellasrecoupherproductionandshippingcostsUHCTAHRAgricultureExtensionAgentGlennTevesstatesthatalotoffarmersdonotpaycloseenoughattentiontotheirpricingOftentimestheywillpricetheirproduceonthelowendThissetsanegativestandardthatmakesitmoredifficultforotherfarmerstogetareasonablepricefor their crops He recommends that farmers check regularly on produce prices andmakecomparisonsalsoonhowmuchtheysellforontheotherislandssothattheycanprovidemorecompetitivepricingthatisadvantageoustothemLackofSupportforAgricultureLawmakershavealsobecomeunsupportivetopreservingagriculturelandsAbusesaboundonagricultural landswithmultiͲmilliondollargentlemanestatesdevelopedanddefinedasldquofarm
62StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks63StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks64StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 37
dwellingsrdquo and attractive landscaping required underCCRs andAssociationRules dubbed aslegitimateldquoagriculturerdquo Theseldquofarmdwellingsrdquo increasethepriceofagriculture landforrealfarmersNationwide family farmersarebeingedgedoutby largecorporateproducersat the rateof330farmersperweek65TheUnitedStateshasanestimated5millionfewerfarmsthanithadinthe1930s66Today2millionfarmsexist intheUSwith565000 identifiedasfamilyfarms67ThereasonforthisisthatfederalgovernmentpoliciesfavorlargeͲscalecorporateagriculturePoliciessuchassubsidizingbigagriculturecreatesafalsesetͲpointontrueproductioncosts68TheAmerican taxpayerabsorbs thesehefty costs The federalgovernment spentover$177billion in agricultural subsidies from the years of 1995 to 200669 These large agricultureoperationsareabletoprovidehugevolumesoffoodforacheappricebecauseofthesubsidiesallocatedTheyeasilyoutcompeteandsqueezeoutthesmallfarmerthatreceivesnohelpfromsubsidies andmust pass to the customer the true costs of production in order to remain aviablebusinessStrongcorporatelobbyingmaintainsthisstatusquo
NeedforAdditionalEducationampTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunityOfthosesurveyed33farmersconsideredalackofcapacityeducationtobeachallengeSomefarmersaredauntedbythecostsofhighereducationandthetimetheywouldneedtoinvestineducationalongsidebalancingfamilyresponsibilitiesandfullͲtimefarmingProficiency inknowledgeandexperienceoffarmingprinciplesandtechniques isnecessaryforallfarmers Theymustunderstandfarmplanninghowtoplantmaintainandharvestcropshowtosetupirrigationmeetthebiologicalandmineralneedsoftheircropshowtomaintainsoil health how to minimize offͲfarm releases of pollutants and toxins such as chemicalfertilizersandpesticidesoperateand repair toolsandmachinerybasic carpentry skillsandpossess a true passion for farming A lot is learned through trial and error but educationcombinedwithpracticalexperience gives farmers abetter chance atmaking it These skillsalonearenottheonlyrequirementshoweverAfarmer(orparticipatingfamilymembers)mustalsobefinanciallyliterateandpossessstrongbusinessbookkeepingaccountingandmarketingskills To lease landsaccessbusinessstartup fundssuccessfullyapply for loansandreceive financing forbigequipmentpurchases the
65ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml66ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml67ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml68ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml69ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 38
farmerhastohavegoodcreditandbefinancially literate Ifhe issaddledwithdebtandbadcreditthenhewillneedtocreateandsticktoaplanforrepairinghiscreditOther skills a farmermust cultivate to successfully start an agricultureenterprise is learninghowtodomarketresearchandbusinessplanningItrsquosbettertomakemistakesonpaperfirstrather than in real life aftermuch time and investment has beenmade Once the farmenterprise isupand running then the farmerhas to contendwithkeeping financial recordscurrenteitherpersonallyortruesecuringabookkeeperoraccountant BusinessandpayrolltaxeswillneedtobepaidfeesforspecialcertificationssuchasorganicfarmingmayalsohavetobefactoredinAfarmermustbeawareofwhattogrowandproduceandhowtomarketherproducts inorder tobeprofitable Shemustbedisciplined in implementingher farmplanaccount for year round staggered plantings and harvests and crop rotations and reinvestprofitsbackintothebusinessRarelydotheseskillsexistinonepersonMostfarmersjustwanttofarmandnotdealwiththeother details of running a business As they age too farmerswill need to think about asuccession plan Ideally it should be a family enterprise with familymembers possessingdifferent skill sets and playing different roles that collectivelymake a successful agricultureenterpriseRanchingampTheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeMolokairsquos history includes large scale ranching of cattle which was once an enterpriseendeavorbyMolokaiRanch the islandrsquos largestprivate landownernow known asMolokaiProperties Limited SinceMPLrsquos closure ofmajor operations ranching is currently done bymembersof thecommunity inwhich theycultivate the remainingcattleonproperty CattleRanchersincludePohakuloaRanchKualapu`uRanchPedroRanchandPu`uOHokuRanchChallengeswithMolokaiBeef Muchof theranchingcommunitydonot finish theiranimals through theslaughterhouse
preferringtosellcattleoffisland Lessmeat isproducedon the islandwhich in turnmeans lessMolokaibeefavailable for
consumptioninrestaurantsandstores More than one individualentity does not like the tasteconsistency of the beef ndash some
suggestedthatthemeatbecuredlonger Somemembersofthecooperativefeelthecostforanimalprocessing($65animal)isunfair
since it isnotbasedonactualproductyield(egdeerorgoatmeatyields lesspoundsofmeatthancattle)
SlaughterhouseTheMolokai Livestock Cooperative which operates the only slaughterhouse facility on theislandprocessescattleandpork Pork isnotusually sold to storesdue to thepreferenceof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 39
Molokaifamiliestoutilizerearedhogsforhomeconsumption Thuspork issubjectusuallytocustomkillsonlyAsforcattleamaximumof18headperweekandaminimumof5headperweekgoes through the slaughterhousewitha cumulative totalof730animalsprocessed todatesincethefacilityopeneditsdoorsseveralyearsagoTheslaughterhouse iscurrentlynotoperatingatfullcapacity There isahistoricalcontextforsome of the challenges that the Molokai Livestock Cooperative faces today After thewholesale TB eradication of Molokai cattle in the 1980s and the closure of the oldslaughterhouseinKaunakakailocalranchersinitiallyworkedtogetanewslaughterhousebuiltwiththeirsweatequityandthroughsecuringfundingfromCountyStateandFederalsourcesUnfortunatelytheprocessofmovingthisprojectfromaconceptualphasetobrickandmortartook over a decade to complete By the time the slaughterhouse facility was completedranchershadmovedaway fromgrassͲfinishedcattleonMolokai to finishing theiranimalsonthe mainland Over time the ranchersrsquo commitment to strengthening their own localslaughterhouse as a viable economic engine had wavered Some ranches do not see aneconomic incentive to return to the formermodelofgrass finishing theircattleandpreferaquickerturnͲaroundtimeandtheconvenienceofsellingtheiranimalspreͲfinishedWhile theMolokaiLivestockCooperativersquosnew slaughterhousehasmadepositive inroads togettingMolokai grassͲfedbeef in local grocery stores and restaurants through itsworkwithcommittedranchersutilizingthefacility lackofvolumefromholdͲoutranchersalso limitstheslaughterhousersquosabilitytoexpandthemarketandfullydevelopanorganicnicheproduct Tomakeupforthisshortfalltheslaughterhousenowshipsin30headofnonͲMolokaicattle(50oftotalstock)onaregularbasisLambSheepForthepast5yearsahusbandandwifeteamhasbeenexperimentingwithranchingfreerangelambssheepon55acresof land inwestMolokai Thecouplehas80animals (60ewes20lambs) Theyharvestthe lambsat6monthsofageandhavebeentestingthequalityoftheanimalsMost recently they market tested their lambs The lambs were processed at theslaughterhouse ThemeatwassoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketandMisakirsquos CustomerfeedbackhasbeenverypositiveThelambmeatsoldoutquicklyinthestoresRightnowthelambsheep ranchers are trying to figure out pricing whether to sell directly to theslaughterhouseforprocessingmarketinganddistributionortohandlesomeofthoseaspectsontheirownDeerRanchingDeerranchingisnotawidespreadactivityinfactthereareonlytwopeopleontheislandthatraisevenisonDeerpensexist inMaunaloaandPalarsquoauwithasmuchas260animalscorralled
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 40
within high game fencing The deer ranching is part of a safari tour businesswhich allowsvisitorstoexperiencehuntinggameDeercanbeprocessed through theMolokaiSlaughterhouse if theanimal ispresentedat thefacilityat leastonehourafterthekillandaUSDACertified Inspectorparticipates inthehuntThisiscurrentlynotbeingdonebydeerranchersonMolokaiTheownersofDJCRanch Incwhich currentlyoperates adeer ranchhasdone some initialmarkettestingandresearchonthedemandandpotentialforvenisonmeatproduction Theyhave found ahugedemand from restaurants and the generalpublic for venisondue to thehealthbenefitsandsuperiortasteofMolokaiaxisdeerThereiscurrentlynosteadysourceforvenisonmeatandvalueͲaddedproductsinHawai`iDJCRanchhasstatedinitsmarketingplanthatinthefirstyeartheycouldprovidevenisononaseasonalbasisandinitiallyproducegroundvenison and sausages As herd numbers increase additional markets could potentially beopeneduptoWholeFoodsandCostco CurrentlyDJCRanchhasaUSDA licensetoslaughtervenisonandcouldutilizetheMolokaiSlaughterhouseThecompanyisFDAapprovedthroughthe USDA with its own stamp and seal formarketing The products that DJC Ranch hadconsideredmarketingwere
1 Groundvenisonforhumanconsumptionandalsodogfood2 9differentsausageswhichithasdevelopedandsuccessfullymarkettested3 Venisoncornedbeef4 Freshcuts5 Innards
ThereismuchpotentialinthisareaandhopefullyinvestmentscanbesuccessfullyacquiredtoimplementDJCRanchrsquosplanAdditionally theremaybeopportunity tocreateacollaborationbetweendeer ranchersandfarmerssufferingfromcrop lossesduetodeergrazing ifaplancouldbeundertakentodivertdeerfromcultivatedlandsandabsorbthemintoranchingoperationsAquacultureEffortshavebeenmadetorestorefishpondsandhavemetwithsomesuccessforsubsistenceuses State regulations affecting the restoration andutilizationof theseponds limituses tosubsistenceandeducationalpurposesmaking itdifficult toutilize theponds for commercialaquacultureThisisunfortunategiventhehardworkonthepartofthecommunityandfederalfunds invested inProjectLoko I`aatrainingprogramthathadservedanestimated20youngMolokai adults in drystack and fishpondwall reconstruction fishpond husbandry live rockcultivation for theaquarium industry shrimpand seaweedaquaculturewater samplingandanalysis leadershipandentrepreneurial skills Theseyoungadultswere trainedwithall thetools to be successful in aquaculture butwere not given the chance to commercially leaseMolokaipondsandestablishabusiness
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 41
PlansandfundingallocatedtoestablishafinfishhatcheryonMolokaiasearlyas1991andtostockfishpondsforcommercialproductionwerestalledandareunlikelytocometofruitionTheMolokai Ice House completed construction at the KaunakakaiWharf in 1993 It wasestablishedbya local commercial fishermenrsquoscooperativeof40 individualswho contributedapproximately 60Ͳ70 of Molokairsquos commercial fish landings The Ice House operatedsuccessfullyfornearlyadecadeprovidingicefreshfishpokeandseaweedforsaleA Native Hawaiian nonͲprofit Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou established a successful limu(seaweed)growersnetworkandlimubuyͲbackprogramwith30familieslivingalongMolokairsquossouthandcentralshores These familieswere trained incultivationof theedibleandhighlyprizedseaweedGracilariaparvisporacommonlyknownas limuogo Anestimated1000 lbsweeklywereshippedtoOahufishmarketsaswellasdistributedtotheMolokaiIceHouseandvariousstoresonislandintheformoffreshandvalueͲaddedproducts(limusalsaandnamasu)Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou served as amarketer and broker for the families In the endhowever some of themore successful growers opted to sell and distribute their harvestsindependently causing the cooperative typeof structure todismantleanddriving thepricesdownforMolokailimuogoduetocompetitionamongstthegrowersTherearetwoshrimpfarmsonMolokaiMolokaiSeaFarmsinPala`auandKeawaNuiFarmsineastMolokaiKeawaNuiFarmssuppliesSPFcertifiedPenaeusvannameishrimpbroodstockaswellasseasonalharvestsoftilapia fishand limuogo70MolokaiSeaFarmsalsospecializes indiseasefreeSPFPvannameibroodstockandservescustomersthroughouttheworld71PacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsandHawai`iKaiCorporationbothfarmseasaltfromMolokairsquosoceanwaters Thesesaltscarryessentialmineralsandtraceelements Molokaisaltproductionhasreachedaglobalmarketas farasChinaandEurope Productscanalsobe found inMolokaistoresAddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparationMolokairsquoshiddensubsistenceeconomy isastrengththatassistsfamiliestoday inachronicallydepressedeconomyThereisenoughdeergoatandwildpigonthelandandfishonthereeftomeet the peoplersquos protein requirements and provide food security for tomorrow TheHo`olehuaHomesteadcommunitywithfamilyfarmsdottingthelandscapehasenoughproduceandstarchinthegroundtofeedtheircommunityAscomparedtootherislandsMolokaiisinbettershapethanmostifnotallislandsHoweverthereisstillastrongrelianceonYoungBrotherstoshipinfoodtotheislandAtanygiventimethereisanestimated4daysoffoodstockedonMolokairsquosstoreshelvesNodisaster
70KeawaNuiFarmshttpwwwkeawanuifarmscom71MolokaiSeaFarmshttpwwwbroodstockcomHawaiian_SPF_Shrimp_Broodstockhomehtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 42
scenarioplanninghaseverbeenundertakenforhowthiscommunityshouldrespondifonedaythebargedoesnotarriveandalltransportationvenuesbyseaairandlandwereinterruptedAccordingtooneinformantMolokairsquosfoodreservesarestoredonMauibytheAmericanRedCross This iswrong Molokai isoneofthefew islandswithoutamainairportonthecoastalshores In timesofdisaster (eghurricane tsunami) therewouldbebetter accesson theislandtoreceiveassistanceRealisticallyhoweverMolokaiwouldbeofalesserprioritytoshipin food and medical supplies in a Statewide disaster scenario due to the islandrsquos smallpopulationInitialaidwouldbefocusedprimarilyonurbananddenselypopulatedareasontheneighboringislandsIntheMana`eandKaunakakaiareas(eastandcentralMolokai)whereasignificantportionofMolokairsquospopulationisconcentratedtheroadsandmajorityofhomesarelocatedonthecoastwithin the tsunami and flood zone corridor Getting assistance to these areas would beproblematic No major farming takes place in Kaunakakai and Mana`e except for homegardensandsomewetlandtarocultivationinthelushervalleysontheeastsideMonoͲcropping increases risks ofwholesale andmass crop failure Whilemost smallͲscalefarmers are doing diversified agriculture onMolokai not enough effort has beenmade topreserve thehundredsofvarietiesofsweetpotatobreadfruit taroandothercanoeplantsNot enough has been done to cultivate and preserve varieties of regionallyͲadapted openͲpollinatedseedsforhomegardensandsmallscalefarmersUHCTAHRhasthroughitsresearchdevelopedseedsadapted tocertainenvironments Moreeffortmaybeneeded toget theseseedstofarmers
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 43
V RECOMMENDATIONSMitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElementsWindAswindwillcontinuetobeanissueforfarmersespeciallyhomesteadfarmersintheHo`olehuaareaitisimportanttoestablishacomprehensiveprojecttoinstallwindbreaksthatwillhelptoopenupmorehomesteadlandforfarmingCostcanbeafactorforsmallͲscaleandbeginningfarmersThusaccessingfundingandcreatingcollaborativepartnershipswithcoreleadershipisnecessarytomovethisprojectalongOtherthingstoconsider intermsofdecidingwhattypesofwindbreaksto installwouldbetooptimizethepotentialofthewindbreakstoservemultiplefunctionsOnecommoncomplaintamongsthomesteadfarmershasbeenthedestructionofcropsfromgrazingdeerProvidingavegetativewindbreakwith tightplantings could serve as a living fence that keepsout deerSelectingalso fornitrogen fixingspecieswillalsoaddnutrientstothesoilandboost farmerrsquoscropsIdentifiedasakeyprojectintheEnvironmentSectionofMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandisprovidingwindbreaks inHo`olehuaThevision istoplantwindbreaksldquoalongthecoastalpaliaround the central plain andhellip along individual farmersrsquo lots Native trees and treeswithsecondarymarketvalue(fruittreesandhardwoods)rdquoshouldbeutilized72DroughtͲProofingReforestationThecommunity initiateddocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian Islandhas identified in itsAgricultureampAquacultureSectionthefollowingpriorities73
Recognize the limited availability of water as a primary factor in prioritizing suitableagriculturalfoodcrops
Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture foodproduction
Water is a limiting factor in farming especially in light of chronic drought conditions andcontinuousmandatorycutbacksonwateruse from theMolokai IrrigationSystem TherearewaysthatthefarmercanharvestwateraswellasminimizewaterlossPlantingwindbreakswillaidincreatingamicroclimatethatwillreduceevapotranspirationandallowforsomeshadeforcrops that require less sunlight Installing swales and terraces on contour in tandem withplantingswillslowthepathofwaterrunoffcomingontothepropertycreategoodsoakagethatwillbuildthewatertableandnaturallyfeedcropsMulchingandplantinggroundcoverspecies
72MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf73MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 44
alongsidemain crops will retainmoisture and support soil health These droughtͲproofingstrategiesworkinginconcertwillprovideagreatbenefittothefarmerA longertermstrategythatonehomestead farmersuggestedand forwhichhehasbeguntospreadamongstotherhomesteaders is conductingmassplantingsofKukui trees to createaforest forHo`olehua and capture rain He is setting the example by creating a kukui plantnurseryonhispropertyandgivingkeikiplantstootherhomesteadersAdoptionofthesetypesofstrategiesshouldalsobeconsideredbynonͲhomesteaduserswhohaveutilizedthe lionrsquosshareofMISwater ReforestationoftheslopesofMaunaloathathadbeendamagedbycattleranchingandpineapplecultivationwouldalso lessendependenceonwaterdiversions Thishasbeen identifiedasakeyprojectunder the communitydocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandalongwithcertainerosioncontrolmeasuresfortheWestEnd gulches that include installing ldquorock dikes (gabions) hedgerow plantings [and] siltationpondsrdquo74
ProtectingWaterResourceRights
TheWater Code directs the Commission to ldquoincorporate and protect adequate reserves ofwaterforcurrentandforeseeabledevelopmentanduseofHawaiianhomelandsassetforthinsection 221 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Actrdquo75 Additionally by law the HawaiianHomes Commission Act recognizes a twoͲthirdswater preference for homesteaders on theMolokai IrrigationSystem76These lawsshouldbeenforcedandtheDepartmentofHawaiianHomeLandsneedstoactivelyadvocateonbehalfofhomesteaderstoensuretheprotectionoftheir water rights The Department of Agriculture which manages the MIS must alsoresponsiblymeettheStatersquosfiduciarydutybyassuringthatwaterallocationsareincompliancewiththetwoͲthirdsprovisionforhomesteaders
WildAnimalControl
A number of farmers plagued by deer have opted to allow subsistence hunting on theirpropertyorhunt thedeer themselvesOthersare installing fencing tokeep thedeerout AlocaldeerranchersurmisedthatalotofthedeerareoriginatingfromdryMolokaiRanchlandsandmovingtowardsthehomesteadregionofHo`olehuainsearchofwaterandfoodThisdeerfarmerwouldliketoworkwithMolokaiRanchtoleaseandexpandhisoperationsontoRanchlandserect fencingandprovideadequatewater for thedeer toprevent them from invadingtheHomestead Withcollaborationamong farmersMolokaiRanchand localdeer ranchersthiscouldprovideawinͲwinsolutionforall
74MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf75HawRevStatSection174CͲ101(a)76HawaiianHomesCommissionActsect221(d)1920amended1955
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 45
IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth
Typicallyweeds are found in disturbed areas Weeds are bioͲindicators of soil health andstructureTheyservedifferentfunctionsandareoftenpioneerspeciesthatcomeintoasystemearly on to create optimal conditions for the next stages of succession into amorematuresystem Differentweedsperformdifferent functions suchasaddingnitrogen to the soil reͲmineralizingthesoilwithdeeptaprootsthatbringnutrientsbelowuptothesurfacelooseningcompacted hard pan soils to allow for aeration and room for new seedlings to grow andstabilizingfragileandexposedsoilswithrootstructuresthatfanoutmorewidelytoholdloosesoiltogetherThekeyistoselectspeciesthataremoreusefultothefarmerthanthenaturalordisturbedvegetationandovertimethesespecieswilloutcompeteweedyvarietiesDiversifyingcropsandmimickingnaturalsuccessiondoingtimestackingwithdenserplantingsofperenniallegumesgroundcoverswindbreaks fruit treesandvinesofpreferredspecieswillallow formaturation of the system create better soil health and select out nonͲfavorable weedyspeciesOne farmerwhooperatesanorganicpapaya farmdoesthe followingtopreservesoil fertilityandcontrolpests77 Utilizesa localmanufacturerfromOahuwhorecyclesusedcookingoilfatsbonesandfish
collected from restaurants foodmanufacturersand fishoutletsand turns thiswaste into100 certified organic soil amendments Tons of rawmaterialwaste now diverted fromlandfill
Usesdolomiteandcrushedcoraltoamendsoilorgypsumassubstitute Growssunnhemponrestingfieldstohelpwithnematodesandfixnitrogeninsoil Providescovercropofgrassesandweedsbetween rowsofmaturepapaya trees irrigated
withmicroͲsprinklerstokeepmoistureandlifeinthesoil Maintainsadiversefloraratherthanengaginginmonocropping Responds to cut worms (seasonal) by planting extra seedling trays to replace damaged
seedlings Sprays kumulus (organic sulfur) and baking soda to combat powderymildewmites and
thrips Ripsandairsoutoldfieldsandrestsfieldsforatleast15monthstoaddressnematodeissue Focusesongrowingthestrongesthealthiestplantstoprovidegreaterresistancetopests
77UniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesFeaturedFarmerRickTamanahaKaleikoafarmsHo`olehuaMoloka`iHĈnai`AiNewsletterJuneͲJulyͲAugust2011httpwwwctahrhawaiiedusustainagnewsarticlesV8ͲKaleikoaFarmsͲFFpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 46
AddressingHighOperationalCosts
EquipmentAccessSeveralcommunitypartnerscametogethertoaddressoneofthemajorimpedimentsforsmallfarmersonMolokai access toequipment TheMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityndashKeAupuniLƃkahipurchasedatractoraspartofaplannedequipmentrentalprogramadministeredbyUHCTAHR and the Hawaiian Homestead Association TheMolokai Rural Development ProjectpurchasedtractorimplementstofurtherassistthefarmersTheseimplementsincludedaJactoArbusAirblast Sprayerwith TractorMount to assist farmers in spraying their fieldswithoutadded labor Samp A AG 20 Spreader to allow growers to improve their soil pH and organicmatter Miller Bobcat 250 welder to aid farmers in repairing and fabricating tools andimplements aswell as serve as a training tool inwelding and farmmechanics and aGreatPlainsSubSoilerSS1300toassistfarmersinfieldpreparationwithminimalsoildisruptionWhilefarmerswillstillneedaccesstootherformsofequipmenttocutdown laborandtimetheEquipmentRentalModel isagoodone that shouldbe replicated tobenefit theMolokaifarming community overall and ameliorate farmersrsquo chances of success by bringing theirindividualcostsdownShipping
Howtotacklehighshippingcosts Consolidation Compilecargoandnegotiatewithcarriersbased on volume78 This could be handled formally through a cooperative structure orinformally through a hui of farmers The Molokai community has also recommendedcommissioning a ldquostudy to explore new alternatives for transportation links (air and sea)betweenMolokaiandotherareasandmarketsrdquo79Another alternative that Sust`ĈinableMolokai is preliminarily exploring is the feasibility ofprovidingasailingvesselequippedwithchillspacethatwouldideallybepoweredbyrenewableenergy (egwind solar) to serve as a communal shipping vessel forMolokai exports andimportsOneofourconcernsisnotonlythehighshippingcoststhatresidentsincurbutalsodealingwiththeinevitableconsequencesofglobalpeakoilandhelpingtoincreaseourislandrsquosfuelandenergysecurity
78Youn JL ldquoRootsofChange ToRichardNelsondiversification ismuchmore than justabuzzwordrdquoHawaiiBusiness Magazine February 2004 httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange79 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1105 InfrastructureTransportationAlternativesp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 47
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoodsOne of the areas where some farmers feel challenged is marketing and distributing theirproducts offͲisland While some of themwant to take advantage of better pricing on theneighbor islands the lackofknowledgeandexperience inpenetrating thosemarketscanbedauntingfortheMolokaifarmerItwasalsoexpressedtousfromvendorsandrestaurantsthatit is difficult to determine which farmer is selling what and to achieve a level of productconsistencyamong individualfarmers ForMolokaistoresandrestaurants itwouldbeeasiertodealwithabrokerdistributorormarketingteamwho isplugged intotheMolokaifarmingcommunityandcouldconsolidategoodsamongstallfarmersandachieveafairpriceforthemCoststoretainthisdistributorcouldalsobesharedamongstthefarmersThisdistributorcouldalso handlemarkets on neighboring islandsmainland and internationally and remove theheadachefromfarmerswhojustwanttofarmOriginallytheHiki`olaFarmersCooperativewassetuptosellanddistributefarmersrsquoproductsandhelptoremovethe impedimentsandpersonalchallengesfarmersface inmarketingtheirproduceandproducts independently HoweverthisprovedunsuccessfulbecauseofproductinconsistencyThismaybeanongoingchallengebutnotcompletelyinsurmountablePerhapsmorecarefulfarmplanningandcollaborationwithfarmersmaybeneededtocollectivelygrowspecific items tomaintainacertainvolumeandconsistency Issuesof seasonalityhoweverwillalwaysimpactconsistencyMarketingFarmers couldalso increase theirprofits throughappropriatebrandinga common logoandsharedwebsitefeaturingldquoGrownonMolokairdquoorldquoMadeonMolokairdquoproductlineThiswouldalsohelpprospectivevalueͲaddedfoodentrepreneurswhoarechallengedbyhighstartͲupandinsurancecoststhatcomeswithdevelopingaproductdesigningalogoandlabelandcomingupwithappropriatepackagingUnderonebrandandacommoninsurancethesecostscanbeminimizedandthevalueͲaddedproducercouldfocuschieflyoncreatingaqualityproductFarmersMarketampCommunitySupportedAgricultureMolokairsquoscurrentSaturdaymarketlocatedintheheartofKaunakakaiTownisanopenmarketwherethereareavarietyofitemssoldartscraftsvarioussundriesbakedgoodsandavarietyof vegetablesand fruits Ithasbeen suggested that theMolokaiopenmarketbe improvedupon to reflect a true farmersmarket Improvementswould includeproviding chill space toprovide other products like Molokai grass fed beef and seafood showcasing valueͲaddedMolokaiproductssellingmoreandbonafideMolokaiproduceandincreasingaccessibilityforlow income families to fresh local produce and other foods through undergoing the formalprocessandclearancetoacceptEBTfoodstamps
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 48
FarmersMarkets serve as an important venue for farmers to sell directly to customers andcreatepositiverelationshipswiththemForthosewhoprefertofarmandleavethesellingandmarketingtoothersalocaldistributorcouldfillthoseshoesSomehavesuggestedthatseveralfarmersmarketsbeestablishedwithinthevariousdistrictsofthe island (east central and west Molokai) to make local foods readily accessible to allconsumersAnother suggestionwas thatMolokai create its own local dollar or Local Exchange TradingSystem (LETS) amongst a communityor groupofpeoplewhomutually agree toextend andearn credit from each other through a series of transactions and exchanges of goods andservicesDirectbarterbetweenpartiesisnotnecessaryratheronecanearnLETScreditsfromperformingaserviceorgivingagoodandbereciprocatedatalatertimeforgoodsorservicesofequalvalue(egprovidingbabysittingservicestoearncreditsandreceiveplumbingworkinreturn)LETSallowscommunitiesgreater flexibilityandcreatesequalityamong itsmembersofferingvaluebeyondtheconventionalmonetarysystemSome farmers create their own market by operating a CSA or Community SupportedAgricultureTheWaialuaPermafarmhasbeenoperatingsuccessfullyforabout30yearsnowasaCSATheWaialuaPermafarmhasfamiliesthatregularlysubscribetotheirCSAandpurchaseweekly or biͲmonthly boxes of veggies and fruits The Waialua Permafarm provides animpressive listing of vegetable and fruits that they grow with customers choosing theirfavoritesWhateverisinseasonandpreferredbythecustomeriswhattheCSAprovidesPu`uOHokuRanchalsoprovidesveggieboxesaswellasamore recentoperation runningoutofMahanaGardensOneMolokaiCSAoperatorsuggestedtheSiskiyouSustainableCooperativeinOregonasagreatmodel that could help farmers here to consolidate their efforts and create direct farmer toconsumer relationships Some of the best practices coming from Siskiyou SustainableCooperativeinclude Acollectiveoffarmerswhowantedtoformamarketingandbusinesscooperative Their business plan included visionary goals such as a credit union for farmers a
cooperatively owned state of the art commercial kitchen and seed cleaning facilityaffordablehealthinsuranceforfarmfamiliesetc
Inthefirst2yearsthefarmersdeveloped3marketingvenuesaCSAafarmstandalongtheroadsideandacooperatively runmarketboothEventually theCooperative focusedmoreexclusivelyontheCSAasitprovedmostfinanciallysuccessful
Farmersrsquogoal istoprovidecontinualaccesstomore locallygrownandproducedfoodsandtomaketheCSAboxmoreofaldquooneͲstopshoppingrdquoexperienceformembersTodatetheCSA offers bread cheese eggs flowers beef and buffalo products coffee and honey inadditiontotheregularproduceboxes
CoͲopprovidescertifiedorganicfruitsvegetablesandspecialty itemsproducedon9smallͲscalefamilyfarmsandranches
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 49
Feeds250 families throughcooperativeCommunitySupportedAgriculture (CSA)marketingand distribution program while enhancing the economic viability of their sustainableagricultureoperations
CoͲopoffersasmallsharethatfeeds2peopleandalargesharethatfeeds3Ͳ5peopleCoͲopdropsoffthefoodboxesto7differentspotsonaweeklybasis
ProvidingproducetolowͲincomepopulationsispartofCoͲoprsquosmissionCoͲopprovidesfoodtoACCESSandfoodbanks
CoͲopalsosuccessfullyappliedtoacceptfoodstampsCoͲopunderstandsthateatingfreshhealthyfood is importantforeveryoneespeciallyforthemorevulnerablepopulations likechildrenpregnantandnursingmotherstheelderlyanddisabledThesepeoplearemostinneedofnutrientͲdensehighqualityfoods
CSAmembersalsobenefit from farmdaysofferedby thecoͲopmembersget tosee theirfoodbeing grown andmeet their farmersCoͲop also sends recipes andnewsletterswitheachboxtohelpmemberslearnnewandexcitingwaystopreparetheirvegetables
CoͲopworks toexpandmarkets for localseedproducers toprovidevarietiesofregionallyͲadaptedopenͲpollinated seeds forhomegardenersand smallͲscale farmersCoͲop leasesseed cleaning equipment from a local nonͲprofit to improve seed quality and encouragegrowers toproducemore seedas theequipment saves time Oneof thecoͲop foundingmembers started his own local seed company see websitewwwbiodynamicseedsblogspotcom
CoͲop farms utilize interns as an inexpensive labor pool while providing them withopportunitiesto learnhowtogrow foodandruna farmoperation Inaneffort toprovidequality internships someof thecoͲopmembers formedanonͲprofit toprovideeducationandsocialopportunitiesforfarminternsSeewebsitehttproguefarmcorpsorg
AchievingFinancialSustainabilityThroughMIFFStrategyTodays farmermust possess a diverse skillsͲset to be truly competitive in a globalmarketAccordingtoRichardNelsonpresidentofHawaiiBizlinkLLCanagricultureͲconsultingfirmontheBigIslandnichemarketdevelopmentisthekeytosuccessfulagribusinessinHawaiiratherthan the agricultureasacommoditymindset80 Headds [A]g iseconomicdevelopmentanditisalsotourismVisitorswanttoeattheNalogreensandthefreshfishseethepineappleplantationandvisit theaquacultureoperationsahard look [needs tobe taken in]assistingfarmers with a variety of things including development of market plans business planspackagedesignintroductiontobuyersdevelopmentoftradeshowsandmarketingvenuesforlocalproducers[E]veryfarmerhasgottogetsmarterItsnolongerjustharvestingproductandthrowing it inabinFarmershavetowearmultiplehatsnow81Aswe looktobuildinggreatercapacityinourfarmingcommunitymoreeducationandtrainingmustbeavailableforfarmerstomeettheseemergingtrendsinagriculture
80YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange81YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 50
Farmers are more likely to succeed through diversification The Multiple Income FarmingFamilies (MIFF) model is a strategy for strengthening agribusinesses through generatingmultiplerevenuestreamsOne exampleof aMultiple Income Farming Family isMolokaiMeli inoperation since 2004MolokaiMeli sellspremiumorganic rawkiawehoneyasavalueͲaddedproductThe familymarketsldquomelisticksrdquoorhoneysealed instrawsassimplesnacks Theyalsoprovidedifferentgradesofhoneypremiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyandhoneycombsthattheyadvertiseand sell through their website The family doesnrsquot stop there Their eldest child Elijahdevelopedhisownbusiness around adressing recipeheperfectedmadewithMolokaiMelihoneyTheyoungerdaughtershavealsodevelopedtheirownproductsbeeswaxcandlesandchapstickthataresoldatKumuFarmsandMolokairsquosspecialtyshopsAllfamilymemberssuitupintheirbeekeepingsuitstocareforthebeesInitiallywhentheystartedtheirbusinesstheyhadnot fullyreachedtheir financialgoal insecuringallthestartͲupcoststheyneeded Theylearnedtoadaptandadjustedtheirbusinessplan Whenfacedwithapredicamentthattheywould not receive their bees on time to start their operations smoothly they turned thischallengeintoanewbusinessopportunitybyprovidingtheislandrsquossolebeeremovalservicesThey utilized this initial stock of bees for honey production and continue to replenish theirstoresbymaintainingbeeremovalservicesValueͲAddingampGoingOrganicThecommunitysupportsorganicvalueͲaddedandsustainablefarming82 Encourageandsupportorganicandenvironmentallyfriendlyfarmingmethodstechniques SupporttheproductionofvalueͲaddedproducts SupportthefarmingofcertifiedorganicandornonͲGMOcropsAnexampleofwhereMolokaifarmershaveachievedsuccess is inproducingcertifiedorganicpapayaMolokaiistheonlyplaceintheworldwhereorganicpapayaisgrowncommerciallyAsmallairportrunway that lacks thecapacity toreceive largeplanesand internationalcarriershaskeptMolokaibiologicallypurerthantheother islands inthat ithasnotbeenexposedtothepapaya ringspotvirus likewise thebananabunchy topvirushasalsonot takena strongholdonMolokaibananaKumu Farms is a local distributor of organic sunrisestrawberry papaya In themidͲ1990sKumuFarms invested inandbuiltaforcedͲhotͲair(FHA)chemicalfreetreatmentfacilitywiththeapprovalof theUSDepartmentofAgriculture to treat itscertifiedorganicpapayaonsiteand distribute directly to its various markets throughout the State of Hawai`i the USMainland and Canada83 Thirty percent (30) of the organic papaya supply comes from
82MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf83KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 51
homesteadfarmingfamilieswhoarepartofKumuFarmsldquosatelliteprogramrdquo84ThesefarmersarepaidbyKumuFarms$075lbfororganicpapayawhichismorethandoublewhatfarmerstypicallygetforconventionalGMOpapayaat$030lb MolokaiOrganicPapayaretails inthemainlandUSat$5lbProducingcropsorganically isawaytovalueͲaddandenteranichemarket This isespeciallyusefulforsmallfarmswhocannotcompetewithlargeproducersOneofthesatellitefarmshasexpressedadesiretobegindistributingandmarketingitsorganicpapayaindependentlyofKumuFarmstorealizedirectmarketprofitsInanycaseKumuFarmsplaysavaluablerole inproviding itsownFHAchemicalfreetreatmentfacilitydoingoutreachto small farmers to assume the costs of shipping distribution and marketing For manybeginning farmers these types of opportunitiesmitigate some of the costs of running anagribusinessandgivethemaleguptogrowandeventuallyexpandtheirownenterprisesThe 2010 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process forMaui Countyidentified the main economic sectors forMauiMolokai and Lanai islands They includeAgriculture Arts and Entertainment Government Healthcare Recreation and SportsRenewableEnergyResearchampDevelopment (RampD)and theVisitor Industry MolokaiCEDSparticipantshave identifiedprioritygoalsandobjectivesundereachsector ForAgricultureampAquacultureMolokai residentselectedasapriorityobjectiveaneffective ldquoBuy Localrdquo (ldquoBuyMolokairdquocampaign)andtheestablishmentofaldquoMadeonMolokairdquobrandAdditionally a September 2009 report provided by theMaui EconomicDevelopment Board(MEDB)onldquoEntrepreneurshipandtheFutureofMolokairdquodeterminedfrommultiplesurveysofMolokairsquos business community areas for growth and opportunity for the islandrsquos economyRespondents identified asopportunities ldquouniquelyMolokai lsquonichersquoproducts (organicpapayacoffeecookiesMolokaibreadetc)rdquoandldquovalueͲaddedproducts (tarochipspackageddriedmangococonutandbanana)rdquoIncreasedproductionandmarketingofnewvalueͲaddedfoodproductsprovide longershelf life requires lessvolumeof rawproductandhaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketswishingtotrynewandexoticfoods ValueͲaddingandcreationofnicheproducts thatplay to the strengthsofwhat farmershere cangrowprovidesagreateradvantagetoMolokaiproducersandallowsthemtobemorecompetitiveinthemarket A few years ago theMolokai Rural Development Project (RDP) offered ValueͲAdded FoodProductionTrainingattheLanikehaCommercialKitchen inpartnershipwithHawaiianHomestheMolokaiCommunityServiceCouncilandKƻha`oBusinessCenterThetrainingwasgearedtoestablishingsuccessfulvalueͲadded foodbusinessesto fulfillanichemarketandaid inthediversification ofMolokairsquos agriculture industry RDP designed the training along theMIFFmodelofprovidingmultipleincomestreamsforfarmingfamiliesThelocalfarmerthroughthistrainingcouldsupplementhis income throughvalueͲaddingorconnectwithanentrepreneurwishingtoturnldquowasterdquo(discardedoffͲgradeproduce)intoopportunity
84KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 52
Currently Lanikeha holds a number of anchor tenants that regularly produce valueͲaddeditems Products thathavecomeoutofLanikeha includepoisweetpotatochipshoneyseasaltpestoproductsbakedandcatereditemsUtilizingLanikehaasaCommunityCommercialKitchen Incubator for additional valueͲadded product development and training is key todeveloping new food entrepreneurs on Molokai and strengthening the islands agricultureeconomyAgriͲTourismPriorities identified inMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian IslandrsquosAgricultureAquacultureSectionincludessupportofldquoagroͲtourismendeavorsrdquo85An area in which there is room for growth and diversification is the agritourism industryAccording to the Hawaii Agritourism Association (HATA) agritourism assists farmers withsupplementalincomebyprovidinganichemarketthatinvolvesconnectingtheconsumertothelandandthegrowersbyeducatingthemaboutagriculturalproductsandprovidingadirectandinteractiveexperienceOf theprofitsmade fromagͲtourism relatedactivitiesmost revenuesaregainedthroughonfarmsalesdirecttofarmvisitorsAdditionallymanyoperationsreceiveorders for products after visitors return home suggesting gains made through buildingrelationshipswithcustomersthroughagritourismvenuesAccording toHATAagritourism isagrowingglobal trend thatprovides farmswith income increative ways enhances diversity of visitor experiences while at the same time supportsculturalidentityTheMolokaiResponsibleTourism InitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanprovidesabasisfor identifyingacceptablehostͲvisitorexperiences inkeepingwithMolokairsquoscultureandruralpace 86 Focus group sessions interviews and surveys revealed that residents favoredsustainablecommunitytourismtheelementsofwhichinclude Operationsby localand traditionalpopulation toenhance thequalityof lifeprotectand
restoretheenvironmentalandculturalassetsandengagevisitorsontermsdefinedbythecommunity
Activitiesevolvingasasolutiontoeconomicenvironmentalsocialeducationalandcultural
growthchallenges
85MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf86McGregorDaviannaldquoMolokaiResponsibleTourismInitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanForMoloka`irdquoKe`AupuniLƃkĈhindashMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityFebruary2006httphuinethawaiirdporgmolokaiFinal20Report20Ͳ20with20coverpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 53
Advocating a fair exchange of value between the host and the hosted Preserving the
communityrsquossenseofplacethatbringsdignityandpridetothehost Featuringauthenticandgenuineactivities forguests Sharing realcultureby thepeople
whopracticeit Creatingabalancedratiobetweenthelocalpopulationandvisitorcountsothatthesenseof
placeisnotoverwhelmedbylargescaletourismSomeactionsteps identified tomeet theseprinciples includedculturalexchangeeducationaltoursbuilding thekama`ainavisitormarketworkingwithentrepreneurcohortsestablishingcommunitynetworksandcollaborativeeffortsSuccesswouldbemeasuredwithanincreaseinthe number of jobs in the visitor industry and an increase in contributions to the islandrsquoseconomyfromvisitoractivitiesandretailpurchasesSome Molokai farmers have shown interest in agriͲtourism as evidenced by a programsupportedbytheKƻha`oBusinessCentertheCountyOfficeofEconomicDevelopmentandtheMolokaiAgriculturalDevelopmentProgramafewyearsagotoprovideintroductoryagritourismworkshops and site visits to various farmsonMauiMaui farms likeAli`iKula Lavender andSurfingGoatDairyhaveservedasgreatmentorsTheseactivitieshave inspiredandpromptedMolokai farmersto lookathowtheycan improvetheirown farmingoperationsand increaserevenuethroughdiversificationPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm isoneexampleofagritourismonMolokai The familyprovides farmtoursandgivesvisitorstheldquomacadamiaexperiencerdquothroughaneducationalcomponentandanopportunity to taste and purchase their product Relationships builtwith visitors serve tocreatealoyalcustomerbaseThePurdyrsquosprovidedirectmarketingbymailtocustomerswhohavevisitedtheminthepastThismethodhasbeenquiteeffectiveforthemTherearenegativeviewsonMolokaiabout tourismorconventionalaspectsof tourism thatexploittheHawaiianhostculture One farmerwhodislikestourismstatedhoweverthathehaswelcomedhundredsofpeopleofallagestovisittourandworkonhis family farm Forhimnoproprietarysecretsarekeptjustadesiretoshareknowledgeandthefamilyrsquospassionfor farming In this sense tourism takes a differentmeaning one that ismore about aneducational exchange and an opportunity to volunteer and gain knowledge throughexperiencingaworkingfarmfirsthand
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 54
ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms
Lawsmustbeenforcedtomake it favorabletothe farmerto farm Enforcementofthe lawsthataccuratelydefineagricultureandappropriatefarmdwellingsiscriticaltothemaintenanceofHawai`irsquosinventoryofagriculturallandslestweforfeitafoodsecurefutureforHawai`i
MolokaiisoneofthefewislandsifnottheonlyHawaiianislandthatselfͲidentifiesitsdesiredandprimaryeconomy tobeagriculture rather than tourismThemajorityofour informantsrespondedtothefollowingquestioninthismanner
Question What is your Agriculture Vision for Molokai
ldquoTo truly be the agriculture breadbasket of the Staterdquo
Muchofthissentimentcanbeattributedtoourhistoriclegacyas`inaMomonaandaculturethathasneverforgottenthatthewealthofthe land isdeterminedbyhowmuchfoodcanbeproduced and howmuch can be shared This is the essence ofMolokairsquos two economiesagricultureandtraditionalsubsistence
InkeepingwithavisionforMolokaitobetheagriculturebreadbasketoftheStatefarmerssaythatchangesneed tobemadeby theStategovernment toprovideaguaranteedmarket forMolokai farmers to supply urban and densely populated islands like Oahu rather thanperpetuatingalosingpropositionforMolokairsquosfarmerswhoareforcedtocompetewithotherswhohavemoredirectaccesstothemarket
ExcerptsfromMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandmakescommunityobjectivesclearastothehighprioritygiventoprotectingtheinterestsoflocalagriculture87 Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture food
production Promoteandsupport family farmsonMolokai inorder toprotectagricultureaquaculture
resourcesfromcommercialexploitation Promoteactivitiesand incentives thatwillhelpsupport theeconomicsecurityofour farm
families
AdditionalacreageforAgriculturalParksshouldbereservedtosupporttheexpansionoflocalfamilyfarmsPracticesthatconflictwiththespiritandpoliciesidentifiedforAgParkssuchasleasingorsubͲleasingto largecorporateindustrialagricultureandbiotechcompaniesshouldbeprohibited
87MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 55
Newtrendsrelatedtoan increasingappreciationanddemandfor localandregionalproduceencourage the return of small family farms88 Family farms are important to the soul andresilienceofacommunity Where industrialagriculturecompaniestendtocauseerosionandpollution through destructive practiceswith the use ofmachinery and heavy application ofchemical fertilizersherbicides andpesticides independent small family farmshave amoreintimate relationship with the land and are keen on preserving green and open spaces inalignmentwithcommunityvalues89
Related to thedeclineofsmall family farms is theagingofAmericarsquos farmers Molokai isnodifferent Theaverageageofthefarmerswesurveyedwere54yearsoldwhilethenationalaverage is 5790 The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 70 of the nationrsquosagricultural landwill changehandswithin the next 20 yearsdue to the agingpopulationoffarmers91 Ifthenextgeneration isnot interested infarmingthere isarealthreatthatthesefarmlandswillbeconvertedtononͲagriculturepurposes92 It is imperativethentocultivateanewgenerationofbeginningfarmers
OutreachampEducationIncreasingConsumerAwareness Reviewofsurveyand interviewresponsesstimulated livelyinformalinquiryanddiscussionamongfriendsfamilyandcolleaguesOnesuchdiscussionwasabout the need to raise greater consumer awareness of different kinds of foods herbsvegetablesthatattractthemoreexperiencedpalettebut forwhichthe localpopulationmaynotbeaccustomedtooutsideoftheirowntraditionalfoodsOneobservationthatwasmadebyKumuFarmsisthatsalesarelowinthesummerandpickupagainatthearrivalofsnowbirdsin the fallandwintermonths Hearing localpeople talkabout theirappreciationofgoing toKumuFarmstopickupfreshorganicproducebutareluctancetotrysomeofthemoreexoticherbsbecauseoftheirlackofknowledgeonhowtopreparethemsuggestsadesiretoexploredifferentcuisinesbutnotenoughopportunitytolearnaboutandincorporatethesefoodsintotheir cooking Hosting different tastings and cooking classes that integrate a farm to tableapproachmayhelp to removesome thesebarriers toeatinghealthynew foods With thesetypesofactivitieswecreatemoreeducatedconsumers Severalofour informantshavealsosuggestedraisingawarenessatanearlyagetoeducatethenextgenerationofeatersthroughschoolgardenprogramsthatgivechildrenadirectexperienceandappreciationofcultivating
ͺͺUnited StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof FoodandAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml89ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml90ShuteBldquoANewGenerationofFarmersrdquoTheNewYorkTimesAugust192011httpwwwnytimescomroomfordebate20110817couldͲfarmsͲsurviveͲwithoutͲillegalͲlaborweͲneedͲaͲnewͲgenerationͲofͲamericanͲfarmers91United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml92United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 56
preparingeatingandeventuallybuyingadelightfuldiversityof locallygrownnutritiousandwholefoodsEducatingFarmers Molokaihasgreatresourcesthatassistboththeprospectiveandcurrentfarmer ingaining inͲdepthagriculturalknowledgeand skills TheUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollege (UHMC) Molokai Farm confers an Associates Degree and Certificates in variousAgricultureampNaturalResourcestopics
CertificateofAchievementandASdegrees inHorticultureand LandscapeMaintenanceandSustainableTropicalCropManagement
Certificates of Competence in Agricultural Science Nursery Production and PestManagement
CertificatesofCompletioninTurfgrassSpecialistSustainableTropicalCropProductionandLandscapeMaintenance
Associates in Technical Studies Degree in Cultural and Natural Resource ManagementMĈlama`ina
InthepasttheMolokaiRuralDevelopmentProjectsponsoredtheAgricultureCohorttrainingprogramwhichserved8 farming families (27 familymemberstotal)committedtodevelopingsustainablefamilyfarms93The UHͲCTAHR Molokai Office delivered the training The project employed experientiallearning and instructionalmethodologies as best practices for intergenerational transfer oftechnology and expertise for sustainable agriculture Participants learned marketing farmplanningproductionplanningrecordkeepingcompleterequisitetaxforms(ScheduleF)farmequipmentsafetyandoperationsiteͲselectionassessmentirrigationsetͲupsoilfertilityplantnutritionpestmanagement (weeds insectsdiseases)harvesting commoditiespostͲharvesthandling grading and qualitymanagement organic certification basic computing businesssoftware and custom agricultureͲbased software Participants received training on usingspecialagriculture softwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRMolokaiextensionagentAltonArakakiThe first software they learned was on Production Mapping With this program farmersplannedandprojected theirproductionactivities throughout theyearanddeterminedwhenandhowmuch resourceswouldbeneeded to complete activities successfully TheprogramalsoprovidedfarmersanopportunitytorealisticallyestimateproductioncashflowoftheirfarmplansThesecondsoftwarethey learnedwastheScheduleFfinancialrecordkeepingprogramthatmaintainsrecords inatemplatethatwouldeventuallycompletetheirDepartmentoftheTreasuryProfitandLossfromFarmingIRSScheduleFForm1040AttheendofthetrainingthecohortparticipantsreceivedcopiesofthesoftwareOtherfarmingsoftwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRprovedusefulforfarmentrepreneursenrolledintheprojectThesoftwareincludedPlantTissueAnalysisndashRecordingandTrackingforplantnutritionmanagementandCalibratingYourSprayer(publishedbyCTAHRhttpwwwctahrhawaiieduocfreepubspdfPRREͲ6pdf)
93AkutagawaMalialdquoAgriculturalCohortProjectFinalReportrdquoAugust302007
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 57
Farmfamiliesincreasedtheirknowledgeandexperienceincropproductionandmanagementandapplied theiracquiredskills toestablishingorexpanding their farmbusiness Thecropsproducedbythe8 family farmenterprises includedorganicpapaya(3 farms)yamDioscareaorganicwatermelon and taro greenhouse lettucepumpkin taro (lu`au leaf table taro andvalueͲaddedkuloloproduct)andcoffeeSeveral participants were successful recipients of the Molokai Agricultural DevelopmentProgram awards having enrolled in RDPrsquos Kƻha`o Business Center Entrepreneurial TrainingProgram to receive oneͲtoͲone business consultation and assistance in developing theirbusinessplans
Allcohort familiesmadeprofitandexceededbenchmarkssetbyRDP Anestimated totalof$105000wasmade in cumulative sales over the yearmore than doubling the year 2 endprojectgoalof$50000 The farmproductsweremarketedonͲisland intrastateandon themainlandOrganicpapayasweremarketedtomainlandhubsinLosAngelesSanFranciscoandPortlandFromthesehugecitiestheyweresoldandshippedtoinlandmarkets
From thiscomprehensive trainingparticipants learnedandexperiencedboth theagriculturalsciencesandartofrunningasuccessfulbusinessInthesciencecurriculumparticipantslearnedsubjectmatters insoilplantsplantdiseases insectsweedsplantnutritionmanagementofplant pests and plant nutrition In the agriͲbusiness curriculum participants learned postharvesthandlinggradingorganic certificationmarketingand farmproductionplanningandmanagement Both experiential learning and classroom instruction proved invaluable Themajorityofthesefamiliesremainsuccessfultodaymorethan5yearsaftertheprogramendedTrainingslikethisgivefarmersthenecessarytoolstorunasuccessfulagribusinessUHͲCTAHRcontinues toassistby focusingon teachingbeginning farmersasaway to cultivate thenextgenerationoffarmersandreversethenationwidetrendofanagingfarmingpopulationSust`ĈinableMolokaihasalso focusedoncomplementing thisworkbybringingpermaculture(ecologicalfarming)inpartnershipwiththePermacultureResearchInstituteUSAtointerestedlocal adults and homesteaders to farm responsibly and sustainably From herewersquove beenteachingsustainablefarmingstrategiestoanestimated100MolokaiHighSchoolstudentsandinstallingthefeaturesofaminiͲahupua`aasademonstrationandteachingtoolIt is recommended that tobuilda strong farmingcommunity in thenextgenerationwewillneedtotakeproactivestepsnowandstartpreparingnewfarmersearlyonfromgradeschoollevel with school gardens up through middle and high school as youth begin to exploreagricultureasacareerGeneralagricultureclassescanbesupplementedwithacurriculumthatincludes financial literacyentrepreneurshipbusinesshomeeconomicshealthandnutritionscience (biology ecology chemistry conservation) and engineering aspects From herestudentswill be able to understand agriculture from diverse viewpoints and disciplines anddevelopdifferentskills required foroperatingasuccessful farmenterprise Creatingadirectbridge tohighereducation throughcollegeandcareerpathway ladderprogramsavailableat
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 58
UHMCMolokaiandotheruniversityinstitutionsisidealOnefarmerwhohasastrongbusinessbackgroundandwasabookkeeperformanyyearspriorto farming recommended that youngpeople take courses inbookkeeping and accounting inadditiontoagricultureclassesPerhaps thegreatestways to impart farmingknowledge isbetween farmers SeveralofourfarmersthatweinterviewedindicatedthattheylearnbestfromeachotherandthatthereisadesiretoserveasmentorsfornewfarmerswholackexperienceThisisfeltparticularlyamongMolokairsquoshomesteadfarmersOnefarmerremarkedontheverycloseͲknitcommunityformedonthehomesteadandthatmosthavethesamemindsetthatldquonewopportunitiesforoneareopportunities for allrdquo As a group they rely on each other to share farming techniquesinformation on new equipment and promote their produce together Rarely is therecompetitionamongsthomesteadersbutadesire todemonstrate thatagriculture isa viableeconomicenginefortheislandOtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchersThereareanumberofincentiveprogramsthatassistfarmersranchersandlandownersiftheychoosetointegrateconservationandsustainablepracticesintheiroperationsThisisonewaythat Molokai producers can access critical funding and work with conservation expertsIncentive Programs through the US Department of Agriculture include the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service (NRCS) ndashMolokaiͲLanai Soil ampWater Conservation District(SWCD) which prepares local conservation and watershed management plans providesconservationeducationandpropagatesnativeplantstorestoreHawaiianecosystemsassistsfarmersand ranchers inanumberof federalFarmBillPrograms thatprovides incentives forvoluntary conservation practices to help reduce erosion protect streams and rivers restoreandestablishfishandwildlifehabitatandimproveairqualityo EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)respondstoimportantlocallyidentified
natural resource concerns Funds cover conservationplanningdesignand installation Itmayincludestrategiessuchasnoxiousweedcontrolbrushmanagementpasturehaylandplantingterracesandgroundcover
o GroundampSurfaceWaterConservation (GSWC) supports installationof irrigation related
conservation practices Strategies funded arewater catchment basinsmicroͲirrigationroofrunoffetc
o GrasslandReserveProgram(GRP)assistslandownersandoperatorsintherestorationand
protectionofgrasslandincludingrangelandandpasturelando WildlifeHabitat IncentiveProgram (WHIP) utilized for thecreationand improvementof
fish and wildlife habitat on private land Some practices funded include developingwetlandripariananduplandareas
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 59
o Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) wetland restoration enhancement or creation on
privatelando FarmampRanchlandProtectionProgram(FRPP)helpingstatetribalorlocalgovernmentto
purchasethedevelopmentrightstokeepproductivefarmandranchlandinagriculturaluseo Conservation Security Program (CSP) rewards farmers for protecting and improving the
environment Pays producerswho historically practice good stewardship on agriculturallandsandprovidesincentives
OtherprogramsadministeredthroughNRCSanditsaffiliatesincludeo AgriculturalDevelopment Program (ADP) provides funds to Resource Conservation and
DevelopmentCouncils throughout the nation to administer grants for community drivenprojectsthatpromoteagriculturaldevelopment
o Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) stimulates the development and adoption of
innovativeconservationapproachesand technologieswhile leveraging federal investmentinenvironmentalenhancementandprotectioninconjunctionwithagriculturalproduction
o CooperativeEcosystemStudiesUnit(CESU)provideopportunitiesforinterdisciplinaryand
multiͲagency research technical assistance and education Function as ldquovirtualrdquoorganizationslinkingseveralinstitutionstoincreaseaccesstoexpertiseandfacilities
ImproveRanchingPracticesampMaximizeUseampPotentialofSlaughterhouseThebroaderimpactfortheislandinhavingitsownslaughterhousethemostadvancedfacilityin theStateofHawaii is the revitalizationofMolokairsquos ranching industryWherequalityandincreased volume are paramount ranchers with the right tools may take advantage ofconsumer trends towards making healthier food choices through offering MolokaiͲgrowngrassͲfedorganicbeefasavalueͲaddednicheproduct
TherehavebeencriticismsaboutthequalityofMolokaibeef intermsoftaste Whilevisitorsandhealthconsciousindividualstendtobemorewillingtospendupto$5lbonlocalgrassfedbeeftheaverageMolokaiconsumertendstobemoreconcernedabouttasteAccordingtotheslaughterhousemanagerhighqualitypastureyieldshighqualitybeefandisapreͲrequisiteforenteringanichemarket Ranchersherearenot focusedongrass finishing theircattle HighqualitygrassgrownunderbestmanagementpracticesisneededtocreateagreatbeefproductItwill take time for the ranching industry to see the valueof adopting greatermeasures inalignmentwithorganicranchingpreceptstocaptureanichemarket
Venisonand lambshowmarketpotential Itwillbe interestingtotracktheprogressofthese
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 60
potential enterprises in the years ahead It is recommended thatMolokairsquos stateͲofͲtheͲartslaughterhousebeutilizedtoprocessanddistributemore localmeatandavarietyofanimalsforretailprocessingaswellasvalueͲaddedfooddevelopmentAdditionallythepossibilityandrequirements for processing goat through the slaughterhouse and the potentialmarket fortheseanimals shouldbe furtherexploredasaway toget feralgoats (andmoredeer)downfromthemountainasathreattouplandnativeforestsandontotheplateWemustbegintolookatwaystoturnthreatsintoopportunities
SustainableRanchingThe community has identified as a priority the support of ldquocontinued livestockͲraisingoperationsonMolokaithatusesustainablelandwatermanagementpracticestominimizetheriskoferosionandtoprotectMolokairsquoslimitedwaterresourcesrdquo94Sust`ĈinableMolokaihasbeenresearchingwaystobringthetoolsofHolisticManagementtoMolokai ranchers Theholisticmanagement framework touchesupon theways thatanimalscan play an important role in renewing the land through careful management andunderstandingthewatercyclemineralcycleenergyflowandecosystemdynamics Throughthismethodgrasslandscanbe improved tominimizenegativeeffectsofdroughtrebuildsoilandsequestercarbonaswellasprovidegoodpastureforhoovedanimalswhoareintegratedinto themanagement plan With holisticmanagement livestock actually provide a healingeffectonthelandthroughmimickingnatureandwildherdingbehaviorAnimalscanbeutilizedtoaerate the soilandaid in theplantingofgrass seedwith theirhooveswhilecontributingnutrientstothesoilfromtheirfeceswithhighdensitygrazingforshortperiodsfollowedbyarestorativeperiod Outcomesof this sustainablewayofmanagement include reduced costsand increased profits for the ranch more productive range land biologically active soilsreversal of desertification of eroded lands drought protection restorative effect on thewatershedimprovedwildlifehabitatandecosystemsandfoodsecurityRanchersaroundtheworldhavemetwithgreatsuccessthroughthismethodTherearesomeexamplesontheBigIslandofsuccessfulranchingwithHolisticManagementprinciplesWithappropriateplanningcollaboration and raising the necessary funds Sust`ĈinableMolokai would like to bring aHolisticManagementtrainingworkshoptoassisttheranchingcommunityStrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparednessOne farm business Kumu Farms has taken an active role in responding to food securityconcernsforMolokaiKumuFarmsaftertherecenttsunamiscarebegantoconsiderhowtheycouldhelpinincreasingMolokairsquosfoodsecurityandresiliencetodisastereventsKumuFarmsadoptedapolicy thatmakesMolokai firstpriority in termsof supplying the islandrsquosproduceneedsMolokaineedsaretakencareoffirstwiththesurplusexportedtotherestoftheStateandUSmainland
94MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 61
UH CTAHRwill be providing an `Ohana Gardening class for subsistence gardening Familygardens are the bestway to provide food security There is a phrase by Geoff Lawton arenowned permaculture teacher ldquoOne can solve all problems in a gardenrdquo In a gardendistributionandtransportationissuesareautomaticallyresolvedOthermeasuresthatcanbetaken to make food readily accessible to families and minimize the amount of time andresources to travel by foot is toworkwith families to plant breadfruit trees sweet potatobananaswet or dryland taroMany Hawaiian families particularly living on kuleana landsalreadyhavetheseplantsandtrees inthegroundasdirectbeneficiariesoftheirkupunawhocommonlyprovidedforthefamilyrsquosneedsrightintheirownbackyardOne farmer would like to see food forests on the mountain sides in every ahupua`aCollaborationwith large landownerscommunitygroupsand theahaki`ole leadershipwouldbeagoodstartingpointtocoordinatethistypeofworkMolokairsquos strength also lies in its diversified agriculture and family farms The use of largeacreagesof farm land forbiotech seedcropsutilized for researchpurposesonly impacts theislandrsquos food security and ability to produce food Typical industrialmonocrop culture alsoleavestheislandmorevulnerabletomasscropfailureGreaterresilienceisfoundthroughdiversificationoffoodcropsReintroducingthepracticeofseedsavingandgrowingmanyvarietiesofheirloomseedsadaptedtospecificgrowingregionsand climate regimes is away to increase food security Greater effortmust be placed increatingaseedbankpreservingandplantingexistingseedvarietiesparticularlycreatedbytheearlyHawaiians and passed down to the present generation and cultivating new varietiesadaptedtoonersquosgrowingareaRestoration ofWaikolu Valley was identified as a priority project under theMaui CountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)processTherestorationprojectwouldentailallowinghomesteaderstorestorethetaroterracesinthevalleyandreplanttaro95Molokairsquosgreat inventoryoffishpondsandmassivefringingreefsystemarealsoassetstotheislandrsquosabilitytoproducefoodCaremustbetakentorestoreuplandforeststostopsiltationandrunoffintotheoceanandfishpondsWorkmustbeundertakentorestoremorefishpondsandputthembackintoproduction
95Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter4ndashMauiCountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy2010ShortRangePriorityProjectsp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 62
ConclusionFarming is challenging onMolokai due to limited water resources high operational costsshippinghurdlesandtheabilitytogeta fairprice forproduce farmed Thesechallengesarenot insurmountable ifapproachedsystematicallyandcontinuedeffortsandcommitmentsaremade byMolokairsquos community to support local agriculture through education and creatingstructuresthatpoolresourcesandpeopletogetherThe island ismadestrongerby theassetswehavearichcultural legacyof `Ĉinamomonaapopulation thatmaintains traditional subsistence practices and upholds agriculture as theeconomic mainstay for the island lands fishponds and reefs capable of producing vastamounts of food a strongHawaiianHomestead farming community engaged in diversifiedagriculture a college and demonstration farm that offers agriculture certificate and degreeprograms local stateͲofͲtheͲart slaughterhousea community run commercialkitchen facilityforvalueͲadded foodproductionand trainingdedicatededucatorsandagricultureextensionagents from the University to help farmers in the field and an environment that ismorecooperativethancompetitiveintermsofsharingknowledgeandbestpractices
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 63
VI APPENDICES
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sustrsquoaina ble Molokai Survey Food Production amp Security
Do you care or think about where your food comes from ___yes ___no Do you prefer to buy local Molokai food products __ yes ___no __no preference Would you eat more local food if it were available __yes __no If yes what would you like to eat or buy if made grown on Molokai_______________________________________________________________________________ Do you feel you have access to locally grown food in the grocery stores and open markets ___yes ___no If no
what do you suggest to improve this situation_______________________________________________________
Are you a farmer or interested in farming ____ yes ____no If yes how old are you_________________
If yes what do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other ________________________________
What produce do you (plan to) farm_______________ ______________________________________ How much land are you farming (or is available for you) a Less than one acre b 1 ndash 5 acres c 15 - 40 acres d 40 acres or more
Do you grow your own food (farm gardening) _____ yes ______no If no what is the primary reason for not
growing your own food __Too busy __ Not interested __ Relying on others __Disabled __ Donrsquot know
how Other Reason _____________________________
Approximately what percentage of the food you eat is Prepared at home ______ Purchased from a restaurant ______ (total should equal 100)
Of the food you prepare at home approximately what percentage is grown caught andor produced (total should equal 100)
a By you andor your family ______ b On Molokai_______ c In Hawaii ________ d Outside Hawaii________
Would you grow food for sale if there were a viable market (guaranteed customer) (or more food if you already grow)
__Yes __No What subsistence activities do you do If none why (no interest no time donrsquot know how)
aHunting b FishingDiving c Gathering (what___________________) Other ______________ None because _______________________
To practice subsistence on Molokai we need our natural resources to be in good conditionprotected and we need access Which one is a bigger concern for you ___Conditionprotection of our natural resources ___Access to natural areasresources ___Both ndash equally
Overall how important is subsistence to your family ___Very Important ___Somewhat important
___Somewhat Unimportant ___Not Important at all
About what percent of your familyrsquos food comes from subsistence activities (fishing hunting gathering raising
animals cultivation) ________
AppendixA-FoodProduc0onampSecuritySurvey
Food Production ndash Informant Interviews ndash Farmers
Sustainable Molokai is creating an online database where we are inputting information about the islandrsquos food production We want to share what you are growing as well as include your manarsquoo on the status of Molokairsquos food supply Once this information is available to the public the island community would have a picture of what is going on in terms of food security and how we can all get together to fill in the gaps and meet needs
How old are you how long have you been farming
What produce do you farm or are interested in farming How much land is available for you
What has been your best cash crop
Has farming your specific productproduce been successful
What do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other___________________________
Do you sell or plan to sell food mostly on island What is your vision for an agricultural future for this island
AppendixB-InterviewQues0onsforFarmers
Food Security Interview Questions for Businesses
Sustainable Molokai is working on a database project which is collecting information about Molokairsquos food production We are surveying the community and would like to talk story with the islandrsquos grocery stores
Out of a 100 how much percentage of what you sell out of the store is locally grownproducedmade
If itrsquos not Molokai made where does the produce come that is being sold out of the store
What Molokai madegrown products do you sell out of the store
What are the requirements for local food to be sold out of your store (eg business license)
What is the most popularsuccessful or fastest selling local product sold
What do you consider to be the challenges that farmers face on Molokai
What would you like to sell that is Molokai made
Do you have any suggestions to potential farmers food businesses on Molokai What to sell when to sell etc
AppendixC-InterviewQues0onsforBusinesses
HighShippingCosts35Theft35Fire35NotEnoughLandtoFarmandCompetingUsesforAgricultureLand35LowPricesOfferedforLocalProduceNotEnoughDemandforGoodsAndProductInconsistency36LackofSupportforAgriculture36NeedforAdditionalEducationandTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunity37RanchingandtheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeChallengeswithMolokaiBeef37Slaughterhouse37LambSheep39DeerRanching39Aquaculture40
AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparation41
V Recommendations43
MitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElements43
Wind43Drought-ProofingReforestation43ProtectingWaterResourceRights44WildAnimalControl44IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth45
AddressingHighOperationalCosts46
EquipmentAccess46Shipping46
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoods47Marketing47FarmersMarketandCommunitySupportedAgriculture47AchievingFinancialSustainabilitythroughMIFFStrategy49Value-AddingandGoingOrganic50Agri-Tourism52ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms54OutreachandEducation55
IncreasingConsumerAwareness55EducatingFarmers56OtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchers58
ImproveRanchingPracticesandMaximizeUseandPotentialofSlaughterhouse59StrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness6o
VI Conclusion62
VII Appendices
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 1
Moloka`i pedia Molokai Agriculture Needs Assessment
I INTRODUCTIONMolokairsquosCulturalandHistoricLegacyasanAgriculturalBreadbasketFlyingover thesmallislandofMolokai(38mileslong10wide)oneisabletoseemuchoftheculturersquosrichheritagethe remnants of over 60 ancient Hawaiian fishponds stringing the coastline like lei (flowergarlands) thatonceheldhundredsof tonsof fish Inlandone seesalsoovergrown terracedtaro fields stretching into every ahupua`a (valley characterized as highly productive selfͲsustaining landdivisions spanning from themountaindown to the sea)These lo`i (wet taropatches)were craftedbybrilliantengineerswho channeled coolwaters throughan intricatesystemof`auwai(irrigationditches)thatmeanderedbetweenstreamandsuccessivepatchesenteredthestreamoncemoreandfedthelokoi`a(fishponds)Fromhistorictimesthisislandwascalled`Ĉinamomona(thefatorabundantland)Itproducedsomuchsurplusthatiteasilyfed armies of people from neighboring islands The people were inherently generous asscarcitydidnotexist
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 2
The Land and People Past and Present This island also produced themost famed andpowerful kahuna (priests) known for their Pule O`o (potent and ripened prayers) KahunafinishingschoolsforhigherlearningwerefoundhereMolokaiisalsoKaHulaPikobirthplaceof the dance (the giving and expression of life) and also the origin of its counterpart lua(martialartsasbringerofdeath)Togethertheyformthenecessarydualityofthehealerandwarrior to become one complete artOne comes to know the descendants of this land toexpressthatsamedualityakindnessandfriendlyopennessmingledwithanintenseferocityasprotectorsanddefendersofMolokaiNuiAHinaGreatChildofHinaSeventyͲtwopercent(72)ofMolokairsquospopulation isofNativeHawaiianancestryThe islandhasnostoplightsandnobuildingstallerthanacoconuttree Cardoorsarerarely locked AtrafficͲjamonMolokai isdescribedastwovehiclesstopped inthemiddleoftheroadwhiletheiroccupantstalkstoryanddriversbehindthemwaitpatientlyfortheconversationtoendAt least oneͲthird of the averageMolokai familys diet comes from traditional subsistenceactivities(huntingfishinggatheringandfarming)Itiscommonpracticetoexchangefishforvenisonbreadfruitfortaroandtogivefoodtokupuna(elders)whonolongercanfishorhuntforthemselves Whilenostrangertowestern influencesandthetragedyofthecommonsoftheislandsMolokaihasbestmanageditsnaturalresourcesandmaintainedagreatersenseofitsheritageas`ĈinamomonaSubsistenceandMolokairsquosEconomy As theplanemakes itsdescent the islandmoves intogreaterfocusOneseesadeepscarringofthelanddenudedlandscapesfromtheintroductionofhoovedanimals (goatdeerandcattle)decadesofheavyranchinghugewaterdiversionsthat were used for destructive plantation agriculture and now in support of the GMOcompaniesEroded gullies transport silt into the sea chokingonce abundant fishpondswithtoxic chemicalͲladen soils and inundating the largest contiguous fringing reef in the USDespite declining resources Molokai residents persist by supplementing their diet withsubsistence foods grown gathered caught fished andhuntedOne can say thepeoplenotonlysubsiston traditional foodsasaculturalpracticebutoutofnecessityBurdenedwitha12unemployment ratecoupledbyahighcostof living (gascostscurrentlyat$549gallonhighshippingcostsofgoodsbroughtbybargethatarepasseddowntothefamilyrsquosgrocerybilland100dieselpoweredelectricitycosting45centskwh)thepeopleturntotraditional lifeskillstostretchtheirdollarsTheyalsorelyonextended`ohana(families)andfriendsformutualbarteringandgoodwillAPlaceofContrasts Upon landingonMolokairsquos shortairstripone cannothelpbut takeacooling and restorative breath and absorb the surroundings of a truly beautiful andmostspecial island Over timeone realizes thatMolokai is aplaceof contrastswherepast andpresentabundanceandscarcityeaseandhardshipoccupythesamespaceOnewondershowtochangetheparadigmsothebestofthepastbecomesthe futureandthe futurebecomesthe present ͲͲwhere the land flourishes and the people thriveOur goal is to become theabundanceourancestorssaweverydayoftheir livesthatwemayrestorethepono (balanceandrightrelationship)andembracethetruemeaningofsustainability
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 3
MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandandtheWorkofSust`ĈinableMolokaiResidentstookitupon themselves to compile decades of community planning and identified cultural andfoundational values into a culminating and living document titled ldquoMolokai Future of AHawaiianIslandrdquo Itsetthestagefortheworkour islandwillundertakeforthenext40yearsandbeyond Itservedasacalltoactionthatresulted inthe formationofthisgrassrootsͲlednonprofit organization Sust`ĈinableMolokai The document has attracted the interests ofdecisionͲmakers in state and local government conservationists and environmentalistsHawaiian and other indigenous groups and green innovators It examines community andculturalvalues forwhich futuredecisionͲmakingshallbeguided It identifiesopportunities ineducation (both modern and traditional) business and vocational training diversifiedagricultureandaquacultureresponsible landusemanagementrestorationandstewardshiptomaintainopenspaceandprotecttraditionalsubsistencehostͲbasedculturallyappropriatemodels for tourism green jobs promoting energy selfͲsufficiency water conservationconvertingrelianceonfossilͲfuelͲpoweredautomobilestothoserunonrenewableenergyandatraditional`ahaki`olelocalgovernancestructurethatraisescommunityparityAs coͲauthors of this document our core leadership subsequently founded a grassrootsinitiativein2008toensurethattheplanwouldnotsitonashelftoholdunfulfilledcommunityhopesanddreams In2010weofficially incorporatedasa501(c)(3)nonprofitto implementtheplanpreserveourislandsrichcultureandhistoriclegacyof`ĈinamomonawhileembracingmodernpathwaystoasustainablefutureTheSust`ĈinabilityWheel
We define sust`Ĉinability in terms of restoringabundance or `Ĉinamomona to the land and people`ina reflects a covenant between the people and thelandwhereEarthsbountygoeshandinhandwithgoodstewardshipWeaskedourselveswhatmakesahappyhealthy and sust `Ĉina ble community We came upwiththe12priorityareasWesawthese12componentsas spokes on awheel connected to a central hub thatheldthemalltogetherThatcoreisthelokahi(unity)andthepono(harmony)betweenthelandandpeoplewhenwehonorthecovenantthatcomeswiththeword`INA
12ndashPOINTSUST`INABILITYWHEEL
CulturalIdentity LocalGreenEconomy CulturalandEnvironmentalEducation
FoodSovereigntyandSecurity WaterQualityandConservation RenewableEnergy
EnergyEfficientTransportation GreenBuildingandAffordableHousing
HealthyEnvironmentandAbundantResources
ResponsibleLandUseandProtectingSubsistence
ZeroWasteRecyclingandReͲUse CommunityHealthSafetyandWellͲBeing
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 4
Moloka`iͲpedia and the Agriculture Needs Assessment Moloka`iͲpedia is a projectundertakenbySust`ĈinableMolokaiforthepurposeofcreatingstrongercommunitynetworksinformingkeystakeholdersincreasingequityandaccesstopublicandprivatepartnershipsandresources andmobilizing our people to build as well asmeasure our progress towards asustainablefutureTheconceptforMoloka`iͲpediastemsfromour2009Sust`ainableMolokaiResource Guide that is based on our 12Ͳspoke Sustainability Wheel Positive communityinvolvementhaspromptedtheexpansionofthisworkTheprojectaddressesthecurrentlackof data specifically for our geographic area The majority of information on Molokai issubsumed within a triͲisle county system that does not account for the vast differencesbetween our rural island of 7345 to tourismͲfocused Lanai and urbanMauiwith amuchhigherpopulationdensityFurtherthereisnodatacollectiononthe12areasofsustainabilityidentified by our project Moloka`iͲpedia also seeks to address the isolation that manyindividualsandorganizationsoperate inThis siloͲeffectmakesusall ineffectiveSust`ĈinableMolokaiaimstoutilizeMoloka`iͲipediaasatooltoshowhowvariousentitiescanbenefitfromcollaboratingPublicprivateandnonprofitentitieswillbeabletoaccessspecificdatasetsseeaclearpictureofneedsͲtoͲassetsratiosmobilizecollectivelytofillexistinggapsandcapitalizeonavailableassetsandresourcestoachievesharedgoalsOuronlineopensourcedatabase isbeingorganizedalongthe12spokesoftheSust`ĈinabilityWheel Within each section we are collecting baseline and new data to provide acomprehensiveoverviewintheformofaldquoneedsandassetsassessmentrdquoofMolokairesourcesOncecompletewewillbeabletoseewhatwehaveandwhatismissingThiswillinformournext stageofworkandhelpus toeffectivelypursue solutionsonourpath to sustainabilityMoloka`iͲpediawillassistus inoureducationtrainingandadvocacyworkhelpusto identifyexistingcommunityassetsandinherentchallengesandfillcomplementaryrolesthatadvancelocaleffortsThisvehiclewillfacilitatethekuleana(responsibility)weplaceonourselvestobearchitectsofourowndestinyand indevelopinghomegrownsolutionsthatworkbest Inoursuccessothersalsosucceed Ourstrategyaimsto identifypartnershipsbetween individualscommunitygroupsbusinessesgovernmentalagenciesandotherserviceproviderswhocouldbenefitfromworkingtogetherWe envision Moloka`iͲpedia to serve as a tool for citizen empowerment returning dataownership to community toeffectmeaningful change and solutionsMoloka`iͲpediaensurescommunityselfͲdetermination inhowdata iscollectedandutilizednot justscientificallybutresponsibly ethically andwith good intent Itnecessitatesongoing community engagementwithnotonlythedataandthetechnologybutalso insharing ideasMoloka`iͲpediawillgiveeverydaypeopleaccesstoreal informationthat is importanttothemandthat improvestheirlivesespecially inatimeofgovernment inefficiencyandwastewheredecisionmakersoftendisconnectandabdicatetheirfiduciaryresponsibilityforthepeopleandplacestheyrepresentWhencitizensdetermine for themselveswhatdatasourcesare informationͲrichandofgreatvalue (including stories shared by kupuna farmers fishermen teachers coaches and
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 5
grassroots leaders)then life isbreathed intothedataand ithasthepowertotransform livesforthebetterThefirstsustainabilitytopicwehavebeguntosurveyourpopulationonisinFoodProductionToaidus in thisendeavorwesearchedexisting literatureonagriculturegenerallyaswellascombed through references toMolokaiͲspecificagriculture Thisbaselineworkhelpedus todetermine gaps in the data and refine our interview and survey questions The followingbackground information isprovidedtohelp layafoundationandcontextualbackdropforourstudy
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 6
II BACKGROUND
AStatewideOutlook
Agriculture isamajorcontributortoHawai`irsquoseconomyand isessential forproviding foodtoresidentsaswellasgeneratingrevenuethrougharobustexportmarket1Agriculturegenerates$29billion toHawai`irsquosannualeconomyandproduces42000 jobs2However there ismuchroomfor improvement intermsofprovidingenoughfoodforthe islandsaswellas increasingrevenuesfortheState
From Plantation Agriculture to Biotech Seed Crops Towards the end of the 20th centurymonocropplantationagriculture(sugarpineapple) lost itseconomicedgedueto lowerwageforeign competition3 Industrialized corporate agriculture in Hawai`i has shifted to biotechcropsnamelygeneticallymodifiedseedcornresearch4
WhilebiotechseedcropshaveprovenmosteconomicallylucrativeforHawai`iagriculturewithaprofitvalueof$177million in the2008Ͳ2009growingseason5allocatingpreciousacreageand limitedwaterresources toGMOseedcropresearchwould in the longͲtermcompromisethe Statersquos overall food security and limit the Statersquos ability to provide locally healthy andnutritiousfoodsIndustrialnonͲsustainablefarmingpracticesthatincludeheavyapplicationofsynthetic fertilizers and pesticides further degrade the ecological health and viability ofHawai`irsquosprimeagriculturallandsforpresentandfuturegenerations
AgroecologyHawai`irsquosgeographic isolationasan islandarchipelago leaves itmostvulnerableto food and fuel shortages natural disasters drought and rising sea levels associatedwithglobal climate change Measures to increase resilience and adaptability include adoptingagroecological approaches ldquoapply[ing] ecological science to the design of agricultural1State of Hawai`i Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism Office of Planning Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)ExecutiveSummaryii20102HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday3Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp4Ͳ5 ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50million Likewise thepineapple industryproduced954000 tonsof fruit in1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74millionͶHawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp5ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50millionLikewisethepineappleindustryproduced954000tonsoffruitin1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74million5ldquoTheHawaiiDepartmentofAgricultureestimatesthevalueofseedcorngrowingat$169millioninthe200809growingseasonmorethandoublethevaluefromthe200506ItrepresentedaboutoneͲthirdthevalueofallcropsgrowninthestatein200809rdquo5Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp30Ͳ31
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 7
systemsrdquo6Thismethodology includespracticesthatenhancethe life inthesoilthatprovidesnutritiousorganic food integratedpestmanagement throughguildingwithbeneficialplantsandtreesandattractingnaturalpredatorinsectsandanimalstoprotectcropsandselectingforbiodiversitytominimizecroplosses
Organic Farming Renewed interest in sustainable agricultural practices have arisen from aburgeoning organic industry and standards for organic certification that stress ecologicallybased farming and exclusion of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and geneticallymodifiedorganisms7TheUSorganicindustrynetted$178billioninretailsalesin2007approximately25intotalnationalfoodsales8Worldwidevalueoforganicproducestoodat$30billionasof2005witha14annualincreasesince20009Acreagededicatedtoorganicagriculturehasincreased20annuallysince2001with78millionacresinproductionworldwideasof200610Hawai`irsquos growth hasmirrored global and national trendswith State sales of organic cropsincreasing60between2005and2007from$5millionto$8million11Organic foods have becomemoremainstream with outlets including regular supermarketsrather than just the typical small natural food outposts12Whole FoodsMarket Inc has inrecentyearsestablishedapresenceinHawai`iWithitsreputationforbuyingfromsmalllocalfarmers the presence ofWhole Foods serves as an incentive for Hawai`i farmers to groworganicfood13Thereareanestimated200certifiedorganicproducers intheStateoperatingon a median of 5Ͳ13 acres of land14 The Big Island holds the most acreage for organicproductionat58followedbyMaui(22)Kaua`i(11)Molokai(7)andOahu(2)15TheindustrywillcontinuetoexpandwithincreasingconsumerpreferencefororganicfoodsBuyLocalEatLocalCommonthemesaroundagricultureemergedfromfocusgroupmeetingsconductedaspartofHawai`irsquos2010StatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS) These included support for diversified agriculture and increasing food security bysupportingFarmersMarketsandldquoBuyLocalEatLocalrdquo initiatives16TheHawai`iFarmBureauFederation StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculture andUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UHͲCTAHR) have sponsored these type ofcampaignsademphasizethefollowing
6UnitedNationsHumanRightsOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRightsEcoͲFarmingcandoublefoodproductionin10yearssaysnewUNreportMarch82011httpwwwohchrorgENNewsEventsPagesDisplayNewsaspxNewsID=10819ampLangID=E7RadovichTheodoreJLindaJCoxandJamesRHollyerldquoOverviewofOrganicFoodCropSystemsinHawai`irdquoCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesSustainableAgricultureNov2009SAͲ38RadovichCoxandHollyer20099RadovichCoxandHollyer200910RadovichCoxandHollyer200911RadovichCoxandHollyer200912RadovichCoxandHollyer200913RadovichCoxandHollyer200914RadovichCoxandHollyer200915RadovichCoxandHollyer200916Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)2010ExecutiveSummaryii
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 8
1 Enjoyexceptionaltasteandfreshnesspremiumtastemaximumfreshnessproducepicked
andeatenclosertoitsheightofripenesspackedwithnutrients2 Strengthen your local economy and community buying local food keeps your dollars
circulatinginyourcommunityBuildingrelationshipswiththefarmerswhogrowyourfoodstrengthensyourtiestothecommunityandtheland
3 Helppreserveopen space by supporting local farmersbuying local foodhelpspreservegreenopenspaceinyourcommunity
Part of this campaign also acknowledges lessening the Statersquos ecological footprint anddependenceonfossilfuelsfromheavyimportsfromthemainlandthathavemoreldquofoodmilesrdquoassociatedwiththemascomparedtolocallypurchasedfoodDiversifiedAgriculture Hawai`irsquosagriculture industrycapitalizesonthe islandsrsquotropicalyearͲroundgrowingclimateanduniquefeaturesthatallowfornicheindustries17Moresmallfarmshave gained a foothold in the diversified agriculture sector through cultivation of specialtycropssuchastropical fruitsmacadamianutscoffee flowersand freshproducesoldaroundtheglobe18TheldquoGrowninHawai`irdquobrandingisrecognizedaroundtheworldasaguaranteeofhighqualitydelicacies19Hawai`iRegionalCuisinehasalsobecomeknownforitsutilizationofthe freshest seafoodveggiesand tropical fruits inaunique fusionofEastWestand islandflavors20
In2008farmproductionindiversifiedagricultureproduced12200jobsthroughouttheState21Proactive measures to revitalize Hawaiirsquos agriculture industry through diversification hasbroughtrevenuesthatarecomparabletotheStatersquosearlyheydayswhensugarandpineapplewereking In2002HawaiirsquosAgriculturalFarmRevenuecrossed$5359million22Diversifiedagricultureaccountsfor69ofannualrevenueswithpineapple(19)andunprocessedcanesugar(12)trailingbehind23
AgriͲTourism Agriculture is also proving important to tourism Hawai`irsquos top economicengine24VisitorinterestinecoͲtoursagriͲtoursandculturallyauthenticexperiencesisontherise25 In2006agritourismbrought in$388million in revenueas reportedby112Hawai`iͲ
17Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp1218HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday19HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday20HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday21Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp2922ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200823ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200824HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday25HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 9
based farmsan increaseof14 from2003 figures ($339million)26The leadingcategoryofrevenuereceived fromagriͲtourswas$121million inonͲfarmdirectsalestovisitors27Otheractivitiesyieldingprofit includedbedandbreakfastamenitiesprovidingmeeting spacesandvenuesforeducationandentertainmentandoutdoorrecreation28
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent
FromancienttimesMolokaiwaswellknownas`Ĉinamomona(theldquofatrdquoorabundantland)foritswealthasanislandthatproducedfoodinsurplusfromitsverdantahupua`aandnumerousfishponds As on all Hawaiian islands Molokairsquos people and the natural resources weremanagedundertheahupua`asystemTheahupua`awasaunitoflandtypicallywedgeͲshapedrunning frommauka tomakai (mountain tosea)and following thenaturalboundariesof thewatershedThesystemwascomprisedofwaoakua(sacredplaceofthegods)uplandforeststhatgatheredtherainsTheareawassubjecttolimiteduses(egforkiamanubirdcatcherstogatherfeathersforcloakshelmetsandkahiliforthekahunakĈlaiwa`atoharvestkoaforcanoebuilding)and forceremonialpurposes Themountain forestswerepreserved intacttoformandprotectthewatershedandcarrynutrientslowerdowntheahupua`aintowaokanaka(thepeoplersquosdomain)Herethepeoplewerefreetogatheravarietyofplantsfordailyneedshardwood ofthe kauila tocarve ihe(spears) andmake toolsandimplementsolonĈ tocreate strongcordage forfishnets andfish linesmedicinalherbs `ie`iefor lashinghouse postsand canoesand maile forleiThefertileplains and fields were known as the kula lands a place rich in agriculture These landscontainedancientfeatsofwaterengineeringcontouredterracingoffieldsplantedintarothatslowedthepathofthewaterandallowedformaximumsoakageThewatercollectedandfed
26GeislerMalindaldquoagritourismprofilerdquoAgMRCagriculturalmarketingresourcecenterUpdatedJanuary2012httpwwwagmrcorgcommodities__productsagritourismagritourismͲprofile27Geisler201228Geisler2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 10
numerousspringsbelow`Auwai(irrigationditches)transportedwaterfromkahawai(streams)tomultiple lo`i(taropatches)andreturnedthewateroncemoreto itssourceTarobanana`ulu(breadfruit)tileafkƃ(sugarcane)wereallcultivatedinthekularegionFaunaharvestedfrom streams included `o`opu (goby) `opae (shrimp) and hihiwai (snail) Grasslandswereconverted to agricultural fields of `uala (sweet potato) Other kinds of plants and treescultivated here included kukui (candlenut) `ohe (bamboo) and lauhala (pandanus) At thebottomofthevalleyspringscarryingnutrientsfromaboveflowedalongtheshorelineandseaHere loko i`a (fishponds)were constructed to farm fish Thesewalled fishponds form semiͲcirclesalongtheshorelineandaredesignedasmicroͲenvironmentsforcertainbrackishwaterand herbivorous fish likemullet and awa (milkfish) that feed on abundantmats of algaetherebyproducingfoodforthepeoplewithouthavingtoapplyexcessivefishingpressurealongthereefandopenoceanExistingwithintheahupua`awasastrictcodeofconduct(kapusystem)amongstthepeopleofthe land (hoa`Ĉina) as delegated and enforced by the ali`i (chiefs) and their konohiki (landagents)forthecarefulmanagementofthenaturalresourcesThehoa`Ĉinapossessedrightsofgathering and usage of the natural resourceswithin their ahupua`a of residencewith theunderstandingthattheyalsohadkuleana(responsibility)tomĈlama(carefor)thelandandseaandharvestappropriatelyfornomorethantheirneeds Theyengaged inpo`alimacollectiveworkdayswherethepeoplepooledtheir labortoengage inpublicworks improvementssuchas constructing additional lo`i and `auwai and building fishponds From the conscientiousmanagementof the landwatersand seaand themaintenanceofgenealogicaland spiritualrelationshipstothenaturalworldtheresourceswerebroughttoastateofabundanceTheahupua`asystemsustainedthepeopleforcenturiesUponCaptainCookrsquosarrivaltotheHawaiianislandsin1778heestimatedthepopulationtobebetween 20000 to 3600029 Introduced diseases for which the people had no immunitydecimatedthepopulationthroughouttheislandsBy1836Molokairsquospopulationhaddwindledtoanestimated8700andwasfurtherreducedto2307peoplebythetimeacensuswastakenneartheturnofthecenturyin189630Kamehamehabroughtabout theunificationofall the islandsunderoneKingdomofHawai`iWesterninfluencesandtheteachingsofChristianmissionariesbroughtaboutdecisionsamongtheali`itoabolishthekapusystem(1819)privatizeanddeconstructtheahupua`a(Maheleof1848)Whilethechiefsreceivedtheirapportionmentoflandsmanyhoa`Ĉinaoutofignorancetrust intheirchiefstocare fortheirwellͲbeingandgovern them justlyor for fearofreprisalfailed to register land claims to small kuleana parcels that would have kept them with acomfortablepieceoflandtomaintaintheir`ohana(family)withhale(home)andgardenplotsHawai`irsquosentry into the internationalmarket shifted the laborof themaka`Ĉinana (commonpeople) away from agriculture and towardsdeforestationof theupland forests to fulfill the
29MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml30MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 11
kingdomrsquos sandalwood tradewithChina Otherenterprises includedwhalingandplantationagriculture that brought immigrants from around theworld toHawai`irsquos shores and alteredwatershedsthroughthediversionofwatersfrom lushwindwardvalleystodry leewardplainsforthemassproductionofsugarcaneandpineappleWithoutwatertoirrigatetheirtarofieldsmanywere forced toabandon the lo`iandmake for thecityManyMolokai families left theisland insearchofwork inthemorecommercialcenters locatedonMauiandOahu31ThosewhostayedbehindmaintainedtheirconnectiontotraditionalpathwaysandsubsistencelivingEarlyunsuccessfulagriculture trialsonMolokai included sugar coffee sisalwhitepotatoescottoncorngrapesbeansbarleyoatswheatandalfalfa32Thesecropsfailedduetoheavywindsandinsects33TheareawiththegreatestpopulationconcentrationwaseastMolokaiTheeasternmostvalleyof Halawa Valley was rich in lo`i produced taro commercially and supported a thrivingcommunityuntiltwotsunamiin1946and1967devastatedthevalleyThecommercialcentersmovedtoPuko`oandthenKamalowhichheldanaturalharborforimportandexportofgoodsTheCooke family acquired the arid central andwestMolokaiplains aboutoneͲthirdof theisland These landsarenowownedbyMolokaiPropertiesLtdcommonlyknownasMolokaiRanchToattractcommercetoitslandholdingstheRanchdredgedaharborinKaunakakaiandconstructedawharf TodayKaunakakai servesas themaincenterofbusinesswithKamaloWharfhaving fallen intodisrepairandmuchof theareaemptiedof familiesTheRanchalsostrategically purchased lands thatwould give them riparian and correlative rights tomajorstreams and aquifer water in centralMolokai They diverted water to their westernmostpropertiesusedforcattleranchingMuch of their lands in Kualapu`u and Maunaloa were utilized by Dole and Del Montecompanies forpineapplecultivation34Thepineapple industryservedas theeconomicenginefortheislanduntilitphasedoutin1987duetocheaperlaborabroadTodaymanyofMolokaiRanchrsquoslandholdingsthatgrewpineapplearenowleasedforbiotechcornresearchandcoffeeproductionTheHawaiianHomesCommissionActameasuretorehabilitateNativeHawaiiansof50bloodquantumormorebyreturningthemtothe landtobuildhomesandfarmwaspassedbytheUS federal government in 1920Molokai served as the staging ground for the programrsquossuccess or failure Hawaiian Home lands were designated in the areas of Kapa`akeaKalama`ula Pala`au andHo`olehua andmore recentlyUalapu`e NativeHawaiian familiesfromneighboringislandscametoMolokaitobuildtheirhomesandmakethelandproductiveTheir early successes aided in the establishment ofmore homesteads on the other islandsWiththeinfluxofadditionalHawaiianfamiliesandJapaneseandFilipinoimmigrantstoworkinthepineapplefieldsMolokairsquospopulationhadincreasedto442735InrecentyearsMolokairsquos31MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml32MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml33MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml34MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml35MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 12
population has grown to include snowbirds and retirees from theUSmainland aswell asthose seeking amore quiet and rural lifestyle Today the population ofMolokai stands at7345
In 1987Molokairsquos livestock industrywas crippled by the StateDepartment of AgriculturersquosmandatetoeradicateallcattleontheislandduetothethreatofbovinetuberculosisAnotherheavyblowwasdealtattheclosureoftheoldslaughterhouse inKaunakakai Muchplanningfrom the grassroots level upwas undertaken to resolve this problem Commitments frommultiplecountystateandfederalpartnersinͲkindcontributionsbyvolunteermembersoftheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeandcountlessvolunteerhoursandservicesofferedbyvariouslocal businesses and individual residents led to the establishment of a new slaughterhousefacilitylocatedinHo`olehua
Erecting this stateͲofͲtheͲart facility represented a vehicle to facilitate the restoration ofMolokairsquos ranching industry and the ability for the island toproduce and sell itsownmeatRanchersandhomesteadfarmersnowhadavenuetoprocesstheiranimalsInadditiontothemoreestablishedranchesanestimated150Molokai familiesraise livestock largely forhomeconsumption With the adventof thenew slaughterhouse therearenowopportunities forthese small scale farmers to expand into commercial livestock production Stores andrestaurantsneednot import all theirmeat fromoffͲisland as theynowhave access to localmeatMoniesgeneratedcouldbenefitthecommunitydirectlyThe introduction of hooved animals toMolokai has devastated the natural ecology of theislandCattleranchingferaldeerandgoathaveerodedthelandHeavyrainstransporttonsofsilteachyearontoMolokairsquosreefsandfishpondsIntroducedmangrovehavealsodestroyedasignificant percentage of Molokairsquos fishponds Mangroves encroach and break throughfishpond walls trap sediments and choke off underwater springs such that the watercirculationandecologyarenolongerviableforfishproductionDespite thesehardshipsand setbacksover theyearsagriculture remains the cornerstoneofthe islandrsquoseconomyMolokairsquos ruralcharacter lends toacloseͲknit communitywithpeoplewhoperpetuate strong cultural values traditional subsistence and selfͲreliance Thepeopleembrace local autonomy and are very involved in local governing processes AgriculturenonprofitssmallbusinessenterprisesandlocalmomandpopstoresarethefoundationofthelongͲtermeconomyonislandMuchofthesocialculturalandserviceorientedprogramsarealsogeneratedfromthegrassroots locallevelthroughtheworkofchurchgroupsnonprofitsandunincorporatedhuiDuringtheFocusMauiNuiproceedings in2003MauiMolokaiandLana`iresidentsgatheredtostrategicallyplanafutureforMauiCountyThe120MolokaiparticipantsoutlinedchallengestheyfacedasacommunityandprovidedstrategiesandactionplanstoaddressthemMolokairesidents identified top five community priorities which included inter alia creating jobs(409) strengthening the economy (296) growingmore food locally (217) protectingandpromotingruralidentity(191)andsupportingsmallbusinessdevelopment(130)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 13
TheMaui CountyWorkforce Investment Board (WIB) Local Plan provides an Assessment ofLaborMarketTrendstodevelopaComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategyovera10yearspanOneofWIBsgoalsistofocusondiversifyingtheeconomyincludingtheagriculturalsectorandldquonicheareasrdquoTheplanrecognizestheneedforexpansioninvalueͲaddedopportunitieswhichemphasize the uniqueness ofMaui Nui The increased production andmarketing of newagricultureproductshaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketsTheplanalso identifiesentrepreneurshipasan importantgrowtharealdquoThedevelopmentofentrepreneurshipskills is importanttothesuccessofMaui [Countyrsquos]smallbusinesses Datacollected by the Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism and otherorganizationssuggestmoreandmoreresidentsaretakingtoselfͲemploymentForMolokaiasignificant number of new business startͲupswithin the past decade have been agriculturalenterprises(36total)particularlyfromtheHawaiianHomesteadareainHo`olehua36TheMolokai Education Centers Business Plan (2007) acknowledges the islands diversifiedagricultureindustryasamajorcontributortoMolokaiseconomywithroomforfuturegrowthAreas for future growth include valueͲadded food product development as a nichemarketMECsBusinessPlanaddsthatagriculturalcourseofferingsatthecollegeandrelevanttrainingwillplayasignificantroleinpreparingtheworkforceforadiversifiedeconomyWhile community and countyplanningobjectives clearly identify agriculture asaneconomicmainstay forMolokaiacomprehensiveprofileofMolokairsquosagriculture industryhasnotbeenfullyanalyzedOne of the objectives of this Needs Assessment is to determinewhereMolokai fits in theoverall Statewide picture for agriculture Has Molokai experienced similar successes andchallenges that farmers on the other islands face What are the strengths and assets ofMolokairsquos agricultural community aswell asneeds challenges andopportunities What isworkingandwhatisnrsquotWhataretheperceptionsoflocalconsumersWhatisthedemandforlocalMolokai grownproducemeat and seafood Howmany are farming What isbeingfarmedandwhereWhatarethelimitingfactorstofarmingonMolokaiIstherecommunitysupportforlocalfarmersDostoresandrestaurantsonMolokaihavestrongrelationshipswithlocal farmers and make priority for their produce and valueͲadded items How can westrengthenagricultureonMolokaiHowfoodsecureisMolokaiThesearethequestionsthatwesetouttoanswerthroughtheneedsassessment
36AkutagawaMalialdquoKƻha`oBusinessCenterndashEntrepreneurialTrainingampSupportFinalReportrdquoMarch312009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 14
III METHODS
Weadoptedthefollowingmethodsandstrategies An islandwidesurveyonfoodproductionandsecuritystartedfromFebruary27toMarch
272012(SeeAppendixforSurveyFormandResultsAnalysisSummary) Twohundredeight (208)surveyswerecompletedbytheadultmembers (overtheageof
18)ofthegeneralMolokaipopulationbringingoursamplepopulationat39Molokairsquosadultpopulationisat5401outofatotalislandpopulationof7345
Target SampleSizeADULTPOPULATION(Individualsover18
yearsofage)
208
Surveysweremadeavailableatvariouscommunity resourcecentersaswellasonlinevia
ourwebsiteEmailalertsandFacebook invitationsweremade for the tech savvy GivenMolokairsquos rural character and varying levels of knowledge and exposure of the generalpopulation to technology themost effectivemethod for data collection proved to bethroughdirectphysical inquiriesRespondentsweremost receptive toour surveyswhenofferedatourmultiplesurveytablesplaced inpublicareasparticularlystrategic locationsof commerce such as sidewalks fronting grocery stores and during various communityevents
Atotalof36 interviewswereconductedwithagricultureexpertsandeducators (3)small
andmediumͲscalefarmersandCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)operatorsgrowingdiversifiedandorganiccrops(14)deerandcattleranchers(3)fishermenandaquacultureproducers (3) localgroceryandhealth foodstores (5)meatprocessorsandvalueͲaddedfoodproducers(4)hotelandrestaurants(3)andother informants(1)(SeeAppendixforInterviewQuestionsandResultsAnalysis)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 15
Keyinterviewinformantsincluded
AgricultureExpertsampEducators
GlennTevesMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureampHumanResources(UHͲCTAHR)ph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJenniferHawkinsMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUHͲCTAHRph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJamesBoswellCertifedOrganicInspectorandAgricultureInstructorUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollegendashMolokaiFarmph(808)567Ͳ6577boswelljhawaiiedu
FarmersndashDiversifiedampOrganicCropsCastleAdolphoHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerof`inaKulaniFarmsHo`olehuaKimoKaiamaHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKaiamaFarmsHo`olehuaRickTamanahaofKaleikoaFarmsHawaiianHomesteadFamilyFarmHo`olehuaKalaniHanHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKuikamokuFarmsHo`olehuaTuddiPurdyHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm(808)567Ͳ6601wwwmolokaiͲalohacommacnutsJaneTevesHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofHuaKalaFarmHo`olehuaLynnDeCoiteHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofLampRFarmHo`olehuandashMahana(808)567Ͳ9234wwwlandrfarmscomKu`uleiArceofArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamShariLynofMali`oFarmandExecutiveDirectorofKaHalePomaika`iKamaloandUalapu`eEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8107httpwwwlocalharvestorgmalioͲfarmͲorganicallyͲgrowingͲonͲmolokaiͲM11205EllenSpruanceOwnerofPapaoHakuFarmMapulehuandKumimiEastMolokaiJamieRonzelloCSAOperatorMahanaGardensJoeKennedyPermaculturistMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanaEmanuelaVinciguerraMarketingDirectorofKumuFarmsMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanawwwkumufarmscom
RanchersEdmundPedroOwnerofPedroRanchEastMolokaiJanRoneyManagerofPu`uOHokuRanchEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8109wwwpuuohokucomfarmDesmundManabaOwnerofDJCRanchIncHo`olehuandashMahana
FishermanAquacultureProducerDedrickManabaFishermanKaunakakaiSteveChaikinOwnerofMolokaiSeaFarmPala`au(808)553Ͳ3547wwwbroodstockcomMyronAkutagawaandShermanNapoleonJrKeKua`ĈinaHanaunaHouPuko`oEastMolokai
MeatProcessorValueͲAddedProducersJackSpruanceDirectorofMolokaiLivestockCooperative(MolokaiSlaughterhouse)Ho`olehuaBrendaKaneshiroBeekeeperandOwnerofMolokaiMeliKamaloEastMolokai(800)434Ͳ2550NancyGoveSaltMasterandOwnerofPacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ8484wwwpacificahawaiicomChrisMebileChongrsquosPoiShopKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ4313
GroceryStoresCrystalIgusaandStaffFriendlyMarketCenterKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5595KevinMisakiofMisakirsquosGroceryKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5505DennisTurnerOwnerofOutpostNaturalFoodsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ3377SonyaYuenOwnerofKualapu`uMarketKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ6243NaniPeleManagerofMaunaloaGeneralStoreMaunaloa(808)552Ͳ2346
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 16
HotelampRestaurants
TinaPriceManagerofKualapu`uCookhouseKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ9655GenePikeExecutiveChefatHulaShoresRestaurantHotelMolokaiKamiloloa(808)553Ͳ5347httpwwwhotelmolokaicomKerrieFeltCoͲOwnerofMolokaiBurger(808)553Ͳ3533wwwmolokaiburgercom
OtherInformantsByronEspaniolaAhaMokuRepresentativeforKaluakoiMaunaloa
WewereunsuccessfulinsecuringaninterviewwithMonsantoasthelargestemployerand
agricultureoperationonMolokai Our repeated inquiries remainedunanswered TherewereadditionalMolokaigrowersranchersaquacultureoperators fishermenstoresandrestaurantsthatwewantedto interviewbut inthe interestofgeneratingthisreport inatimelymannerwewereunabletofullymeetthisobjective
Findings were also supplemented through research of existing literature of global
statewideandMolokaiͲspecificagriculturefactsandtrendsAreviewofcurrentandpriorcommunityͲbased planning economic education and training initiatives in support ofagriculturewerealsoexaminedThesearereferencedthroughoutthedocument
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 17
IV KEYFINDINGS
Thissectionhasbeenorganizedintothefollowingcategories LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProducts MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgriculture
Producers Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengths
NeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFoodAccesstoLocallyGrownFoodWeaskedMolokairesidentsiftheyfeltaccesswasavailabletolocallygrown food in the localgrocery storesandopenmarkets78of those surveyed felttheyhaveaccesswhile13felttheydidnotAwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood
Doyoucareorthinkaboutwhereyourfoodcomesfrom
DoyouprefertobuymorelocalMolokaifoodproducts
Wouldyoueatmorelocalfoodifitwereavailable
98ofthosesurveyedwouldeatmorelocalfoodifitwasavailablewhile1wouldnot
90ofthosesurveyedprefertobuylocalMolokaifoodproductswhile2donot
94 of the sample populationcarethink about where theirfood comes from while 5 donot
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 18
QuestionWhatwouldyouliketoeatorbuyifitwasmadeorgrownonMolokai
TheMolokaipopulationwantstoeatasmuch Molokai made products aspossible Fresh vegetables and fruitsranked the highest Specificallymentioned items were kalo (taro)sweet potato brussel sprouts bittermelon cabbage olives pumpkinasparagus corn lettuce tomatoesbroccoli cucumber eggplant squashzucchini beans carrots onion garlicginger spinach melons watermelonspears strawberries and persimmonsMeat products included requests for
fishchickenporkandbeefValueaddedproductrequestsincludedhamburgersausagetofupoibutterand jamRequestswerealsomade fordairyproducts likemilkeggscheeseandgoatcheeseWhile 90 of those surveyed stated theywould buymore local food if itwas available itappearsthatsomerespondents(25people)feltthattherewasnrsquotenoughdemandonislandforlocalproduceandthatlikelyposedachallengetoMolokaifarmersWequeriedMolokairesidentsonwhattheywouldliketoseeintermsofimprovingagricultureonMolokaiandincreasingtheiraccessascustomerstolocalfoodsTheseweresomeoftheirresponses
ldquomoresupportforlocalfarmersrdquoldquo(createa)betterfarmersmarketrdquoldquobybuyinglocalrdquoldquothatstoresbuyandsellmorelocalproducerdquoldquocoͲopͲonedistributorrdquoldquolabelgmoandorganicproductssoweknowrdquo
SubsistenceWealso surveyed theMolokaipopulation todetermine someof theirpracticesaroundfoodpreparationandwhatpercentageoftheirfoodcamefromdifferentsources AswehadsurveyedMolokairsquosfarmingcommunityandanalyzedthebehavioroftheislandrsquosmaingrocerystoresonwhatitemstheyselectedtosellwewantedtoknowiftheremightbeadirectcorrelationbetweenconsumerdemand for localproductsand levelofselfͲsufficiencyamongthegeneralpopulationtoengageinsubsistenceactivitiesWe foundthatanaverage825ofthosesurveyedpreparetheir foodathomewhile174mainlyeatrestaurantͲpreparedfoods
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 19
QuestionOfthefoodyouprepareathomeapproximatelywhatpercentageisgrown
caughtandorproduced
Fromoursurveyresponsestowhatpercentageoffoodpreparedathomecamefromwhatwasgrowncaughtandorproducedby individuals themselvesonMolokai ingeneralwithin theStateofHawai`ioveralland fromoutsideofHawai`iwe found that residentsaccessed foodfromthesemultiplesourcesatanearequalratewitharangeof236to272 fromeachsourceItisinterestingtonotethat246ofthefoodpreparedintheaveragepersonrsquoshomecame frompersonal subsistence activities The figure of 272 of locally grown caught orproducedfoodsmay includebothofwhat isavailable inMolokaistoresaswellaswhatmighthave been bartered or shared by otherMolokai residents as a result of their subsistenceactivities Whenaskeddirectlywhatpercentageof food consumed comes from subsistenceactivitiesanaverageof401camefromitemsthatwerefishedhuntedgatheredraisedorgrown (to includeonersquospersonalharvestsand foodsacquiredandsharedbarteredbyothersalsoengagedinsubsistence)Thusitwouldmakesensethatcombiningthetwofiguresinthegraphaboveofpreparedfoodsgrowncaughtandorproducedbytheindividualsthemselves(246) andwhatwas acquired generally fromMolokai resources (272) either shared byothers or bought directly from the store the cumulative total being 518 one mayextrapolatefromthisdatathatthedifferencebetween518and401being117maybethe amount of locally produced foods sold in Molokairsquos stores When polled as to theimportance of subsistence activities in their lives 72 of the respondents said itwas veryimportant to them Of the13who responded that theydonotengage inany subsistenceactivitylackoftimewascitedasthegreatestreasonwhytheydidnottakepartinsubsistenceIn comparing our general data on subsistencewith the results presented in theGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReport37in1993wefoundthatsubsistencemaybeplayingan
37MatsuokaJonDaviannaMcGregorLucianoMinerbiMaliaAkutagawaGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReportMolokaiDepartmentofBusinessEconomicDevelopmentandTourism1993
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 20
even bigger role today than it did two decades ago Loss of jobs and the global economicdownturnmaybecontributingfactors
SubsistenceFactors 1993 2012Estimatedtotalpercentageoffoodthatcomesfromvarioussubsistenceactivities
28 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored38 Ͳ for Native HawaiianMolokaifamilies50 Ͳ 54 respondents out of241surveyed
40 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored
Overall importance ofsubsistence to Molokaifamilies
51Ͳveryimportant25Ͳsomewhatimportant11Ͳsomewhatunimportant32Ͳnotatallimportant
72Ͳveryimportant21Ͳsomewhatimportant1Ͳsomewhatunimportant2Ͳnotatallimportant
From this information though not as comprehensive and rigorous in its exploration ofsubsistence on Molokai as the 1993 Task Force Report we are assured that subsistencecontinuestobeanimportantpartofMolokairsquosfamiliesandoveralleconomyFiftyͲthreepercent (53)ofour respondents stated that they grow theirown food throughfarmingorgardeningWhenpolledastothekindsofsubsistenceactivitiestheytypicallyengageinrespondentsidentifiedthefollowing
HUNTING 39ofthosesurveyedhunt(axisdeerwild
piggoat)FISHINGampDIVING 57ofthosesurveyedfishordive
GATHERING 32gather(limuopihicrabpipipilĈrsquoau
harsquoukersquouke)asasubsistenceactivity
OTHER 4citedamixtureofraisinglivestock
sharingandtradingfoodasasubsistenceactivity
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 21
ThefactthatsubsistenceremainsasignificantcontributortohowMolokaifamiliesacquiretheirfoodthisinturnmayalsoaffectlocalmarketbehaviorintermsofwhatlocallyproduceditemsareplacedonstoreshelvesandwhetherMolokai farmersandproducers find itnecessary toprovideasignificantvolumeoffoodforthelocalMolokaimarketAvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProductsWewerepleasedtofindthatMolokairsquosagricultureindustryisquitediverseandhostsanumberof small family farms both on the Hawaiian Homestead in Ho`olehua and also dotting thelandscape inMana`eEastMolokai Duringour interviewsweasked farmers ranchersandaquaculturistswhatcropsandvalueͲaddedproducts theycultivatedprocessedvalueͲaddedandsoldandwhatweretheirprimarymarketsWealsocombedtheinternetandlearnedbywordofmouthofotheragribusinesses The following tableprovides for the readeranatͲaͲglancelistofgrowersonMolokaiandwhattypesoffoodandproductsareavailableonislandItalsolistsprimarylocalaswellasoffͲislandmarketsProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldMeatsampEggs
MolokaiGrassFedBeef PedroRanchPu`uOHokuRanchKualapu`uRanchPohakuloaRanch
ProcessedandsoldbySlaughterhouse(MolokaiLivestockCooperative)toMolokaiBurgerFriendlyMarketCenterKualapu`uMarketKualapu`uCookhousePu`uOHokuRanch
Venison DJCRanchLLC NotsoldSharedonlywithcustomersonformalhuntsandMolokaifamiliesforsubsistence
Lamb(freerange) KalapanaandDeeannaKeli`iho`omalu
PilotphaseProcessedatMolokaiSlaughterhouseSoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketCenterandMisakirsquos
FreeRangeEggs Davis`ohana MolokaiMinimartMana`eGoodsampGrindzotherMolokaigrocerystores(notebecamemorepopularandvisibleinstoresaftermainlandeggswererecallednationwideforbacterialcontamination)
DuckEggs WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SeafoodFishndashakutunaakuleopakapakaahionomahimahionaga
Variouscommercialfishermen5onisland
DirectCustomerSalesOffͲIslandWholesalerDistributor(forhotelsandrestaurants)
Shrimp KeawaNuiFarms(808)558Ͳ8931httpwwwkeawanuifarmscomMolokaiSeaFarms
FriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosOffͲIslandOnlineSalesforShrimpBroodstock
SeaweedLimuOgo(Gracilaria) KeawaNuiFarmMolokaiSeaFarms
MisakirsquosOffͲIsland
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 22
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldGreensampOtherVegetables
Lettuces KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(808)558Ͳ8306
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Kale WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
MustardCabbage Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BokChoy ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamMali`oFarm
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
Chinesecabbage ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistArugula WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsales
SwissChard JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomatillo JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomato ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sweetcorn ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistChinesePeas ArcersquosFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SoyBeans JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BlackBeans Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
GreenBeans ArcersquosFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
GreenOnion KuikamokuFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
AllMolokaigrocerystoresCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Radish KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Beets KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 23
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
GreensampOtherVegetablesBrocolli ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistEggplant ArcersquosFarm
Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Carrots JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SweetPotatoSweetPotatoChips
LampRFarm VariouslocalMolokaistores8tonsshippedweeklyoffͲisland
YamsYamChips(indevelopmentphase)
TuipulotuFarm
Tarondashregularandcertifiedbiodynamicdifferentvarietiesdryandwetlu`auleaf
`inaKulaniFarmsKaiamaFarmsKimMarkhamPapaoHakuFarm
FriendlyMarketCenterdirectsalestocustomersCertifiedbiodynamictarosoldoffͲislandathealthstoreoutlets
Avocado PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm558Ͳ8383httpwwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Organicginger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲIslandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Organicturmeric PapaOHakuFarm NotsoldMedicinaluseAwa Pu`uOHokuRanchKaiamaFarms DirectsalestocustomersChiliPepper Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproduceshared
withclientsintreatmentandforclientfundraising
HerbsampSpicesBasils(ItalianThai) KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm
(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanadaCommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Thyme JamieRonzello(CSA)KumuFarms CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dill KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Oregano KimMarkhamKumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
ItalianParsley KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 24
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
HerbsampSpicesChineseParsley KimMarkhamMali`oFarmWaialua
Permafarm(CSA)CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Cilantro KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Rosemary KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Spearmint KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Lavender KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Savory KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sage KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Cinnamon PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm(808)553Ͳ8383wwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Vanilla PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Cacao PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
FruitsampNutsOrange Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tangerine Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 25
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
FruitsampNutsLimes Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Papayandashconventionalandorganic
KaiamaFarmsKaleikoaFarmsHuaKalaFarmNoahKuohaKumuFarmsMali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
VariouslocalMolokaistoresexportedthroughoutHawaiianislandsWholeFoodsoutletsMainlandUSandCanadaCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Watermelon `AinaKulaniFarm DirectsalestocustomersBananaAppleBanana HuaKalaFarm`AinaKulaniFarms
KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
Kualapu`uMarketOutpostFriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Rambutan WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
JackFruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Mango Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentandsoldbythemCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Soursop WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dragonfruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Strawberry PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Lychee PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
MacadamiaNuts PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm DirectsalestovisitorsparticipatinginfarmtourMailorders
Coffee CoffeesofHawai`i(808)567Ͳ9490wwwcoffeesofhawaiicom
AllMolokaistoresonlineorders
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 26
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
ValueͲAddedProductsCilantroLimePesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaionlinesales
outletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
BasilMacadamiaNutPesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
PickledOrganicGinger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲislandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Honey(premiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyhoneycombs)
MolokaiMeliKimMarkham
KumuFarmsOutpostNaturalFoodStore
Poi ChongrsquosPoiShop AllMolokaistoresKulolo `inaKulaniFarms DirectSalesTaroChips HuaKalaFarm NotenoughvolumetosellregularlyYamChips TuipulotoFarm StillindevelopmentstageBeeswaxCandlesChapstick MolokaiMeli KumuFarmsGourmetSeaSalt PacificaHawai`iSeaSalts
HawaiiKaiCorporationhttpwwwhawaiikaicocom
Pu`uOHokuRanchKumuFarmsKamakanaCountryStoreMolokaiWinesampSpiritsBlueMonkeyFriendlyMarketCenteroutletsthroughoutHawaiiStateandUSMainlandonlinesales
Other Tileaf KimMarkham KukuiStarters PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm Giventohomesteadersfor
reforestationinHo`olehuaFlowersgingerakulekulecigar
PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm ShippedleistooffͲisland
Tropicalflowers(variety) KuleanaWorkCenterwwwmolokaiflowerscom
OnlinesalesanddirectsalesatSaturdayOpenMarketdays
SeedsSeedbank Ka`anoTheMolokaiSeedProject553Ͳ4243
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 27
MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers
Molokairsquos grocery stores and restaurants selllocallygrownharvestedandprocessed itemsAnaverageof2of locallygrownorMadeonMolokai products are sold in local grocerystores Some stores such asMisakirsquos carry ahigher percentage (15) ofMolokai produceThoseestablishmentsweinterviewedallstatedthat they want to sell everything that isMolokaimade PapayasweetpotatoChongrsquosPoicoffeeKanemitsubreadandKumuFarmspesto are the most common Molokai itemsfound in localstores Misakirsquostendstocarryagreater assortment of Molokai produce andvalueͲadded products in addition to thesecommon items Misakirsquos sells LampR sweetpotatochipsstringbeansbittermelonutongeggplant green onion lime and lemon FishalsoarepurchasedfromlocalfishermenSome stores and restaurants also purchaseMolokaigrass fedbeefprocessed through theislandrsquosslaughterhouseTheseordersarefilledonaconsistentbasisSmaller stores like Kualapu`u Market andMaunaloaGeneralStorethatdonotexperienceas much traffic as the grocery stores inKaunakakai have to concern themselves withhowquicklyanitemsellsForsomecustomersMolokaigrassfedbeefisanacquiredtasteandit may take a more conscientious eaterconsidering the health benefits of grass fedbeeftoappreciateitsflavorButiftheaveragecustomer does not appreciate these qualitiesandprefersacertaintasteofbeefthatshehasgrown accustomed to then the store risksspoilage The samegoes for fruits likemangothatripenquicklybutmaynotsellfastenough
especially sincemany families havemango trees in their own back yards For these smallstorescarryingitemsthatwillsellquicklyisimportantespeciallymeatandproducethathaveashort shelf life Kualapu`uMarket typically sellsMolokai coffee sweet potato chips poi
MOLOKAIESTABLISHMENTSSELLINGORSERVINGFOODampGROCERIES
ONMOLOKAIRESTAURANTSampFASTFOODCoffeesofHawaii 567Ͳ9655HulaShores(HotelMolokai)
553Ͳ5347
KanemitsuBakeryampRestaurant
553Ͳ5855
KualapursquouCookhouse 567Ͳ9655LittleGrassShack 553Ͳ5862MakarsquosCorner 553Ͳ8058ManarsquoeGoodznGrindz 558Ͳ8498MolokaiBurger 553Ͳ3533MolokaiDriveInn 553Ͳ5655MolokaiPizzaCafeacute 553Ͳ3288MolokaiRoastPorkHouse 553Ͳ9068MrsKrsquos 553Ͳ3201SundownDeli 553Ͳ3713LOCALGROCERYSTORESFriendlyMarketCenter 553Ͳ5595CPascuaStore 553Ͳ5443KamoisSnackNGo 553Ͳ5443KualapuuMarketLtd 567Ͳ6243MaunaloaGeneralStore 552Ͳ2346Misakis 553Ͳ5505MolokaiMiniMart 553Ͳ4447OutpostNaturalFoods 553Ͳ3377MolokaiWinesNSpirits 553Ͳ5009TheStoreHouse 553Ͳ3399KamakanaCountryStore 553Ͳ5725GASSTATIONSHayakuGasNGo 553Ͳ3444RawlinsChevronStation 553Ͳ3214ReferenceSustainableMolokaiResourceGuide2009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 28
MolokaibreadandeggsMaunaloaGeneralStoremakesitapointtoacceptproducefromthecommunitygarden runby theKaHaleMua low incomehousing They typicallygrow stringbeans tomatoeseggplantand lettuce Maunaloa residentsarealsopermitted toutilize thefacilitytopreparemusubibentoandlocalplatelunchestosellpreparedfoodsaswellastheirartandcraftsatthefrontofthestoreOther locallyproduced items that someof the storeswould like to sell inmore volume aretomatoesbananasfishanddairyIfMolokaifarmerselectnottogroworsellcertainproduceor products to the local grocery stores the storeswill sell offͲisland produce (egManoalettuce Kula tomatoes etc) Sometimes they will also order items from as far away asCaliforniaorMexicotosatisfycustomerdemandsandpreferencesTherequirementsarenotoverlystringentforthelocalfarmertosellproduceandvalueͲaddedfoodstolocalgrocerystoresForsomestoreslikeFriendlyMarketindividualsmustpossessabusinesslicenseForotherstoresthatreceivesmallquantitiesoffreshproduceatatimetheydonotrequireproofofbusinesslicenseGrocery stores showcasing locally grown food feel cheated when farmers simultaneouslypeddletheirproduceonthestreetPricing isalsoan issue forMolokaistores Theywould like tobuymore locallygrown itemshowevertheycangetproducealotcheaperfromthemainlandForexampletheaveragecostofatomatothatislocallygrownis$2lbwhilestorescanacquiretomatoesfromthemainlandfor$1lbandpassthesavingsontothecustomerFriendlyMarkethasexpressedapreferenceforbuyingproduce from farmerswhohaveapricecostandplan (egthat identifiesspecificamountsofproducethatwillbeavailableandtheircost)toensureitemconsistencyinpricingandavailabilityIdeallystoreswanttosaveonpayingshippingcoststoimportfoodfromthemainlandandoffͲislandbyprovidingpreferenceforlocallygrownfoodsConsistencyisimportantforstorestocontinuecarryingspecificitemsprovidedbylocalfarmersandproducers Consistencywas citedbyevery store and restaurantwe interviewed as thenumberonechallengethatmostfarmersfaceinworkingwiththemMisakirsquoshasfoundawayaround this issue TheypurchaseMolokai fish caught and sold to theHonolulu fishmarketthroughadistributortheresothatcustomerscanstillbenefitfromeatingMolokaicaughtfishMisakirsquosalsoprefers tobuy fromanOahudistributor thatbuys thebulkof itsproduce fromMolokai farmers In thisway by buying in bulk through a distributorMisakirsquos is assured aconsistentproductTherearestoreswhospecificallyselect for localandorganic foodsaspartoftheirmarketingstrategy Onesuchstore istheOutpostNaturalFoodsStorewhichwillselleverythingthat isMolokaimade ConsumersexpecttopayaheftiergrocerybillastheyhaveanexpectationofbuyinglocalandpreferablyorganicallygrownandproducedfoodsOtheritemsthatcannotbesourced locallyorare in lessersupplyorforwhichthere isademandfor(egapplespearsandoranges)aresourcedfromthemainlandandsoldattheOutpost
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 29
We interviewed3restaurantsKualapu`uCookhouseHotelMolokairsquosHulaShoresrestaurantandMolokaiBurger Useofandemphasisonuseof localmeatseafoodandproducevariedTheKualapu`uCookhouseestimates that itutilizes1ofMolokaigrownproduceandvalueͲadded products in its dishes as it does not have strict requirements to do so It primarilypurchasesMolokailettucethroughKualapu`uMarketHotelMolokaiuses less than20 localproduceand seafood in itsdishesbutwould ideallyprefer toutilizeat least60of locallygrownandharvested foodson theirmenu ThehotelcurrentlybuyslocallygrownlettuceeggplantandpapayafromKumuFarmsandincorporatesthesefoods intotheirmenu Freshfish isthefastestandmostpopularselling itemanddoesnot requireapricecost listwhenbuying from fishermen Patronsbuy fishdishesatmarketprice Itwascommunicated thataschefs it is important toestablish relationshipswith localfarmersandacquirehighend itemsonaconsistentbasis Whathasbeenachallengeforthechefs at the hotel is figuring outwho is growingwhat and searching these farmers out toprovidetheproducemeatandseafoodtheyneedWhatwouldeasilyservethemwouldbeabrokeror localdistributor to takeon that typeofwork Currently theHotel is consideringsettingasidesomespaceonthehotelgroundsforanherbgardentoreadilysupplysomeofthekitchenrsquosneedswhileprovidingsomekindofyouthinternshipprogramtoinstallandmaintainthegardenMolokai Burger exclusively serves 100Molokai grass fed beef for its burgers and TuesdayMexican menu The restaurant purchases 240 pounds of Molokai beef from theslaughterhouse It receives positive customer feedback its loyal customers being especiallyhealth conscious individuals and local and nativeHawaiian activistswhomake it a point tosupportestablishments thatutilize localMolokai foods MolokaiBurgeralsopurchases fromKumuFarmsonaweeklybasis8poundsoftheirvegetablegreenstoserveintheirspecialsaladand chicken salad plates Molokai sweet potatoes are also utilized for sweet potato nachochipsontheMexicanmenu Whilenot locallyproducedMolokaiBurgeralsopurchasesbunsfromalocalMolokaidistributorasawaytosupportasmanylocalbusinessesaspossible
QuestionWhatlocalfooditemswouldyouliketosellorincorporateinyourmenuthatarenotcurrentlyavailableorareinshortsupply
FriendlyMarket orangesallcitrusesmangoavocadobokchoywonboktropicalfruits inseasonfishporkprocessed through slaughterhousealldairy (milk cheese)or soybasedmilkasanalternativeand free rangeeggsWillsellalllocalitemsMisakirsquosbananasandtomatoesWillsellanythinggrownandmadeonMolokaiOutpostNaturalFoodsStorestrawberriescantaloupescucumbers tomatoespotatoesandYukon from localgrowersKualapu`uCookhouselocalfreerangechickeneggsKualapu`uMarketagreaterdiversityandselectionoflocalproducegrownbyMolokairsquosfarmersMaunaloaGeneralStoremorebananasandpapayasastheyselloutfastestHulaShoresRestaurantofHotelMolokaivenisonMolokaiBurgeraconsistentsupplyofMolokaitomatoesfreerangeeggsandfishthatarereasonablypriced
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 30
Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities
QuestionAreyoua farmerIfsohowoldareyouͶΨ ȋȌ ǡ
ͶͶǤ
ǡ ͷͶǤ
QuestiontofarmersinterviewedHowlonghaveyoubeenfarming
ʹʹ ͶͲǤ
QuestionHowmuchlandareyoufarming
ǡͶͶǢ͵ʹͳͷǢͷͳͷǦͶͲ͵ͶͲǤ ǡͲ
ǡͲƬʹͲͲƮǦǤ
QuestiontofarmerswhatdoyoufeelarethechallengesfarmersfaceonMolokaiNatureandtheElementsWindHomestead farmers must contend with high winds on a regular basis Thus initial farmplanning must include installing windbreaks to avoid crop damage from weathering Thecommunity has identified in several former planning documents such as the MolokaiEmpowermentZoneApplication(1998)massplantingofwindbreaksthroughouttheHo`olehuaareatoprotecthomesteadfarm landsasoneofthe40priorityprojects IntheendMolokaiwas successful in achieving theMolokai Enterprise Community federal designation a step
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 31
secondtoEmpowermentZonestatus Windbreaksremainedpartofthe40priorityprojectsInstallationofwindbreakshave alsobeen reiterated as a ShortRangePriorityProject in theMaui County Comprehensive EconomicDevelopment Strategy (CEDS) 201038However notmuchhasbeendonetomovethisfromaconceptualstagetoimplementation
Thesituationwasexacerbatedin2005upontheintroductionofthevirulenterythrinagallwaspthatdestroyedthevastmajorityofwiliwilitreesStatewideLarvaeimplantedintothetissueofwiliwili leaves form tumorous like growths and effectively starve the trees from receivingnutrition39Muchof thewiliwili trees thathad servedprimarilyaswindbreaksdiedwithinayearor two Thus farms thathadestablishedwiliwiliwindbreaksbecamenewlyexposed towinds With the introduction of Eurytoma by scientists a predator species that exclusivelyfeedsonerythrinagallwaspsandavoidsnativewaspsthesurvivingwiliwilihavebeenabletomakeacomeback40DroughtAnumberoffarmershavecitedcurrentdroughtconditionsasaseriousthreattofarmingOnefarmerreportedthatherentireorganicgingercropfailedduetodroughtandshewasunabletoyieldaharvestthisyearAtthetimewestartedourinterviewsinFebruary(2012)Molokaiwasexperiencingthelowestrainfallinadecadecomparableto2001droughtfiguresAdrywinterandspringseasonhavebeencausingwatershortages Arecentheavystorm inMarch (2012)brought some reliefbutwithprimarilyeroded soilsexposed to theelementsmuchofthatmuddiedwaterwashed intotheseatochokecoralsaffectnurserygrounds forfishandcoverlimu(seaweed)beds41Steadypercolationintotheaquiferisnecessarytomakea difference to the watershed and levels in the reservoir42 According to Glenn TevesExtensionAgent forUHͲCTAHRdroughtconditionsaffect insectbehavior Forexampleantsseekingwaterwillfindasubstitutebyacquiringhoneydewfromcertaininsectsthatproduceitsuchasldquoaphidsmealybugswhitefliesandscaleshellipknown tosuckplant juicesandweakenthem hellip [and] spread plant viruses on an array of crops such as melons peppers andtomatoesrdquo43 Animals will also chew through drip irrigation systems to access water in adrought andwill subsequently cause leaks andwater loss for the farmer44Cows are alsoaffectedwithahigher incidenceofmiscarriageorsmallercalfsizedueto lackofhighquality
38 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1102 AgricultureReforestationWindbreakPlantingp5039RichardsSabrinaldquoWaspwarsNewpredatorchecksHawai`irsquosgallwaspepidemicrdquoSciencelineJanuary62011httpsciencelineorg201101waspͲwars40Richards201141 Teves G ldquoEffects of Rain and Droughtrdquo Molokai Dispatch March 15 2012httpthemolokaidispatchcomeffectsͲofͲrainͲandͲdrought42Teves201243Teves201244Teves2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 32
food consumed during pregnancy45Deerwill also compete and feed on grass reserves forcattleTevesroughlyestimatesthatfarmersandranchershaveexperiencedacumulativecroplossvaluedat$1millionduetothedrought46MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)Builtinthe1950sandlsquo60stheMISwasconstructedtotransportwaterfromWaikoluValleyonthenorthshoretothefarmingareasofCentralMolokaitoprovidewaterforthesolepurposeofagriculture47WaikoluValleyprovideswatertothesystemviaa51milelongtunnelPipesand flumes convey thewater to the Kualapu`u Reservoirwhich is designed for amaximumdepthof54feetor14billiongalloncapacity48TheHawaiianHomesCommissionAct (ldquoHHCArdquo)of1920sect221(d)grantedhomesteadersldquotherighttousefreeofallchargeanyofthewateruponthe islandofMolokairdquo49Thisprovisionwasamended in1955togiveHawaiianHomesatwoͲthirdswaterallocationpreference fromtheMIS50 The Department of Agriculture whichmanages theMIS has not enforced thisprovision Presently80oftheMIS isconsumedbynonͲhomesteadersdespite23rdswaterreservation requirement for homesteaders51 It has been recently noted that homesteaderwaterusagehasincreasedbynearly20comparedtolastyear52TheMISWaterUseAdvisoryBoardspeculatedthathomesteadfamiliesareexpandingtheirfamilygardens53TheentireislandofMolokaihasbeendesignatedbytheStateCommissiononWaterResourcesManagement (CWRM or ldquoWater Commissionrdquo) a sole source aquifer and critical watermanagementarea Thesedesignationsunderscorethefactthattheentire islanddependsonone water source for its drinking water subsistence and agricultural needs and carefulmanagementisnecessarytomaintaintheaquiferRecords for the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) revealed that as of December 2011 theKualapu`ureservoirhadloweredto11feet(ascomparedto17feetayearprior)andcontinuedtodecline54Todaythereservoirhasloweredanotherfootwithstoragelevels50lessthana
45Teves201246Teves201247BaldaufNatashaHalsquoaheoKaholsquoohalahalaandDavidSakodaldquoTheMoloka`i IrrigationSystem AVision foraSustainableFuturerdquoDecember1200948BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200949BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200950BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200951BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200952ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion53ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion54ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 33
year ago55 Current rainfall is 10 of normal levels and those utilizing theMIS have beensubjecttoa30restrictioninwaterusageoverthepast3years56TheStatelegislaturerecentlysetaside$125millionforimprovementstotheMIS57Fundswillcover Anewhydropowerplantwaterflowwillproduceenergyandoffsetelectricalcosts Replacement of aboveͲground concrete flume with an underground pipeline to avoid
animalsanddebrisfromfallingintoandcontaminatingthewatersupply StructuralrepairtoMISaccessbridge Installation of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system to allow for
monitoringofwaterflowremotelyThis is a step in the right direction and hopefullywill assist in decreasingwater loss in thesystemandimprovemanagementoftheMISWeedsPestsWildAnimalsNumerousfarmersinterviewedparticularlyintheHo`olehuaHomesteadareahaveciteddeerasamajorproblem incrop failureTheorganicpapaya farmershavebeenhithardwithonefarmerhavinglosthisentirecropofpapayatreesSeedlingswereeatenandadulttreeswerealsoaffectedbydeerrubbings Anotherfarmerhashadtoadoptprotectivemeasuresforhisyoungkukuistarter treesasdeerseekingmoisture fromyoungplantswilleat them Hehasindicatedthatyoungkukuitreeshavetoreachacertainheightwheredeercannolongerbitethe leaves from the top Farmers are also experiencing brokenwater and irrigation pipesdestroyedbydeer One farmerwas issued a $700waterbillbefore discovering hisbrokenwaterpipeMuchofthisactivityhasbeenattributedtotheongoingdroughtconditionsdeerareseekingfarmsforwaterandfood It isestimatedthat$1million inagricultureprofitwaslosttodeerwithinthelastyearAnotherproblemthatfarmersencounteredafewyearsagowasaninfestationofratandmiceTheyweresonumerousthatdriversoftensawthemcrossingtheroad One farmerresolvedthisproblemonhisfarmbyadopting20cats
55ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions56ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions57ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 34
Other farmershavecitedpestsandweedsasaproblemon their farms Oneorganic farmerstatedthatshefinds itachallengebecauseuseofpesticidesandherbicidesareprohibited inorganicfarmingThere is an urgent need to keepMolokairsquos bee population healthy as they are pollinatorsimportant to theagriculture industry Threats to the localbeepopulation includepesticidesbeetlesandmitesHighOperationalCostsOfthe208surveyed61peopleconsideredhighoperationalcostsasabigchallengetofarmingonMolokaiThesecostsinclude Labor Infrastructure Toolsimplements Fuelforequipmentandvehicles Supplies such as fertilizer compost pesticides herbicides seeds irrigation supplies etc
Supplycostsareespeciallyhigherdue toadditionalcostmarkͲup forshipping items in toMolokai
Electricitycostsforrunningrefrigerationchiller Allfeesandtaxesincurredfromrunningabusiness Specialcostsfororganiccertification(est$1300peryear)HighCostofWaterSeventy(70)surveyrespondentsfeltfarming ismadedifficultbythehighcostofwater Thiswasespeciallytrueforfarmerswhoareoncountywater insteadofcheaperagriculturewaterfromtheMolokaiIrrigationSystemThesefarmersareontheEastEndoftheislandAlsoitisverydifficultforpeople inMaunaloaandKaluakoitofarmandevengardenduetothewatersystemrunbyMolokaiRanch Ratesforwaterareastronomicalhaving increasedby17858TheStatePublicUtilitiesCommissionallowedforarateincreasefortheRanchrsquosMolokaiPublicUtilitiesfrom$318per1000gallonsto$60459TheWaiolaOMolokaiIncwateralsoownedbyMolokaiRanchwas approved for a rate increase from$185 to $51560 These increasesimpactapproximately1200residentsonthewestsideoftheisland61
58BernardoRldquoMolokaiwaterusersprotestratehikerdquoHonoluluStarBulletinSeptember52008httparchivesstarbulletincom20080905newsstory08html59Bernardo200860Bernardo200861Bernardo2008
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 35
HighEquipmentCostsSixty(60) survey respondents considered high equipment costs as a challenge to farmingTractor costs can range from $21000 to $80000 depending on the size neededwhich isrelativetotheamountofacreagetobefarmedManysmallandbeginningfarmerslackaccesstocapitaltopurchasebigticketitemssuchasequipmentHighShippingCostsYoungBrothersistheprimaryshippingproviderforMolokaiSomefarmersutilizecargoplanessuchasKamakaAir for shipmentofmoreperishable items Shipping fromMolokai involvesaddedcostanddisadvantagesforMolokaiasaruralislandtryingtotransportgoodsacrosstheoceantothelargerurbancenterssuchasOahuandMauiForthoseutilizingdistributorsthatisanotheraddedcostIn thepast farmers receivedapartialbreakon shippingcosts throughYoungBrothers TheFarmBureauassisted indefrayingchargesassociatedwith theMolokai toHonoluu legwhilethefarmerwasrequiredtocoveronlythecostofshippingfromHonolulutothemainlandThishelped to level the playing field forMolokai farmerswith the rest of farmers onOahu andStatewide Within the last five yearshowever thispolicyhasbeendiscontinued causing adisadvantagetotheMolokaifarmerYoungBrotherswillbephasingoutitsldquoGrdquoVans218cubicftcontainersforshippingpricedat$180containerandwillbepalletizingeverythingItwillnolongerbeeasytodropitemsoffatthepierandshipoutFarmerswillneedtomakethetransitionandwilllikelyhavetosolicittheservicesofMakoaTruckingtopalletizetheirgoodsandtransportthemtothepierTheftOne farmer interviewed cited crop theft as a challenge There are also risks of theft ofequipmenttoolsandsupplieswithoutadequatestorageandsecuritymeasuresFireA localbeekeeping family thatproducespremiumorganic raw kiawehoneyexperienced adevastatingfirein2009thatwipedoutthemajorityoftheirhivesTheyhaveahighamountoforderstofillandarecurrentlyrecoveringfromthedamagetotheirhivesNotEnoughLandtoFarmampCompetingUsesforAgricultureLandThe Molokai Agricultural Park owned by the State of Hawai`i is located in theHo`olehuaMahanaregionadjacenttoMolokaiRanchandHawaiianHomeLandsItconsistsof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 36
22subdividedlotsspanningatotalof753acres62Thepurposeofagriculturalparksstatewideistoprovideaffordable longͲterm leasestosmallfarmers63CurrentlyallMolokaiAgPark landsare being utilized64 Thismakes it difficult for new farmerswho are nonͲhomesteaders tosecurecheaplandSeedbiotechcompaniessuchasMonsantoandMycogenhavegainedasolidfootholdontheisland Their use of prime agriculture lands and limited water resources impact the localfarming community It is problematic especially for organic farmers who risk losing theircertification if their farmsare inproximity toGMO crops It is known thata local familyofbeekeeperswereforcedtomovetheirhivesorelserisklosingtheirorganichoneycertificationLow Prices Offered for Local Produce Not Enough Demand for Goods and ProductInconsistencyOfthosesurveyed25peoplefeltthatnotenoughconsumerdemandforproducewasamajorchallenge for farmers Whileour surveyalso found that90ofour respondentswouldbuymorelocalfoodifitwasavailableMolokairsquossmallpopulationlimitshowmuchproducefarmerscanplaceinthelocalmarketManyof the farmers thatwe interviewedwere frustratedat the lowprices theyget for theproduce theygrow They find itdifficult tonegotiatewith storesonpricing For them it ischallengingtomakealivingorbeeconomicallysustainablebysellingproduceonlyonMolokaiOne certified organic and biodynamic farmer informed us that she is offered $110lb byMolokai stores forherorganicgingerbut she can sell itatamuchhigherpriceonOahuat$5lbinstoresthatshowcaseorganicfoodsWiththatamountsheisabletomakeaprofitaswellasrecoupherproductionandshippingcostsUHCTAHRAgricultureExtensionAgentGlennTevesstatesthatalotoffarmersdonotpaycloseenoughattentiontotheirpricingOftentimestheywillpricetheirproduceonthelowendThissetsanegativestandardthatmakesitmoredifficultforotherfarmerstogetareasonablepricefor their crops He recommends that farmers check regularly on produce prices andmakecomparisonsalsoonhowmuchtheysellforontheotherislandssothattheycanprovidemorecompetitivepricingthatisadvantageoustothemLackofSupportforAgricultureLawmakershavealsobecomeunsupportivetopreservingagriculturelandsAbusesaboundonagricultural landswithmultiͲmilliondollargentlemanestatesdevelopedanddefinedasldquofarm
62StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks63StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks64StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 37
dwellingsrdquo and attractive landscaping required underCCRs andAssociationRules dubbed aslegitimateldquoagriculturerdquo Theseldquofarmdwellingsrdquo increasethepriceofagriculture landforrealfarmersNationwide family farmersarebeingedgedoutby largecorporateproducersat the rateof330farmersperweek65TheUnitedStateshasanestimated5millionfewerfarmsthanithadinthe1930s66Today2millionfarmsexist intheUSwith565000 identifiedasfamilyfarms67ThereasonforthisisthatfederalgovernmentpoliciesfavorlargeͲscalecorporateagriculturePoliciessuchassubsidizingbigagriculturecreatesafalsesetͲpointontrueproductioncosts68TheAmerican taxpayerabsorbs thesehefty costs The federalgovernment spentover$177billion in agricultural subsidies from the years of 1995 to 200669 These large agricultureoperationsareabletoprovidehugevolumesoffoodforacheappricebecauseofthesubsidiesallocatedTheyeasilyoutcompeteandsqueezeoutthesmallfarmerthatreceivesnohelpfromsubsidies andmust pass to the customer the true costs of production in order to remain aviablebusinessStrongcorporatelobbyingmaintainsthisstatusquo
NeedforAdditionalEducationampTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunityOfthosesurveyed33farmersconsideredalackofcapacityeducationtobeachallengeSomefarmersaredauntedbythecostsofhighereducationandthetimetheywouldneedtoinvestineducationalongsidebalancingfamilyresponsibilitiesandfullͲtimefarmingProficiency inknowledgeandexperienceoffarmingprinciplesandtechniques isnecessaryforallfarmers Theymustunderstandfarmplanninghowtoplantmaintainandharvestcropshowtosetupirrigationmeetthebiologicalandmineralneedsoftheircropshowtomaintainsoil health how to minimize offͲfarm releases of pollutants and toxins such as chemicalfertilizersandpesticidesoperateand repair toolsandmachinerybasic carpentry skillsandpossess a true passion for farming A lot is learned through trial and error but educationcombinedwithpracticalexperience gives farmers abetter chance atmaking it These skillsalonearenottheonlyrequirementshoweverAfarmer(orparticipatingfamilymembers)mustalsobefinanciallyliterateandpossessstrongbusinessbookkeepingaccountingandmarketingskills To lease landsaccessbusinessstartup fundssuccessfullyapply for loansandreceive financing forbigequipmentpurchases the
65ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml66ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml67ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml68ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml69ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 38
farmerhastohavegoodcreditandbefinancially literate Ifhe issaddledwithdebtandbadcreditthenhewillneedtocreateandsticktoaplanforrepairinghiscreditOther skills a farmermust cultivate to successfully start an agricultureenterprise is learninghowtodomarketresearchandbusinessplanningItrsquosbettertomakemistakesonpaperfirstrather than in real life aftermuch time and investment has beenmade Once the farmenterprise isupand running then the farmerhas to contendwithkeeping financial recordscurrenteitherpersonallyortruesecuringabookkeeperoraccountant BusinessandpayrolltaxeswillneedtobepaidfeesforspecialcertificationssuchasorganicfarmingmayalsohavetobefactoredinAfarmermustbeawareofwhattogrowandproduceandhowtomarketherproducts inorder tobeprofitable Shemustbedisciplined in implementingher farmplanaccount for year round staggered plantings and harvests and crop rotations and reinvestprofitsbackintothebusinessRarelydotheseskillsexistinonepersonMostfarmersjustwanttofarmandnotdealwiththeother details of running a business As they age too farmerswill need to think about asuccession plan Ideally it should be a family enterprise with familymembers possessingdifferent skill sets and playing different roles that collectivelymake a successful agricultureenterpriseRanchingampTheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeMolokairsquos history includes large scale ranching of cattle which was once an enterpriseendeavorbyMolokaiRanch the islandrsquos largestprivate landownernow known asMolokaiProperties Limited SinceMPLrsquos closure ofmajor operations ranching is currently done bymembersof thecommunity inwhich theycultivate the remainingcattleonproperty CattleRanchersincludePohakuloaRanchKualapu`uRanchPedroRanchandPu`uOHokuRanchChallengeswithMolokaiBeef Muchof theranchingcommunitydonot finish theiranimals through theslaughterhouse
preferringtosellcattleoffisland Lessmeat isproducedon the islandwhich in turnmeans lessMolokaibeefavailable for
consumptioninrestaurantsandstores More than one individualentity does not like the tasteconsistency of the beef ndash some
suggestedthatthemeatbecuredlonger Somemembersofthecooperativefeelthecostforanimalprocessing($65animal)isunfair
since it isnotbasedonactualproductyield(egdeerorgoatmeatyields lesspoundsofmeatthancattle)
SlaughterhouseTheMolokai Livestock Cooperative which operates the only slaughterhouse facility on theislandprocessescattleandpork Pork isnotusually sold to storesdue to thepreferenceof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 39
Molokaifamiliestoutilizerearedhogsforhomeconsumption Thuspork issubjectusuallytocustomkillsonlyAsforcattleamaximumof18headperweekandaminimumof5headperweekgoes through the slaughterhousewitha cumulative totalof730animalsprocessed todatesincethefacilityopeneditsdoorsseveralyearsagoTheslaughterhouse iscurrentlynotoperatingatfullcapacity There isahistoricalcontextforsome of the challenges that the Molokai Livestock Cooperative faces today After thewholesale TB eradication of Molokai cattle in the 1980s and the closure of the oldslaughterhouseinKaunakakailocalranchersinitiallyworkedtogetanewslaughterhousebuiltwiththeirsweatequityandthroughsecuringfundingfromCountyStateandFederalsourcesUnfortunatelytheprocessofmovingthisprojectfromaconceptualphasetobrickandmortartook over a decade to complete By the time the slaughterhouse facility was completedranchershadmovedaway fromgrassͲfinishedcattleonMolokai to finishing theiranimalsonthe mainland Over time the ranchersrsquo commitment to strengthening their own localslaughterhouse as a viable economic engine had wavered Some ranches do not see aneconomic incentive to return to the formermodelofgrass finishing theircattleandpreferaquickerturnͲaroundtimeandtheconvenienceofsellingtheiranimalspreͲfinishedWhile theMolokaiLivestockCooperativersquosnew slaughterhousehasmadepositive inroads togettingMolokai grassͲfedbeef in local grocery stores and restaurants through itsworkwithcommittedranchersutilizingthefacility lackofvolumefromholdͲoutranchersalso limitstheslaughterhousersquosabilitytoexpandthemarketandfullydevelopanorganicnicheproduct Tomakeupforthisshortfalltheslaughterhousenowshipsin30headofnonͲMolokaicattle(50oftotalstock)onaregularbasisLambSheepForthepast5yearsahusbandandwifeteamhasbeenexperimentingwithranchingfreerangelambssheepon55acresof land inwestMolokai Thecouplehas80animals (60ewes20lambs) Theyharvestthe lambsat6monthsofageandhavebeentestingthequalityoftheanimalsMost recently they market tested their lambs The lambs were processed at theslaughterhouse ThemeatwassoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketandMisakirsquos CustomerfeedbackhasbeenverypositiveThelambmeatsoldoutquicklyinthestoresRightnowthelambsheep ranchers are trying to figure out pricing whether to sell directly to theslaughterhouseforprocessingmarketinganddistributionortohandlesomeofthoseaspectsontheirownDeerRanchingDeerranchingisnotawidespreadactivityinfactthereareonlytwopeopleontheislandthatraisevenisonDeerpensexist inMaunaloaandPalarsquoauwithasmuchas260animalscorralled
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 40
within high game fencing The deer ranching is part of a safari tour businesswhich allowsvisitorstoexperiencehuntinggameDeercanbeprocessed through theMolokaiSlaughterhouse if theanimal ispresentedat thefacilityat leastonehourafterthekillandaUSDACertified Inspectorparticipates inthehuntThisiscurrentlynotbeingdonebydeerranchersonMolokaiTheownersofDJCRanch Incwhich currentlyoperates adeer ranchhasdone some initialmarkettestingandresearchonthedemandandpotentialforvenisonmeatproduction Theyhave found ahugedemand from restaurants and the generalpublic for venisondue to thehealthbenefitsandsuperiortasteofMolokaiaxisdeerThereiscurrentlynosteadysourceforvenisonmeatandvalueͲaddedproductsinHawai`iDJCRanchhasstatedinitsmarketingplanthatinthefirstyeartheycouldprovidevenisononaseasonalbasisandinitiallyproducegroundvenison and sausages As herd numbers increase additional markets could potentially beopeneduptoWholeFoodsandCostco CurrentlyDJCRanchhasaUSDA licensetoslaughtervenisonandcouldutilizetheMolokaiSlaughterhouseThecompanyisFDAapprovedthroughthe USDA with its own stamp and seal formarketing The products that DJC Ranch hadconsideredmarketingwere
1 Groundvenisonforhumanconsumptionandalsodogfood2 9differentsausageswhichithasdevelopedandsuccessfullymarkettested3 Venisoncornedbeef4 Freshcuts5 Innards
ThereismuchpotentialinthisareaandhopefullyinvestmentscanbesuccessfullyacquiredtoimplementDJCRanchrsquosplanAdditionally theremaybeopportunity tocreateacollaborationbetweendeer ranchersandfarmerssufferingfromcrop lossesduetodeergrazing ifaplancouldbeundertakentodivertdeerfromcultivatedlandsandabsorbthemintoranchingoperationsAquacultureEffortshavebeenmadetorestorefishpondsandhavemetwithsomesuccessforsubsistenceuses State regulations affecting the restoration andutilizationof theseponds limituses tosubsistenceandeducationalpurposesmaking itdifficult toutilize theponds for commercialaquacultureThisisunfortunategiventhehardworkonthepartofthecommunityandfederalfunds invested inProjectLoko I`aatrainingprogramthathadservedanestimated20youngMolokai adults in drystack and fishpondwall reconstruction fishpond husbandry live rockcultivation for theaquarium industry shrimpand seaweedaquaculturewater samplingandanalysis leadershipandentrepreneurial skills Theseyoungadultswere trainedwithall thetools to be successful in aquaculture butwere not given the chance to commercially leaseMolokaipondsandestablishabusiness
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 41
PlansandfundingallocatedtoestablishafinfishhatcheryonMolokaiasearlyas1991andtostockfishpondsforcommercialproductionwerestalledandareunlikelytocometofruitionTheMolokai Ice House completed construction at the KaunakakaiWharf in 1993 It wasestablishedbya local commercial fishermenrsquoscooperativeof40 individualswho contributedapproximately 60Ͳ70 of Molokairsquos commercial fish landings The Ice House operatedsuccessfullyfornearlyadecadeprovidingicefreshfishpokeandseaweedforsaleA Native Hawaiian nonͲprofit Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou established a successful limu(seaweed)growersnetworkandlimubuyͲbackprogramwith30familieslivingalongMolokairsquossouthandcentralshores These familieswere trained incultivationof theedibleandhighlyprizedseaweedGracilariaparvisporacommonlyknownas limuogo Anestimated1000 lbsweeklywereshippedtoOahufishmarketsaswellasdistributedtotheMolokaiIceHouseandvariousstoresonislandintheformoffreshandvalueͲaddedproducts(limusalsaandnamasu)Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou served as amarketer and broker for the families In the endhowever some of themore successful growers opted to sell and distribute their harvestsindependently causing the cooperative typeof structure todismantleanddriving thepricesdownforMolokailimuogoduetocompetitionamongstthegrowersTherearetwoshrimpfarmsonMolokaiMolokaiSeaFarmsinPala`auandKeawaNuiFarmsineastMolokaiKeawaNuiFarmssuppliesSPFcertifiedPenaeusvannameishrimpbroodstockaswellasseasonalharvestsoftilapia fishand limuogo70MolokaiSeaFarmsalsospecializes indiseasefreeSPFPvannameibroodstockandservescustomersthroughouttheworld71PacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsandHawai`iKaiCorporationbothfarmseasaltfromMolokairsquosoceanwaters Thesesaltscarryessentialmineralsandtraceelements Molokaisaltproductionhasreachedaglobalmarketas farasChinaandEurope Productscanalsobe found inMolokaistoresAddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparationMolokairsquoshiddensubsistenceeconomy isastrengththatassistsfamiliestoday inachronicallydepressedeconomyThereisenoughdeergoatandwildpigonthelandandfishonthereeftomeet the peoplersquos protein requirements and provide food security for tomorrow TheHo`olehuaHomesteadcommunitywithfamilyfarmsdottingthelandscapehasenoughproduceandstarchinthegroundtofeedtheircommunityAscomparedtootherislandsMolokaiisinbettershapethanmostifnotallislandsHoweverthereisstillastrongrelianceonYoungBrotherstoshipinfoodtotheislandAtanygiventimethereisanestimated4daysoffoodstockedonMolokairsquosstoreshelvesNodisaster
70KeawaNuiFarmshttpwwwkeawanuifarmscom71MolokaiSeaFarmshttpwwwbroodstockcomHawaiian_SPF_Shrimp_Broodstockhomehtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 42
scenarioplanninghaseverbeenundertakenforhowthiscommunityshouldrespondifonedaythebargedoesnotarriveandalltransportationvenuesbyseaairandlandwereinterruptedAccordingtooneinformantMolokairsquosfoodreservesarestoredonMauibytheAmericanRedCross This iswrong Molokai isoneofthefew islandswithoutamainairportonthecoastalshores In timesofdisaster (eghurricane tsunami) therewouldbebetter accesson theislandtoreceiveassistanceRealisticallyhoweverMolokaiwouldbeofalesserprioritytoshipin food and medical supplies in a Statewide disaster scenario due to the islandrsquos smallpopulationInitialaidwouldbefocusedprimarilyonurbananddenselypopulatedareasontheneighboringislandsIntheMana`eandKaunakakaiareas(eastandcentralMolokai)whereasignificantportionofMolokairsquospopulationisconcentratedtheroadsandmajorityofhomesarelocatedonthecoastwithin the tsunami and flood zone corridor Getting assistance to these areas would beproblematic No major farming takes place in Kaunakakai and Mana`e except for homegardensandsomewetlandtarocultivationinthelushervalleysontheeastsideMonoͲcropping increases risks ofwholesale andmass crop failure Whilemost smallͲscalefarmers are doing diversified agriculture onMolokai not enough effort has beenmade topreserve thehundredsofvarietiesofsweetpotatobreadfruit taroandothercanoeplantsNot enough has been done to cultivate and preserve varieties of regionallyͲadapted openͲpollinatedseedsforhomegardensandsmallscalefarmersUHCTAHRhasthroughitsresearchdevelopedseedsadapted tocertainenvironments Moreeffortmaybeneeded toget theseseedstofarmers
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 43
V RECOMMENDATIONSMitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElementsWindAswindwillcontinuetobeanissueforfarmersespeciallyhomesteadfarmersintheHo`olehuaareaitisimportanttoestablishacomprehensiveprojecttoinstallwindbreaksthatwillhelptoopenupmorehomesteadlandforfarmingCostcanbeafactorforsmallͲscaleandbeginningfarmersThusaccessingfundingandcreatingcollaborativepartnershipswithcoreleadershipisnecessarytomovethisprojectalongOtherthingstoconsider intermsofdecidingwhattypesofwindbreaksto installwouldbetooptimizethepotentialofthewindbreakstoservemultiplefunctionsOnecommoncomplaintamongsthomesteadfarmershasbeenthedestructionofcropsfromgrazingdeerProvidingavegetativewindbreakwith tightplantings could serve as a living fence that keepsout deerSelectingalso fornitrogen fixingspecieswillalsoaddnutrientstothesoilandboost farmerrsquoscropsIdentifiedasakeyprojectintheEnvironmentSectionofMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandisprovidingwindbreaks inHo`olehuaThevision istoplantwindbreaksldquoalongthecoastalpaliaround the central plain andhellip along individual farmersrsquo lots Native trees and treeswithsecondarymarketvalue(fruittreesandhardwoods)rdquoshouldbeutilized72DroughtͲProofingReforestationThecommunity initiateddocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian Islandhas identified in itsAgricultureampAquacultureSectionthefollowingpriorities73
Recognize the limited availability of water as a primary factor in prioritizing suitableagriculturalfoodcrops
Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture foodproduction
Water is a limiting factor in farming especially in light of chronic drought conditions andcontinuousmandatorycutbacksonwateruse from theMolokai IrrigationSystem TherearewaysthatthefarmercanharvestwateraswellasminimizewaterlossPlantingwindbreakswillaidincreatingamicroclimatethatwillreduceevapotranspirationandallowforsomeshadeforcrops that require less sunlight Installing swales and terraces on contour in tandem withplantingswillslowthepathofwaterrunoffcomingontothepropertycreategoodsoakagethatwillbuildthewatertableandnaturallyfeedcropsMulchingandplantinggroundcoverspecies
72MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf73MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 44
alongsidemain crops will retainmoisture and support soil health These droughtͲproofingstrategiesworkinginconcertwillprovideagreatbenefittothefarmerA longertermstrategythatonehomestead farmersuggestedand forwhichhehasbeguntospreadamongstotherhomesteaders is conductingmassplantingsofKukui trees to createaforest forHo`olehua and capture rain He is setting the example by creating a kukui plantnurseryonhispropertyandgivingkeikiplantstootherhomesteadersAdoptionofthesetypesofstrategiesshouldalsobeconsideredbynonͲhomesteaduserswhohaveutilizedthe lionrsquosshareofMISwater ReforestationoftheslopesofMaunaloathathadbeendamagedbycattleranchingandpineapplecultivationwouldalso lessendependenceonwaterdiversions Thishasbeen identifiedasakeyprojectunder the communitydocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandalongwithcertainerosioncontrolmeasuresfortheWestEnd gulches that include installing ldquorock dikes (gabions) hedgerow plantings [and] siltationpondsrdquo74
ProtectingWaterResourceRights
TheWater Code directs the Commission to ldquoincorporate and protect adequate reserves ofwaterforcurrentandforeseeabledevelopmentanduseofHawaiianhomelandsassetforthinsection 221 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Actrdquo75 Additionally by law the HawaiianHomes Commission Act recognizes a twoͲthirdswater preference for homesteaders on theMolokai IrrigationSystem76These lawsshouldbeenforcedandtheDepartmentofHawaiianHomeLandsneedstoactivelyadvocateonbehalfofhomesteaderstoensuretheprotectionoftheir water rights The Department of Agriculture which manages the MIS must alsoresponsiblymeettheStatersquosfiduciarydutybyassuringthatwaterallocationsareincompliancewiththetwoͲthirdsprovisionforhomesteaders
WildAnimalControl
A number of farmers plagued by deer have opted to allow subsistence hunting on theirpropertyorhunt thedeer themselvesOthersare installing fencing tokeep thedeerout AlocaldeerranchersurmisedthatalotofthedeerareoriginatingfromdryMolokaiRanchlandsandmovingtowardsthehomesteadregionofHo`olehuainsearchofwaterandfoodThisdeerfarmerwouldliketoworkwithMolokaiRanchtoleaseandexpandhisoperationsontoRanchlandserect fencingandprovideadequatewater for thedeer toprevent them from invadingtheHomestead Withcollaborationamong farmersMolokaiRanchand localdeer ranchersthiscouldprovideawinͲwinsolutionforall
74MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf75HawRevStatSection174CͲ101(a)76HawaiianHomesCommissionActsect221(d)1920amended1955
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 45
IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth
Typicallyweeds are found in disturbed areas Weeds are bioͲindicators of soil health andstructureTheyservedifferentfunctionsandareoftenpioneerspeciesthatcomeintoasystemearly on to create optimal conditions for the next stages of succession into amorematuresystem Differentweedsperformdifferent functions suchasaddingnitrogen to the soil reͲmineralizingthesoilwithdeeptaprootsthatbringnutrientsbelowuptothesurfacelooseningcompacted hard pan soils to allow for aeration and room for new seedlings to grow andstabilizingfragileandexposedsoilswithrootstructuresthatfanoutmorewidelytoholdloosesoiltogetherThekeyistoselectspeciesthataremoreusefultothefarmerthanthenaturalordisturbedvegetationandovertimethesespecieswilloutcompeteweedyvarietiesDiversifyingcropsandmimickingnaturalsuccessiondoingtimestackingwithdenserplantingsofperenniallegumesgroundcoverswindbreaks fruit treesandvinesofpreferredspecieswillallow formaturation of the system create better soil health and select out nonͲfavorable weedyspeciesOne farmerwhooperatesanorganicpapaya farmdoesthe followingtopreservesoil fertilityandcontrolpests77 Utilizesa localmanufacturerfromOahuwhorecyclesusedcookingoilfatsbonesandfish
collected from restaurants foodmanufacturersand fishoutletsand turns thiswaste into100 certified organic soil amendments Tons of rawmaterialwaste now diverted fromlandfill
Usesdolomiteandcrushedcoraltoamendsoilorgypsumassubstitute Growssunnhemponrestingfieldstohelpwithnematodesandfixnitrogeninsoil Providescovercropofgrassesandweedsbetween rowsofmaturepapaya trees irrigated
withmicroͲsprinklerstokeepmoistureandlifeinthesoil Maintainsadiversefloraratherthanengaginginmonocropping Responds to cut worms (seasonal) by planting extra seedling trays to replace damaged
seedlings Sprays kumulus (organic sulfur) and baking soda to combat powderymildewmites and
thrips Ripsandairsoutoldfieldsandrestsfieldsforatleast15monthstoaddressnematodeissue Focusesongrowingthestrongesthealthiestplantstoprovidegreaterresistancetopests
77UniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesFeaturedFarmerRickTamanahaKaleikoafarmsHo`olehuaMoloka`iHĈnai`AiNewsletterJuneͲJulyͲAugust2011httpwwwctahrhawaiiedusustainagnewsarticlesV8ͲKaleikoaFarmsͲFFpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 46
AddressingHighOperationalCosts
EquipmentAccessSeveralcommunitypartnerscametogethertoaddressoneofthemajorimpedimentsforsmallfarmersonMolokai access toequipment TheMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityndashKeAupuniLƃkahipurchasedatractoraspartofaplannedequipmentrentalprogramadministeredbyUHCTAHR and the Hawaiian Homestead Association TheMolokai Rural Development ProjectpurchasedtractorimplementstofurtherassistthefarmersTheseimplementsincludedaJactoArbusAirblast Sprayerwith TractorMount to assist farmers in spraying their fieldswithoutadded labor Samp A AG 20 Spreader to allow growers to improve their soil pH and organicmatter Miller Bobcat 250 welder to aid farmers in repairing and fabricating tools andimplements aswell as serve as a training tool inwelding and farmmechanics and aGreatPlainsSubSoilerSS1300toassistfarmersinfieldpreparationwithminimalsoildisruptionWhilefarmerswillstillneedaccesstootherformsofequipmenttocutdown laborandtimetheEquipmentRentalModel isagoodone that shouldbe replicated tobenefit theMolokaifarming community overall and ameliorate farmersrsquo chances of success by bringing theirindividualcostsdownShipping
Howtotacklehighshippingcosts Consolidation Compilecargoandnegotiatewithcarriersbased on volume78 This could be handled formally through a cooperative structure orinformally through a hui of farmers The Molokai community has also recommendedcommissioning a ldquostudy to explore new alternatives for transportation links (air and sea)betweenMolokaiandotherareasandmarketsrdquo79Another alternative that Sust`ĈinableMolokai is preliminarily exploring is the feasibility ofprovidingasailingvesselequippedwithchillspacethatwouldideallybepoweredbyrenewableenergy (egwind solar) to serve as a communal shipping vessel forMolokai exports andimportsOneofourconcernsisnotonlythehighshippingcoststhatresidentsincurbutalsodealingwiththeinevitableconsequencesofglobalpeakoilandhelpingtoincreaseourislandrsquosfuelandenergysecurity
78Youn JL ldquoRootsofChange ToRichardNelsondiversification ismuchmore than justabuzzwordrdquoHawaiiBusiness Magazine February 2004 httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange79 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1105 InfrastructureTransportationAlternativesp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 47
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoodsOne of the areas where some farmers feel challenged is marketing and distributing theirproducts offͲisland While some of themwant to take advantage of better pricing on theneighbor islands the lackofknowledgeandexperience inpenetrating thosemarketscanbedauntingfortheMolokaifarmerItwasalsoexpressedtousfromvendorsandrestaurantsthatit is difficult to determine which farmer is selling what and to achieve a level of productconsistencyamong individualfarmers ForMolokaistoresandrestaurants itwouldbeeasiertodealwithabrokerdistributorormarketingteamwho isplugged intotheMolokaifarmingcommunityandcouldconsolidategoodsamongstallfarmersandachieveafairpriceforthemCoststoretainthisdistributorcouldalsobesharedamongstthefarmersThisdistributorcouldalso handlemarkets on neighboring islandsmainland and internationally and remove theheadachefromfarmerswhojustwanttofarmOriginallytheHiki`olaFarmersCooperativewassetuptosellanddistributefarmersrsquoproductsandhelptoremovethe impedimentsandpersonalchallengesfarmersface inmarketingtheirproduceandproducts independently HoweverthisprovedunsuccessfulbecauseofproductinconsistencyThismaybeanongoingchallengebutnotcompletelyinsurmountablePerhapsmorecarefulfarmplanningandcollaborationwithfarmersmaybeneededtocollectivelygrowspecific items tomaintainacertainvolumeandconsistency Issuesof seasonalityhoweverwillalwaysimpactconsistencyMarketingFarmers couldalso increase theirprofits throughappropriatebrandinga common logoandsharedwebsitefeaturingldquoGrownonMolokairdquoorldquoMadeonMolokairdquoproductlineThiswouldalsohelpprospectivevalueͲaddedfoodentrepreneurswhoarechallengedbyhighstartͲupandinsurancecoststhatcomeswithdevelopingaproductdesigningalogoandlabelandcomingupwithappropriatepackagingUnderonebrandandacommoninsurancethesecostscanbeminimizedandthevalueͲaddedproducercouldfocuschieflyoncreatingaqualityproductFarmersMarketampCommunitySupportedAgricultureMolokairsquoscurrentSaturdaymarketlocatedintheheartofKaunakakaiTownisanopenmarketwherethereareavarietyofitemssoldartscraftsvarioussundriesbakedgoodsandavarietyof vegetablesand fruits Ithasbeen suggested that theMolokaiopenmarketbe improvedupon to reflect a true farmersmarket Improvementswould includeproviding chill space toprovide other products like Molokai grass fed beef and seafood showcasing valueͲaddedMolokaiproductssellingmoreandbonafideMolokaiproduceandincreasingaccessibilityforlow income families to fresh local produce and other foods through undergoing the formalprocessandclearancetoacceptEBTfoodstamps
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 48
FarmersMarkets serve as an important venue for farmers to sell directly to customers andcreatepositiverelationshipswiththemForthosewhoprefertofarmandleavethesellingandmarketingtoothersalocaldistributorcouldfillthoseshoesSomehavesuggestedthatseveralfarmersmarketsbeestablishedwithinthevariousdistrictsofthe island (east central and west Molokai) to make local foods readily accessible to allconsumersAnother suggestionwas thatMolokai create its own local dollar or Local Exchange TradingSystem (LETS) amongst a communityor groupofpeoplewhomutually agree toextend andearn credit from each other through a series of transactions and exchanges of goods andservicesDirectbarterbetweenpartiesisnotnecessaryratheronecanearnLETScreditsfromperformingaserviceorgivingagoodandbereciprocatedatalatertimeforgoodsorservicesofequalvalue(egprovidingbabysittingservicestoearncreditsandreceiveplumbingworkinreturn)LETSallowscommunitiesgreater flexibilityandcreatesequalityamong itsmembersofferingvaluebeyondtheconventionalmonetarysystemSome farmers create their own market by operating a CSA or Community SupportedAgricultureTheWaialuaPermafarmhasbeenoperatingsuccessfullyforabout30yearsnowasaCSATheWaialuaPermafarmhasfamiliesthatregularlysubscribetotheirCSAandpurchaseweekly or biͲmonthly boxes of veggies and fruits The Waialua Permafarm provides animpressive listing of vegetable and fruits that they grow with customers choosing theirfavoritesWhateverisinseasonandpreferredbythecustomeriswhattheCSAprovidesPu`uOHokuRanchalsoprovidesveggieboxesaswellasamore recentoperation runningoutofMahanaGardensOneMolokaiCSAoperatorsuggestedtheSiskiyouSustainableCooperativeinOregonasagreatmodel that could help farmers here to consolidate their efforts and create direct farmer toconsumer relationships Some of the best practices coming from Siskiyou SustainableCooperativeinclude Acollectiveoffarmerswhowantedtoformamarketingandbusinesscooperative Their business plan included visionary goals such as a credit union for farmers a
cooperatively owned state of the art commercial kitchen and seed cleaning facilityaffordablehealthinsuranceforfarmfamiliesetc
Inthefirst2yearsthefarmersdeveloped3marketingvenuesaCSAafarmstandalongtheroadsideandacooperatively runmarketboothEventually theCooperative focusedmoreexclusivelyontheCSAasitprovedmostfinanciallysuccessful
Farmersrsquogoal istoprovidecontinualaccesstomore locallygrownandproducedfoodsandtomaketheCSAboxmoreofaldquooneͲstopshoppingrdquoexperienceformembersTodatetheCSA offers bread cheese eggs flowers beef and buffalo products coffee and honey inadditiontotheregularproduceboxes
CoͲopprovidescertifiedorganicfruitsvegetablesandspecialty itemsproducedon9smallͲscalefamilyfarmsandranches
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 49
Feeds250 families throughcooperativeCommunitySupportedAgriculture (CSA)marketingand distribution program while enhancing the economic viability of their sustainableagricultureoperations
CoͲopoffersasmallsharethatfeeds2peopleandalargesharethatfeeds3Ͳ5peopleCoͲopdropsoffthefoodboxesto7differentspotsonaweeklybasis
ProvidingproducetolowͲincomepopulationsispartofCoͲoprsquosmissionCoͲopprovidesfoodtoACCESSandfoodbanks
CoͲopalsosuccessfullyappliedtoacceptfoodstampsCoͲopunderstandsthateatingfreshhealthyfood is importantforeveryoneespeciallyforthemorevulnerablepopulations likechildrenpregnantandnursingmotherstheelderlyanddisabledThesepeoplearemostinneedofnutrientͲdensehighqualityfoods
CSAmembersalsobenefit from farmdaysofferedby thecoͲopmembersget tosee theirfoodbeing grown andmeet their farmersCoͲop also sends recipes andnewsletterswitheachboxtohelpmemberslearnnewandexcitingwaystopreparetheirvegetables
CoͲopworks toexpandmarkets for localseedproducers toprovidevarietiesofregionallyͲadaptedopenͲpollinated seeds forhomegardenersand smallͲscale farmersCoͲop leasesseed cleaning equipment from a local nonͲprofit to improve seed quality and encouragegrowers toproducemore seedas theequipment saves time Oneof thecoͲop foundingmembers started his own local seed company see websitewwwbiodynamicseedsblogspotcom
CoͲop farms utilize interns as an inexpensive labor pool while providing them withopportunitiesto learnhowtogrow foodandruna farmoperation Inaneffort toprovidequality internships someof thecoͲopmembers formedanonͲprofit toprovideeducationandsocialopportunitiesforfarminternsSeewebsitehttproguefarmcorpsorg
AchievingFinancialSustainabilityThroughMIFFStrategyTodays farmermust possess a diverse skillsͲset to be truly competitive in a globalmarketAccordingtoRichardNelsonpresidentofHawaiiBizlinkLLCanagricultureͲconsultingfirmontheBigIslandnichemarketdevelopmentisthekeytosuccessfulagribusinessinHawaiiratherthan the agricultureasacommoditymindset80 Headds [A]g iseconomicdevelopmentanditisalsotourismVisitorswanttoeattheNalogreensandthefreshfishseethepineappleplantationandvisit theaquacultureoperationsahard look [needs tobe taken in]assistingfarmers with a variety of things including development of market plans business planspackagedesignintroductiontobuyersdevelopmentoftradeshowsandmarketingvenuesforlocalproducers[E]veryfarmerhasgottogetsmarterItsnolongerjustharvestingproductandthrowing it inabinFarmershavetowearmultiplehatsnow81Aswe looktobuildinggreatercapacityinourfarmingcommunitymoreeducationandtrainingmustbeavailableforfarmerstomeettheseemergingtrendsinagriculture
80YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange81YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 50
Farmers are more likely to succeed through diversification The Multiple Income FarmingFamilies (MIFF) model is a strategy for strengthening agribusinesses through generatingmultiplerevenuestreamsOne exampleof aMultiple Income Farming Family isMolokaiMeli inoperation since 2004MolokaiMeli sellspremiumorganic rawkiawehoneyasavalueͲaddedproductThe familymarketsldquomelisticksrdquoorhoneysealed instrawsassimplesnacks Theyalsoprovidedifferentgradesofhoneypremiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyandhoneycombsthattheyadvertiseand sell through their website The family doesnrsquot stop there Their eldest child Elijahdevelopedhisownbusiness around adressing recipeheperfectedmadewithMolokaiMelihoneyTheyoungerdaughtershavealsodevelopedtheirownproductsbeeswaxcandlesandchapstickthataresoldatKumuFarmsandMolokairsquosspecialtyshopsAllfamilymemberssuitupintheirbeekeepingsuitstocareforthebeesInitiallywhentheystartedtheirbusinesstheyhadnot fullyreachedtheir financialgoal insecuringallthestartͲupcoststheyneeded Theylearnedtoadaptandadjustedtheirbusinessplan Whenfacedwithapredicamentthattheywould not receive their bees on time to start their operations smoothly they turned thischallengeintoanewbusinessopportunitybyprovidingtheislandrsquossolebeeremovalservicesThey utilized this initial stock of bees for honey production and continue to replenish theirstoresbymaintainingbeeremovalservicesValueͲAddingampGoingOrganicThecommunitysupportsorganicvalueͲaddedandsustainablefarming82 Encourageandsupportorganicandenvironmentallyfriendlyfarmingmethodstechniques SupporttheproductionofvalueͲaddedproducts SupportthefarmingofcertifiedorganicandornonͲGMOcropsAnexampleofwhereMolokaifarmershaveachievedsuccess is inproducingcertifiedorganicpapayaMolokaiistheonlyplaceintheworldwhereorganicpapayaisgrowncommerciallyAsmallairportrunway that lacks thecapacity toreceive largeplanesand internationalcarriershaskeptMolokaibiologicallypurerthantheother islands inthat ithasnotbeenexposedtothepapaya ringspotvirus likewise thebananabunchy topvirushasalsonot takena strongholdonMolokaibananaKumu Farms is a local distributor of organic sunrisestrawberry papaya In themidͲ1990sKumuFarms invested inandbuiltaforcedͲhotͲair(FHA)chemicalfreetreatmentfacilitywiththeapprovalof theUSDepartmentofAgriculture to treat itscertifiedorganicpapayaonsiteand distribute directly to its various markets throughout the State of Hawai`i the USMainland and Canada83 Thirty percent (30) of the organic papaya supply comes from
82MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf83KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 51
homesteadfarmingfamilieswhoarepartofKumuFarmsldquosatelliteprogramrdquo84ThesefarmersarepaidbyKumuFarms$075lbfororganicpapayawhichismorethandoublewhatfarmerstypicallygetforconventionalGMOpapayaat$030lb MolokaiOrganicPapayaretails inthemainlandUSat$5lbProducingcropsorganically isawaytovalueͲaddandenteranichemarket This isespeciallyusefulforsmallfarmswhocannotcompetewithlargeproducersOneofthesatellitefarmshasexpressedadesiretobegindistributingandmarketingitsorganicpapayaindependentlyofKumuFarmstorealizedirectmarketprofitsInanycaseKumuFarmsplaysavaluablerole inproviding itsownFHAchemicalfreetreatmentfacilitydoingoutreachto small farmers to assume the costs of shipping distribution and marketing For manybeginning farmers these types of opportunitiesmitigate some of the costs of running anagribusinessandgivethemaleguptogrowandeventuallyexpandtheirownenterprisesThe 2010 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process forMaui Countyidentified the main economic sectors forMauiMolokai and Lanai islands They includeAgriculture Arts and Entertainment Government Healthcare Recreation and SportsRenewableEnergyResearchampDevelopment (RampD)and theVisitor Industry MolokaiCEDSparticipantshave identifiedprioritygoalsandobjectivesundereachsector ForAgricultureampAquacultureMolokai residentselectedasapriorityobjectiveaneffective ldquoBuy Localrdquo (ldquoBuyMolokairdquocampaign)andtheestablishmentofaldquoMadeonMolokairdquobrandAdditionally a September 2009 report provided by theMaui EconomicDevelopment Board(MEDB)onldquoEntrepreneurshipandtheFutureofMolokairdquodeterminedfrommultiplesurveysofMolokairsquos business community areas for growth and opportunity for the islandrsquos economyRespondents identified asopportunities ldquouniquelyMolokai lsquonichersquoproducts (organicpapayacoffeecookiesMolokaibreadetc)rdquoandldquovalueͲaddedproducts (tarochipspackageddriedmangococonutandbanana)rdquoIncreasedproductionandmarketingofnewvalueͲaddedfoodproductsprovide longershelf life requires lessvolumeof rawproductandhaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketswishingtotrynewandexoticfoods ValueͲaddingandcreationofnicheproducts thatplay to the strengthsofwhat farmershere cangrowprovidesagreateradvantagetoMolokaiproducersandallowsthemtobemorecompetitiveinthemarket A few years ago theMolokai Rural Development Project (RDP) offered ValueͲAdded FoodProductionTrainingattheLanikehaCommercialKitchen inpartnershipwithHawaiianHomestheMolokaiCommunityServiceCouncilandKƻha`oBusinessCenterThetrainingwasgearedtoestablishingsuccessfulvalueͲadded foodbusinessesto fulfillanichemarketandaid inthediversification ofMolokairsquos agriculture industry RDP designed the training along theMIFFmodelofprovidingmultipleincomestreamsforfarmingfamiliesThelocalfarmerthroughthistrainingcouldsupplementhis income throughvalueͲaddingorconnectwithanentrepreneurwishingtoturnldquowasterdquo(discardedoffͲgradeproduce)intoopportunity
84KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 52
Currently Lanikeha holds a number of anchor tenants that regularly produce valueͲaddeditems Products thathavecomeoutofLanikeha includepoisweetpotatochipshoneyseasaltpestoproductsbakedandcatereditemsUtilizingLanikehaasaCommunityCommercialKitchen Incubator for additional valueͲadded product development and training is key todeveloping new food entrepreneurs on Molokai and strengthening the islands agricultureeconomyAgriͲTourismPriorities identified inMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian IslandrsquosAgricultureAquacultureSectionincludessupportofldquoagroͲtourismendeavorsrdquo85An area in which there is room for growth and diversification is the agritourism industryAccording to the Hawaii Agritourism Association (HATA) agritourism assists farmers withsupplementalincomebyprovidinganichemarketthatinvolvesconnectingtheconsumertothelandandthegrowersbyeducatingthemaboutagriculturalproductsandprovidingadirectandinteractiveexperienceOf theprofitsmade fromagͲtourism relatedactivitiesmost revenuesaregainedthroughonfarmsalesdirecttofarmvisitorsAdditionallymanyoperationsreceiveorders for products after visitors return home suggesting gains made through buildingrelationshipswithcustomersthroughagritourismvenuesAccording toHATAagritourism isagrowingglobal trend thatprovides farmswith income increative ways enhances diversity of visitor experiences while at the same time supportsculturalidentityTheMolokaiResponsibleTourism InitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanprovidesabasisfor identifyingacceptablehostͲvisitorexperiences inkeepingwithMolokairsquoscultureandruralpace 86 Focus group sessions interviews and surveys revealed that residents favoredsustainablecommunitytourismtheelementsofwhichinclude Operationsby localand traditionalpopulation toenhance thequalityof lifeprotectand
restoretheenvironmentalandculturalassetsandengagevisitorsontermsdefinedbythecommunity
Activitiesevolvingasasolutiontoeconomicenvironmentalsocialeducationalandcultural
growthchallenges
85MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf86McGregorDaviannaldquoMolokaiResponsibleTourismInitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanForMoloka`irdquoKe`AupuniLƃkĈhindashMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityFebruary2006httphuinethawaiirdporgmolokaiFinal20Report20Ͳ20with20coverpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 53
Advocating a fair exchange of value between the host and the hosted Preserving the
communityrsquossenseofplacethatbringsdignityandpridetothehost Featuringauthenticandgenuineactivities forguests Sharing realcultureby thepeople
whopracticeit Creatingabalancedratiobetweenthelocalpopulationandvisitorcountsothatthesenseof
placeisnotoverwhelmedbylargescaletourismSomeactionsteps identified tomeet theseprinciples includedculturalexchangeeducationaltoursbuilding thekama`ainavisitormarketworkingwithentrepreneurcohortsestablishingcommunitynetworksandcollaborativeeffortsSuccesswouldbemeasuredwithanincreaseinthe number of jobs in the visitor industry and an increase in contributions to the islandrsquoseconomyfromvisitoractivitiesandretailpurchasesSome Molokai farmers have shown interest in agriͲtourism as evidenced by a programsupportedbytheKƻha`oBusinessCentertheCountyOfficeofEconomicDevelopmentandtheMolokaiAgriculturalDevelopmentProgramafewyearsagotoprovideintroductoryagritourismworkshops and site visits to various farmsonMauiMaui farms likeAli`iKula Lavender andSurfingGoatDairyhaveservedasgreatmentorsTheseactivitieshave inspiredandpromptedMolokai farmersto lookathowtheycan improvetheirown farmingoperationsand increaserevenuethroughdiversificationPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm isoneexampleofagritourismonMolokai The familyprovides farmtoursandgivesvisitorstheldquomacadamiaexperiencerdquothroughaneducationalcomponentandanopportunity to taste and purchase their product Relationships builtwith visitors serve tocreatealoyalcustomerbaseThePurdyrsquosprovidedirectmarketingbymailtocustomerswhohavevisitedtheminthepastThismethodhasbeenquiteeffectiveforthemTherearenegativeviewsonMolokaiabout tourismorconventionalaspectsof tourism thatexploittheHawaiianhostculture One farmerwhodislikestourismstatedhoweverthathehaswelcomedhundredsofpeopleofallagestovisittourandworkonhis family farm Forhimnoproprietarysecretsarekeptjustadesiretoshareknowledgeandthefamilyrsquospassionfor farming In this sense tourism takes a differentmeaning one that ismore about aneducational exchange and an opportunity to volunteer and gain knowledge throughexperiencingaworkingfarmfirsthand
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 54
ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms
Lawsmustbeenforcedtomake it favorabletothe farmerto farm Enforcementofthe lawsthataccuratelydefineagricultureandappropriatefarmdwellingsiscriticaltothemaintenanceofHawai`irsquosinventoryofagriculturallandslestweforfeitafoodsecurefutureforHawai`i
MolokaiisoneofthefewislandsifnottheonlyHawaiianislandthatselfͲidentifiesitsdesiredandprimaryeconomy tobeagriculture rather than tourismThemajorityofour informantsrespondedtothefollowingquestioninthismanner
Question What is your Agriculture Vision for Molokai
ldquoTo truly be the agriculture breadbasket of the Staterdquo
Muchofthissentimentcanbeattributedtoourhistoriclegacyas`inaMomonaandaculturethathasneverforgottenthatthewealthofthe land isdeterminedbyhowmuchfoodcanbeproduced and howmuch can be shared This is the essence ofMolokairsquos two economiesagricultureandtraditionalsubsistence
InkeepingwithavisionforMolokaitobetheagriculturebreadbasketoftheStatefarmerssaythatchangesneed tobemadeby theStategovernment toprovideaguaranteedmarket forMolokai farmers to supply urban and densely populated islands like Oahu rather thanperpetuatingalosingpropositionforMolokairsquosfarmerswhoareforcedtocompetewithotherswhohavemoredirectaccesstothemarket
ExcerptsfromMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandmakescommunityobjectivesclearastothehighprioritygiventoprotectingtheinterestsoflocalagriculture87 Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture food
production Promoteandsupport family farmsonMolokai inorder toprotectagricultureaquaculture
resourcesfromcommercialexploitation Promoteactivitiesand incentives thatwillhelpsupport theeconomicsecurityofour farm
families
AdditionalacreageforAgriculturalParksshouldbereservedtosupporttheexpansionoflocalfamilyfarmsPracticesthatconflictwiththespiritandpoliciesidentifiedforAgParkssuchasleasingorsubͲleasingto largecorporateindustrialagricultureandbiotechcompaniesshouldbeprohibited
87MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 55
Newtrendsrelatedtoan increasingappreciationanddemandfor localandregionalproduceencourage the return of small family farms88 Family farms are important to the soul andresilienceofacommunity Where industrialagriculturecompaniestendtocauseerosionandpollution through destructive practiceswith the use ofmachinery and heavy application ofchemical fertilizersherbicides andpesticides independent small family farmshave amoreintimate relationship with the land and are keen on preserving green and open spaces inalignmentwithcommunityvalues89
Related to thedeclineofsmall family farms is theagingofAmericarsquos farmers Molokai isnodifferent Theaverageageofthefarmerswesurveyedwere54yearsoldwhilethenationalaverage is 5790 The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 70 of the nationrsquosagricultural landwill changehandswithin the next 20 yearsdue to the agingpopulationoffarmers91 Ifthenextgeneration isnot interested infarmingthere isarealthreatthatthesefarmlandswillbeconvertedtononͲagriculturepurposes92 It is imperativethentocultivateanewgenerationofbeginningfarmers
OutreachampEducationIncreasingConsumerAwareness Reviewofsurveyand interviewresponsesstimulated livelyinformalinquiryanddiscussionamongfriendsfamilyandcolleaguesOnesuchdiscussionwasabout the need to raise greater consumer awareness of different kinds of foods herbsvegetablesthatattractthemoreexperiencedpalettebut forwhichthe localpopulationmaynotbeaccustomedtooutsideoftheirowntraditionalfoodsOneobservationthatwasmadebyKumuFarmsisthatsalesarelowinthesummerandpickupagainatthearrivalofsnowbirdsin the fallandwintermonths Hearing localpeople talkabout theirappreciationofgoing toKumuFarmstopickupfreshorganicproducebutareluctancetotrysomeofthemoreexoticherbsbecauseoftheirlackofknowledgeonhowtopreparethemsuggestsadesiretoexploredifferentcuisinesbutnotenoughopportunitytolearnaboutandincorporatethesefoodsintotheir cooking Hosting different tastings and cooking classes that integrate a farm to tableapproachmayhelp to removesome thesebarriers toeatinghealthynew foods With thesetypesofactivitieswecreatemoreeducatedconsumers Severalofour informantshavealsosuggestedraisingawarenessatanearlyagetoeducatethenextgenerationofeatersthroughschoolgardenprogramsthatgivechildrenadirectexperienceandappreciationofcultivating
ͺͺUnited StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof FoodandAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml89ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml90ShuteBldquoANewGenerationofFarmersrdquoTheNewYorkTimesAugust192011httpwwwnytimescomroomfordebate20110817couldͲfarmsͲsurviveͲwithoutͲillegalͲlaborweͲneedͲaͲnewͲgenerationͲofͲamericanͲfarmers91United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml92United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 56
preparingeatingandeventuallybuyingadelightfuldiversityof locallygrownnutritiousandwholefoodsEducatingFarmers Molokaihasgreatresourcesthatassistboththeprospectiveandcurrentfarmer ingaining inͲdepthagriculturalknowledgeand skills TheUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollege (UHMC) Molokai Farm confers an Associates Degree and Certificates in variousAgricultureampNaturalResourcestopics
CertificateofAchievementandASdegrees inHorticultureand LandscapeMaintenanceandSustainableTropicalCropManagement
Certificates of Competence in Agricultural Science Nursery Production and PestManagement
CertificatesofCompletioninTurfgrassSpecialistSustainableTropicalCropProductionandLandscapeMaintenance
Associates in Technical Studies Degree in Cultural and Natural Resource ManagementMĈlama`ina
InthepasttheMolokaiRuralDevelopmentProjectsponsoredtheAgricultureCohorttrainingprogramwhichserved8 farming families (27 familymemberstotal)committedtodevelopingsustainablefamilyfarms93The UHͲCTAHR Molokai Office delivered the training The project employed experientiallearning and instructionalmethodologies as best practices for intergenerational transfer oftechnology and expertise for sustainable agriculture Participants learned marketing farmplanningproductionplanningrecordkeepingcompleterequisitetaxforms(ScheduleF)farmequipmentsafetyandoperationsiteͲselectionassessmentirrigationsetͲupsoilfertilityplantnutritionpestmanagement (weeds insectsdiseases)harvesting commoditiespostͲharvesthandling grading and qualitymanagement organic certification basic computing businesssoftware and custom agricultureͲbased software Participants received training on usingspecialagriculture softwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRMolokaiextensionagentAltonArakakiThe first software they learned was on Production Mapping With this program farmersplannedandprojected theirproductionactivities throughout theyearanddeterminedwhenandhowmuch resourceswouldbeneeded to complete activities successfully TheprogramalsoprovidedfarmersanopportunitytorealisticallyestimateproductioncashflowoftheirfarmplansThesecondsoftwarethey learnedwastheScheduleFfinancialrecordkeepingprogramthatmaintainsrecords inatemplatethatwouldeventuallycompletetheirDepartmentoftheTreasuryProfitandLossfromFarmingIRSScheduleFForm1040AttheendofthetrainingthecohortparticipantsreceivedcopiesofthesoftwareOtherfarmingsoftwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRprovedusefulforfarmentrepreneursenrolledintheprojectThesoftwareincludedPlantTissueAnalysisndashRecordingandTrackingforplantnutritionmanagementandCalibratingYourSprayer(publishedbyCTAHRhttpwwwctahrhawaiieduocfreepubspdfPRREͲ6pdf)
93AkutagawaMalialdquoAgriculturalCohortProjectFinalReportrdquoAugust302007
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 57
Farmfamiliesincreasedtheirknowledgeandexperienceincropproductionandmanagementandapplied theiracquiredskills toestablishingorexpanding their farmbusiness Thecropsproducedbythe8 family farmenterprises includedorganicpapaya(3 farms)yamDioscareaorganicwatermelon and taro greenhouse lettucepumpkin taro (lu`au leaf table taro andvalueͲaddedkuloloproduct)andcoffeeSeveral participants were successful recipients of the Molokai Agricultural DevelopmentProgram awards having enrolled in RDPrsquos Kƻha`o Business Center Entrepreneurial TrainingProgram to receive oneͲtoͲone business consultation and assistance in developing theirbusinessplans
Allcohort familiesmadeprofitandexceededbenchmarkssetbyRDP Anestimated totalof$105000wasmade in cumulative sales over the yearmore than doubling the year 2 endprojectgoalof$50000 The farmproductsweremarketedonͲisland intrastateandon themainlandOrganicpapayasweremarketedtomainlandhubsinLosAngelesSanFranciscoandPortlandFromthesehugecitiestheyweresoldandshippedtoinlandmarkets
From thiscomprehensive trainingparticipants learnedandexperiencedboth theagriculturalsciencesandartofrunningasuccessfulbusinessInthesciencecurriculumparticipantslearnedsubjectmatters insoilplantsplantdiseases insectsweedsplantnutritionmanagementofplant pests and plant nutrition In the agriͲbusiness curriculum participants learned postharvesthandlinggradingorganic certificationmarketingand farmproductionplanningandmanagement Both experiential learning and classroom instruction proved invaluable Themajorityofthesefamiliesremainsuccessfultodaymorethan5yearsaftertheprogramendedTrainingslikethisgivefarmersthenecessarytoolstorunasuccessfulagribusinessUHͲCTAHRcontinues toassistby focusingon teachingbeginning farmersasaway to cultivate thenextgenerationoffarmersandreversethenationwidetrendofanagingfarmingpopulationSust`ĈinableMolokaihasalso focusedoncomplementing thisworkbybringingpermaculture(ecologicalfarming)inpartnershipwiththePermacultureResearchInstituteUSAtointerestedlocal adults and homesteaders to farm responsibly and sustainably From herewersquove beenteachingsustainablefarmingstrategiestoanestimated100MolokaiHighSchoolstudentsandinstallingthefeaturesofaminiͲahupua`aasademonstrationandteachingtoolIt is recommended that tobuilda strong farmingcommunity in thenextgenerationwewillneedtotakeproactivestepsnowandstartpreparingnewfarmersearlyonfromgradeschoollevel with school gardens up through middle and high school as youth begin to exploreagricultureasacareerGeneralagricultureclassescanbesupplementedwithacurriculumthatincludes financial literacyentrepreneurshipbusinesshomeeconomicshealthandnutritionscience (biology ecology chemistry conservation) and engineering aspects From herestudentswill be able to understand agriculture from diverse viewpoints and disciplines anddevelopdifferentskills required foroperatingasuccessful farmenterprise Creatingadirectbridge tohighereducation throughcollegeandcareerpathway ladderprogramsavailableat
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 58
UHMCMolokaiandotheruniversityinstitutionsisidealOnefarmerwhohasastrongbusinessbackgroundandwasabookkeeperformanyyearspriorto farming recommended that youngpeople take courses inbookkeeping and accounting inadditiontoagricultureclassesPerhaps thegreatestways to impart farmingknowledge isbetween farmers SeveralofourfarmersthatweinterviewedindicatedthattheylearnbestfromeachotherandthatthereisadesiretoserveasmentorsfornewfarmerswholackexperienceThisisfeltparticularlyamongMolokairsquoshomesteadfarmersOnefarmerremarkedontheverycloseͲknitcommunityformedonthehomesteadandthatmosthavethesamemindsetthatldquonewopportunitiesforoneareopportunities for allrdquo As a group they rely on each other to share farming techniquesinformation on new equipment and promote their produce together Rarely is therecompetitionamongsthomesteadersbutadesire todemonstrate thatagriculture isa viableeconomicenginefortheislandOtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchersThereareanumberofincentiveprogramsthatassistfarmersranchersandlandownersiftheychoosetointegrateconservationandsustainablepracticesintheiroperationsThisisonewaythat Molokai producers can access critical funding and work with conservation expertsIncentive Programs through the US Department of Agriculture include the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service (NRCS) ndashMolokaiͲLanai Soil ampWater Conservation District(SWCD) which prepares local conservation and watershed management plans providesconservationeducationandpropagatesnativeplantstorestoreHawaiianecosystemsassistsfarmersand ranchers inanumberof federalFarmBillPrograms thatprovides incentives forvoluntary conservation practices to help reduce erosion protect streams and rivers restoreandestablishfishandwildlifehabitatandimproveairqualityo EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)respondstoimportantlocallyidentified
natural resource concerns Funds cover conservationplanningdesignand installation Itmayincludestrategiessuchasnoxiousweedcontrolbrushmanagementpasturehaylandplantingterracesandgroundcover
o GroundampSurfaceWaterConservation (GSWC) supports installationof irrigation related
conservation practices Strategies funded arewater catchment basinsmicroͲirrigationroofrunoffetc
o GrasslandReserveProgram(GRP)assistslandownersandoperatorsintherestorationand
protectionofgrasslandincludingrangelandandpasturelando WildlifeHabitat IncentiveProgram (WHIP) utilized for thecreationand improvementof
fish and wildlife habitat on private land Some practices funded include developingwetlandripariananduplandareas
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 59
o Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) wetland restoration enhancement or creation on
privatelando FarmampRanchlandProtectionProgram(FRPP)helpingstatetribalorlocalgovernmentto
purchasethedevelopmentrightstokeepproductivefarmandranchlandinagriculturaluseo Conservation Security Program (CSP) rewards farmers for protecting and improving the
environment Pays producerswho historically practice good stewardship on agriculturallandsandprovidesincentives
OtherprogramsadministeredthroughNRCSanditsaffiliatesincludeo AgriculturalDevelopment Program (ADP) provides funds to Resource Conservation and
DevelopmentCouncils throughout the nation to administer grants for community drivenprojectsthatpromoteagriculturaldevelopment
o Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) stimulates the development and adoption of
innovativeconservationapproachesand technologieswhile leveraging federal investmentinenvironmentalenhancementandprotectioninconjunctionwithagriculturalproduction
o CooperativeEcosystemStudiesUnit(CESU)provideopportunitiesforinterdisciplinaryand
multiͲagency research technical assistance and education Function as ldquovirtualrdquoorganizationslinkingseveralinstitutionstoincreaseaccesstoexpertiseandfacilities
ImproveRanchingPracticesampMaximizeUseampPotentialofSlaughterhouseThebroaderimpactfortheislandinhavingitsownslaughterhousethemostadvancedfacilityin theStateofHawaii is the revitalizationofMolokairsquos ranching industryWherequalityandincreased volume are paramount ranchers with the right tools may take advantage ofconsumer trends towards making healthier food choices through offering MolokaiͲgrowngrassͲfedorganicbeefasavalueͲaddednicheproduct
TherehavebeencriticismsaboutthequalityofMolokaibeef intermsoftaste Whilevisitorsandhealthconsciousindividualstendtobemorewillingtospendupto$5lbonlocalgrassfedbeeftheaverageMolokaiconsumertendstobemoreconcernedabouttasteAccordingtotheslaughterhousemanagerhighqualitypastureyieldshighqualitybeefandisapreͲrequisiteforenteringanichemarket Ranchersherearenot focusedongrass finishing theircattle HighqualitygrassgrownunderbestmanagementpracticesisneededtocreateagreatbeefproductItwill take time for the ranching industry to see the valueof adopting greatermeasures inalignmentwithorganicranchingpreceptstocaptureanichemarket
Venisonand lambshowmarketpotential Itwillbe interestingtotracktheprogressofthese
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 60
potential enterprises in the years ahead It is recommended thatMolokairsquos stateͲofͲtheͲartslaughterhousebeutilizedtoprocessanddistributemore localmeatandavarietyofanimalsforretailprocessingaswellasvalueͲaddedfooddevelopmentAdditionallythepossibilityandrequirements for processing goat through the slaughterhouse and the potentialmarket fortheseanimals shouldbe furtherexploredasaway toget feralgoats (andmoredeer)downfromthemountainasathreattouplandnativeforestsandontotheplateWemustbegintolookatwaystoturnthreatsintoopportunities
SustainableRanchingThe community has identified as a priority the support of ldquocontinued livestockͲraisingoperationsonMolokaithatusesustainablelandwatermanagementpracticestominimizetheriskoferosionandtoprotectMolokairsquoslimitedwaterresourcesrdquo94Sust`ĈinableMolokaihasbeenresearchingwaystobringthetoolsofHolisticManagementtoMolokai ranchers Theholisticmanagement framework touchesupon theways thatanimalscan play an important role in renewing the land through careful management andunderstandingthewatercyclemineralcycleenergyflowandecosystemdynamics Throughthismethodgrasslandscanbe improved tominimizenegativeeffectsofdroughtrebuildsoilandsequestercarbonaswellasprovidegoodpastureforhoovedanimalswhoareintegratedinto themanagement plan With holisticmanagement livestock actually provide a healingeffectonthelandthroughmimickingnatureandwildherdingbehaviorAnimalscanbeutilizedtoaerate the soilandaid in theplantingofgrass seedwith theirhooveswhilecontributingnutrientstothesoilfromtheirfeceswithhighdensitygrazingforshortperiodsfollowedbyarestorativeperiod Outcomesof this sustainablewayofmanagement include reduced costsand increased profits for the ranch more productive range land biologically active soilsreversal of desertification of eroded lands drought protection restorative effect on thewatershedimprovedwildlifehabitatandecosystemsandfoodsecurityRanchersaroundtheworldhavemetwithgreatsuccessthroughthismethodTherearesomeexamplesontheBigIslandofsuccessfulranchingwithHolisticManagementprinciplesWithappropriateplanningcollaboration and raising the necessary funds Sust`ĈinableMolokai would like to bring aHolisticManagementtrainingworkshoptoassisttheranchingcommunityStrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparednessOne farm business Kumu Farms has taken an active role in responding to food securityconcernsforMolokaiKumuFarmsaftertherecenttsunamiscarebegantoconsiderhowtheycouldhelpinincreasingMolokairsquosfoodsecurityandresiliencetodisastereventsKumuFarmsadoptedapolicy thatmakesMolokai firstpriority in termsof supplying the islandrsquosproduceneedsMolokaineedsaretakencareoffirstwiththesurplusexportedtotherestoftheStateandUSmainland
94MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 61
UH CTAHRwill be providing an `Ohana Gardening class for subsistence gardening Familygardens are the bestway to provide food security There is a phrase by Geoff Lawton arenowned permaculture teacher ldquoOne can solve all problems in a gardenrdquo In a gardendistributionandtransportationissuesareautomaticallyresolvedOthermeasuresthatcanbetaken to make food readily accessible to families and minimize the amount of time andresources to travel by foot is toworkwith families to plant breadfruit trees sweet potatobananaswet or dryland taroMany Hawaiian families particularly living on kuleana landsalreadyhavetheseplantsandtrees inthegroundasdirectbeneficiariesoftheirkupunawhocommonlyprovidedforthefamilyrsquosneedsrightintheirownbackyardOne farmer would like to see food forests on the mountain sides in every ahupua`aCollaborationwith large landownerscommunitygroupsand theahaki`ole leadershipwouldbeagoodstartingpointtocoordinatethistypeofworkMolokairsquos strength also lies in its diversified agriculture and family farms The use of largeacreagesof farm land forbiotech seedcropsutilized for researchpurposesonly impacts theislandrsquos food security and ability to produce food Typical industrialmonocrop culture alsoleavestheislandmorevulnerabletomasscropfailureGreaterresilienceisfoundthroughdiversificationoffoodcropsReintroducingthepracticeofseedsavingandgrowingmanyvarietiesofheirloomseedsadaptedtospecificgrowingregionsand climate regimes is away to increase food security Greater effortmust be placed increatingaseedbankpreservingandplantingexistingseedvarietiesparticularlycreatedbytheearlyHawaiians and passed down to the present generation and cultivating new varietiesadaptedtoonersquosgrowingareaRestoration ofWaikolu Valley was identified as a priority project under theMaui CountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)processTherestorationprojectwouldentailallowinghomesteaderstorestorethetaroterracesinthevalleyandreplanttaro95Molokairsquosgreat inventoryoffishpondsandmassivefringingreefsystemarealsoassetstotheislandrsquosabilitytoproducefoodCaremustbetakentorestoreuplandforeststostopsiltationandrunoffintotheoceanandfishpondsWorkmustbeundertakentorestoremorefishpondsandputthembackintoproduction
95Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter4ndashMauiCountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy2010ShortRangePriorityProjectsp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 62
ConclusionFarming is challenging onMolokai due to limited water resources high operational costsshippinghurdlesandtheabilitytogeta fairprice forproduce farmed Thesechallengesarenot insurmountable ifapproachedsystematicallyandcontinuedeffortsandcommitmentsaremade byMolokairsquos community to support local agriculture through education and creatingstructuresthatpoolresourcesandpeopletogetherThe island ismadestrongerby theassetswehavearichcultural legacyof `Ĉinamomonaapopulation thatmaintains traditional subsistence practices and upholds agriculture as theeconomic mainstay for the island lands fishponds and reefs capable of producing vastamounts of food a strongHawaiianHomestead farming community engaged in diversifiedagriculture a college and demonstration farm that offers agriculture certificate and degreeprograms local stateͲofͲtheͲart slaughterhousea community run commercialkitchen facilityforvalueͲadded foodproductionand trainingdedicatededucatorsandagricultureextensionagents from the University to help farmers in the field and an environment that ismorecooperativethancompetitiveintermsofsharingknowledgeandbestpractices
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 63
VI APPENDICES
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sustrsquoaina ble Molokai Survey Food Production amp Security
Do you care or think about where your food comes from ___yes ___no Do you prefer to buy local Molokai food products __ yes ___no __no preference Would you eat more local food if it were available __yes __no If yes what would you like to eat or buy if made grown on Molokai_______________________________________________________________________________ Do you feel you have access to locally grown food in the grocery stores and open markets ___yes ___no If no
what do you suggest to improve this situation_______________________________________________________
Are you a farmer or interested in farming ____ yes ____no If yes how old are you_________________
If yes what do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other ________________________________
What produce do you (plan to) farm_______________ ______________________________________ How much land are you farming (or is available for you) a Less than one acre b 1 ndash 5 acres c 15 - 40 acres d 40 acres or more
Do you grow your own food (farm gardening) _____ yes ______no If no what is the primary reason for not
growing your own food __Too busy __ Not interested __ Relying on others __Disabled __ Donrsquot know
how Other Reason _____________________________
Approximately what percentage of the food you eat is Prepared at home ______ Purchased from a restaurant ______ (total should equal 100)
Of the food you prepare at home approximately what percentage is grown caught andor produced (total should equal 100)
a By you andor your family ______ b On Molokai_______ c In Hawaii ________ d Outside Hawaii________
Would you grow food for sale if there were a viable market (guaranteed customer) (or more food if you already grow)
__Yes __No What subsistence activities do you do If none why (no interest no time donrsquot know how)
aHunting b FishingDiving c Gathering (what___________________) Other ______________ None because _______________________
To practice subsistence on Molokai we need our natural resources to be in good conditionprotected and we need access Which one is a bigger concern for you ___Conditionprotection of our natural resources ___Access to natural areasresources ___Both ndash equally
Overall how important is subsistence to your family ___Very Important ___Somewhat important
___Somewhat Unimportant ___Not Important at all
About what percent of your familyrsquos food comes from subsistence activities (fishing hunting gathering raising
animals cultivation) ________
AppendixA-FoodProduc0onampSecuritySurvey
Food Production ndash Informant Interviews ndash Farmers
Sustainable Molokai is creating an online database where we are inputting information about the islandrsquos food production We want to share what you are growing as well as include your manarsquoo on the status of Molokairsquos food supply Once this information is available to the public the island community would have a picture of what is going on in terms of food security and how we can all get together to fill in the gaps and meet needs
How old are you how long have you been farming
What produce do you farm or are interested in farming How much land is available for you
What has been your best cash crop
Has farming your specific productproduce been successful
What do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other___________________________
Do you sell or plan to sell food mostly on island What is your vision for an agricultural future for this island
AppendixB-InterviewQues0onsforFarmers
Food Security Interview Questions for Businesses
Sustainable Molokai is working on a database project which is collecting information about Molokairsquos food production We are surveying the community and would like to talk story with the islandrsquos grocery stores
Out of a 100 how much percentage of what you sell out of the store is locally grownproducedmade
If itrsquos not Molokai made where does the produce come that is being sold out of the store
What Molokai madegrown products do you sell out of the store
What are the requirements for local food to be sold out of your store (eg business license)
What is the most popularsuccessful or fastest selling local product sold
What do you consider to be the challenges that farmers face on Molokai
What would you like to sell that is Molokai made
Do you have any suggestions to potential farmers food businesses on Molokai What to sell when to sell etc
AppendixC-InterviewQues0onsforBusinesses
VII Appendices
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 1
Moloka`i pedia Molokai Agriculture Needs Assessment
I INTRODUCTIONMolokairsquosCulturalandHistoricLegacyasanAgriculturalBreadbasketFlyingover thesmallislandofMolokai(38mileslong10wide)oneisabletoseemuchoftheculturersquosrichheritagethe remnants of over 60 ancient Hawaiian fishponds stringing the coastline like lei (flowergarlands) thatonceheldhundredsof tonsof fish Inlandone seesalsoovergrown terracedtaro fields stretching into every ahupua`a (valley characterized as highly productive selfͲsustaining landdivisions spanning from themountaindown to the sea)These lo`i (wet taropatches)were craftedbybrilliantengineerswho channeled coolwaters throughan intricatesystemof`auwai(irrigationditches)thatmeanderedbetweenstreamandsuccessivepatchesenteredthestreamoncemoreandfedthelokoi`a(fishponds)Fromhistorictimesthisislandwascalled`Ĉinamomona(thefatorabundantland)Itproducedsomuchsurplusthatiteasilyfed armies of people from neighboring islands The people were inherently generous asscarcitydidnotexist
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 2
The Land and People Past and Present This island also produced themost famed andpowerful kahuna (priests) known for their Pule O`o (potent and ripened prayers) KahunafinishingschoolsforhigherlearningwerefoundhereMolokaiisalsoKaHulaPikobirthplaceof the dance (the giving and expression of life) and also the origin of its counterpart lua(martialartsasbringerofdeath)Togethertheyformthenecessarydualityofthehealerandwarrior to become one complete artOne comes to know the descendants of this land toexpressthatsamedualityakindnessandfriendlyopennessmingledwithanintenseferocityasprotectorsanddefendersofMolokaiNuiAHinaGreatChildofHinaSeventyͲtwopercent(72)ofMolokairsquospopulation isofNativeHawaiianancestryThe islandhasnostoplightsandnobuildingstallerthanacoconuttree Cardoorsarerarely locked AtrafficͲjamonMolokai isdescribedastwovehiclesstopped inthemiddleoftheroadwhiletheiroccupantstalkstoryanddriversbehindthemwaitpatientlyfortheconversationtoendAt least oneͲthird of the averageMolokai familys diet comes from traditional subsistenceactivities(huntingfishinggatheringandfarming)Itiscommonpracticetoexchangefishforvenisonbreadfruitfortaroandtogivefoodtokupuna(elders)whonolongercanfishorhuntforthemselves Whilenostrangertowestern influencesandthetragedyofthecommonsoftheislandsMolokaihasbestmanageditsnaturalresourcesandmaintainedagreatersenseofitsheritageas`ĈinamomonaSubsistenceandMolokairsquosEconomy As theplanemakes itsdescent the islandmoves intogreaterfocusOneseesadeepscarringofthelanddenudedlandscapesfromtheintroductionofhoovedanimals (goatdeerandcattle)decadesofheavyranchinghugewaterdiversionsthat were used for destructive plantation agriculture and now in support of the GMOcompaniesEroded gullies transport silt into the sea chokingonce abundant fishpondswithtoxic chemicalͲladen soils and inundating the largest contiguous fringing reef in the USDespite declining resources Molokai residents persist by supplementing their diet withsubsistence foods grown gathered caught fished andhuntedOne can say thepeoplenotonlysubsiston traditional foodsasaculturalpracticebutoutofnecessityBurdenedwitha12unemployment ratecoupledbyahighcostof living (gascostscurrentlyat$549gallonhighshippingcostsofgoodsbroughtbybargethatarepasseddowntothefamilyrsquosgrocerybilland100dieselpoweredelectricitycosting45centskwh)thepeopleturntotraditional lifeskillstostretchtheirdollarsTheyalsorelyonextended`ohana(families)andfriendsformutualbarteringandgoodwillAPlaceofContrasts Upon landingonMolokairsquos shortairstripone cannothelpbut takeacooling and restorative breath and absorb the surroundings of a truly beautiful andmostspecial island Over timeone realizes thatMolokai is aplaceof contrastswherepast andpresentabundanceandscarcityeaseandhardshipoccupythesamespaceOnewondershowtochangetheparadigmsothebestofthepastbecomesthe futureandthe futurebecomesthe present ͲͲwhere the land flourishes and the people thriveOur goal is to become theabundanceourancestorssaweverydayoftheir livesthatwemayrestorethepono (balanceandrightrelationship)andembracethetruemeaningofsustainability
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 3
MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandandtheWorkofSust`ĈinableMolokaiResidentstookitupon themselves to compile decades of community planning and identified cultural andfoundational values into a culminating and living document titled ldquoMolokai Future of AHawaiianIslandrdquo Itsetthestagefortheworkour islandwillundertakeforthenext40yearsandbeyond Itservedasacalltoactionthatresulted inthe formationofthisgrassrootsͲlednonprofit organization Sust`ĈinableMolokai The document has attracted the interests ofdecisionͲmakers in state and local government conservationists and environmentalistsHawaiian and other indigenous groups and green innovators It examines community andculturalvalues forwhich futuredecisionͲmakingshallbeguided It identifiesopportunities ineducation (both modern and traditional) business and vocational training diversifiedagricultureandaquacultureresponsible landusemanagementrestorationandstewardshiptomaintainopenspaceandprotecttraditionalsubsistencehostͲbasedculturallyappropriatemodels for tourism green jobs promoting energy selfͲsufficiency water conservationconvertingrelianceonfossilͲfuelͲpoweredautomobilestothoserunonrenewableenergyandatraditional`ahaki`olelocalgovernancestructurethatraisescommunityparityAs coͲauthors of this document our core leadership subsequently founded a grassrootsinitiativein2008toensurethattheplanwouldnotsitonashelftoholdunfulfilledcommunityhopesanddreams In2010weofficially incorporatedasa501(c)(3)nonprofitto implementtheplanpreserveourislandsrichcultureandhistoriclegacyof`ĈinamomonawhileembracingmodernpathwaystoasustainablefutureTheSust`ĈinabilityWheel
We define sust`Ĉinability in terms of restoringabundance or `Ĉinamomona to the land and people`ina reflects a covenant between the people and thelandwhereEarthsbountygoeshandinhandwithgoodstewardshipWeaskedourselveswhatmakesahappyhealthy and sust `Ĉina ble community We came upwiththe12priorityareasWesawthese12componentsas spokes on awheel connected to a central hub thatheldthemalltogetherThatcoreisthelokahi(unity)andthepono(harmony)betweenthelandandpeoplewhenwehonorthecovenantthatcomeswiththeword`INA
12ndashPOINTSUST`INABILITYWHEEL
CulturalIdentity LocalGreenEconomy CulturalandEnvironmentalEducation
FoodSovereigntyandSecurity WaterQualityandConservation RenewableEnergy
EnergyEfficientTransportation GreenBuildingandAffordableHousing
HealthyEnvironmentandAbundantResources
ResponsibleLandUseandProtectingSubsistence
ZeroWasteRecyclingandReͲUse CommunityHealthSafetyandWellͲBeing
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 4
Moloka`iͲpedia and the Agriculture Needs Assessment Moloka`iͲpedia is a projectundertakenbySust`ĈinableMolokaiforthepurposeofcreatingstrongercommunitynetworksinformingkeystakeholdersincreasingequityandaccesstopublicandprivatepartnershipsandresources andmobilizing our people to build as well asmeasure our progress towards asustainablefutureTheconceptforMoloka`iͲpediastemsfromour2009Sust`ainableMolokaiResource Guide that is based on our 12Ͳspoke Sustainability Wheel Positive communityinvolvementhaspromptedtheexpansionofthisworkTheprojectaddressesthecurrentlackof data specifically for our geographic area The majority of information on Molokai issubsumed within a triͲisle county system that does not account for the vast differencesbetween our rural island of 7345 to tourismͲfocused Lanai and urbanMauiwith amuchhigherpopulationdensityFurtherthereisnodatacollectiononthe12areasofsustainabilityidentified by our project Moloka`iͲpedia also seeks to address the isolation that manyindividualsandorganizationsoperate inThis siloͲeffectmakesusall ineffectiveSust`ĈinableMolokaiaimstoutilizeMoloka`iͲipediaasatooltoshowhowvariousentitiescanbenefitfromcollaboratingPublicprivateandnonprofitentitieswillbeabletoaccessspecificdatasetsseeaclearpictureofneedsͲtoͲassetsratiosmobilizecollectivelytofillexistinggapsandcapitalizeonavailableassetsandresourcestoachievesharedgoalsOuronlineopensourcedatabase isbeingorganizedalongthe12spokesoftheSust`ĈinabilityWheel Within each section we are collecting baseline and new data to provide acomprehensiveoverviewintheformofaldquoneedsandassetsassessmentrdquoofMolokairesourcesOncecompletewewillbeabletoseewhatwehaveandwhatismissingThiswillinformournext stageofworkandhelpus toeffectivelypursue solutionsonourpath to sustainabilityMoloka`iͲpediawillassistus inoureducationtrainingandadvocacyworkhelpusto identifyexistingcommunityassetsandinherentchallengesandfillcomplementaryrolesthatadvancelocaleffortsThisvehiclewillfacilitatethekuleana(responsibility)weplaceonourselvestobearchitectsofourowndestinyand indevelopinghomegrownsolutionsthatworkbest Inoursuccessothersalsosucceed Ourstrategyaimsto identifypartnershipsbetween individualscommunitygroupsbusinessesgovernmentalagenciesandotherserviceproviderswhocouldbenefitfromworkingtogetherWe envision Moloka`iͲpedia to serve as a tool for citizen empowerment returning dataownership to community toeffectmeaningful change and solutionsMoloka`iͲpediaensurescommunityselfͲdetermination inhowdata iscollectedandutilizednot justscientificallybutresponsibly ethically andwith good intent Itnecessitatesongoing community engagementwithnotonlythedataandthetechnologybutalso insharing ideasMoloka`iͲpediawillgiveeverydaypeopleaccesstoreal informationthat is importanttothemandthat improvestheirlivesespecially inatimeofgovernment inefficiencyandwastewheredecisionmakersoftendisconnectandabdicatetheirfiduciaryresponsibilityforthepeopleandplacestheyrepresentWhencitizensdetermine for themselveswhatdatasourcesare informationͲrichandofgreatvalue (including stories shared by kupuna farmers fishermen teachers coaches and
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 5
grassroots leaders)then life isbreathed intothedataand ithasthepowertotransform livesforthebetterThefirstsustainabilitytopicwehavebeguntosurveyourpopulationonisinFoodProductionToaidus in thisendeavorwesearchedexisting literatureonagriculturegenerallyaswellascombed through references toMolokaiͲspecificagriculture Thisbaselineworkhelpedus todetermine gaps in the data and refine our interview and survey questions The followingbackground information isprovidedtohelp layafoundationandcontextualbackdropforourstudy
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 6
II BACKGROUND
AStatewideOutlook
Agriculture isamajorcontributortoHawai`irsquoseconomyand isessential forproviding foodtoresidentsaswellasgeneratingrevenuethrougharobustexportmarket1Agriculturegenerates$29billion toHawai`irsquosannualeconomyandproduces42000 jobs2However there ismuchroomfor improvement intermsofprovidingenoughfoodforthe islandsaswellas increasingrevenuesfortheState
From Plantation Agriculture to Biotech Seed Crops Towards the end of the 20th centurymonocropplantationagriculture(sugarpineapple) lost itseconomicedgedueto lowerwageforeign competition3 Industrialized corporate agriculture in Hawai`i has shifted to biotechcropsnamelygeneticallymodifiedseedcornresearch4
WhilebiotechseedcropshaveprovenmosteconomicallylucrativeforHawai`iagriculturewithaprofitvalueof$177million in the2008Ͳ2009growingseason5allocatingpreciousacreageand limitedwaterresources toGMOseedcropresearchwould in the longͲtermcompromisethe Statersquos overall food security and limit the Statersquos ability to provide locally healthy andnutritiousfoodsIndustrialnonͲsustainablefarmingpracticesthatincludeheavyapplicationofsynthetic fertilizers and pesticides further degrade the ecological health and viability ofHawai`irsquosprimeagriculturallandsforpresentandfuturegenerations
AgroecologyHawai`irsquosgeographic isolationasan islandarchipelago leaves itmostvulnerableto food and fuel shortages natural disasters drought and rising sea levels associatedwithglobal climate change Measures to increase resilience and adaptability include adoptingagroecological approaches ldquoapply[ing] ecological science to the design of agricultural1State of Hawai`i Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism Office of Planning Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)ExecutiveSummaryii20102HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday3Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp4Ͳ5 ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50million Likewise thepineapple industryproduced954000 tonsof fruit in1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74millionͶHawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp5ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50millionLikewisethepineappleindustryproduced954000tonsoffruitin1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74million5ldquoTheHawaiiDepartmentofAgricultureestimatesthevalueofseedcorngrowingat$169millioninthe200809growingseasonmorethandoublethevaluefromthe200506ItrepresentedaboutoneͲthirdthevalueofallcropsgrowninthestatein200809rdquo5Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp30Ͳ31
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 7
systemsrdquo6Thismethodology includespracticesthatenhancethe life inthesoilthatprovidesnutritiousorganic food integratedpestmanagement throughguildingwithbeneficialplantsandtreesandattractingnaturalpredatorinsectsandanimalstoprotectcropsandselectingforbiodiversitytominimizecroplosses
Organic Farming Renewed interest in sustainable agricultural practices have arisen from aburgeoning organic industry and standards for organic certification that stress ecologicallybased farming and exclusion of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and geneticallymodifiedorganisms7TheUSorganicindustrynetted$178billioninretailsalesin2007approximately25intotalnationalfoodsales8Worldwidevalueoforganicproducestoodat$30billionasof2005witha14annualincreasesince20009Acreagededicatedtoorganicagriculturehasincreased20annuallysince2001with78millionacresinproductionworldwideasof200610Hawai`irsquos growth hasmirrored global and national trendswith State sales of organic cropsincreasing60between2005and2007from$5millionto$8million11Organic foods have becomemoremainstream with outlets including regular supermarketsrather than just the typical small natural food outposts12Whole FoodsMarket Inc has inrecentyearsestablishedapresenceinHawai`iWithitsreputationforbuyingfromsmalllocalfarmers the presence ofWhole Foods serves as an incentive for Hawai`i farmers to groworganicfood13Thereareanestimated200certifiedorganicproducers intheStateoperatingon a median of 5Ͳ13 acres of land14 The Big Island holds the most acreage for organicproductionat58followedbyMaui(22)Kaua`i(11)Molokai(7)andOahu(2)15TheindustrywillcontinuetoexpandwithincreasingconsumerpreferencefororganicfoodsBuyLocalEatLocalCommonthemesaroundagricultureemergedfromfocusgroupmeetingsconductedaspartofHawai`irsquos2010StatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS) These included support for diversified agriculture and increasing food security bysupportingFarmersMarketsandldquoBuyLocalEatLocalrdquo initiatives16TheHawai`iFarmBureauFederation StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculture andUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UHͲCTAHR) have sponsored these type ofcampaignsademphasizethefollowing
6UnitedNationsHumanRightsOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRightsEcoͲFarmingcandoublefoodproductionin10yearssaysnewUNreportMarch82011httpwwwohchrorgENNewsEventsPagesDisplayNewsaspxNewsID=10819ampLangID=E7RadovichTheodoreJLindaJCoxandJamesRHollyerldquoOverviewofOrganicFoodCropSystemsinHawai`irdquoCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesSustainableAgricultureNov2009SAͲ38RadovichCoxandHollyer20099RadovichCoxandHollyer200910RadovichCoxandHollyer200911RadovichCoxandHollyer200912RadovichCoxandHollyer200913RadovichCoxandHollyer200914RadovichCoxandHollyer200915RadovichCoxandHollyer200916Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)2010ExecutiveSummaryii
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 8
1 Enjoyexceptionaltasteandfreshnesspremiumtastemaximumfreshnessproducepicked
andeatenclosertoitsheightofripenesspackedwithnutrients2 Strengthen your local economy and community buying local food keeps your dollars
circulatinginyourcommunityBuildingrelationshipswiththefarmerswhogrowyourfoodstrengthensyourtiestothecommunityandtheland
3 Helppreserveopen space by supporting local farmersbuying local foodhelpspreservegreenopenspaceinyourcommunity
Part of this campaign also acknowledges lessening the Statersquos ecological footprint anddependenceonfossilfuelsfromheavyimportsfromthemainlandthathavemoreldquofoodmilesrdquoassociatedwiththemascomparedtolocallypurchasedfoodDiversifiedAgriculture Hawai`irsquosagriculture industrycapitalizesonthe islandsrsquotropicalyearͲroundgrowingclimateanduniquefeaturesthatallowfornicheindustries17Moresmallfarmshave gained a foothold in the diversified agriculture sector through cultivation of specialtycropssuchastropical fruitsmacadamianutscoffee flowersand freshproducesoldaroundtheglobe18TheldquoGrowninHawai`irdquobrandingisrecognizedaroundtheworldasaguaranteeofhighqualitydelicacies19Hawai`iRegionalCuisinehasalsobecomeknownforitsutilizationofthe freshest seafoodveggiesand tropical fruits inaunique fusionofEastWestand islandflavors20
In2008farmproductionindiversifiedagricultureproduced12200jobsthroughouttheState21Proactive measures to revitalize Hawaiirsquos agriculture industry through diversification hasbroughtrevenuesthatarecomparabletotheStatersquosearlyheydayswhensugarandpineapplewereking In2002HawaiirsquosAgriculturalFarmRevenuecrossed$5359million22Diversifiedagricultureaccountsfor69ofannualrevenueswithpineapple(19)andunprocessedcanesugar(12)trailingbehind23
AgriͲTourism Agriculture is also proving important to tourism Hawai`irsquos top economicengine24VisitorinterestinecoͲtoursagriͲtoursandculturallyauthenticexperiencesisontherise25 In2006agritourismbrought in$388million in revenueas reportedby112Hawai`iͲ
17Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp1218HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday19HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday20HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday21Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp2922ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200823ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200824HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday25HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 9
based farmsan increaseof14 from2003 figures ($339million)26The leadingcategoryofrevenuereceived fromagriͲtourswas$121million inonͲfarmdirectsalestovisitors27Otheractivitiesyieldingprofit includedbedandbreakfastamenitiesprovidingmeeting spacesandvenuesforeducationandentertainmentandoutdoorrecreation28
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent
FromancienttimesMolokaiwaswellknownas`Ĉinamomona(theldquofatrdquoorabundantland)foritswealthasanislandthatproducedfoodinsurplusfromitsverdantahupua`aandnumerousfishponds As on all Hawaiian islands Molokairsquos people and the natural resources weremanagedundertheahupua`asystemTheahupua`awasaunitoflandtypicallywedgeͲshapedrunning frommauka tomakai (mountain tosea)and following thenaturalboundariesof thewatershedThesystemwascomprisedofwaoakua(sacredplaceofthegods)uplandforeststhatgatheredtherainsTheareawassubjecttolimiteduses(egforkiamanubirdcatcherstogatherfeathersforcloakshelmetsandkahiliforthekahunakĈlaiwa`atoharvestkoaforcanoebuilding)and forceremonialpurposes Themountain forestswerepreserved intacttoformandprotectthewatershedandcarrynutrientslowerdowntheahupua`aintowaokanaka(thepeoplersquosdomain)Herethepeoplewerefreetogatheravarietyofplantsfordailyneedshardwood ofthe kauila tocarve ihe(spears) andmake toolsandimplementsolonĈ tocreate strongcordage forfishnets andfish linesmedicinalherbs `ie`iefor lashinghouse postsand canoesand maile forleiThefertileplains and fields were known as the kula lands a place rich in agriculture These landscontainedancientfeatsofwaterengineeringcontouredterracingoffieldsplantedintarothatslowedthepathofthewaterandallowedformaximumsoakageThewatercollectedandfed
26GeislerMalindaldquoagritourismprofilerdquoAgMRCagriculturalmarketingresourcecenterUpdatedJanuary2012httpwwwagmrcorgcommodities__productsagritourismagritourismͲprofile27Geisler201228Geisler2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 10
numerousspringsbelow`Auwai(irrigationditches)transportedwaterfromkahawai(streams)tomultiple lo`i(taropatches)andreturnedthewateroncemoreto itssourceTarobanana`ulu(breadfruit)tileafkƃ(sugarcane)wereallcultivatedinthekularegionFaunaharvestedfrom streams included `o`opu (goby) `opae (shrimp) and hihiwai (snail) Grasslandswereconverted to agricultural fields of `uala (sweet potato) Other kinds of plants and treescultivated here included kukui (candlenut) `ohe (bamboo) and lauhala (pandanus) At thebottomofthevalleyspringscarryingnutrientsfromaboveflowedalongtheshorelineandseaHere loko i`a (fishponds)were constructed to farm fish Thesewalled fishponds form semiͲcirclesalongtheshorelineandaredesignedasmicroͲenvironmentsforcertainbrackishwaterand herbivorous fish likemullet and awa (milkfish) that feed on abundantmats of algaetherebyproducingfoodforthepeoplewithouthavingtoapplyexcessivefishingpressurealongthereefandopenoceanExistingwithintheahupua`awasastrictcodeofconduct(kapusystem)amongstthepeopleofthe land (hoa`Ĉina) as delegated and enforced by the ali`i (chiefs) and their konohiki (landagents)forthecarefulmanagementofthenaturalresourcesThehoa`Ĉinapossessedrightsofgathering and usage of the natural resourceswithin their ahupua`a of residencewith theunderstandingthattheyalsohadkuleana(responsibility)tomĈlama(carefor)thelandandseaandharvestappropriatelyfornomorethantheirneeds Theyengaged inpo`alimacollectiveworkdayswherethepeoplepooledtheir labortoengage inpublicworks improvementssuchas constructing additional lo`i and `auwai and building fishponds From the conscientiousmanagementof the landwatersand seaand themaintenanceofgenealogicaland spiritualrelationshipstothenaturalworldtheresourceswerebroughttoastateofabundanceTheahupua`asystemsustainedthepeopleforcenturiesUponCaptainCookrsquosarrivaltotheHawaiianislandsin1778heestimatedthepopulationtobebetween 20000 to 3600029 Introduced diseases for which the people had no immunitydecimatedthepopulationthroughouttheislandsBy1836Molokairsquospopulationhaddwindledtoanestimated8700andwasfurtherreducedto2307peoplebythetimeacensuswastakenneartheturnofthecenturyin189630Kamehamehabroughtabout theunificationofall the islandsunderoneKingdomofHawai`iWesterninfluencesandtheteachingsofChristianmissionariesbroughtaboutdecisionsamongtheali`itoabolishthekapusystem(1819)privatizeanddeconstructtheahupua`a(Maheleof1848)Whilethechiefsreceivedtheirapportionmentoflandsmanyhoa`Ĉinaoutofignorancetrust intheirchiefstocare fortheirwellͲbeingandgovern them justlyor for fearofreprisalfailed to register land claims to small kuleana parcels that would have kept them with acomfortablepieceoflandtomaintaintheir`ohana(family)withhale(home)andgardenplotsHawai`irsquosentry into the internationalmarket shifted the laborof themaka`Ĉinana (commonpeople) away from agriculture and towardsdeforestationof theupland forests to fulfill the
29MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml30MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 11
kingdomrsquos sandalwood tradewithChina Otherenterprises includedwhalingandplantationagriculture that brought immigrants from around theworld toHawai`irsquos shores and alteredwatershedsthroughthediversionofwatersfrom lushwindwardvalleystodry leewardplainsforthemassproductionofsugarcaneandpineappleWithoutwatertoirrigatetheirtarofieldsmanywere forced toabandon the lo`iandmake for thecityManyMolokai families left theisland insearchofwork inthemorecommercialcenters locatedonMauiandOahu31ThosewhostayedbehindmaintainedtheirconnectiontotraditionalpathwaysandsubsistencelivingEarlyunsuccessfulagriculture trialsonMolokai included sugar coffee sisalwhitepotatoescottoncorngrapesbeansbarleyoatswheatandalfalfa32Thesecropsfailedduetoheavywindsandinsects33TheareawiththegreatestpopulationconcentrationwaseastMolokaiTheeasternmostvalleyof Halawa Valley was rich in lo`i produced taro commercially and supported a thrivingcommunityuntiltwotsunamiin1946and1967devastatedthevalleyThecommercialcentersmovedtoPuko`oandthenKamalowhichheldanaturalharborforimportandexportofgoodsTheCooke family acquired the arid central andwestMolokaiplains aboutoneͲthirdof theisland These landsarenowownedbyMolokaiPropertiesLtdcommonlyknownasMolokaiRanchToattractcommercetoitslandholdingstheRanchdredgedaharborinKaunakakaiandconstructedawharf TodayKaunakakai servesas themaincenterofbusinesswithKamaloWharfhaving fallen intodisrepairandmuchof theareaemptiedof familiesTheRanchalsostrategically purchased lands thatwould give them riparian and correlative rights tomajorstreams and aquifer water in centralMolokai They diverted water to their westernmostpropertiesusedforcattleranchingMuch of their lands in Kualapu`u and Maunaloa were utilized by Dole and Del Montecompanies forpineapplecultivation34Thepineapple industryservedas theeconomicenginefortheislanduntilitphasedoutin1987duetocheaperlaborabroadTodaymanyofMolokaiRanchrsquoslandholdingsthatgrewpineapplearenowleasedforbiotechcornresearchandcoffeeproductionTheHawaiianHomesCommissionActameasuretorehabilitateNativeHawaiiansof50bloodquantumormorebyreturningthemtothe landtobuildhomesandfarmwaspassedbytheUS federal government in 1920Molokai served as the staging ground for the programrsquossuccess or failure Hawaiian Home lands were designated in the areas of Kapa`akeaKalama`ula Pala`au andHo`olehua andmore recentlyUalapu`e NativeHawaiian familiesfromneighboringislandscametoMolokaitobuildtheirhomesandmakethelandproductiveTheir early successes aided in the establishment ofmore homesteads on the other islandsWiththeinfluxofadditionalHawaiianfamiliesandJapaneseandFilipinoimmigrantstoworkinthepineapplefieldsMolokairsquospopulationhadincreasedto442735InrecentyearsMolokairsquos31MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml32MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml33MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml34MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml35MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 12
population has grown to include snowbirds and retirees from theUSmainland aswell asthose seeking amore quiet and rural lifestyle Today the population ofMolokai stands at7345
In 1987Molokairsquos livestock industrywas crippled by the StateDepartment of AgriculturersquosmandatetoeradicateallcattleontheislandduetothethreatofbovinetuberculosisAnotherheavyblowwasdealtattheclosureoftheoldslaughterhouse inKaunakakai Muchplanningfrom the grassroots level upwas undertaken to resolve this problem Commitments frommultiplecountystateandfederalpartnersinͲkindcontributionsbyvolunteermembersoftheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeandcountlessvolunteerhoursandservicesofferedbyvariouslocal businesses and individual residents led to the establishment of a new slaughterhousefacilitylocatedinHo`olehua
Erecting this stateͲofͲtheͲart facility represented a vehicle to facilitate the restoration ofMolokairsquos ranching industry and the ability for the island toproduce and sell itsownmeatRanchersandhomesteadfarmersnowhadavenuetoprocesstheiranimalsInadditiontothemoreestablishedranchesanestimated150Molokai familiesraise livestock largely forhomeconsumption With the adventof thenew slaughterhouse therearenowopportunities forthese small scale farmers to expand into commercial livestock production Stores andrestaurantsneednot import all theirmeat fromoffͲisland as theynowhave access to localmeatMoniesgeneratedcouldbenefitthecommunitydirectlyThe introduction of hooved animals toMolokai has devastated the natural ecology of theislandCattleranchingferaldeerandgoathaveerodedthelandHeavyrainstransporttonsofsilteachyearontoMolokairsquosreefsandfishpondsIntroducedmangrovehavealsodestroyedasignificant percentage of Molokairsquos fishponds Mangroves encroach and break throughfishpond walls trap sediments and choke off underwater springs such that the watercirculationandecologyarenolongerviableforfishproductionDespite thesehardshipsand setbacksover theyearsagriculture remains the cornerstoneofthe islandrsquoseconomyMolokairsquos ruralcharacter lends toacloseͲknit communitywithpeoplewhoperpetuate strong cultural values traditional subsistence and selfͲreliance Thepeopleembrace local autonomy and are very involved in local governing processes AgriculturenonprofitssmallbusinessenterprisesandlocalmomandpopstoresarethefoundationofthelongͲtermeconomyonislandMuchofthesocialculturalandserviceorientedprogramsarealsogeneratedfromthegrassroots locallevelthroughtheworkofchurchgroupsnonprofitsandunincorporatedhuiDuringtheFocusMauiNuiproceedings in2003MauiMolokaiandLana`iresidentsgatheredtostrategicallyplanafutureforMauiCountyThe120MolokaiparticipantsoutlinedchallengestheyfacedasacommunityandprovidedstrategiesandactionplanstoaddressthemMolokairesidents identified top five community priorities which included inter alia creating jobs(409) strengthening the economy (296) growingmore food locally (217) protectingandpromotingruralidentity(191)andsupportingsmallbusinessdevelopment(130)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 13
TheMaui CountyWorkforce Investment Board (WIB) Local Plan provides an Assessment ofLaborMarketTrendstodevelopaComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategyovera10yearspanOneofWIBsgoalsistofocusondiversifyingtheeconomyincludingtheagriculturalsectorandldquonicheareasrdquoTheplanrecognizestheneedforexpansioninvalueͲaddedopportunitieswhichemphasize the uniqueness ofMaui Nui The increased production andmarketing of newagricultureproductshaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketsTheplanalso identifiesentrepreneurshipasan importantgrowtharealdquoThedevelopmentofentrepreneurshipskills is importanttothesuccessofMaui [Countyrsquos]smallbusinesses Datacollected by the Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism and otherorganizationssuggestmoreandmoreresidentsaretakingtoselfͲemploymentForMolokaiasignificant number of new business startͲupswithin the past decade have been agriculturalenterprises(36total)particularlyfromtheHawaiianHomesteadareainHo`olehua36TheMolokai Education Centers Business Plan (2007) acknowledges the islands diversifiedagricultureindustryasamajorcontributortoMolokaiseconomywithroomforfuturegrowthAreas for future growth include valueͲadded food product development as a nichemarketMECsBusinessPlanaddsthatagriculturalcourseofferingsatthecollegeandrelevanttrainingwillplayasignificantroleinpreparingtheworkforceforadiversifiedeconomyWhile community and countyplanningobjectives clearly identify agriculture asaneconomicmainstay forMolokaiacomprehensiveprofileofMolokairsquosagriculture industryhasnotbeenfullyanalyzedOne of the objectives of this Needs Assessment is to determinewhereMolokai fits in theoverall Statewide picture for agriculture Has Molokai experienced similar successes andchallenges that farmers on the other islands face What are the strengths and assets ofMolokairsquos agricultural community aswell asneeds challenges andopportunities What isworkingandwhatisnrsquotWhataretheperceptionsoflocalconsumersWhatisthedemandforlocalMolokai grownproducemeat and seafood Howmany are farming What isbeingfarmedandwhereWhatarethelimitingfactorstofarmingonMolokaiIstherecommunitysupportforlocalfarmersDostoresandrestaurantsonMolokaihavestrongrelationshipswithlocal farmers and make priority for their produce and valueͲadded items How can westrengthenagricultureonMolokaiHowfoodsecureisMolokaiThesearethequestionsthatwesetouttoanswerthroughtheneedsassessment
36AkutagawaMalialdquoKƻha`oBusinessCenterndashEntrepreneurialTrainingampSupportFinalReportrdquoMarch312009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 14
III METHODS
Weadoptedthefollowingmethodsandstrategies An islandwidesurveyonfoodproductionandsecuritystartedfromFebruary27toMarch
272012(SeeAppendixforSurveyFormandResultsAnalysisSummary) Twohundredeight (208)surveyswerecompletedbytheadultmembers (overtheageof
18)ofthegeneralMolokaipopulationbringingoursamplepopulationat39Molokairsquosadultpopulationisat5401outofatotalislandpopulationof7345
Target SampleSizeADULTPOPULATION(Individualsover18
yearsofage)
208
Surveysweremadeavailableatvariouscommunity resourcecentersaswellasonlinevia
ourwebsiteEmailalertsandFacebook invitationsweremade for the tech savvy GivenMolokairsquos rural character and varying levels of knowledge and exposure of the generalpopulation to technology themost effectivemethod for data collection proved to bethroughdirectphysical inquiriesRespondentsweremost receptive toour surveyswhenofferedatourmultiplesurveytablesplaced inpublicareasparticularlystrategic locationsof commerce such as sidewalks fronting grocery stores and during various communityevents
Atotalof36 interviewswereconductedwithagricultureexpertsandeducators (3)small
andmediumͲscalefarmersandCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)operatorsgrowingdiversifiedandorganiccrops(14)deerandcattleranchers(3)fishermenandaquacultureproducers (3) localgroceryandhealth foodstores (5)meatprocessorsandvalueͲaddedfoodproducers(4)hotelandrestaurants(3)andother informants(1)(SeeAppendixforInterviewQuestionsandResultsAnalysis)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 15
Keyinterviewinformantsincluded
AgricultureExpertsampEducators
GlennTevesMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureampHumanResources(UHͲCTAHR)ph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJenniferHawkinsMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUHͲCTAHRph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJamesBoswellCertifedOrganicInspectorandAgricultureInstructorUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollegendashMolokaiFarmph(808)567Ͳ6577boswelljhawaiiedu
FarmersndashDiversifiedampOrganicCropsCastleAdolphoHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerof`inaKulaniFarmsHo`olehuaKimoKaiamaHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKaiamaFarmsHo`olehuaRickTamanahaofKaleikoaFarmsHawaiianHomesteadFamilyFarmHo`olehuaKalaniHanHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKuikamokuFarmsHo`olehuaTuddiPurdyHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm(808)567Ͳ6601wwwmolokaiͲalohacommacnutsJaneTevesHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofHuaKalaFarmHo`olehuaLynnDeCoiteHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofLampRFarmHo`olehuandashMahana(808)567Ͳ9234wwwlandrfarmscomKu`uleiArceofArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamShariLynofMali`oFarmandExecutiveDirectorofKaHalePomaika`iKamaloandUalapu`eEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8107httpwwwlocalharvestorgmalioͲfarmͲorganicallyͲgrowingͲonͲmolokaiͲM11205EllenSpruanceOwnerofPapaoHakuFarmMapulehuandKumimiEastMolokaiJamieRonzelloCSAOperatorMahanaGardensJoeKennedyPermaculturistMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanaEmanuelaVinciguerraMarketingDirectorofKumuFarmsMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanawwwkumufarmscom
RanchersEdmundPedroOwnerofPedroRanchEastMolokaiJanRoneyManagerofPu`uOHokuRanchEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8109wwwpuuohokucomfarmDesmundManabaOwnerofDJCRanchIncHo`olehuandashMahana
FishermanAquacultureProducerDedrickManabaFishermanKaunakakaiSteveChaikinOwnerofMolokaiSeaFarmPala`au(808)553Ͳ3547wwwbroodstockcomMyronAkutagawaandShermanNapoleonJrKeKua`ĈinaHanaunaHouPuko`oEastMolokai
MeatProcessorValueͲAddedProducersJackSpruanceDirectorofMolokaiLivestockCooperative(MolokaiSlaughterhouse)Ho`olehuaBrendaKaneshiroBeekeeperandOwnerofMolokaiMeliKamaloEastMolokai(800)434Ͳ2550NancyGoveSaltMasterandOwnerofPacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ8484wwwpacificahawaiicomChrisMebileChongrsquosPoiShopKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ4313
GroceryStoresCrystalIgusaandStaffFriendlyMarketCenterKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5595KevinMisakiofMisakirsquosGroceryKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5505DennisTurnerOwnerofOutpostNaturalFoodsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ3377SonyaYuenOwnerofKualapu`uMarketKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ6243NaniPeleManagerofMaunaloaGeneralStoreMaunaloa(808)552Ͳ2346
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 16
HotelampRestaurants
TinaPriceManagerofKualapu`uCookhouseKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ9655GenePikeExecutiveChefatHulaShoresRestaurantHotelMolokaiKamiloloa(808)553Ͳ5347httpwwwhotelmolokaicomKerrieFeltCoͲOwnerofMolokaiBurger(808)553Ͳ3533wwwmolokaiburgercom
OtherInformantsByronEspaniolaAhaMokuRepresentativeforKaluakoiMaunaloa
WewereunsuccessfulinsecuringaninterviewwithMonsantoasthelargestemployerand
agricultureoperationonMolokai Our repeated inquiries remainedunanswered TherewereadditionalMolokaigrowersranchersaquacultureoperators fishermenstoresandrestaurantsthatwewantedto interviewbut inthe interestofgeneratingthisreport inatimelymannerwewereunabletofullymeetthisobjective
Findings were also supplemented through research of existing literature of global
statewideandMolokaiͲspecificagriculturefactsandtrendsAreviewofcurrentandpriorcommunityͲbased planning economic education and training initiatives in support ofagriculturewerealsoexaminedThesearereferencedthroughoutthedocument
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 17
IV KEYFINDINGS
Thissectionhasbeenorganizedintothefollowingcategories LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProducts MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgriculture
Producers Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengths
NeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFoodAccesstoLocallyGrownFoodWeaskedMolokairesidentsiftheyfeltaccesswasavailabletolocallygrown food in the localgrocery storesandopenmarkets78of those surveyed felttheyhaveaccesswhile13felttheydidnotAwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood
Doyoucareorthinkaboutwhereyourfoodcomesfrom
DoyouprefertobuymorelocalMolokaifoodproducts
Wouldyoueatmorelocalfoodifitwereavailable
98ofthosesurveyedwouldeatmorelocalfoodifitwasavailablewhile1wouldnot
90ofthosesurveyedprefertobuylocalMolokaifoodproductswhile2donot
94 of the sample populationcarethink about where theirfood comes from while 5 donot
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 18
QuestionWhatwouldyouliketoeatorbuyifitwasmadeorgrownonMolokai
TheMolokaipopulationwantstoeatasmuch Molokai made products aspossible Fresh vegetables and fruitsranked the highest Specificallymentioned items were kalo (taro)sweet potato brussel sprouts bittermelon cabbage olives pumpkinasparagus corn lettuce tomatoesbroccoli cucumber eggplant squashzucchini beans carrots onion garlicginger spinach melons watermelonspears strawberries and persimmonsMeat products included requests for
fishchickenporkandbeefValueaddedproductrequestsincludedhamburgersausagetofupoibutterand jamRequestswerealsomade fordairyproducts likemilkeggscheeseandgoatcheeseWhile 90 of those surveyed stated theywould buymore local food if itwas available itappearsthatsomerespondents(25people)feltthattherewasnrsquotenoughdemandonislandforlocalproduceandthatlikelyposedachallengetoMolokaifarmersWequeriedMolokairesidentsonwhattheywouldliketoseeintermsofimprovingagricultureonMolokaiandincreasingtheiraccessascustomerstolocalfoodsTheseweresomeoftheirresponses
ldquomoresupportforlocalfarmersrdquoldquo(createa)betterfarmersmarketrdquoldquobybuyinglocalrdquoldquothatstoresbuyandsellmorelocalproducerdquoldquocoͲopͲonedistributorrdquoldquolabelgmoandorganicproductssoweknowrdquo
SubsistenceWealso surveyed theMolokaipopulation todetermine someof theirpracticesaroundfoodpreparationandwhatpercentageoftheirfoodcamefromdifferentsources AswehadsurveyedMolokairsquosfarmingcommunityandanalyzedthebehavioroftheislandrsquosmaingrocerystoresonwhatitemstheyselectedtosellwewantedtoknowiftheremightbeadirectcorrelationbetweenconsumerdemand for localproductsand levelofselfͲsufficiencyamongthegeneralpopulationtoengageinsubsistenceactivitiesWe foundthatanaverage825ofthosesurveyedpreparetheir foodathomewhile174mainlyeatrestaurantͲpreparedfoods
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 19
QuestionOfthefoodyouprepareathomeapproximatelywhatpercentageisgrown
caughtandorproduced
Fromoursurveyresponsestowhatpercentageoffoodpreparedathomecamefromwhatwasgrowncaughtandorproducedby individuals themselvesonMolokai ingeneralwithin theStateofHawai`ioveralland fromoutsideofHawai`iwe found that residentsaccessed foodfromthesemultiplesourcesatanearequalratewitharangeof236to272 fromeachsourceItisinterestingtonotethat246ofthefoodpreparedintheaveragepersonrsquoshomecame frompersonal subsistence activities The figure of 272 of locally grown caught orproducedfoodsmay includebothofwhat isavailable inMolokaistoresaswellaswhatmighthave been bartered or shared by otherMolokai residents as a result of their subsistenceactivities Whenaskeddirectlywhatpercentageof food consumed comes from subsistenceactivitiesanaverageof401camefromitemsthatwerefishedhuntedgatheredraisedorgrown (to includeonersquospersonalharvestsand foodsacquiredandsharedbarteredbyothersalsoengagedinsubsistence)Thusitwouldmakesensethatcombiningthetwofiguresinthegraphaboveofpreparedfoodsgrowncaughtandorproducedbytheindividualsthemselves(246) andwhatwas acquired generally fromMolokai resources (272) either shared byothers or bought directly from the store the cumulative total being 518 one mayextrapolatefromthisdatathatthedifferencebetween518and401being117maybethe amount of locally produced foods sold in Molokairsquos stores When polled as to theimportance of subsistence activities in their lives 72 of the respondents said itwas veryimportant to them Of the13who responded that theydonotengage inany subsistenceactivitylackoftimewascitedasthegreatestreasonwhytheydidnottakepartinsubsistenceIn comparing our general data on subsistencewith the results presented in theGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReport37in1993wefoundthatsubsistencemaybeplayingan
37MatsuokaJonDaviannaMcGregorLucianoMinerbiMaliaAkutagawaGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReportMolokaiDepartmentofBusinessEconomicDevelopmentandTourism1993
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 20
even bigger role today than it did two decades ago Loss of jobs and the global economicdownturnmaybecontributingfactors
SubsistenceFactors 1993 2012Estimatedtotalpercentageoffoodthatcomesfromvarioussubsistenceactivities
28 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored38 Ͳ for Native HawaiianMolokaifamilies50 Ͳ 54 respondents out of241surveyed
40 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored
Overall importance ofsubsistence to Molokaifamilies
51Ͳveryimportant25Ͳsomewhatimportant11Ͳsomewhatunimportant32Ͳnotatallimportant
72Ͳveryimportant21Ͳsomewhatimportant1Ͳsomewhatunimportant2Ͳnotatallimportant
From this information though not as comprehensive and rigorous in its exploration ofsubsistence on Molokai as the 1993 Task Force Report we are assured that subsistencecontinuestobeanimportantpartofMolokairsquosfamiliesandoveralleconomyFiftyͲthreepercent (53)ofour respondents stated that they grow theirown food throughfarmingorgardeningWhenpolledastothekindsofsubsistenceactivitiestheytypicallyengageinrespondentsidentifiedthefollowing
HUNTING 39ofthosesurveyedhunt(axisdeerwild
piggoat)FISHINGampDIVING 57ofthosesurveyedfishordive
GATHERING 32gather(limuopihicrabpipipilĈrsquoau
harsquoukersquouke)asasubsistenceactivity
OTHER 4citedamixtureofraisinglivestock
sharingandtradingfoodasasubsistenceactivity
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 21
ThefactthatsubsistenceremainsasignificantcontributortohowMolokaifamiliesacquiretheirfoodthisinturnmayalsoaffectlocalmarketbehaviorintermsofwhatlocallyproduceditemsareplacedonstoreshelvesandwhetherMolokai farmersandproducers find itnecessary toprovideasignificantvolumeoffoodforthelocalMolokaimarketAvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProductsWewerepleasedtofindthatMolokairsquosagricultureindustryisquitediverseandhostsanumberof small family farms both on the Hawaiian Homestead in Ho`olehua and also dotting thelandscape inMana`eEastMolokai Duringour interviewsweasked farmers ranchersandaquaculturistswhatcropsandvalueͲaddedproducts theycultivatedprocessedvalueͲaddedandsoldandwhatweretheirprimarymarketsWealsocombedtheinternetandlearnedbywordofmouthofotheragribusinesses The following tableprovides for the readeranatͲaͲglancelistofgrowersonMolokaiandwhattypesoffoodandproductsareavailableonislandItalsolistsprimarylocalaswellasoffͲislandmarketsProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldMeatsampEggs
MolokaiGrassFedBeef PedroRanchPu`uOHokuRanchKualapu`uRanchPohakuloaRanch
ProcessedandsoldbySlaughterhouse(MolokaiLivestockCooperative)toMolokaiBurgerFriendlyMarketCenterKualapu`uMarketKualapu`uCookhousePu`uOHokuRanch
Venison DJCRanchLLC NotsoldSharedonlywithcustomersonformalhuntsandMolokaifamiliesforsubsistence
Lamb(freerange) KalapanaandDeeannaKeli`iho`omalu
PilotphaseProcessedatMolokaiSlaughterhouseSoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketCenterandMisakirsquos
FreeRangeEggs Davis`ohana MolokaiMinimartMana`eGoodsampGrindzotherMolokaigrocerystores(notebecamemorepopularandvisibleinstoresaftermainlandeggswererecallednationwideforbacterialcontamination)
DuckEggs WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SeafoodFishndashakutunaakuleopakapakaahionomahimahionaga
Variouscommercialfishermen5onisland
DirectCustomerSalesOffͲIslandWholesalerDistributor(forhotelsandrestaurants)
Shrimp KeawaNuiFarms(808)558Ͳ8931httpwwwkeawanuifarmscomMolokaiSeaFarms
FriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosOffͲIslandOnlineSalesforShrimpBroodstock
SeaweedLimuOgo(Gracilaria) KeawaNuiFarmMolokaiSeaFarms
MisakirsquosOffͲIsland
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 22
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldGreensampOtherVegetables
Lettuces KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(808)558Ͳ8306
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Kale WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
MustardCabbage Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BokChoy ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamMali`oFarm
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
Chinesecabbage ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistArugula WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsales
SwissChard JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomatillo JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomato ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sweetcorn ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistChinesePeas ArcersquosFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SoyBeans JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BlackBeans Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
GreenBeans ArcersquosFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
GreenOnion KuikamokuFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
AllMolokaigrocerystoresCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Radish KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Beets KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 23
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
GreensampOtherVegetablesBrocolli ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistEggplant ArcersquosFarm
Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Carrots JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SweetPotatoSweetPotatoChips
LampRFarm VariouslocalMolokaistores8tonsshippedweeklyoffͲisland
YamsYamChips(indevelopmentphase)
TuipulotuFarm
Tarondashregularandcertifiedbiodynamicdifferentvarietiesdryandwetlu`auleaf
`inaKulaniFarmsKaiamaFarmsKimMarkhamPapaoHakuFarm
FriendlyMarketCenterdirectsalestocustomersCertifiedbiodynamictarosoldoffͲislandathealthstoreoutlets
Avocado PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm558Ͳ8383httpwwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Organicginger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲIslandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Organicturmeric PapaOHakuFarm NotsoldMedicinaluseAwa Pu`uOHokuRanchKaiamaFarms DirectsalestocustomersChiliPepper Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproduceshared
withclientsintreatmentandforclientfundraising
HerbsampSpicesBasils(ItalianThai) KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm
(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanadaCommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Thyme JamieRonzello(CSA)KumuFarms CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dill KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Oregano KimMarkhamKumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
ItalianParsley KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 24
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
HerbsampSpicesChineseParsley KimMarkhamMali`oFarmWaialua
Permafarm(CSA)CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Cilantro KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Rosemary KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Spearmint KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Lavender KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Savory KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sage KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Cinnamon PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm(808)553Ͳ8383wwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Vanilla PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Cacao PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
FruitsampNutsOrange Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tangerine Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 25
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
FruitsampNutsLimes Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Papayandashconventionalandorganic
KaiamaFarmsKaleikoaFarmsHuaKalaFarmNoahKuohaKumuFarmsMali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
VariouslocalMolokaistoresexportedthroughoutHawaiianislandsWholeFoodsoutletsMainlandUSandCanadaCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Watermelon `AinaKulaniFarm DirectsalestocustomersBananaAppleBanana HuaKalaFarm`AinaKulaniFarms
KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
Kualapu`uMarketOutpostFriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Rambutan WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
JackFruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Mango Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentandsoldbythemCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Soursop WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dragonfruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Strawberry PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Lychee PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
MacadamiaNuts PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm DirectsalestovisitorsparticipatinginfarmtourMailorders
Coffee CoffeesofHawai`i(808)567Ͳ9490wwwcoffeesofhawaiicom
AllMolokaistoresonlineorders
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 26
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
ValueͲAddedProductsCilantroLimePesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaionlinesales
outletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
BasilMacadamiaNutPesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
PickledOrganicGinger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲislandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Honey(premiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyhoneycombs)
MolokaiMeliKimMarkham
KumuFarmsOutpostNaturalFoodStore
Poi ChongrsquosPoiShop AllMolokaistoresKulolo `inaKulaniFarms DirectSalesTaroChips HuaKalaFarm NotenoughvolumetosellregularlyYamChips TuipulotoFarm StillindevelopmentstageBeeswaxCandlesChapstick MolokaiMeli KumuFarmsGourmetSeaSalt PacificaHawai`iSeaSalts
HawaiiKaiCorporationhttpwwwhawaiikaicocom
Pu`uOHokuRanchKumuFarmsKamakanaCountryStoreMolokaiWinesampSpiritsBlueMonkeyFriendlyMarketCenteroutletsthroughoutHawaiiStateandUSMainlandonlinesales
Other Tileaf KimMarkham KukuiStarters PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm Giventohomesteadersfor
reforestationinHo`olehuaFlowersgingerakulekulecigar
PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm ShippedleistooffͲisland
Tropicalflowers(variety) KuleanaWorkCenterwwwmolokaiflowerscom
OnlinesalesanddirectsalesatSaturdayOpenMarketdays
SeedsSeedbank Ka`anoTheMolokaiSeedProject553Ͳ4243
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 27
MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers
Molokairsquos grocery stores and restaurants selllocallygrownharvestedandprocessed itemsAnaverageof2of locallygrownorMadeonMolokai products are sold in local grocerystores Some stores such asMisakirsquos carry ahigher percentage (15) ofMolokai produceThoseestablishmentsweinterviewedallstatedthat they want to sell everything that isMolokaimade PapayasweetpotatoChongrsquosPoicoffeeKanemitsubreadandKumuFarmspesto are the most common Molokai itemsfound in localstores Misakirsquostendstocarryagreater assortment of Molokai produce andvalueͲadded products in addition to thesecommon items Misakirsquos sells LampR sweetpotatochipsstringbeansbittermelonutongeggplant green onion lime and lemon FishalsoarepurchasedfromlocalfishermenSome stores and restaurants also purchaseMolokaigrass fedbeefprocessed through theislandrsquosslaughterhouseTheseordersarefilledonaconsistentbasisSmaller stores like Kualapu`u Market andMaunaloaGeneralStorethatdonotexperienceas much traffic as the grocery stores inKaunakakai have to concern themselves withhowquicklyanitemsellsForsomecustomersMolokaigrassfedbeefisanacquiredtasteandit may take a more conscientious eaterconsidering the health benefits of grass fedbeeftoappreciateitsflavorButiftheaveragecustomer does not appreciate these qualitiesandprefersacertaintasteofbeefthatshehasgrown accustomed to then the store risksspoilage The samegoes for fruits likemangothatripenquicklybutmaynotsellfastenough
especially sincemany families havemango trees in their own back yards For these smallstorescarryingitemsthatwillsellquicklyisimportantespeciallymeatandproducethathaveashort shelf life Kualapu`uMarket typically sellsMolokai coffee sweet potato chips poi
MOLOKAIESTABLISHMENTSSELLINGORSERVINGFOODampGROCERIES
ONMOLOKAIRESTAURANTSampFASTFOODCoffeesofHawaii 567Ͳ9655HulaShores(HotelMolokai)
553Ͳ5347
KanemitsuBakeryampRestaurant
553Ͳ5855
KualapursquouCookhouse 567Ͳ9655LittleGrassShack 553Ͳ5862MakarsquosCorner 553Ͳ8058ManarsquoeGoodznGrindz 558Ͳ8498MolokaiBurger 553Ͳ3533MolokaiDriveInn 553Ͳ5655MolokaiPizzaCafeacute 553Ͳ3288MolokaiRoastPorkHouse 553Ͳ9068MrsKrsquos 553Ͳ3201SundownDeli 553Ͳ3713LOCALGROCERYSTORESFriendlyMarketCenter 553Ͳ5595CPascuaStore 553Ͳ5443KamoisSnackNGo 553Ͳ5443KualapuuMarketLtd 567Ͳ6243MaunaloaGeneralStore 552Ͳ2346Misakis 553Ͳ5505MolokaiMiniMart 553Ͳ4447OutpostNaturalFoods 553Ͳ3377MolokaiWinesNSpirits 553Ͳ5009TheStoreHouse 553Ͳ3399KamakanaCountryStore 553Ͳ5725GASSTATIONSHayakuGasNGo 553Ͳ3444RawlinsChevronStation 553Ͳ3214ReferenceSustainableMolokaiResourceGuide2009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 28
MolokaibreadandeggsMaunaloaGeneralStoremakesitapointtoacceptproducefromthecommunitygarden runby theKaHaleMua low incomehousing They typicallygrow stringbeans tomatoeseggplantand lettuce Maunaloa residentsarealsopermitted toutilize thefacilitytopreparemusubibentoandlocalplatelunchestosellpreparedfoodsaswellastheirartandcraftsatthefrontofthestoreOther locallyproduced items that someof the storeswould like to sell inmore volume aretomatoesbananasfishanddairyIfMolokaifarmerselectnottogroworsellcertainproduceor products to the local grocery stores the storeswill sell offͲisland produce (egManoalettuce Kula tomatoes etc) Sometimes they will also order items from as far away asCaliforniaorMexicotosatisfycustomerdemandsandpreferencesTherequirementsarenotoverlystringentforthelocalfarmertosellproduceandvalueͲaddedfoodstolocalgrocerystoresForsomestoreslikeFriendlyMarketindividualsmustpossessabusinesslicenseForotherstoresthatreceivesmallquantitiesoffreshproduceatatimetheydonotrequireproofofbusinesslicenseGrocery stores showcasing locally grown food feel cheated when farmers simultaneouslypeddletheirproduceonthestreetPricing isalsoan issue forMolokaistores Theywould like tobuymore locallygrown itemshowevertheycangetproducealotcheaperfromthemainlandForexampletheaveragecostofatomatothatislocallygrownis$2lbwhilestorescanacquiretomatoesfromthemainlandfor$1lbandpassthesavingsontothecustomerFriendlyMarkethasexpressedapreferenceforbuyingproduce from farmerswhohaveapricecostandplan (egthat identifiesspecificamountsofproducethatwillbeavailableandtheircost)toensureitemconsistencyinpricingandavailabilityIdeallystoreswanttosaveonpayingshippingcoststoimportfoodfromthemainlandandoffͲislandbyprovidingpreferenceforlocallygrownfoodsConsistencyisimportantforstorestocontinuecarryingspecificitemsprovidedbylocalfarmersandproducers Consistencywas citedbyevery store and restaurantwe interviewed as thenumberonechallengethatmostfarmersfaceinworkingwiththemMisakirsquoshasfoundawayaround this issue TheypurchaseMolokai fish caught and sold to theHonolulu fishmarketthroughadistributortheresothatcustomerscanstillbenefitfromeatingMolokaicaughtfishMisakirsquosalsoprefers tobuy fromanOahudistributor thatbuys thebulkof itsproduce fromMolokai farmers In thisway by buying in bulk through a distributorMisakirsquos is assured aconsistentproductTherearestoreswhospecificallyselect for localandorganic foodsaspartoftheirmarketingstrategy Onesuchstore istheOutpostNaturalFoodsStorewhichwillselleverythingthat isMolokaimade ConsumersexpecttopayaheftiergrocerybillastheyhaveanexpectationofbuyinglocalandpreferablyorganicallygrownandproducedfoodsOtheritemsthatcannotbesourced locallyorare in lessersupplyorforwhichthere isademandfor(egapplespearsandoranges)aresourcedfromthemainlandandsoldattheOutpost
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 29
We interviewed3restaurantsKualapu`uCookhouseHotelMolokairsquosHulaShoresrestaurantandMolokaiBurger Useofandemphasisonuseof localmeatseafoodandproducevariedTheKualapu`uCookhouseestimates that itutilizes1ofMolokaigrownproduceandvalueͲadded products in its dishes as it does not have strict requirements to do so It primarilypurchasesMolokailettucethroughKualapu`uMarketHotelMolokaiuses less than20 localproduceand seafood in itsdishesbutwould ideallyprefer toutilizeat least60of locallygrownandharvested foodson theirmenu ThehotelcurrentlybuyslocallygrownlettuceeggplantandpapayafromKumuFarmsandincorporatesthesefoods intotheirmenu Freshfish isthefastestandmostpopularselling itemanddoesnot requireapricecost listwhenbuying from fishermen Patronsbuy fishdishesatmarketprice Itwascommunicated thataschefs it is important toestablish relationshipswith localfarmersandacquirehighend itemsonaconsistentbasis Whathasbeenachallengeforthechefs at the hotel is figuring outwho is growingwhat and searching these farmers out toprovidetheproducemeatandseafoodtheyneedWhatwouldeasilyservethemwouldbeabrokeror localdistributor to takeon that typeofwork Currently theHotel is consideringsettingasidesomespaceonthehotelgroundsforanherbgardentoreadilysupplysomeofthekitchenrsquosneedswhileprovidingsomekindofyouthinternshipprogramtoinstallandmaintainthegardenMolokai Burger exclusively serves 100Molokai grass fed beef for its burgers and TuesdayMexican menu The restaurant purchases 240 pounds of Molokai beef from theslaughterhouse It receives positive customer feedback its loyal customers being especiallyhealth conscious individuals and local and nativeHawaiian activistswhomake it a point tosupportestablishments thatutilize localMolokai foods MolokaiBurgeralsopurchases fromKumuFarmsonaweeklybasis8poundsoftheirvegetablegreenstoserveintheirspecialsaladand chicken salad plates Molokai sweet potatoes are also utilized for sweet potato nachochipsontheMexicanmenu Whilenot locallyproducedMolokaiBurgeralsopurchasesbunsfromalocalMolokaidistributorasawaytosupportasmanylocalbusinessesaspossible
QuestionWhatlocalfooditemswouldyouliketosellorincorporateinyourmenuthatarenotcurrentlyavailableorareinshortsupply
FriendlyMarket orangesallcitrusesmangoavocadobokchoywonboktropicalfruits inseasonfishporkprocessed through slaughterhousealldairy (milk cheese)or soybasedmilkasanalternativeand free rangeeggsWillsellalllocalitemsMisakirsquosbananasandtomatoesWillsellanythinggrownandmadeonMolokaiOutpostNaturalFoodsStorestrawberriescantaloupescucumbers tomatoespotatoesandYukon from localgrowersKualapu`uCookhouselocalfreerangechickeneggsKualapu`uMarketagreaterdiversityandselectionoflocalproducegrownbyMolokairsquosfarmersMaunaloaGeneralStoremorebananasandpapayasastheyselloutfastestHulaShoresRestaurantofHotelMolokaivenisonMolokaiBurgeraconsistentsupplyofMolokaitomatoesfreerangeeggsandfishthatarereasonablypriced
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 30
Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities
QuestionAreyoua farmerIfsohowoldareyouͶΨ ȋȌ ǡ
ͶͶǤ
ǡ ͷͶǤ
QuestiontofarmersinterviewedHowlonghaveyoubeenfarming
ʹʹ ͶͲǤ
QuestionHowmuchlandareyoufarming
ǡͶͶǢ͵ʹͳͷǢͷͳͷǦͶͲ͵ͶͲǤ ǡͲ
ǡͲƬʹͲͲƮǦǤ
QuestiontofarmerswhatdoyoufeelarethechallengesfarmersfaceonMolokaiNatureandtheElementsWindHomestead farmers must contend with high winds on a regular basis Thus initial farmplanning must include installing windbreaks to avoid crop damage from weathering Thecommunity has identified in several former planning documents such as the MolokaiEmpowermentZoneApplication(1998)massplantingofwindbreaksthroughouttheHo`olehuaareatoprotecthomesteadfarm landsasoneofthe40priorityprojects IntheendMolokaiwas successful in achieving theMolokai Enterprise Community federal designation a step
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 31
secondtoEmpowermentZonestatus Windbreaksremainedpartofthe40priorityprojectsInstallationofwindbreakshave alsobeen reiterated as a ShortRangePriorityProject in theMaui County Comprehensive EconomicDevelopment Strategy (CEDS) 201038However notmuchhasbeendonetomovethisfromaconceptualstagetoimplementation
Thesituationwasexacerbatedin2005upontheintroductionofthevirulenterythrinagallwaspthatdestroyedthevastmajorityofwiliwilitreesStatewideLarvaeimplantedintothetissueofwiliwili leaves form tumorous like growths and effectively starve the trees from receivingnutrition39Muchof thewiliwili trees thathad servedprimarilyaswindbreaksdiedwithinayearor two Thus farms thathadestablishedwiliwiliwindbreaksbecamenewlyexposed towinds With the introduction of Eurytoma by scientists a predator species that exclusivelyfeedsonerythrinagallwaspsandavoidsnativewaspsthesurvivingwiliwilihavebeenabletomakeacomeback40DroughtAnumberoffarmershavecitedcurrentdroughtconditionsasaseriousthreattofarmingOnefarmerreportedthatherentireorganicgingercropfailedduetodroughtandshewasunabletoyieldaharvestthisyearAtthetimewestartedourinterviewsinFebruary(2012)Molokaiwasexperiencingthelowestrainfallinadecadecomparableto2001droughtfiguresAdrywinterandspringseasonhavebeencausingwatershortages Arecentheavystorm inMarch (2012)brought some reliefbutwithprimarilyeroded soilsexposed to theelementsmuchofthatmuddiedwaterwashed intotheseatochokecoralsaffectnurserygrounds forfishandcoverlimu(seaweed)beds41Steadypercolationintotheaquiferisnecessarytomakea difference to the watershed and levels in the reservoir42 According to Glenn TevesExtensionAgent forUHͲCTAHRdroughtconditionsaffect insectbehavior Forexampleantsseekingwaterwillfindasubstitutebyacquiringhoneydewfromcertaininsectsthatproduceitsuchasldquoaphidsmealybugswhitefliesandscaleshellipknown tosuckplant juicesandweakenthem hellip [and] spread plant viruses on an array of crops such as melons peppers andtomatoesrdquo43 Animals will also chew through drip irrigation systems to access water in adrought andwill subsequently cause leaks andwater loss for the farmer44Cows are alsoaffectedwithahigher incidenceofmiscarriageorsmallercalfsizedueto lackofhighquality
38 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1102 AgricultureReforestationWindbreakPlantingp5039RichardsSabrinaldquoWaspwarsNewpredatorchecksHawai`irsquosgallwaspepidemicrdquoSciencelineJanuary62011httpsciencelineorg201101waspͲwars40Richards201141 Teves G ldquoEffects of Rain and Droughtrdquo Molokai Dispatch March 15 2012httpthemolokaidispatchcomeffectsͲofͲrainͲandͲdrought42Teves201243Teves201244Teves2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 32
food consumed during pregnancy45Deerwill also compete and feed on grass reserves forcattleTevesroughlyestimatesthatfarmersandranchershaveexperiencedacumulativecroplossvaluedat$1millionduetothedrought46MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)Builtinthe1950sandlsquo60stheMISwasconstructedtotransportwaterfromWaikoluValleyonthenorthshoretothefarmingareasofCentralMolokaitoprovidewaterforthesolepurposeofagriculture47WaikoluValleyprovideswatertothesystemviaa51milelongtunnelPipesand flumes convey thewater to the Kualapu`u Reservoirwhich is designed for amaximumdepthof54feetor14billiongalloncapacity48TheHawaiianHomesCommissionAct (ldquoHHCArdquo)of1920sect221(d)grantedhomesteadersldquotherighttousefreeofallchargeanyofthewateruponthe islandofMolokairdquo49Thisprovisionwasamended in1955togiveHawaiianHomesatwoͲthirdswaterallocationpreference fromtheMIS50 The Department of Agriculture whichmanages theMIS has not enforced thisprovision Presently80oftheMIS isconsumedbynonͲhomesteadersdespite23rdswaterreservation requirement for homesteaders51 It has been recently noted that homesteaderwaterusagehasincreasedbynearly20comparedtolastyear52TheMISWaterUseAdvisoryBoardspeculatedthathomesteadfamiliesareexpandingtheirfamilygardens53TheentireislandofMolokaihasbeendesignatedbytheStateCommissiononWaterResourcesManagement (CWRM or ldquoWater Commissionrdquo) a sole source aquifer and critical watermanagementarea Thesedesignationsunderscorethefactthattheentire islanddependsonone water source for its drinking water subsistence and agricultural needs and carefulmanagementisnecessarytomaintaintheaquiferRecords for the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) revealed that as of December 2011 theKualapu`ureservoirhadloweredto11feet(ascomparedto17feetayearprior)andcontinuedtodecline54Todaythereservoirhasloweredanotherfootwithstoragelevels50lessthana
45Teves201246Teves201247BaldaufNatashaHalsquoaheoKaholsquoohalahalaandDavidSakodaldquoTheMoloka`i IrrigationSystem AVision foraSustainableFuturerdquoDecember1200948BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200949BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200950BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200951BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200952ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion53ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion54ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 33
year ago55 Current rainfall is 10 of normal levels and those utilizing theMIS have beensubjecttoa30restrictioninwaterusageoverthepast3years56TheStatelegislaturerecentlysetaside$125millionforimprovementstotheMIS57Fundswillcover Anewhydropowerplantwaterflowwillproduceenergyandoffsetelectricalcosts Replacement of aboveͲground concrete flume with an underground pipeline to avoid
animalsanddebrisfromfallingintoandcontaminatingthewatersupply StructuralrepairtoMISaccessbridge Installation of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system to allow for
monitoringofwaterflowremotelyThis is a step in the right direction and hopefullywill assist in decreasingwater loss in thesystemandimprovemanagementoftheMISWeedsPestsWildAnimalsNumerousfarmersinterviewedparticularlyintheHo`olehuaHomesteadareahaveciteddeerasamajorproblem incrop failureTheorganicpapaya farmershavebeenhithardwithonefarmerhavinglosthisentirecropofpapayatreesSeedlingswereeatenandadulttreeswerealsoaffectedbydeerrubbings Anotherfarmerhashadtoadoptprotectivemeasuresforhisyoungkukuistarter treesasdeerseekingmoisture fromyoungplantswilleat them Hehasindicatedthatyoungkukuitreeshavetoreachacertainheightwheredeercannolongerbitethe leaves from the top Farmers are also experiencing brokenwater and irrigation pipesdestroyedbydeer One farmerwas issued a $700waterbillbefore discovering hisbrokenwaterpipeMuchofthisactivityhasbeenattributedtotheongoingdroughtconditionsdeerareseekingfarmsforwaterandfood It isestimatedthat$1million inagricultureprofitwaslosttodeerwithinthelastyearAnotherproblemthatfarmersencounteredafewyearsagowasaninfestationofratandmiceTheyweresonumerousthatdriversoftensawthemcrossingtheroad One farmerresolvedthisproblemonhisfarmbyadopting20cats
55ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions56ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions57ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 34
Other farmershavecitedpestsandweedsasaproblemon their farms Oneorganic farmerstatedthatshefinds itachallengebecauseuseofpesticidesandherbicidesareprohibited inorganicfarmingThere is an urgent need to keepMolokairsquos bee population healthy as they are pollinatorsimportant to theagriculture industry Threats to the localbeepopulation includepesticidesbeetlesandmitesHighOperationalCostsOfthe208surveyed61peopleconsideredhighoperationalcostsasabigchallengetofarmingonMolokaiThesecostsinclude Labor Infrastructure Toolsimplements Fuelforequipmentandvehicles Supplies such as fertilizer compost pesticides herbicides seeds irrigation supplies etc
Supplycostsareespeciallyhigherdue toadditionalcostmarkͲup forshipping items in toMolokai
Electricitycostsforrunningrefrigerationchiller Allfeesandtaxesincurredfromrunningabusiness Specialcostsfororganiccertification(est$1300peryear)HighCostofWaterSeventy(70)surveyrespondentsfeltfarming ismadedifficultbythehighcostofwater Thiswasespeciallytrueforfarmerswhoareoncountywater insteadofcheaperagriculturewaterfromtheMolokaiIrrigationSystemThesefarmersareontheEastEndoftheislandAlsoitisverydifficultforpeople inMaunaloaandKaluakoitofarmandevengardenduetothewatersystemrunbyMolokaiRanch Ratesforwaterareastronomicalhaving increasedby17858TheStatePublicUtilitiesCommissionallowedforarateincreasefortheRanchrsquosMolokaiPublicUtilitiesfrom$318per1000gallonsto$60459TheWaiolaOMolokaiIncwateralsoownedbyMolokaiRanchwas approved for a rate increase from$185 to $51560 These increasesimpactapproximately1200residentsonthewestsideoftheisland61
58BernardoRldquoMolokaiwaterusersprotestratehikerdquoHonoluluStarBulletinSeptember52008httparchivesstarbulletincom20080905newsstory08html59Bernardo200860Bernardo200861Bernardo2008
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 35
HighEquipmentCostsSixty(60) survey respondents considered high equipment costs as a challenge to farmingTractor costs can range from $21000 to $80000 depending on the size neededwhich isrelativetotheamountofacreagetobefarmedManysmallandbeginningfarmerslackaccesstocapitaltopurchasebigticketitemssuchasequipmentHighShippingCostsYoungBrothersistheprimaryshippingproviderforMolokaiSomefarmersutilizecargoplanessuchasKamakaAir for shipmentofmoreperishable items Shipping fromMolokai involvesaddedcostanddisadvantagesforMolokaiasaruralislandtryingtotransportgoodsacrosstheoceantothelargerurbancenterssuchasOahuandMauiForthoseutilizingdistributorsthatisanotheraddedcostIn thepast farmers receivedapartialbreakon shippingcosts throughYoungBrothers TheFarmBureauassisted indefrayingchargesassociatedwith theMolokai toHonoluu legwhilethefarmerwasrequiredtocoveronlythecostofshippingfromHonolulutothemainlandThishelped to level the playing field forMolokai farmerswith the rest of farmers onOahu andStatewide Within the last five yearshowever thispolicyhasbeendiscontinued causing adisadvantagetotheMolokaifarmerYoungBrotherswillbephasingoutitsldquoGrdquoVans218cubicftcontainersforshippingpricedat$180containerandwillbepalletizingeverythingItwillnolongerbeeasytodropitemsoffatthepierandshipoutFarmerswillneedtomakethetransitionandwilllikelyhavetosolicittheservicesofMakoaTruckingtopalletizetheirgoodsandtransportthemtothepierTheftOne farmer interviewed cited crop theft as a challenge There are also risks of theft ofequipmenttoolsandsupplieswithoutadequatestorageandsecuritymeasuresFireA localbeekeeping family thatproducespremiumorganic raw kiawehoneyexperienced adevastatingfirein2009thatwipedoutthemajorityoftheirhivesTheyhaveahighamountoforderstofillandarecurrentlyrecoveringfromthedamagetotheirhivesNotEnoughLandtoFarmampCompetingUsesforAgricultureLandThe Molokai Agricultural Park owned by the State of Hawai`i is located in theHo`olehuaMahanaregionadjacenttoMolokaiRanchandHawaiianHomeLandsItconsistsof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 36
22subdividedlotsspanningatotalof753acres62Thepurposeofagriculturalparksstatewideistoprovideaffordable longͲterm leasestosmallfarmers63CurrentlyallMolokaiAgPark landsare being utilized64 Thismakes it difficult for new farmerswho are nonͲhomesteaders tosecurecheaplandSeedbiotechcompaniessuchasMonsantoandMycogenhavegainedasolidfootholdontheisland Their use of prime agriculture lands and limited water resources impact the localfarming community It is problematic especially for organic farmers who risk losing theircertification if their farmsare inproximity toGMO crops It is known thata local familyofbeekeeperswereforcedtomovetheirhivesorelserisklosingtheirorganichoneycertificationLow Prices Offered for Local Produce Not Enough Demand for Goods and ProductInconsistencyOfthosesurveyed25peoplefeltthatnotenoughconsumerdemandforproducewasamajorchallenge for farmers Whileour surveyalso found that90ofour respondentswouldbuymorelocalfoodifitwasavailableMolokairsquossmallpopulationlimitshowmuchproducefarmerscanplaceinthelocalmarketManyof the farmers thatwe interviewedwere frustratedat the lowprices theyget for theproduce theygrow They find itdifficult tonegotiatewith storesonpricing For them it ischallengingtomakealivingorbeeconomicallysustainablebysellingproduceonlyonMolokaiOne certified organic and biodynamic farmer informed us that she is offered $110lb byMolokai stores forherorganicgingerbut she can sell itatamuchhigherpriceonOahuat$5lbinstoresthatshowcaseorganicfoodsWiththatamountsheisabletomakeaprofitaswellasrecoupherproductionandshippingcostsUHCTAHRAgricultureExtensionAgentGlennTevesstatesthatalotoffarmersdonotpaycloseenoughattentiontotheirpricingOftentimestheywillpricetheirproduceonthelowendThissetsanegativestandardthatmakesitmoredifficultforotherfarmerstogetareasonablepricefor their crops He recommends that farmers check regularly on produce prices andmakecomparisonsalsoonhowmuchtheysellforontheotherislandssothattheycanprovidemorecompetitivepricingthatisadvantageoustothemLackofSupportforAgricultureLawmakershavealsobecomeunsupportivetopreservingagriculturelandsAbusesaboundonagricultural landswithmultiͲmilliondollargentlemanestatesdevelopedanddefinedasldquofarm
62StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks63StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks64StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 37
dwellingsrdquo and attractive landscaping required underCCRs andAssociationRules dubbed aslegitimateldquoagriculturerdquo Theseldquofarmdwellingsrdquo increasethepriceofagriculture landforrealfarmersNationwide family farmersarebeingedgedoutby largecorporateproducersat the rateof330farmersperweek65TheUnitedStateshasanestimated5millionfewerfarmsthanithadinthe1930s66Today2millionfarmsexist intheUSwith565000 identifiedasfamilyfarms67ThereasonforthisisthatfederalgovernmentpoliciesfavorlargeͲscalecorporateagriculturePoliciessuchassubsidizingbigagriculturecreatesafalsesetͲpointontrueproductioncosts68TheAmerican taxpayerabsorbs thesehefty costs The federalgovernment spentover$177billion in agricultural subsidies from the years of 1995 to 200669 These large agricultureoperationsareabletoprovidehugevolumesoffoodforacheappricebecauseofthesubsidiesallocatedTheyeasilyoutcompeteandsqueezeoutthesmallfarmerthatreceivesnohelpfromsubsidies andmust pass to the customer the true costs of production in order to remain aviablebusinessStrongcorporatelobbyingmaintainsthisstatusquo
NeedforAdditionalEducationampTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunityOfthosesurveyed33farmersconsideredalackofcapacityeducationtobeachallengeSomefarmersaredauntedbythecostsofhighereducationandthetimetheywouldneedtoinvestineducationalongsidebalancingfamilyresponsibilitiesandfullͲtimefarmingProficiency inknowledgeandexperienceoffarmingprinciplesandtechniques isnecessaryforallfarmers Theymustunderstandfarmplanninghowtoplantmaintainandharvestcropshowtosetupirrigationmeetthebiologicalandmineralneedsoftheircropshowtomaintainsoil health how to minimize offͲfarm releases of pollutants and toxins such as chemicalfertilizersandpesticidesoperateand repair toolsandmachinerybasic carpentry skillsandpossess a true passion for farming A lot is learned through trial and error but educationcombinedwithpracticalexperience gives farmers abetter chance atmaking it These skillsalonearenottheonlyrequirementshoweverAfarmer(orparticipatingfamilymembers)mustalsobefinanciallyliterateandpossessstrongbusinessbookkeepingaccountingandmarketingskills To lease landsaccessbusinessstartup fundssuccessfullyapply for loansandreceive financing forbigequipmentpurchases the
65ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml66ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml67ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml68ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml69ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 38
farmerhastohavegoodcreditandbefinancially literate Ifhe issaddledwithdebtandbadcreditthenhewillneedtocreateandsticktoaplanforrepairinghiscreditOther skills a farmermust cultivate to successfully start an agricultureenterprise is learninghowtodomarketresearchandbusinessplanningItrsquosbettertomakemistakesonpaperfirstrather than in real life aftermuch time and investment has beenmade Once the farmenterprise isupand running then the farmerhas to contendwithkeeping financial recordscurrenteitherpersonallyortruesecuringabookkeeperoraccountant BusinessandpayrolltaxeswillneedtobepaidfeesforspecialcertificationssuchasorganicfarmingmayalsohavetobefactoredinAfarmermustbeawareofwhattogrowandproduceandhowtomarketherproducts inorder tobeprofitable Shemustbedisciplined in implementingher farmplanaccount for year round staggered plantings and harvests and crop rotations and reinvestprofitsbackintothebusinessRarelydotheseskillsexistinonepersonMostfarmersjustwanttofarmandnotdealwiththeother details of running a business As they age too farmerswill need to think about asuccession plan Ideally it should be a family enterprise with familymembers possessingdifferent skill sets and playing different roles that collectivelymake a successful agricultureenterpriseRanchingampTheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeMolokairsquos history includes large scale ranching of cattle which was once an enterpriseendeavorbyMolokaiRanch the islandrsquos largestprivate landownernow known asMolokaiProperties Limited SinceMPLrsquos closure ofmajor operations ranching is currently done bymembersof thecommunity inwhich theycultivate the remainingcattleonproperty CattleRanchersincludePohakuloaRanchKualapu`uRanchPedroRanchandPu`uOHokuRanchChallengeswithMolokaiBeef Muchof theranchingcommunitydonot finish theiranimals through theslaughterhouse
preferringtosellcattleoffisland Lessmeat isproducedon the islandwhich in turnmeans lessMolokaibeefavailable for
consumptioninrestaurantsandstores More than one individualentity does not like the tasteconsistency of the beef ndash some
suggestedthatthemeatbecuredlonger Somemembersofthecooperativefeelthecostforanimalprocessing($65animal)isunfair
since it isnotbasedonactualproductyield(egdeerorgoatmeatyields lesspoundsofmeatthancattle)
SlaughterhouseTheMolokai Livestock Cooperative which operates the only slaughterhouse facility on theislandprocessescattleandpork Pork isnotusually sold to storesdue to thepreferenceof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 39
Molokaifamiliestoutilizerearedhogsforhomeconsumption Thuspork issubjectusuallytocustomkillsonlyAsforcattleamaximumof18headperweekandaminimumof5headperweekgoes through the slaughterhousewitha cumulative totalof730animalsprocessed todatesincethefacilityopeneditsdoorsseveralyearsagoTheslaughterhouse iscurrentlynotoperatingatfullcapacity There isahistoricalcontextforsome of the challenges that the Molokai Livestock Cooperative faces today After thewholesale TB eradication of Molokai cattle in the 1980s and the closure of the oldslaughterhouseinKaunakakailocalranchersinitiallyworkedtogetanewslaughterhousebuiltwiththeirsweatequityandthroughsecuringfundingfromCountyStateandFederalsourcesUnfortunatelytheprocessofmovingthisprojectfromaconceptualphasetobrickandmortartook over a decade to complete By the time the slaughterhouse facility was completedranchershadmovedaway fromgrassͲfinishedcattleonMolokai to finishing theiranimalsonthe mainland Over time the ranchersrsquo commitment to strengthening their own localslaughterhouse as a viable economic engine had wavered Some ranches do not see aneconomic incentive to return to the formermodelofgrass finishing theircattleandpreferaquickerturnͲaroundtimeandtheconvenienceofsellingtheiranimalspreͲfinishedWhile theMolokaiLivestockCooperativersquosnew slaughterhousehasmadepositive inroads togettingMolokai grassͲfedbeef in local grocery stores and restaurants through itsworkwithcommittedranchersutilizingthefacility lackofvolumefromholdͲoutranchersalso limitstheslaughterhousersquosabilitytoexpandthemarketandfullydevelopanorganicnicheproduct Tomakeupforthisshortfalltheslaughterhousenowshipsin30headofnonͲMolokaicattle(50oftotalstock)onaregularbasisLambSheepForthepast5yearsahusbandandwifeteamhasbeenexperimentingwithranchingfreerangelambssheepon55acresof land inwestMolokai Thecouplehas80animals (60ewes20lambs) Theyharvestthe lambsat6monthsofageandhavebeentestingthequalityoftheanimalsMost recently they market tested their lambs The lambs were processed at theslaughterhouse ThemeatwassoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketandMisakirsquos CustomerfeedbackhasbeenverypositiveThelambmeatsoldoutquicklyinthestoresRightnowthelambsheep ranchers are trying to figure out pricing whether to sell directly to theslaughterhouseforprocessingmarketinganddistributionortohandlesomeofthoseaspectsontheirownDeerRanchingDeerranchingisnotawidespreadactivityinfactthereareonlytwopeopleontheislandthatraisevenisonDeerpensexist inMaunaloaandPalarsquoauwithasmuchas260animalscorralled
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 40
within high game fencing The deer ranching is part of a safari tour businesswhich allowsvisitorstoexperiencehuntinggameDeercanbeprocessed through theMolokaiSlaughterhouse if theanimal ispresentedat thefacilityat leastonehourafterthekillandaUSDACertified Inspectorparticipates inthehuntThisiscurrentlynotbeingdonebydeerranchersonMolokaiTheownersofDJCRanch Incwhich currentlyoperates adeer ranchhasdone some initialmarkettestingandresearchonthedemandandpotentialforvenisonmeatproduction Theyhave found ahugedemand from restaurants and the generalpublic for venisondue to thehealthbenefitsandsuperiortasteofMolokaiaxisdeerThereiscurrentlynosteadysourceforvenisonmeatandvalueͲaddedproductsinHawai`iDJCRanchhasstatedinitsmarketingplanthatinthefirstyeartheycouldprovidevenisononaseasonalbasisandinitiallyproducegroundvenison and sausages As herd numbers increase additional markets could potentially beopeneduptoWholeFoodsandCostco CurrentlyDJCRanchhasaUSDA licensetoslaughtervenisonandcouldutilizetheMolokaiSlaughterhouseThecompanyisFDAapprovedthroughthe USDA with its own stamp and seal formarketing The products that DJC Ranch hadconsideredmarketingwere
1 Groundvenisonforhumanconsumptionandalsodogfood2 9differentsausageswhichithasdevelopedandsuccessfullymarkettested3 Venisoncornedbeef4 Freshcuts5 Innards
ThereismuchpotentialinthisareaandhopefullyinvestmentscanbesuccessfullyacquiredtoimplementDJCRanchrsquosplanAdditionally theremaybeopportunity tocreateacollaborationbetweendeer ranchersandfarmerssufferingfromcrop lossesduetodeergrazing ifaplancouldbeundertakentodivertdeerfromcultivatedlandsandabsorbthemintoranchingoperationsAquacultureEffortshavebeenmadetorestorefishpondsandhavemetwithsomesuccessforsubsistenceuses State regulations affecting the restoration andutilizationof theseponds limituses tosubsistenceandeducationalpurposesmaking itdifficult toutilize theponds for commercialaquacultureThisisunfortunategiventhehardworkonthepartofthecommunityandfederalfunds invested inProjectLoko I`aatrainingprogramthathadservedanestimated20youngMolokai adults in drystack and fishpondwall reconstruction fishpond husbandry live rockcultivation for theaquarium industry shrimpand seaweedaquaculturewater samplingandanalysis leadershipandentrepreneurial skills Theseyoungadultswere trainedwithall thetools to be successful in aquaculture butwere not given the chance to commercially leaseMolokaipondsandestablishabusiness
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 41
PlansandfundingallocatedtoestablishafinfishhatcheryonMolokaiasearlyas1991andtostockfishpondsforcommercialproductionwerestalledandareunlikelytocometofruitionTheMolokai Ice House completed construction at the KaunakakaiWharf in 1993 It wasestablishedbya local commercial fishermenrsquoscooperativeof40 individualswho contributedapproximately 60Ͳ70 of Molokairsquos commercial fish landings The Ice House operatedsuccessfullyfornearlyadecadeprovidingicefreshfishpokeandseaweedforsaleA Native Hawaiian nonͲprofit Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou established a successful limu(seaweed)growersnetworkandlimubuyͲbackprogramwith30familieslivingalongMolokairsquossouthandcentralshores These familieswere trained incultivationof theedibleandhighlyprizedseaweedGracilariaparvisporacommonlyknownas limuogo Anestimated1000 lbsweeklywereshippedtoOahufishmarketsaswellasdistributedtotheMolokaiIceHouseandvariousstoresonislandintheformoffreshandvalueͲaddedproducts(limusalsaandnamasu)Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou served as amarketer and broker for the families In the endhowever some of themore successful growers opted to sell and distribute their harvestsindependently causing the cooperative typeof structure todismantleanddriving thepricesdownforMolokailimuogoduetocompetitionamongstthegrowersTherearetwoshrimpfarmsonMolokaiMolokaiSeaFarmsinPala`auandKeawaNuiFarmsineastMolokaiKeawaNuiFarmssuppliesSPFcertifiedPenaeusvannameishrimpbroodstockaswellasseasonalharvestsoftilapia fishand limuogo70MolokaiSeaFarmsalsospecializes indiseasefreeSPFPvannameibroodstockandservescustomersthroughouttheworld71PacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsandHawai`iKaiCorporationbothfarmseasaltfromMolokairsquosoceanwaters Thesesaltscarryessentialmineralsandtraceelements Molokaisaltproductionhasreachedaglobalmarketas farasChinaandEurope Productscanalsobe found inMolokaistoresAddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparationMolokairsquoshiddensubsistenceeconomy isastrengththatassistsfamiliestoday inachronicallydepressedeconomyThereisenoughdeergoatandwildpigonthelandandfishonthereeftomeet the peoplersquos protein requirements and provide food security for tomorrow TheHo`olehuaHomesteadcommunitywithfamilyfarmsdottingthelandscapehasenoughproduceandstarchinthegroundtofeedtheircommunityAscomparedtootherislandsMolokaiisinbettershapethanmostifnotallislandsHoweverthereisstillastrongrelianceonYoungBrotherstoshipinfoodtotheislandAtanygiventimethereisanestimated4daysoffoodstockedonMolokairsquosstoreshelvesNodisaster
70KeawaNuiFarmshttpwwwkeawanuifarmscom71MolokaiSeaFarmshttpwwwbroodstockcomHawaiian_SPF_Shrimp_Broodstockhomehtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 42
scenarioplanninghaseverbeenundertakenforhowthiscommunityshouldrespondifonedaythebargedoesnotarriveandalltransportationvenuesbyseaairandlandwereinterruptedAccordingtooneinformantMolokairsquosfoodreservesarestoredonMauibytheAmericanRedCross This iswrong Molokai isoneofthefew islandswithoutamainairportonthecoastalshores In timesofdisaster (eghurricane tsunami) therewouldbebetter accesson theislandtoreceiveassistanceRealisticallyhoweverMolokaiwouldbeofalesserprioritytoshipin food and medical supplies in a Statewide disaster scenario due to the islandrsquos smallpopulationInitialaidwouldbefocusedprimarilyonurbananddenselypopulatedareasontheneighboringislandsIntheMana`eandKaunakakaiareas(eastandcentralMolokai)whereasignificantportionofMolokairsquospopulationisconcentratedtheroadsandmajorityofhomesarelocatedonthecoastwithin the tsunami and flood zone corridor Getting assistance to these areas would beproblematic No major farming takes place in Kaunakakai and Mana`e except for homegardensandsomewetlandtarocultivationinthelushervalleysontheeastsideMonoͲcropping increases risks ofwholesale andmass crop failure Whilemost smallͲscalefarmers are doing diversified agriculture onMolokai not enough effort has beenmade topreserve thehundredsofvarietiesofsweetpotatobreadfruit taroandothercanoeplantsNot enough has been done to cultivate and preserve varieties of regionallyͲadapted openͲpollinatedseedsforhomegardensandsmallscalefarmersUHCTAHRhasthroughitsresearchdevelopedseedsadapted tocertainenvironments Moreeffortmaybeneeded toget theseseedstofarmers
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 43
V RECOMMENDATIONSMitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElementsWindAswindwillcontinuetobeanissueforfarmersespeciallyhomesteadfarmersintheHo`olehuaareaitisimportanttoestablishacomprehensiveprojecttoinstallwindbreaksthatwillhelptoopenupmorehomesteadlandforfarmingCostcanbeafactorforsmallͲscaleandbeginningfarmersThusaccessingfundingandcreatingcollaborativepartnershipswithcoreleadershipisnecessarytomovethisprojectalongOtherthingstoconsider intermsofdecidingwhattypesofwindbreaksto installwouldbetooptimizethepotentialofthewindbreakstoservemultiplefunctionsOnecommoncomplaintamongsthomesteadfarmershasbeenthedestructionofcropsfromgrazingdeerProvidingavegetativewindbreakwith tightplantings could serve as a living fence that keepsout deerSelectingalso fornitrogen fixingspecieswillalsoaddnutrientstothesoilandboost farmerrsquoscropsIdentifiedasakeyprojectintheEnvironmentSectionofMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandisprovidingwindbreaks inHo`olehuaThevision istoplantwindbreaksldquoalongthecoastalpaliaround the central plain andhellip along individual farmersrsquo lots Native trees and treeswithsecondarymarketvalue(fruittreesandhardwoods)rdquoshouldbeutilized72DroughtͲProofingReforestationThecommunity initiateddocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian Islandhas identified in itsAgricultureampAquacultureSectionthefollowingpriorities73
Recognize the limited availability of water as a primary factor in prioritizing suitableagriculturalfoodcrops
Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture foodproduction
Water is a limiting factor in farming especially in light of chronic drought conditions andcontinuousmandatorycutbacksonwateruse from theMolokai IrrigationSystem TherearewaysthatthefarmercanharvestwateraswellasminimizewaterlossPlantingwindbreakswillaidincreatingamicroclimatethatwillreduceevapotranspirationandallowforsomeshadeforcrops that require less sunlight Installing swales and terraces on contour in tandem withplantingswillslowthepathofwaterrunoffcomingontothepropertycreategoodsoakagethatwillbuildthewatertableandnaturallyfeedcropsMulchingandplantinggroundcoverspecies
72MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf73MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 44
alongsidemain crops will retainmoisture and support soil health These droughtͲproofingstrategiesworkinginconcertwillprovideagreatbenefittothefarmerA longertermstrategythatonehomestead farmersuggestedand forwhichhehasbeguntospreadamongstotherhomesteaders is conductingmassplantingsofKukui trees to createaforest forHo`olehua and capture rain He is setting the example by creating a kukui plantnurseryonhispropertyandgivingkeikiplantstootherhomesteadersAdoptionofthesetypesofstrategiesshouldalsobeconsideredbynonͲhomesteaduserswhohaveutilizedthe lionrsquosshareofMISwater ReforestationoftheslopesofMaunaloathathadbeendamagedbycattleranchingandpineapplecultivationwouldalso lessendependenceonwaterdiversions Thishasbeen identifiedasakeyprojectunder the communitydocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandalongwithcertainerosioncontrolmeasuresfortheWestEnd gulches that include installing ldquorock dikes (gabions) hedgerow plantings [and] siltationpondsrdquo74
ProtectingWaterResourceRights
TheWater Code directs the Commission to ldquoincorporate and protect adequate reserves ofwaterforcurrentandforeseeabledevelopmentanduseofHawaiianhomelandsassetforthinsection 221 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Actrdquo75 Additionally by law the HawaiianHomes Commission Act recognizes a twoͲthirdswater preference for homesteaders on theMolokai IrrigationSystem76These lawsshouldbeenforcedandtheDepartmentofHawaiianHomeLandsneedstoactivelyadvocateonbehalfofhomesteaderstoensuretheprotectionoftheir water rights The Department of Agriculture which manages the MIS must alsoresponsiblymeettheStatersquosfiduciarydutybyassuringthatwaterallocationsareincompliancewiththetwoͲthirdsprovisionforhomesteaders
WildAnimalControl
A number of farmers plagued by deer have opted to allow subsistence hunting on theirpropertyorhunt thedeer themselvesOthersare installing fencing tokeep thedeerout AlocaldeerranchersurmisedthatalotofthedeerareoriginatingfromdryMolokaiRanchlandsandmovingtowardsthehomesteadregionofHo`olehuainsearchofwaterandfoodThisdeerfarmerwouldliketoworkwithMolokaiRanchtoleaseandexpandhisoperationsontoRanchlandserect fencingandprovideadequatewater for thedeer toprevent them from invadingtheHomestead Withcollaborationamong farmersMolokaiRanchand localdeer ranchersthiscouldprovideawinͲwinsolutionforall
74MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf75HawRevStatSection174CͲ101(a)76HawaiianHomesCommissionActsect221(d)1920amended1955
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 45
IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth
Typicallyweeds are found in disturbed areas Weeds are bioͲindicators of soil health andstructureTheyservedifferentfunctionsandareoftenpioneerspeciesthatcomeintoasystemearly on to create optimal conditions for the next stages of succession into amorematuresystem Differentweedsperformdifferent functions suchasaddingnitrogen to the soil reͲmineralizingthesoilwithdeeptaprootsthatbringnutrientsbelowuptothesurfacelooseningcompacted hard pan soils to allow for aeration and room for new seedlings to grow andstabilizingfragileandexposedsoilswithrootstructuresthatfanoutmorewidelytoholdloosesoiltogetherThekeyistoselectspeciesthataremoreusefultothefarmerthanthenaturalordisturbedvegetationandovertimethesespecieswilloutcompeteweedyvarietiesDiversifyingcropsandmimickingnaturalsuccessiondoingtimestackingwithdenserplantingsofperenniallegumesgroundcoverswindbreaks fruit treesandvinesofpreferredspecieswillallow formaturation of the system create better soil health and select out nonͲfavorable weedyspeciesOne farmerwhooperatesanorganicpapaya farmdoesthe followingtopreservesoil fertilityandcontrolpests77 Utilizesa localmanufacturerfromOahuwhorecyclesusedcookingoilfatsbonesandfish
collected from restaurants foodmanufacturersand fishoutletsand turns thiswaste into100 certified organic soil amendments Tons of rawmaterialwaste now diverted fromlandfill
Usesdolomiteandcrushedcoraltoamendsoilorgypsumassubstitute Growssunnhemponrestingfieldstohelpwithnematodesandfixnitrogeninsoil Providescovercropofgrassesandweedsbetween rowsofmaturepapaya trees irrigated
withmicroͲsprinklerstokeepmoistureandlifeinthesoil Maintainsadiversefloraratherthanengaginginmonocropping Responds to cut worms (seasonal) by planting extra seedling trays to replace damaged
seedlings Sprays kumulus (organic sulfur) and baking soda to combat powderymildewmites and
thrips Ripsandairsoutoldfieldsandrestsfieldsforatleast15monthstoaddressnematodeissue Focusesongrowingthestrongesthealthiestplantstoprovidegreaterresistancetopests
77UniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesFeaturedFarmerRickTamanahaKaleikoafarmsHo`olehuaMoloka`iHĈnai`AiNewsletterJuneͲJulyͲAugust2011httpwwwctahrhawaiiedusustainagnewsarticlesV8ͲKaleikoaFarmsͲFFpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 46
AddressingHighOperationalCosts
EquipmentAccessSeveralcommunitypartnerscametogethertoaddressoneofthemajorimpedimentsforsmallfarmersonMolokai access toequipment TheMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityndashKeAupuniLƃkahipurchasedatractoraspartofaplannedequipmentrentalprogramadministeredbyUHCTAHR and the Hawaiian Homestead Association TheMolokai Rural Development ProjectpurchasedtractorimplementstofurtherassistthefarmersTheseimplementsincludedaJactoArbusAirblast Sprayerwith TractorMount to assist farmers in spraying their fieldswithoutadded labor Samp A AG 20 Spreader to allow growers to improve their soil pH and organicmatter Miller Bobcat 250 welder to aid farmers in repairing and fabricating tools andimplements aswell as serve as a training tool inwelding and farmmechanics and aGreatPlainsSubSoilerSS1300toassistfarmersinfieldpreparationwithminimalsoildisruptionWhilefarmerswillstillneedaccesstootherformsofequipmenttocutdown laborandtimetheEquipmentRentalModel isagoodone that shouldbe replicated tobenefit theMolokaifarming community overall and ameliorate farmersrsquo chances of success by bringing theirindividualcostsdownShipping
Howtotacklehighshippingcosts Consolidation Compilecargoandnegotiatewithcarriersbased on volume78 This could be handled formally through a cooperative structure orinformally through a hui of farmers The Molokai community has also recommendedcommissioning a ldquostudy to explore new alternatives for transportation links (air and sea)betweenMolokaiandotherareasandmarketsrdquo79Another alternative that Sust`ĈinableMolokai is preliminarily exploring is the feasibility ofprovidingasailingvesselequippedwithchillspacethatwouldideallybepoweredbyrenewableenergy (egwind solar) to serve as a communal shipping vessel forMolokai exports andimportsOneofourconcernsisnotonlythehighshippingcoststhatresidentsincurbutalsodealingwiththeinevitableconsequencesofglobalpeakoilandhelpingtoincreaseourislandrsquosfuelandenergysecurity
78Youn JL ldquoRootsofChange ToRichardNelsondiversification ismuchmore than justabuzzwordrdquoHawaiiBusiness Magazine February 2004 httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange79 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1105 InfrastructureTransportationAlternativesp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 47
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoodsOne of the areas where some farmers feel challenged is marketing and distributing theirproducts offͲisland While some of themwant to take advantage of better pricing on theneighbor islands the lackofknowledgeandexperience inpenetrating thosemarketscanbedauntingfortheMolokaifarmerItwasalsoexpressedtousfromvendorsandrestaurantsthatit is difficult to determine which farmer is selling what and to achieve a level of productconsistencyamong individualfarmers ForMolokaistoresandrestaurants itwouldbeeasiertodealwithabrokerdistributorormarketingteamwho isplugged intotheMolokaifarmingcommunityandcouldconsolidategoodsamongstallfarmersandachieveafairpriceforthemCoststoretainthisdistributorcouldalsobesharedamongstthefarmersThisdistributorcouldalso handlemarkets on neighboring islandsmainland and internationally and remove theheadachefromfarmerswhojustwanttofarmOriginallytheHiki`olaFarmersCooperativewassetuptosellanddistributefarmersrsquoproductsandhelptoremovethe impedimentsandpersonalchallengesfarmersface inmarketingtheirproduceandproducts independently HoweverthisprovedunsuccessfulbecauseofproductinconsistencyThismaybeanongoingchallengebutnotcompletelyinsurmountablePerhapsmorecarefulfarmplanningandcollaborationwithfarmersmaybeneededtocollectivelygrowspecific items tomaintainacertainvolumeandconsistency Issuesof seasonalityhoweverwillalwaysimpactconsistencyMarketingFarmers couldalso increase theirprofits throughappropriatebrandinga common logoandsharedwebsitefeaturingldquoGrownonMolokairdquoorldquoMadeonMolokairdquoproductlineThiswouldalsohelpprospectivevalueͲaddedfoodentrepreneurswhoarechallengedbyhighstartͲupandinsurancecoststhatcomeswithdevelopingaproductdesigningalogoandlabelandcomingupwithappropriatepackagingUnderonebrandandacommoninsurancethesecostscanbeminimizedandthevalueͲaddedproducercouldfocuschieflyoncreatingaqualityproductFarmersMarketampCommunitySupportedAgricultureMolokairsquoscurrentSaturdaymarketlocatedintheheartofKaunakakaiTownisanopenmarketwherethereareavarietyofitemssoldartscraftsvarioussundriesbakedgoodsandavarietyof vegetablesand fruits Ithasbeen suggested that theMolokaiopenmarketbe improvedupon to reflect a true farmersmarket Improvementswould includeproviding chill space toprovide other products like Molokai grass fed beef and seafood showcasing valueͲaddedMolokaiproductssellingmoreandbonafideMolokaiproduceandincreasingaccessibilityforlow income families to fresh local produce and other foods through undergoing the formalprocessandclearancetoacceptEBTfoodstamps
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 48
FarmersMarkets serve as an important venue for farmers to sell directly to customers andcreatepositiverelationshipswiththemForthosewhoprefertofarmandleavethesellingandmarketingtoothersalocaldistributorcouldfillthoseshoesSomehavesuggestedthatseveralfarmersmarketsbeestablishedwithinthevariousdistrictsofthe island (east central and west Molokai) to make local foods readily accessible to allconsumersAnother suggestionwas thatMolokai create its own local dollar or Local Exchange TradingSystem (LETS) amongst a communityor groupofpeoplewhomutually agree toextend andearn credit from each other through a series of transactions and exchanges of goods andservicesDirectbarterbetweenpartiesisnotnecessaryratheronecanearnLETScreditsfromperformingaserviceorgivingagoodandbereciprocatedatalatertimeforgoodsorservicesofequalvalue(egprovidingbabysittingservicestoearncreditsandreceiveplumbingworkinreturn)LETSallowscommunitiesgreater flexibilityandcreatesequalityamong itsmembersofferingvaluebeyondtheconventionalmonetarysystemSome farmers create their own market by operating a CSA or Community SupportedAgricultureTheWaialuaPermafarmhasbeenoperatingsuccessfullyforabout30yearsnowasaCSATheWaialuaPermafarmhasfamiliesthatregularlysubscribetotheirCSAandpurchaseweekly or biͲmonthly boxes of veggies and fruits The Waialua Permafarm provides animpressive listing of vegetable and fruits that they grow with customers choosing theirfavoritesWhateverisinseasonandpreferredbythecustomeriswhattheCSAprovidesPu`uOHokuRanchalsoprovidesveggieboxesaswellasamore recentoperation runningoutofMahanaGardensOneMolokaiCSAoperatorsuggestedtheSiskiyouSustainableCooperativeinOregonasagreatmodel that could help farmers here to consolidate their efforts and create direct farmer toconsumer relationships Some of the best practices coming from Siskiyou SustainableCooperativeinclude Acollectiveoffarmerswhowantedtoformamarketingandbusinesscooperative Their business plan included visionary goals such as a credit union for farmers a
cooperatively owned state of the art commercial kitchen and seed cleaning facilityaffordablehealthinsuranceforfarmfamiliesetc
Inthefirst2yearsthefarmersdeveloped3marketingvenuesaCSAafarmstandalongtheroadsideandacooperatively runmarketboothEventually theCooperative focusedmoreexclusivelyontheCSAasitprovedmostfinanciallysuccessful
Farmersrsquogoal istoprovidecontinualaccesstomore locallygrownandproducedfoodsandtomaketheCSAboxmoreofaldquooneͲstopshoppingrdquoexperienceformembersTodatetheCSA offers bread cheese eggs flowers beef and buffalo products coffee and honey inadditiontotheregularproduceboxes
CoͲopprovidescertifiedorganicfruitsvegetablesandspecialty itemsproducedon9smallͲscalefamilyfarmsandranches
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 49
Feeds250 families throughcooperativeCommunitySupportedAgriculture (CSA)marketingand distribution program while enhancing the economic viability of their sustainableagricultureoperations
CoͲopoffersasmallsharethatfeeds2peopleandalargesharethatfeeds3Ͳ5peopleCoͲopdropsoffthefoodboxesto7differentspotsonaweeklybasis
ProvidingproducetolowͲincomepopulationsispartofCoͲoprsquosmissionCoͲopprovidesfoodtoACCESSandfoodbanks
CoͲopalsosuccessfullyappliedtoacceptfoodstampsCoͲopunderstandsthateatingfreshhealthyfood is importantforeveryoneespeciallyforthemorevulnerablepopulations likechildrenpregnantandnursingmotherstheelderlyanddisabledThesepeoplearemostinneedofnutrientͲdensehighqualityfoods
CSAmembersalsobenefit from farmdaysofferedby thecoͲopmembersget tosee theirfoodbeing grown andmeet their farmersCoͲop also sends recipes andnewsletterswitheachboxtohelpmemberslearnnewandexcitingwaystopreparetheirvegetables
CoͲopworks toexpandmarkets for localseedproducers toprovidevarietiesofregionallyͲadaptedopenͲpollinated seeds forhomegardenersand smallͲscale farmersCoͲop leasesseed cleaning equipment from a local nonͲprofit to improve seed quality and encouragegrowers toproducemore seedas theequipment saves time Oneof thecoͲop foundingmembers started his own local seed company see websitewwwbiodynamicseedsblogspotcom
CoͲop farms utilize interns as an inexpensive labor pool while providing them withopportunitiesto learnhowtogrow foodandruna farmoperation Inaneffort toprovidequality internships someof thecoͲopmembers formedanonͲprofit toprovideeducationandsocialopportunitiesforfarminternsSeewebsitehttproguefarmcorpsorg
AchievingFinancialSustainabilityThroughMIFFStrategyTodays farmermust possess a diverse skillsͲset to be truly competitive in a globalmarketAccordingtoRichardNelsonpresidentofHawaiiBizlinkLLCanagricultureͲconsultingfirmontheBigIslandnichemarketdevelopmentisthekeytosuccessfulagribusinessinHawaiiratherthan the agricultureasacommoditymindset80 Headds [A]g iseconomicdevelopmentanditisalsotourismVisitorswanttoeattheNalogreensandthefreshfishseethepineappleplantationandvisit theaquacultureoperationsahard look [needs tobe taken in]assistingfarmers with a variety of things including development of market plans business planspackagedesignintroductiontobuyersdevelopmentoftradeshowsandmarketingvenuesforlocalproducers[E]veryfarmerhasgottogetsmarterItsnolongerjustharvestingproductandthrowing it inabinFarmershavetowearmultiplehatsnow81Aswe looktobuildinggreatercapacityinourfarmingcommunitymoreeducationandtrainingmustbeavailableforfarmerstomeettheseemergingtrendsinagriculture
80YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange81YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 50
Farmers are more likely to succeed through diversification The Multiple Income FarmingFamilies (MIFF) model is a strategy for strengthening agribusinesses through generatingmultiplerevenuestreamsOne exampleof aMultiple Income Farming Family isMolokaiMeli inoperation since 2004MolokaiMeli sellspremiumorganic rawkiawehoneyasavalueͲaddedproductThe familymarketsldquomelisticksrdquoorhoneysealed instrawsassimplesnacks Theyalsoprovidedifferentgradesofhoneypremiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyandhoneycombsthattheyadvertiseand sell through their website The family doesnrsquot stop there Their eldest child Elijahdevelopedhisownbusiness around adressing recipeheperfectedmadewithMolokaiMelihoneyTheyoungerdaughtershavealsodevelopedtheirownproductsbeeswaxcandlesandchapstickthataresoldatKumuFarmsandMolokairsquosspecialtyshopsAllfamilymemberssuitupintheirbeekeepingsuitstocareforthebeesInitiallywhentheystartedtheirbusinesstheyhadnot fullyreachedtheir financialgoal insecuringallthestartͲupcoststheyneeded Theylearnedtoadaptandadjustedtheirbusinessplan Whenfacedwithapredicamentthattheywould not receive their bees on time to start their operations smoothly they turned thischallengeintoanewbusinessopportunitybyprovidingtheislandrsquossolebeeremovalservicesThey utilized this initial stock of bees for honey production and continue to replenish theirstoresbymaintainingbeeremovalservicesValueͲAddingampGoingOrganicThecommunitysupportsorganicvalueͲaddedandsustainablefarming82 Encourageandsupportorganicandenvironmentallyfriendlyfarmingmethodstechniques SupporttheproductionofvalueͲaddedproducts SupportthefarmingofcertifiedorganicandornonͲGMOcropsAnexampleofwhereMolokaifarmershaveachievedsuccess is inproducingcertifiedorganicpapayaMolokaiistheonlyplaceintheworldwhereorganicpapayaisgrowncommerciallyAsmallairportrunway that lacks thecapacity toreceive largeplanesand internationalcarriershaskeptMolokaibiologicallypurerthantheother islands inthat ithasnotbeenexposedtothepapaya ringspotvirus likewise thebananabunchy topvirushasalsonot takena strongholdonMolokaibananaKumu Farms is a local distributor of organic sunrisestrawberry papaya In themidͲ1990sKumuFarms invested inandbuiltaforcedͲhotͲair(FHA)chemicalfreetreatmentfacilitywiththeapprovalof theUSDepartmentofAgriculture to treat itscertifiedorganicpapayaonsiteand distribute directly to its various markets throughout the State of Hawai`i the USMainland and Canada83 Thirty percent (30) of the organic papaya supply comes from
82MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf83KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 51
homesteadfarmingfamilieswhoarepartofKumuFarmsldquosatelliteprogramrdquo84ThesefarmersarepaidbyKumuFarms$075lbfororganicpapayawhichismorethandoublewhatfarmerstypicallygetforconventionalGMOpapayaat$030lb MolokaiOrganicPapayaretails inthemainlandUSat$5lbProducingcropsorganically isawaytovalueͲaddandenteranichemarket This isespeciallyusefulforsmallfarmswhocannotcompetewithlargeproducersOneofthesatellitefarmshasexpressedadesiretobegindistributingandmarketingitsorganicpapayaindependentlyofKumuFarmstorealizedirectmarketprofitsInanycaseKumuFarmsplaysavaluablerole inproviding itsownFHAchemicalfreetreatmentfacilitydoingoutreachto small farmers to assume the costs of shipping distribution and marketing For manybeginning farmers these types of opportunitiesmitigate some of the costs of running anagribusinessandgivethemaleguptogrowandeventuallyexpandtheirownenterprisesThe 2010 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process forMaui Countyidentified the main economic sectors forMauiMolokai and Lanai islands They includeAgriculture Arts and Entertainment Government Healthcare Recreation and SportsRenewableEnergyResearchampDevelopment (RampD)and theVisitor Industry MolokaiCEDSparticipantshave identifiedprioritygoalsandobjectivesundereachsector ForAgricultureampAquacultureMolokai residentselectedasapriorityobjectiveaneffective ldquoBuy Localrdquo (ldquoBuyMolokairdquocampaign)andtheestablishmentofaldquoMadeonMolokairdquobrandAdditionally a September 2009 report provided by theMaui EconomicDevelopment Board(MEDB)onldquoEntrepreneurshipandtheFutureofMolokairdquodeterminedfrommultiplesurveysofMolokairsquos business community areas for growth and opportunity for the islandrsquos economyRespondents identified asopportunities ldquouniquelyMolokai lsquonichersquoproducts (organicpapayacoffeecookiesMolokaibreadetc)rdquoandldquovalueͲaddedproducts (tarochipspackageddriedmangococonutandbanana)rdquoIncreasedproductionandmarketingofnewvalueͲaddedfoodproductsprovide longershelf life requires lessvolumeof rawproductandhaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketswishingtotrynewandexoticfoods ValueͲaddingandcreationofnicheproducts thatplay to the strengthsofwhat farmershere cangrowprovidesagreateradvantagetoMolokaiproducersandallowsthemtobemorecompetitiveinthemarket A few years ago theMolokai Rural Development Project (RDP) offered ValueͲAdded FoodProductionTrainingattheLanikehaCommercialKitchen inpartnershipwithHawaiianHomestheMolokaiCommunityServiceCouncilandKƻha`oBusinessCenterThetrainingwasgearedtoestablishingsuccessfulvalueͲadded foodbusinessesto fulfillanichemarketandaid inthediversification ofMolokairsquos agriculture industry RDP designed the training along theMIFFmodelofprovidingmultipleincomestreamsforfarmingfamiliesThelocalfarmerthroughthistrainingcouldsupplementhis income throughvalueͲaddingorconnectwithanentrepreneurwishingtoturnldquowasterdquo(discardedoffͲgradeproduce)intoopportunity
84KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 52
Currently Lanikeha holds a number of anchor tenants that regularly produce valueͲaddeditems Products thathavecomeoutofLanikeha includepoisweetpotatochipshoneyseasaltpestoproductsbakedandcatereditemsUtilizingLanikehaasaCommunityCommercialKitchen Incubator for additional valueͲadded product development and training is key todeveloping new food entrepreneurs on Molokai and strengthening the islands agricultureeconomyAgriͲTourismPriorities identified inMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian IslandrsquosAgricultureAquacultureSectionincludessupportofldquoagroͲtourismendeavorsrdquo85An area in which there is room for growth and diversification is the agritourism industryAccording to the Hawaii Agritourism Association (HATA) agritourism assists farmers withsupplementalincomebyprovidinganichemarketthatinvolvesconnectingtheconsumertothelandandthegrowersbyeducatingthemaboutagriculturalproductsandprovidingadirectandinteractiveexperienceOf theprofitsmade fromagͲtourism relatedactivitiesmost revenuesaregainedthroughonfarmsalesdirecttofarmvisitorsAdditionallymanyoperationsreceiveorders for products after visitors return home suggesting gains made through buildingrelationshipswithcustomersthroughagritourismvenuesAccording toHATAagritourism isagrowingglobal trend thatprovides farmswith income increative ways enhances diversity of visitor experiences while at the same time supportsculturalidentityTheMolokaiResponsibleTourism InitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanprovidesabasisfor identifyingacceptablehostͲvisitorexperiences inkeepingwithMolokairsquoscultureandruralpace 86 Focus group sessions interviews and surveys revealed that residents favoredsustainablecommunitytourismtheelementsofwhichinclude Operationsby localand traditionalpopulation toenhance thequalityof lifeprotectand
restoretheenvironmentalandculturalassetsandengagevisitorsontermsdefinedbythecommunity
Activitiesevolvingasasolutiontoeconomicenvironmentalsocialeducationalandcultural
growthchallenges
85MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf86McGregorDaviannaldquoMolokaiResponsibleTourismInitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanForMoloka`irdquoKe`AupuniLƃkĈhindashMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityFebruary2006httphuinethawaiirdporgmolokaiFinal20Report20Ͳ20with20coverpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 53
Advocating a fair exchange of value between the host and the hosted Preserving the
communityrsquossenseofplacethatbringsdignityandpridetothehost Featuringauthenticandgenuineactivities forguests Sharing realcultureby thepeople
whopracticeit Creatingabalancedratiobetweenthelocalpopulationandvisitorcountsothatthesenseof
placeisnotoverwhelmedbylargescaletourismSomeactionsteps identified tomeet theseprinciples includedculturalexchangeeducationaltoursbuilding thekama`ainavisitormarketworkingwithentrepreneurcohortsestablishingcommunitynetworksandcollaborativeeffortsSuccesswouldbemeasuredwithanincreaseinthe number of jobs in the visitor industry and an increase in contributions to the islandrsquoseconomyfromvisitoractivitiesandretailpurchasesSome Molokai farmers have shown interest in agriͲtourism as evidenced by a programsupportedbytheKƻha`oBusinessCentertheCountyOfficeofEconomicDevelopmentandtheMolokaiAgriculturalDevelopmentProgramafewyearsagotoprovideintroductoryagritourismworkshops and site visits to various farmsonMauiMaui farms likeAli`iKula Lavender andSurfingGoatDairyhaveservedasgreatmentorsTheseactivitieshave inspiredandpromptedMolokai farmersto lookathowtheycan improvetheirown farmingoperationsand increaserevenuethroughdiversificationPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm isoneexampleofagritourismonMolokai The familyprovides farmtoursandgivesvisitorstheldquomacadamiaexperiencerdquothroughaneducationalcomponentandanopportunity to taste and purchase their product Relationships builtwith visitors serve tocreatealoyalcustomerbaseThePurdyrsquosprovidedirectmarketingbymailtocustomerswhohavevisitedtheminthepastThismethodhasbeenquiteeffectiveforthemTherearenegativeviewsonMolokaiabout tourismorconventionalaspectsof tourism thatexploittheHawaiianhostculture One farmerwhodislikestourismstatedhoweverthathehaswelcomedhundredsofpeopleofallagestovisittourandworkonhis family farm Forhimnoproprietarysecretsarekeptjustadesiretoshareknowledgeandthefamilyrsquospassionfor farming In this sense tourism takes a differentmeaning one that ismore about aneducational exchange and an opportunity to volunteer and gain knowledge throughexperiencingaworkingfarmfirsthand
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 54
ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms
Lawsmustbeenforcedtomake it favorabletothe farmerto farm Enforcementofthe lawsthataccuratelydefineagricultureandappropriatefarmdwellingsiscriticaltothemaintenanceofHawai`irsquosinventoryofagriculturallandslestweforfeitafoodsecurefutureforHawai`i
MolokaiisoneofthefewislandsifnottheonlyHawaiianislandthatselfͲidentifiesitsdesiredandprimaryeconomy tobeagriculture rather than tourismThemajorityofour informantsrespondedtothefollowingquestioninthismanner
Question What is your Agriculture Vision for Molokai
ldquoTo truly be the agriculture breadbasket of the Staterdquo
Muchofthissentimentcanbeattributedtoourhistoriclegacyas`inaMomonaandaculturethathasneverforgottenthatthewealthofthe land isdeterminedbyhowmuchfoodcanbeproduced and howmuch can be shared This is the essence ofMolokairsquos two economiesagricultureandtraditionalsubsistence
InkeepingwithavisionforMolokaitobetheagriculturebreadbasketoftheStatefarmerssaythatchangesneed tobemadeby theStategovernment toprovideaguaranteedmarket forMolokai farmers to supply urban and densely populated islands like Oahu rather thanperpetuatingalosingpropositionforMolokairsquosfarmerswhoareforcedtocompetewithotherswhohavemoredirectaccesstothemarket
ExcerptsfromMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandmakescommunityobjectivesclearastothehighprioritygiventoprotectingtheinterestsoflocalagriculture87 Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture food
production Promoteandsupport family farmsonMolokai inorder toprotectagricultureaquaculture
resourcesfromcommercialexploitation Promoteactivitiesand incentives thatwillhelpsupport theeconomicsecurityofour farm
families
AdditionalacreageforAgriculturalParksshouldbereservedtosupporttheexpansionoflocalfamilyfarmsPracticesthatconflictwiththespiritandpoliciesidentifiedforAgParkssuchasleasingorsubͲleasingto largecorporateindustrialagricultureandbiotechcompaniesshouldbeprohibited
87MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 55
Newtrendsrelatedtoan increasingappreciationanddemandfor localandregionalproduceencourage the return of small family farms88 Family farms are important to the soul andresilienceofacommunity Where industrialagriculturecompaniestendtocauseerosionandpollution through destructive practiceswith the use ofmachinery and heavy application ofchemical fertilizersherbicides andpesticides independent small family farmshave amoreintimate relationship with the land and are keen on preserving green and open spaces inalignmentwithcommunityvalues89
Related to thedeclineofsmall family farms is theagingofAmericarsquos farmers Molokai isnodifferent Theaverageageofthefarmerswesurveyedwere54yearsoldwhilethenationalaverage is 5790 The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 70 of the nationrsquosagricultural landwill changehandswithin the next 20 yearsdue to the agingpopulationoffarmers91 Ifthenextgeneration isnot interested infarmingthere isarealthreatthatthesefarmlandswillbeconvertedtononͲagriculturepurposes92 It is imperativethentocultivateanewgenerationofbeginningfarmers
OutreachampEducationIncreasingConsumerAwareness Reviewofsurveyand interviewresponsesstimulated livelyinformalinquiryanddiscussionamongfriendsfamilyandcolleaguesOnesuchdiscussionwasabout the need to raise greater consumer awareness of different kinds of foods herbsvegetablesthatattractthemoreexperiencedpalettebut forwhichthe localpopulationmaynotbeaccustomedtooutsideoftheirowntraditionalfoodsOneobservationthatwasmadebyKumuFarmsisthatsalesarelowinthesummerandpickupagainatthearrivalofsnowbirdsin the fallandwintermonths Hearing localpeople talkabout theirappreciationofgoing toKumuFarmstopickupfreshorganicproducebutareluctancetotrysomeofthemoreexoticherbsbecauseoftheirlackofknowledgeonhowtopreparethemsuggestsadesiretoexploredifferentcuisinesbutnotenoughopportunitytolearnaboutandincorporatethesefoodsintotheir cooking Hosting different tastings and cooking classes that integrate a farm to tableapproachmayhelp to removesome thesebarriers toeatinghealthynew foods With thesetypesofactivitieswecreatemoreeducatedconsumers Severalofour informantshavealsosuggestedraisingawarenessatanearlyagetoeducatethenextgenerationofeatersthroughschoolgardenprogramsthatgivechildrenadirectexperienceandappreciationofcultivating
ͺͺUnited StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof FoodandAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml89ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml90ShuteBldquoANewGenerationofFarmersrdquoTheNewYorkTimesAugust192011httpwwwnytimescomroomfordebate20110817couldͲfarmsͲsurviveͲwithoutͲillegalͲlaborweͲneedͲaͲnewͲgenerationͲofͲamericanͲfarmers91United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml92United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 56
preparingeatingandeventuallybuyingadelightfuldiversityof locallygrownnutritiousandwholefoodsEducatingFarmers Molokaihasgreatresourcesthatassistboththeprospectiveandcurrentfarmer ingaining inͲdepthagriculturalknowledgeand skills TheUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollege (UHMC) Molokai Farm confers an Associates Degree and Certificates in variousAgricultureampNaturalResourcestopics
CertificateofAchievementandASdegrees inHorticultureand LandscapeMaintenanceandSustainableTropicalCropManagement
Certificates of Competence in Agricultural Science Nursery Production and PestManagement
CertificatesofCompletioninTurfgrassSpecialistSustainableTropicalCropProductionandLandscapeMaintenance
Associates in Technical Studies Degree in Cultural and Natural Resource ManagementMĈlama`ina
InthepasttheMolokaiRuralDevelopmentProjectsponsoredtheAgricultureCohorttrainingprogramwhichserved8 farming families (27 familymemberstotal)committedtodevelopingsustainablefamilyfarms93The UHͲCTAHR Molokai Office delivered the training The project employed experientiallearning and instructionalmethodologies as best practices for intergenerational transfer oftechnology and expertise for sustainable agriculture Participants learned marketing farmplanningproductionplanningrecordkeepingcompleterequisitetaxforms(ScheduleF)farmequipmentsafetyandoperationsiteͲselectionassessmentirrigationsetͲupsoilfertilityplantnutritionpestmanagement (weeds insectsdiseases)harvesting commoditiespostͲharvesthandling grading and qualitymanagement organic certification basic computing businesssoftware and custom agricultureͲbased software Participants received training on usingspecialagriculture softwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRMolokaiextensionagentAltonArakakiThe first software they learned was on Production Mapping With this program farmersplannedandprojected theirproductionactivities throughout theyearanddeterminedwhenandhowmuch resourceswouldbeneeded to complete activities successfully TheprogramalsoprovidedfarmersanopportunitytorealisticallyestimateproductioncashflowoftheirfarmplansThesecondsoftwarethey learnedwastheScheduleFfinancialrecordkeepingprogramthatmaintainsrecords inatemplatethatwouldeventuallycompletetheirDepartmentoftheTreasuryProfitandLossfromFarmingIRSScheduleFForm1040AttheendofthetrainingthecohortparticipantsreceivedcopiesofthesoftwareOtherfarmingsoftwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRprovedusefulforfarmentrepreneursenrolledintheprojectThesoftwareincludedPlantTissueAnalysisndashRecordingandTrackingforplantnutritionmanagementandCalibratingYourSprayer(publishedbyCTAHRhttpwwwctahrhawaiieduocfreepubspdfPRREͲ6pdf)
93AkutagawaMalialdquoAgriculturalCohortProjectFinalReportrdquoAugust302007
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 57
Farmfamiliesincreasedtheirknowledgeandexperienceincropproductionandmanagementandapplied theiracquiredskills toestablishingorexpanding their farmbusiness Thecropsproducedbythe8 family farmenterprises includedorganicpapaya(3 farms)yamDioscareaorganicwatermelon and taro greenhouse lettucepumpkin taro (lu`au leaf table taro andvalueͲaddedkuloloproduct)andcoffeeSeveral participants were successful recipients of the Molokai Agricultural DevelopmentProgram awards having enrolled in RDPrsquos Kƻha`o Business Center Entrepreneurial TrainingProgram to receive oneͲtoͲone business consultation and assistance in developing theirbusinessplans
Allcohort familiesmadeprofitandexceededbenchmarkssetbyRDP Anestimated totalof$105000wasmade in cumulative sales over the yearmore than doubling the year 2 endprojectgoalof$50000 The farmproductsweremarketedonͲisland intrastateandon themainlandOrganicpapayasweremarketedtomainlandhubsinLosAngelesSanFranciscoandPortlandFromthesehugecitiestheyweresoldandshippedtoinlandmarkets
From thiscomprehensive trainingparticipants learnedandexperiencedboth theagriculturalsciencesandartofrunningasuccessfulbusinessInthesciencecurriculumparticipantslearnedsubjectmatters insoilplantsplantdiseases insectsweedsplantnutritionmanagementofplant pests and plant nutrition In the agriͲbusiness curriculum participants learned postharvesthandlinggradingorganic certificationmarketingand farmproductionplanningandmanagement Both experiential learning and classroom instruction proved invaluable Themajorityofthesefamiliesremainsuccessfultodaymorethan5yearsaftertheprogramendedTrainingslikethisgivefarmersthenecessarytoolstorunasuccessfulagribusinessUHͲCTAHRcontinues toassistby focusingon teachingbeginning farmersasaway to cultivate thenextgenerationoffarmersandreversethenationwidetrendofanagingfarmingpopulationSust`ĈinableMolokaihasalso focusedoncomplementing thisworkbybringingpermaculture(ecologicalfarming)inpartnershipwiththePermacultureResearchInstituteUSAtointerestedlocal adults and homesteaders to farm responsibly and sustainably From herewersquove beenteachingsustainablefarmingstrategiestoanestimated100MolokaiHighSchoolstudentsandinstallingthefeaturesofaminiͲahupua`aasademonstrationandteachingtoolIt is recommended that tobuilda strong farmingcommunity in thenextgenerationwewillneedtotakeproactivestepsnowandstartpreparingnewfarmersearlyonfromgradeschoollevel with school gardens up through middle and high school as youth begin to exploreagricultureasacareerGeneralagricultureclassescanbesupplementedwithacurriculumthatincludes financial literacyentrepreneurshipbusinesshomeeconomicshealthandnutritionscience (biology ecology chemistry conservation) and engineering aspects From herestudentswill be able to understand agriculture from diverse viewpoints and disciplines anddevelopdifferentskills required foroperatingasuccessful farmenterprise Creatingadirectbridge tohighereducation throughcollegeandcareerpathway ladderprogramsavailableat
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 58
UHMCMolokaiandotheruniversityinstitutionsisidealOnefarmerwhohasastrongbusinessbackgroundandwasabookkeeperformanyyearspriorto farming recommended that youngpeople take courses inbookkeeping and accounting inadditiontoagricultureclassesPerhaps thegreatestways to impart farmingknowledge isbetween farmers SeveralofourfarmersthatweinterviewedindicatedthattheylearnbestfromeachotherandthatthereisadesiretoserveasmentorsfornewfarmerswholackexperienceThisisfeltparticularlyamongMolokairsquoshomesteadfarmersOnefarmerremarkedontheverycloseͲknitcommunityformedonthehomesteadandthatmosthavethesamemindsetthatldquonewopportunitiesforoneareopportunities for allrdquo As a group they rely on each other to share farming techniquesinformation on new equipment and promote their produce together Rarely is therecompetitionamongsthomesteadersbutadesire todemonstrate thatagriculture isa viableeconomicenginefortheislandOtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchersThereareanumberofincentiveprogramsthatassistfarmersranchersandlandownersiftheychoosetointegrateconservationandsustainablepracticesintheiroperationsThisisonewaythat Molokai producers can access critical funding and work with conservation expertsIncentive Programs through the US Department of Agriculture include the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service (NRCS) ndashMolokaiͲLanai Soil ampWater Conservation District(SWCD) which prepares local conservation and watershed management plans providesconservationeducationandpropagatesnativeplantstorestoreHawaiianecosystemsassistsfarmersand ranchers inanumberof federalFarmBillPrograms thatprovides incentives forvoluntary conservation practices to help reduce erosion protect streams and rivers restoreandestablishfishandwildlifehabitatandimproveairqualityo EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)respondstoimportantlocallyidentified
natural resource concerns Funds cover conservationplanningdesignand installation Itmayincludestrategiessuchasnoxiousweedcontrolbrushmanagementpasturehaylandplantingterracesandgroundcover
o GroundampSurfaceWaterConservation (GSWC) supports installationof irrigation related
conservation practices Strategies funded arewater catchment basinsmicroͲirrigationroofrunoffetc
o GrasslandReserveProgram(GRP)assistslandownersandoperatorsintherestorationand
protectionofgrasslandincludingrangelandandpasturelando WildlifeHabitat IncentiveProgram (WHIP) utilized for thecreationand improvementof
fish and wildlife habitat on private land Some practices funded include developingwetlandripariananduplandareas
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 59
o Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) wetland restoration enhancement or creation on
privatelando FarmampRanchlandProtectionProgram(FRPP)helpingstatetribalorlocalgovernmentto
purchasethedevelopmentrightstokeepproductivefarmandranchlandinagriculturaluseo Conservation Security Program (CSP) rewards farmers for protecting and improving the
environment Pays producerswho historically practice good stewardship on agriculturallandsandprovidesincentives
OtherprogramsadministeredthroughNRCSanditsaffiliatesincludeo AgriculturalDevelopment Program (ADP) provides funds to Resource Conservation and
DevelopmentCouncils throughout the nation to administer grants for community drivenprojectsthatpromoteagriculturaldevelopment
o Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) stimulates the development and adoption of
innovativeconservationapproachesand technologieswhile leveraging federal investmentinenvironmentalenhancementandprotectioninconjunctionwithagriculturalproduction
o CooperativeEcosystemStudiesUnit(CESU)provideopportunitiesforinterdisciplinaryand
multiͲagency research technical assistance and education Function as ldquovirtualrdquoorganizationslinkingseveralinstitutionstoincreaseaccesstoexpertiseandfacilities
ImproveRanchingPracticesampMaximizeUseampPotentialofSlaughterhouseThebroaderimpactfortheislandinhavingitsownslaughterhousethemostadvancedfacilityin theStateofHawaii is the revitalizationofMolokairsquos ranching industryWherequalityandincreased volume are paramount ranchers with the right tools may take advantage ofconsumer trends towards making healthier food choices through offering MolokaiͲgrowngrassͲfedorganicbeefasavalueͲaddednicheproduct
TherehavebeencriticismsaboutthequalityofMolokaibeef intermsoftaste Whilevisitorsandhealthconsciousindividualstendtobemorewillingtospendupto$5lbonlocalgrassfedbeeftheaverageMolokaiconsumertendstobemoreconcernedabouttasteAccordingtotheslaughterhousemanagerhighqualitypastureyieldshighqualitybeefandisapreͲrequisiteforenteringanichemarket Ranchersherearenot focusedongrass finishing theircattle HighqualitygrassgrownunderbestmanagementpracticesisneededtocreateagreatbeefproductItwill take time for the ranching industry to see the valueof adopting greatermeasures inalignmentwithorganicranchingpreceptstocaptureanichemarket
Venisonand lambshowmarketpotential Itwillbe interestingtotracktheprogressofthese
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 60
potential enterprises in the years ahead It is recommended thatMolokairsquos stateͲofͲtheͲartslaughterhousebeutilizedtoprocessanddistributemore localmeatandavarietyofanimalsforretailprocessingaswellasvalueͲaddedfooddevelopmentAdditionallythepossibilityandrequirements for processing goat through the slaughterhouse and the potentialmarket fortheseanimals shouldbe furtherexploredasaway toget feralgoats (andmoredeer)downfromthemountainasathreattouplandnativeforestsandontotheplateWemustbegintolookatwaystoturnthreatsintoopportunities
SustainableRanchingThe community has identified as a priority the support of ldquocontinued livestockͲraisingoperationsonMolokaithatusesustainablelandwatermanagementpracticestominimizetheriskoferosionandtoprotectMolokairsquoslimitedwaterresourcesrdquo94Sust`ĈinableMolokaihasbeenresearchingwaystobringthetoolsofHolisticManagementtoMolokai ranchers Theholisticmanagement framework touchesupon theways thatanimalscan play an important role in renewing the land through careful management andunderstandingthewatercyclemineralcycleenergyflowandecosystemdynamics Throughthismethodgrasslandscanbe improved tominimizenegativeeffectsofdroughtrebuildsoilandsequestercarbonaswellasprovidegoodpastureforhoovedanimalswhoareintegratedinto themanagement plan With holisticmanagement livestock actually provide a healingeffectonthelandthroughmimickingnatureandwildherdingbehaviorAnimalscanbeutilizedtoaerate the soilandaid in theplantingofgrass seedwith theirhooveswhilecontributingnutrientstothesoilfromtheirfeceswithhighdensitygrazingforshortperiodsfollowedbyarestorativeperiod Outcomesof this sustainablewayofmanagement include reduced costsand increased profits for the ranch more productive range land biologically active soilsreversal of desertification of eroded lands drought protection restorative effect on thewatershedimprovedwildlifehabitatandecosystemsandfoodsecurityRanchersaroundtheworldhavemetwithgreatsuccessthroughthismethodTherearesomeexamplesontheBigIslandofsuccessfulranchingwithHolisticManagementprinciplesWithappropriateplanningcollaboration and raising the necessary funds Sust`ĈinableMolokai would like to bring aHolisticManagementtrainingworkshoptoassisttheranchingcommunityStrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparednessOne farm business Kumu Farms has taken an active role in responding to food securityconcernsforMolokaiKumuFarmsaftertherecenttsunamiscarebegantoconsiderhowtheycouldhelpinincreasingMolokairsquosfoodsecurityandresiliencetodisastereventsKumuFarmsadoptedapolicy thatmakesMolokai firstpriority in termsof supplying the islandrsquosproduceneedsMolokaineedsaretakencareoffirstwiththesurplusexportedtotherestoftheStateandUSmainland
94MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 61
UH CTAHRwill be providing an `Ohana Gardening class for subsistence gardening Familygardens are the bestway to provide food security There is a phrase by Geoff Lawton arenowned permaculture teacher ldquoOne can solve all problems in a gardenrdquo In a gardendistributionandtransportationissuesareautomaticallyresolvedOthermeasuresthatcanbetaken to make food readily accessible to families and minimize the amount of time andresources to travel by foot is toworkwith families to plant breadfruit trees sweet potatobananaswet or dryland taroMany Hawaiian families particularly living on kuleana landsalreadyhavetheseplantsandtrees inthegroundasdirectbeneficiariesoftheirkupunawhocommonlyprovidedforthefamilyrsquosneedsrightintheirownbackyardOne farmer would like to see food forests on the mountain sides in every ahupua`aCollaborationwith large landownerscommunitygroupsand theahaki`ole leadershipwouldbeagoodstartingpointtocoordinatethistypeofworkMolokairsquos strength also lies in its diversified agriculture and family farms The use of largeacreagesof farm land forbiotech seedcropsutilized for researchpurposesonly impacts theislandrsquos food security and ability to produce food Typical industrialmonocrop culture alsoleavestheislandmorevulnerabletomasscropfailureGreaterresilienceisfoundthroughdiversificationoffoodcropsReintroducingthepracticeofseedsavingandgrowingmanyvarietiesofheirloomseedsadaptedtospecificgrowingregionsand climate regimes is away to increase food security Greater effortmust be placed increatingaseedbankpreservingandplantingexistingseedvarietiesparticularlycreatedbytheearlyHawaiians and passed down to the present generation and cultivating new varietiesadaptedtoonersquosgrowingareaRestoration ofWaikolu Valley was identified as a priority project under theMaui CountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)processTherestorationprojectwouldentailallowinghomesteaderstorestorethetaroterracesinthevalleyandreplanttaro95Molokairsquosgreat inventoryoffishpondsandmassivefringingreefsystemarealsoassetstotheislandrsquosabilitytoproducefoodCaremustbetakentorestoreuplandforeststostopsiltationandrunoffintotheoceanandfishpondsWorkmustbeundertakentorestoremorefishpondsandputthembackintoproduction
95Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter4ndashMauiCountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy2010ShortRangePriorityProjectsp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 62
ConclusionFarming is challenging onMolokai due to limited water resources high operational costsshippinghurdlesandtheabilitytogeta fairprice forproduce farmed Thesechallengesarenot insurmountable ifapproachedsystematicallyandcontinuedeffortsandcommitmentsaremade byMolokairsquos community to support local agriculture through education and creatingstructuresthatpoolresourcesandpeopletogetherThe island ismadestrongerby theassetswehavearichcultural legacyof `Ĉinamomonaapopulation thatmaintains traditional subsistence practices and upholds agriculture as theeconomic mainstay for the island lands fishponds and reefs capable of producing vastamounts of food a strongHawaiianHomestead farming community engaged in diversifiedagriculture a college and demonstration farm that offers agriculture certificate and degreeprograms local stateͲofͲtheͲart slaughterhousea community run commercialkitchen facilityforvalueͲadded foodproductionand trainingdedicatededucatorsandagricultureextensionagents from the University to help farmers in the field and an environment that ismorecooperativethancompetitiveintermsofsharingknowledgeandbestpractices
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 63
VI APPENDICES
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sustrsquoaina ble Molokai Survey Food Production amp Security
Do you care or think about where your food comes from ___yes ___no Do you prefer to buy local Molokai food products __ yes ___no __no preference Would you eat more local food if it were available __yes __no If yes what would you like to eat or buy if made grown on Molokai_______________________________________________________________________________ Do you feel you have access to locally grown food in the grocery stores and open markets ___yes ___no If no
what do you suggest to improve this situation_______________________________________________________
Are you a farmer or interested in farming ____ yes ____no If yes how old are you_________________
If yes what do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other ________________________________
What produce do you (plan to) farm_______________ ______________________________________ How much land are you farming (or is available for you) a Less than one acre b 1 ndash 5 acres c 15 - 40 acres d 40 acres or more
Do you grow your own food (farm gardening) _____ yes ______no If no what is the primary reason for not
growing your own food __Too busy __ Not interested __ Relying on others __Disabled __ Donrsquot know
how Other Reason _____________________________
Approximately what percentage of the food you eat is Prepared at home ______ Purchased from a restaurant ______ (total should equal 100)
Of the food you prepare at home approximately what percentage is grown caught andor produced (total should equal 100)
a By you andor your family ______ b On Molokai_______ c In Hawaii ________ d Outside Hawaii________
Would you grow food for sale if there were a viable market (guaranteed customer) (or more food if you already grow)
__Yes __No What subsistence activities do you do If none why (no interest no time donrsquot know how)
aHunting b FishingDiving c Gathering (what___________________) Other ______________ None because _______________________
To practice subsistence on Molokai we need our natural resources to be in good conditionprotected and we need access Which one is a bigger concern for you ___Conditionprotection of our natural resources ___Access to natural areasresources ___Both ndash equally
Overall how important is subsistence to your family ___Very Important ___Somewhat important
___Somewhat Unimportant ___Not Important at all
About what percent of your familyrsquos food comes from subsistence activities (fishing hunting gathering raising
animals cultivation) ________
AppendixA-FoodProduc0onampSecuritySurvey
Food Production ndash Informant Interviews ndash Farmers
Sustainable Molokai is creating an online database where we are inputting information about the islandrsquos food production We want to share what you are growing as well as include your manarsquoo on the status of Molokairsquos food supply Once this information is available to the public the island community would have a picture of what is going on in terms of food security and how we can all get together to fill in the gaps and meet needs
How old are you how long have you been farming
What produce do you farm or are interested in farming How much land is available for you
What has been your best cash crop
Has farming your specific productproduce been successful
What do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other___________________________
Do you sell or plan to sell food mostly on island What is your vision for an agricultural future for this island
AppendixB-InterviewQues0onsforFarmers
Food Security Interview Questions for Businesses
Sustainable Molokai is working on a database project which is collecting information about Molokairsquos food production We are surveying the community and would like to talk story with the islandrsquos grocery stores
Out of a 100 how much percentage of what you sell out of the store is locally grownproducedmade
If itrsquos not Molokai made where does the produce come that is being sold out of the store
What Molokai madegrown products do you sell out of the store
What are the requirements for local food to be sold out of your store (eg business license)
What is the most popularsuccessful or fastest selling local product sold
What do you consider to be the challenges that farmers face on Molokai
What would you like to sell that is Molokai made
Do you have any suggestions to potential farmers food businesses on Molokai What to sell when to sell etc
AppendixC-InterviewQues0onsforBusinesses
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 1
Moloka`i pedia Molokai Agriculture Needs Assessment
I INTRODUCTIONMolokairsquosCulturalandHistoricLegacyasanAgriculturalBreadbasketFlyingover thesmallislandofMolokai(38mileslong10wide)oneisabletoseemuchoftheculturersquosrichheritagethe remnants of over 60 ancient Hawaiian fishponds stringing the coastline like lei (flowergarlands) thatonceheldhundredsof tonsof fish Inlandone seesalsoovergrown terracedtaro fields stretching into every ahupua`a (valley characterized as highly productive selfͲsustaining landdivisions spanning from themountaindown to the sea)These lo`i (wet taropatches)were craftedbybrilliantengineerswho channeled coolwaters throughan intricatesystemof`auwai(irrigationditches)thatmeanderedbetweenstreamandsuccessivepatchesenteredthestreamoncemoreandfedthelokoi`a(fishponds)Fromhistorictimesthisislandwascalled`Ĉinamomona(thefatorabundantland)Itproducedsomuchsurplusthatiteasilyfed armies of people from neighboring islands The people were inherently generous asscarcitydidnotexist
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 2
The Land and People Past and Present This island also produced themost famed andpowerful kahuna (priests) known for their Pule O`o (potent and ripened prayers) KahunafinishingschoolsforhigherlearningwerefoundhereMolokaiisalsoKaHulaPikobirthplaceof the dance (the giving and expression of life) and also the origin of its counterpart lua(martialartsasbringerofdeath)Togethertheyformthenecessarydualityofthehealerandwarrior to become one complete artOne comes to know the descendants of this land toexpressthatsamedualityakindnessandfriendlyopennessmingledwithanintenseferocityasprotectorsanddefendersofMolokaiNuiAHinaGreatChildofHinaSeventyͲtwopercent(72)ofMolokairsquospopulation isofNativeHawaiianancestryThe islandhasnostoplightsandnobuildingstallerthanacoconuttree Cardoorsarerarely locked AtrafficͲjamonMolokai isdescribedastwovehiclesstopped inthemiddleoftheroadwhiletheiroccupantstalkstoryanddriversbehindthemwaitpatientlyfortheconversationtoendAt least oneͲthird of the averageMolokai familys diet comes from traditional subsistenceactivities(huntingfishinggatheringandfarming)Itiscommonpracticetoexchangefishforvenisonbreadfruitfortaroandtogivefoodtokupuna(elders)whonolongercanfishorhuntforthemselves Whilenostrangertowestern influencesandthetragedyofthecommonsoftheislandsMolokaihasbestmanageditsnaturalresourcesandmaintainedagreatersenseofitsheritageas`ĈinamomonaSubsistenceandMolokairsquosEconomy As theplanemakes itsdescent the islandmoves intogreaterfocusOneseesadeepscarringofthelanddenudedlandscapesfromtheintroductionofhoovedanimals (goatdeerandcattle)decadesofheavyranchinghugewaterdiversionsthat were used for destructive plantation agriculture and now in support of the GMOcompaniesEroded gullies transport silt into the sea chokingonce abundant fishpondswithtoxic chemicalͲladen soils and inundating the largest contiguous fringing reef in the USDespite declining resources Molokai residents persist by supplementing their diet withsubsistence foods grown gathered caught fished andhuntedOne can say thepeoplenotonlysubsiston traditional foodsasaculturalpracticebutoutofnecessityBurdenedwitha12unemployment ratecoupledbyahighcostof living (gascostscurrentlyat$549gallonhighshippingcostsofgoodsbroughtbybargethatarepasseddowntothefamilyrsquosgrocerybilland100dieselpoweredelectricitycosting45centskwh)thepeopleturntotraditional lifeskillstostretchtheirdollarsTheyalsorelyonextended`ohana(families)andfriendsformutualbarteringandgoodwillAPlaceofContrasts Upon landingonMolokairsquos shortairstripone cannothelpbut takeacooling and restorative breath and absorb the surroundings of a truly beautiful andmostspecial island Over timeone realizes thatMolokai is aplaceof contrastswherepast andpresentabundanceandscarcityeaseandhardshipoccupythesamespaceOnewondershowtochangetheparadigmsothebestofthepastbecomesthe futureandthe futurebecomesthe present ͲͲwhere the land flourishes and the people thriveOur goal is to become theabundanceourancestorssaweverydayoftheir livesthatwemayrestorethepono (balanceandrightrelationship)andembracethetruemeaningofsustainability
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 3
MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandandtheWorkofSust`ĈinableMolokaiResidentstookitupon themselves to compile decades of community planning and identified cultural andfoundational values into a culminating and living document titled ldquoMolokai Future of AHawaiianIslandrdquo Itsetthestagefortheworkour islandwillundertakeforthenext40yearsandbeyond Itservedasacalltoactionthatresulted inthe formationofthisgrassrootsͲlednonprofit organization Sust`ĈinableMolokai The document has attracted the interests ofdecisionͲmakers in state and local government conservationists and environmentalistsHawaiian and other indigenous groups and green innovators It examines community andculturalvalues forwhich futuredecisionͲmakingshallbeguided It identifiesopportunities ineducation (both modern and traditional) business and vocational training diversifiedagricultureandaquacultureresponsible landusemanagementrestorationandstewardshiptomaintainopenspaceandprotecttraditionalsubsistencehostͲbasedculturallyappropriatemodels for tourism green jobs promoting energy selfͲsufficiency water conservationconvertingrelianceonfossilͲfuelͲpoweredautomobilestothoserunonrenewableenergyandatraditional`ahaki`olelocalgovernancestructurethatraisescommunityparityAs coͲauthors of this document our core leadership subsequently founded a grassrootsinitiativein2008toensurethattheplanwouldnotsitonashelftoholdunfulfilledcommunityhopesanddreams In2010weofficially incorporatedasa501(c)(3)nonprofitto implementtheplanpreserveourislandsrichcultureandhistoriclegacyof`ĈinamomonawhileembracingmodernpathwaystoasustainablefutureTheSust`ĈinabilityWheel
We define sust`Ĉinability in terms of restoringabundance or `Ĉinamomona to the land and people`ina reflects a covenant between the people and thelandwhereEarthsbountygoeshandinhandwithgoodstewardshipWeaskedourselveswhatmakesahappyhealthy and sust `Ĉina ble community We came upwiththe12priorityareasWesawthese12componentsas spokes on awheel connected to a central hub thatheldthemalltogetherThatcoreisthelokahi(unity)andthepono(harmony)betweenthelandandpeoplewhenwehonorthecovenantthatcomeswiththeword`INA
12ndashPOINTSUST`INABILITYWHEEL
CulturalIdentity LocalGreenEconomy CulturalandEnvironmentalEducation
FoodSovereigntyandSecurity WaterQualityandConservation RenewableEnergy
EnergyEfficientTransportation GreenBuildingandAffordableHousing
HealthyEnvironmentandAbundantResources
ResponsibleLandUseandProtectingSubsistence
ZeroWasteRecyclingandReͲUse CommunityHealthSafetyandWellͲBeing
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 4
Moloka`iͲpedia and the Agriculture Needs Assessment Moloka`iͲpedia is a projectundertakenbySust`ĈinableMolokaiforthepurposeofcreatingstrongercommunitynetworksinformingkeystakeholdersincreasingequityandaccesstopublicandprivatepartnershipsandresources andmobilizing our people to build as well asmeasure our progress towards asustainablefutureTheconceptforMoloka`iͲpediastemsfromour2009Sust`ainableMolokaiResource Guide that is based on our 12Ͳspoke Sustainability Wheel Positive communityinvolvementhaspromptedtheexpansionofthisworkTheprojectaddressesthecurrentlackof data specifically for our geographic area The majority of information on Molokai issubsumed within a triͲisle county system that does not account for the vast differencesbetween our rural island of 7345 to tourismͲfocused Lanai and urbanMauiwith amuchhigherpopulationdensityFurtherthereisnodatacollectiononthe12areasofsustainabilityidentified by our project Moloka`iͲpedia also seeks to address the isolation that manyindividualsandorganizationsoperate inThis siloͲeffectmakesusall ineffectiveSust`ĈinableMolokaiaimstoutilizeMoloka`iͲipediaasatooltoshowhowvariousentitiescanbenefitfromcollaboratingPublicprivateandnonprofitentitieswillbeabletoaccessspecificdatasetsseeaclearpictureofneedsͲtoͲassetsratiosmobilizecollectivelytofillexistinggapsandcapitalizeonavailableassetsandresourcestoachievesharedgoalsOuronlineopensourcedatabase isbeingorganizedalongthe12spokesoftheSust`ĈinabilityWheel Within each section we are collecting baseline and new data to provide acomprehensiveoverviewintheformofaldquoneedsandassetsassessmentrdquoofMolokairesourcesOncecompletewewillbeabletoseewhatwehaveandwhatismissingThiswillinformournext stageofworkandhelpus toeffectivelypursue solutionsonourpath to sustainabilityMoloka`iͲpediawillassistus inoureducationtrainingandadvocacyworkhelpusto identifyexistingcommunityassetsandinherentchallengesandfillcomplementaryrolesthatadvancelocaleffortsThisvehiclewillfacilitatethekuleana(responsibility)weplaceonourselvestobearchitectsofourowndestinyand indevelopinghomegrownsolutionsthatworkbest Inoursuccessothersalsosucceed Ourstrategyaimsto identifypartnershipsbetween individualscommunitygroupsbusinessesgovernmentalagenciesandotherserviceproviderswhocouldbenefitfromworkingtogetherWe envision Moloka`iͲpedia to serve as a tool for citizen empowerment returning dataownership to community toeffectmeaningful change and solutionsMoloka`iͲpediaensurescommunityselfͲdetermination inhowdata iscollectedandutilizednot justscientificallybutresponsibly ethically andwith good intent Itnecessitatesongoing community engagementwithnotonlythedataandthetechnologybutalso insharing ideasMoloka`iͲpediawillgiveeverydaypeopleaccesstoreal informationthat is importanttothemandthat improvestheirlivesespecially inatimeofgovernment inefficiencyandwastewheredecisionmakersoftendisconnectandabdicatetheirfiduciaryresponsibilityforthepeopleandplacestheyrepresentWhencitizensdetermine for themselveswhatdatasourcesare informationͲrichandofgreatvalue (including stories shared by kupuna farmers fishermen teachers coaches and
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 5
grassroots leaders)then life isbreathed intothedataand ithasthepowertotransform livesforthebetterThefirstsustainabilitytopicwehavebeguntosurveyourpopulationonisinFoodProductionToaidus in thisendeavorwesearchedexisting literatureonagriculturegenerallyaswellascombed through references toMolokaiͲspecificagriculture Thisbaselineworkhelpedus todetermine gaps in the data and refine our interview and survey questions The followingbackground information isprovidedtohelp layafoundationandcontextualbackdropforourstudy
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 6
II BACKGROUND
AStatewideOutlook
Agriculture isamajorcontributortoHawai`irsquoseconomyand isessential forproviding foodtoresidentsaswellasgeneratingrevenuethrougharobustexportmarket1Agriculturegenerates$29billion toHawai`irsquosannualeconomyandproduces42000 jobs2However there ismuchroomfor improvement intermsofprovidingenoughfoodforthe islandsaswellas increasingrevenuesfortheState
From Plantation Agriculture to Biotech Seed Crops Towards the end of the 20th centurymonocropplantationagriculture(sugarpineapple) lost itseconomicedgedueto lowerwageforeign competition3 Industrialized corporate agriculture in Hawai`i has shifted to biotechcropsnamelygeneticallymodifiedseedcornresearch4
WhilebiotechseedcropshaveprovenmosteconomicallylucrativeforHawai`iagriculturewithaprofitvalueof$177million in the2008Ͳ2009growingseason5allocatingpreciousacreageand limitedwaterresources toGMOseedcropresearchwould in the longͲtermcompromisethe Statersquos overall food security and limit the Statersquos ability to provide locally healthy andnutritiousfoodsIndustrialnonͲsustainablefarmingpracticesthatincludeheavyapplicationofsynthetic fertilizers and pesticides further degrade the ecological health and viability ofHawai`irsquosprimeagriculturallandsforpresentandfuturegenerations
AgroecologyHawai`irsquosgeographic isolationasan islandarchipelago leaves itmostvulnerableto food and fuel shortages natural disasters drought and rising sea levels associatedwithglobal climate change Measures to increase resilience and adaptability include adoptingagroecological approaches ldquoapply[ing] ecological science to the design of agricultural1State of Hawai`i Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism Office of Planning Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)ExecutiveSummaryii20102HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday3Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp4Ͳ5 ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50million Likewise thepineapple industryproduced954000 tonsof fruit in1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74millionͶHawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp5ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50millionLikewisethepineappleindustryproduced954000tonsoffruitin1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74million5ldquoTheHawaiiDepartmentofAgricultureestimatesthevalueofseedcorngrowingat$169millioninthe200809growingseasonmorethandoublethevaluefromthe200506ItrepresentedaboutoneͲthirdthevalueofallcropsgrowninthestatein200809rdquo5Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp30Ͳ31
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 7
systemsrdquo6Thismethodology includespracticesthatenhancethe life inthesoilthatprovidesnutritiousorganic food integratedpestmanagement throughguildingwithbeneficialplantsandtreesandattractingnaturalpredatorinsectsandanimalstoprotectcropsandselectingforbiodiversitytominimizecroplosses
Organic Farming Renewed interest in sustainable agricultural practices have arisen from aburgeoning organic industry and standards for organic certification that stress ecologicallybased farming and exclusion of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and geneticallymodifiedorganisms7TheUSorganicindustrynetted$178billioninretailsalesin2007approximately25intotalnationalfoodsales8Worldwidevalueoforganicproducestoodat$30billionasof2005witha14annualincreasesince20009Acreagededicatedtoorganicagriculturehasincreased20annuallysince2001with78millionacresinproductionworldwideasof200610Hawai`irsquos growth hasmirrored global and national trendswith State sales of organic cropsincreasing60between2005and2007from$5millionto$8million11Organic foods have becomemoremainstream with outlets including regular supermarketsrather than just the typical small natural food outposts12Whole FoodsMarket Inc has inrecentyearsestablishedapresenceinHawai`iWithitsreputationforbuyingfromsmalllocalfarmers the presence ofWhole Foods serves as an incentive for Hawai`i farmers to groworganicfood13Thereareanestimated200certifiedorganicproducers intheStateoperatingon a median of 5Ͳ13 acres of land14 The Big Island holds the most acreage for organicproductionat58followedbyMaui(22)Kaua`i(11)Molokai(7)andOahu(2)15TheindustrywillcontinuetoexpandwithincreasingconsumerpreferencefororganicfoodsBuyLocalEatLocalCommonthemesaroundagricultureemergedfromfocusgroupmeetingsconductedaspartofHawai`irsquos2010StatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS) These included support for diversified agriculture and increasing food security bysupportingFarmersMarketsandldquoBuyLocalEatLocalrdquo initiatives16TheHawai`iFarmBureauFederation StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculture andUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UHͲCTAHR) have sponsored these type ofcampaignsademphasizethefollowing
6UnitedNationsHumanRightsOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRightsEcoͲFarmingcandoublefoodproductionin10yearssaysnewUNreportMarch82011httpwwwohchrorgENNewsEventsPagesDisplayNewsaspxNewsID=10819ampLangID=E7RadovichTheodoreJLindaJCoxandJamesRHollyerldquoOverviewofOrganicFoodCropSystemsinHawai`irdquoCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesSustainableAgricultureNov2009SAͲ38RadovichCoxandHollyer20099RadovichCoxandHollyer200910RadovichCoxandHollyer200911RadovichCoxandHollyer200912RadovichCoxandHollyer200913RadovichCoxandHollyer200914RadovichCoxandHollyer200915RadovichCoxandHollyer200916Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)2010ExecutiveSummaryii
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 8
1 Enjoyexceptionaltasteandfreshnesspremiumtastemaximumfreshnessproducepicked
andeatenclosertoitsheightofripenesspackedwithnutrients2 Strengthen your local economy and community buying local food keeps your dollars
circulatinginyourcommunityBuildingrelationshipswiththefarmerswhogrowyourfoodstrengthensyourtiestothecommunityandtheland
3 Helppreserveopen space by supporting local farmersbuying local foodhelpspreservegreenopenspaceinyourcommunity
Part of this campaign also acknowledges lessening the Statersquos ecological footprint anddependenceonfossilfuelsfromheavyimportsfromthemainlandthathavemoreldquofoodmilesrdquoassociatedwiththemascomparedtolocallypurchasedfoodDiversifiedAgriculture Hawai`irsquosagriculture industrycapitalizesonthe islandsrsquotropicalyearͲroundgrowingclimateanduniquefeaturesthatallowfornicheindustries17Moresmallfarmshave gained a foothold in the diversified agriculture sector through cultivation of specialtycropssuchastropical fruitsmacadamianutscoffee flowersand freshproducesoldaroundtheglobe18TheldquoGrowninHawai`irdquobrandingisrecognizedaroundtheworldasaguaranteeofhighqualitydelicacies19Hawai`iRegionalCuisinehasalsobecomeknownforitsutilizationofthe freshest seafoodveggiesand tropical fruits inaunique fusionofEastWestand islandflavors20
In2008farmproductionindiversifiedagricultureproduced12200jobsthroughouttheState21Proactive measures to revitalize Hawaiirsquos agriculture industry through diversification hasbroughtrevenuesthatarecomparabletotheStatersquosearlyheydayswhensugarandpineapplewereking In2002HawaiirsquosAgriculturalFarmRevenuecrossed$5359million22Diversifiedagricultureaccountsfor69ofannualrevenueswithpineapple(19)andunprocessedcanesugar(12)trailingbehind23
AgriͲTourism Agriculture is also proving important to tourism Hawai`irsquos top economicengine24VisitorinterestinecoͲtoursagriͲtoursandculturallyauthenticexperiencesisontherise25 In2006agritourismbrought in$388million in revenueas reportedby112Hawai`iͲ
17Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp1218HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday19HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday20HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday21Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp2922ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200823ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200824HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday25HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 9
based farmsan increaseof14 from2003 figures ($339million)26The leadingcategoryofrevenuereceived fromagriͲtourswas$121million inonͲfarmdirectsalestovisitors27Otheractivitiesyieldingprofit includedbedandbreakfastamenitiesprovidingmeeting spacesandvenuesforeducationandentertainmentandoutdoorrecreation28
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent
FromancienttimesMolokaiwaswellknownas`Ĉinamomona(theldquofatrdquoorabundantland)foritswealthasanislandthatproducedfoodinsurplusfromitsverdantahupua`aandnumerousfishponds As on all Hawaiian islands Molokairsquos people and the natural resources weremanagedundertheahupua`asystemTheahupua`awasaunitoflandtypicallywedgeͲshapedrunning frommauka tomakai (mountain tosea)and following thenaturalboundariesof thewatershedThesystemwascomprisedofwaoakua(sacredplaceofthegods)uplandforeststhatgatheredtherainsTheareawassubjecttolimiteduses(egforkiamanubirdcatcherstogatherfeathersforcloakshelmetsandkahiliforthekahunakĈlaiwa`atoharvestkoaforcanoebuilding)and forceremonialpurposes Themountain forestswerepreserved intacttoformandprotectthewatershedandcarrynutrientslowerdowntheahupua`aintowaokanaka(thepeoplersquosdomain)Herethepeoplewerefreetogatheravarietyofplantsfordailyneedshardwood ofthe kauila tocarve ihe(spears) andmake toolsandimplementsolonĈ tocreate strongcordage forfishnets andfish linesmedicinalherbs `ie`iefor lashinghouse postsand canoesand maile forleiThefertileplains and fields were known as the kula lands a place rich in agriculture These landscontainedancientfeatsofwaterengineeringcontouredterracingoffieldsplantedintarothatslowedthepathofthewaterandallowedformaximumsoakageThewatercollectedandfed
26GeislerMalindaldquoagritourismprofilerdquoAgMRCagriculturalmarketingresourcecenterUpdatedJanuary2012httpwwwagmrcorgcommodities__productsagritourismagritourismͲprofile27Geisler201228Geisler2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 10
numerousspringsbelow`Auwai(irrigationditches)transportedwaterfromkahawai(streams)tomultiple lo`i(taropatches)andreturnedthewateroncemoreto itssourceTarobanana`ulu(breadfruit)tileafkƃ(sugarcane)wereallcultivatedinthekularegionFaunaharvestedfrom streams included `o`opu (goby) `opae (shrimp) and hihiwai (snail) Grasslandswereconverted to agricultural fields of `uala (sweet potato) Other kinds of plants and treescultivated here included kukui (candlenut) `ohe (bamboo) and lauhala (pandanus) At thebottomofthevalleyspringscarryingnutrientsfromaboveflowedalongtheshorelineandseaHere loko i`a (fishponds)were constructed to farm fish Thesewalled fishponds form semiͲcirclesalongtheshorelineandaredesignedasmicroͲenvironmentsforcertainbrackishwaterand herbivorous fish likemullet and awa (milkfish) that feed on abundantmats of algaetherebyproducingfoodforthepeoplewithouthavingtoapplyexcessivefishingpressurealongthereefandopenoceanExistingwithintheahupua`awasastrictcodeofconduct(kapusystem)amongstthepeopleofthe land (hoa`Ĉina) as delegated and enforced by the ali`i (chiefs) and their konohiki (landagents)forthecarefulmanagementofthenaturalresourcesThehoa`Ĉinapossessedrightsofgathering and usage of the natural resourceswithin their ahupua`a of residencewith theunderstandingthattheyalsohadkuleana(responsibility)tomĈlama(carefor)thelandandseaandharvestappropriatelyfornomorethantheirneeds Theyengaged inpo`alimacollectiveworkdayswherethepeoplepooledtheir labortoengage inpublicworks improvementssuchas constructing additional lo`i and `auwai and building fishponds From the conscientiousmanagementof the landwatersand seaand themaintenanceofgenealogicaland spiritualrelationshipstothenaturalworldtheresourceswerebroughttoastateofabundanceTheahupua`asystemsustainedthepeopleforcenturiesUponCaptainCookrsquosarrivaltotheHawaiianislandsin1778heestimatedthepopulationtobebetween 20000 to 3600029 Introduced diseases for which the people had no immunitydecimatedthepopulationthroughouttheislandsBy1836Molokairsquospopulationhaddwindledtoanestimated8700andwasfurtherreducedto2307peoplebythetimeacensuswastakenneartheturnofthecenturyin189630Kamehamehabroughtabout theunificationofall the islandsunderoneKingdomofHawai`iWesterninfluencesandtheteachingsofChristianmissionariesbroughtaboutdecisionsamongtheali`itoabolishthekapusystem(1819)privatizeanddeconstructtheahupua`a(Maheleof1848)Whilethechiefsreceivedtheirapportionmentoflandsmanyhoa`Ĉinaoutofignorancetrust intheirchiefstocare fortheirwellͲbeingandgovern them justlyor for fearofreprisalfailed to register land claims to small kuleana parcels that would have kept them with acomfortablepieceoflandtomaintaintheir`ohana(family)withhale(home)andgardenplotsHawai`irsquosentry into the internationalmarket shifted the laborof themaka`Ĉinana (commonpeople) away from agriculture and towardsdeforestationof theupland forests to fulfill the
29MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml30MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 11
kingdomrsquos sandalwood tradewithChina Otherenterprises includedwhalingandplantationagriculture that brought immigrants from around theworld toHawai`irsquos shores and alteredwatershedsthroughthediversionofwatersfrom lushwindwardvalleystodry leewardplainsforthemassproductionofsugarcaneandpineappleWithoutwatertoirrigatetheirtarofieldsmanywere forced toabandon the lo`iandmake for thecityManyMolokai families left theisland insearchofwork inthemorecommercialcenters locatedonMauiandOahu31ThosewhostayedbehindmaintainedtheirconnectiontotraditionalpathwaysandsubsistencelivingEarlyunsuccessfulagriculture trialsonMolokai included sugar coffee sisalwhitepotatoescottoncorngrapesbeansbarleyoatswheatandalfalfa32Thesecropsfailedduetoheavywindsandinsects33TheareawiththegreatestpopulationconcentrationwaseastMolokaiTheeasternmostvalleyof Halawa Valley was rich in lo`i produced taro commercially and supported a thrivingcommunityuntiltwotsunamiin1946and1967devastatedthevalleyThecommercialcentersmovedtoPuko`oandthenKamalowhichheldanaturalharborforimportandexportofgoodsTheCooke family acquired the arid central andwestMolokaiplains aboutoneͲthirdof theisland These landsarenowownedbyMolokaiPropertiesLtdcommonlyknownasMolokaiRanchToattractcommercetoitslandholdingstheRanchdredgedaharborinKaunakakaiandconstructedawharf TodayKaunakakai servesas themaincenterofbusinesswithKamaloWharfhaving fallen intodisrepairandmuchof theareaemptiedof familiesTheRanchalsostrategically purchased lands thatwould give them riparian and correlative rights tomajorstreams and aquifer water in centralMolokai They diverted water to their westernmostpropertiesusedforcattleranchingMuch of their lands in Kualapu`u and Maunaloa were utilized by Dole and Del Montecompanies forpineapplecultivation34Thepineapple industryservedas theeconomicenginefortheislanduntilitphasedoutin1987duetocheaperlaborabroadTodaymanyofMolokaiRanchrsquoslandholdingsthatgrewpineapplearenowleasedforbiotechcornresearchandcoffeeproductionTheHawaiianHomesCommissionActameasuretorehabilitateNativeHawaiiansof50bloodquantumormorebyreturningthemtothe landtobuildhomesandfarmwaspassedbytheUS federal government in 1920Molokai served as the staging ground for the programrsquossuccess or failure Hawaiian Home lands were designated in the areas of Kapa`akeaKalama`ula Pala`au andHo`olehua andmore recentlyUalapu`e NativeHawaiian familiesfromneighboringislandscametoMolokaitobuildtheirhomesandmakethelandproductiveTheir early successes aided in the establishment ofmore homesteads on the other islandsWiththeinfluxofadditionalHawaiianfamiliesandJapaneseandFilipinoimmigrantstoworkinthepineapplefieldsMolokairsquospopulationhadincreasedto442735InrecentyearsMolokairsquos31MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml32MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml33MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml34MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml35MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 12
population has grown to include snowbirds and retirees from theUSmainland aswell asthose seeking amore quiet and rural lifestyle Today the population ofMolokai stands at7345
In 1987Molokairsquos livestock industrywas crippled by the StateDepartment of AgriculturersquosmandatetoeradicateallcattleontheislandduetothethreatofbovinetuberculosisAnotherheavyblowwasdealtattheclosureoftheoldslaughterhouse inKaunakakai Muchplanningfrom the grassroots level upwas undertaken to resolve this problem Commitments frommultiplecountystateandfederalpartnersinͲkindcontributionsbyvolunteermembersoftheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeandcountlessvolunteerhoursandservicesofferedbyvariouslocal businesses and individual residents led to the establishment of a new slaughterhousefacilitylocatedinHo`olehua
Erecting this stateͲofͲtheͲart facility represented a vehicle to facilitate the restoration ofMolokairsquos ranching industry and the ability for the island toproduce and sell itsownmeatRanchersandhomesteadfarmersnowhadavenuetoprocesstheiranimalsInadditiontothemoreestablishedranchesanestimated150Molokai familiesraise livestock largely forhomeconsumption With the adventof thenew slaughterhouse therearenowopportunities forthese small scale farmers to expand into commercial livestock production Stores andrestaurantsneednot import all theirmeat fromoffͲisland as theynowhave access to localmeatMoniesgeneratedcouldbenefitthecommunitydirectlyThe introduction of hooved animals toMolokai has devastated the natural ecology of theislandCattleranchingferaldeerandgoathaveerodedthelandHeavyrainstransporttonsofsilteachyearontoMolokairsquosreefsandfishpondsIntroducedmangrovehavealsodestroyedasignificant percentage of Molokairsquos fishponds Mangroves encroach and break throughfishpond walls trap sediments and choke off underwater springs such that the watercirculationandecologyarenolongerviableforfishproductionDespite thesehardshipsand setbacksover theyearsagriculture remains the cornerstoneofthe islandrsquoseconomyMolokairsquos ruralcharacter lends toacloseͲknit communitywithpeoplewhoperpetuate strong cultural values traditional subsistence and selfͲreliance Thepeopleembrace local autonomy and are very involved in local governing processes AgriculturenonprofitssmallbusinessenterprisesandlocalmomandpopstoresarethefoundationofthelongͲtermeconomyonislandMuchofthesocialculturalandserviceorientedprogramsarealsogeneratedfromthegrassroots locallevelthroughtheworkofchurchgroupsnonprofitsandunincorporatedhuiDuringtheFocusMauiNuiproceedings in2003MauiMolokaiandLana`iresidentsgatheredtostrategicallyplanafutureforMauiCountyThe120MolokaiparticipantsoutlinedchallengestheyfacedasacommunityandprovidedstrategiesandactionplanstoaddressthemMolokairesidents identified top five community priorities which included inter alia creating jobs(409) strengthening the economy (296) growingmore food locally (217) protectingandpromotingruralidentity(191)andsupportingsmallbusinessdevelopment(130)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 13
TheMaui CountyWorkforce Investment Board (WIB) Local Plan provides an Assessment ofLaborMarketTrendstodevelopaComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategyovera10yearspanOneofWIBsgoalsistofocusondiversifyingtheeconomyincludingtheagriculturalsectorandldquonicheareasrdquoTheplanrecognizestheneedforexpansioninvalueͲaddedopportunitieswhichemphasize the uniqueness ofMaui Nui The increased production andmarketing of newagricultureproductshaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketsTheplanalso identifiesentrepreneurshipasan importantgrowtharealdquoThedevelopmentofentrepreneurshipskills is importanttothesuccessofMaui [Countyrsquos]smallbusinesses Datacollected by the Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism and otherorganizationssuggestmoreandmoreresidentsaretakingtoselfͲemploymentForMolokaiasignificant number of new business startͲupswithin the past decade have been agriculturalenterprises(36total)particularlyfromtheHawaiianHomesteadareainHo`olehua36TheMolokai Education Centers Business Plan (2007) acknowledges the islands diversifiedagricultureindustryasamajorcontributortoMolokaiseconomywithroomforfuturegrowthAreas for future growth include valueͲadded food product development as a nichemarketMECsBusinessPlanaddsthatagriculturalcourseofferingsatthecollegeandrelevanttrainingwillplayasignificantroleinpreparingtheworkforceforadiversifiedeconomyWhile community and countyplanningobjectives clearly identify agriculture asaneconomicmainstay forMolokaiacomprehensiveprofileofMolokairsquosagriculture industryhasnotbeenfullyanalyzedOne of the objectives of this Needs Assessment is to determinewhereMolokai fits in theoverall Statewide picture for agriculture Has Molokai experienced similar successes andchallenges that farmers on the other islands face What are the strengths and assets ofMolokairsquos agricultural community aswell asneeds challenges andopportunities What isworkingandwhatisnrsquotWhataretheperceptionsoflocalconsumersWhatisthedemandforlocalMolokai grownproducemeat and seafood Howmany are farming What isbeingfarmedandwhereWhatarethelimitingfactorstofarmingonMolokaiIstherecommunitysupportforlocalfarmersDostoresandrestaurantsonMolokaihavestrongrelationshipswithlocal farmers and make priority for their produce and valueͲadded items How can westrengthenagricultureonMolokaiHowfoodsecureisMolokaiThesearethequestionsthatwesetouttoanswerthroughtheneedsassessment
36AkutagawaMalialdquoKƻha`oBusinessCenterndashEntrepreneurialTrainingampSupportFinalReportrdquoMarch312009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 14
III METHODS
Weadoptedthefollowingmethodsandstrategies An islandwidesurveyonfoodproductionandsecuritystartedfromFebruary27toMarch
272012(SeeAppendixforSurveyFormandResultsAnalysisSummary) Twohundredeight (208)surveyswerecompletedbytheadultmembers (overtheageof
18)ofthegeneralMolokaipopulationbringingoursamplepopulationat39Molokairsquosadultpopulationisat5401outofatotalislandpopulationof7345
Target SampleSizeADULTPOPULATION(Individualsover18
yearsofage)
208
Surveysweremadeavailableatvariouscommunity resourcecentersaswellasonlinevia
ourwebsiteEmailalertsandFacebook invitationsweremade for the tech savvy GivenMolokairsquos rural character and varying levels of knowledge and exposure of the generalpopulation to technology themost effectivemethod for data collection proved to bethroughdirectphysical inquiriesRespondentsweremost receptive toour surveyswhenofferedatourmultiplesurveytablesplaced inpublicareasparticularlystrategic locationsof commerce such as sidewalks fronting grocery stores and during various communityevents
Atotalof36 interviewswereconductedwithagricultureexpertsandeducators (3)small
andmediumͲscalefarmersandCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)operatorsgrowingdiversifiedandorganiccrops(14)deerandcattleranchers(3)fishermenandaquacultureproducers (3) localgroceryandhealth foodstores (5)meatprocessorsandvalueͲaddedfoodproducers(4)hotelandrestaurants(3)andother informants(1)(SeeAppendixforInterviewQuestionsandResultsAnalysis)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 15
Keyinterviewinformantsincluded
AgricultureExpertsampEducators
GlennTevesMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureampHumanResources(UHͲCTAHR)ph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJenniferHawkinsMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUHͲCTAHRph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJamesBoswellCertifedOrganicInspectorandAgricultureInstructorUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollegendashMolokaiFarmph(808)567Ͳ6577boswelljhawaiiedu
FarmersndashDiversifiedampOrganicCropsCastleAdolphoHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerof`inaKulaniFarmsHo`olehuaKimoKaiamaHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKaiamaFarmsHo`olehuaRickTamanahaofKaleikoaFarmsHawaiianHomesteadFamilyFarmHo`olehuaKalaniHanHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKuikamokuFarmsHo`olehuaTuddiPurdyHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm(808)567Ͳ6601wwwmolokaiͲalohacommacnutsJaneTevesHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofHuaKalaFarmHo`olehuaLynnDeCoiteHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofLampRFarmHo`olehuandashMahana(808)567Ͳ9234wwwlandrfarmscomKu`uleiArceofArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamShariLynofMali`oFarmandExecutiveDirectorofKaHalePomaika`iKamaloandUalapu`eEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8107httpwwwlocalharvestorgmalioͲfarmͲorganicallyͲgrowingͲonͲmolokaiͲM11205EllenSpruanceOwnerofPapaoHakuFarmMapulehuandKumimiEastMolokaiJamieRonzelloCSAOperatorMahanaGardensJoeKennedyPermaculturistMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanaEmanuelaVinciguerraMarketingDirectorofKumuFarmsMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanawwwkumufarmscom
RanchersEdmundPedroOwnerofPedroRanchEastMolokaiJanRoneyManagerofPu`uOHokuRanchEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8109wwwpuuohokucomfarmDesmundManabaOwnerofDJCRanchIncHo`olehuandashMahana
FishermanAquacultureProducerDedrickManabaFishermanKaunakakaiSteveChaikinOwnerofMolokaiSeaFarmPala`au(808)553Ͳ3547wwwbroodstockcomMyronAkutagawaandShermanNapoleonJrKeKua`ĈinaHanaunaHouPuko`oEastMolokai
MeatProcessorValueͲAddedProducersJackSpruanceDirectorofMolokaiLivestockCooperative(MolokaiSlaughterhouse)Ho`olehuaBrendaKaneshiroBeekeeperandOwnerofMolokaiMeliKamaloEastMolokai(800)434Ͳ2550NancyGoveSaltMasterandOwnerofPacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ8484wwwpacificahawaiicomChrisMebileChongrsquosPoiShopKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ4313
GroceryStoresCrystalIgusaandStaffFriendlyMarketCenterKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5595KevinMisakiofMisakirsquosGroceryKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5505DennisTurnerOwnerofOutpostNaturalFoodsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ3377SonyaYuenOwnerofKualapu`uMarketKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ6243NaniPeleManagerofMaunaloaGeneralStoreMaunaloa(808)552Ͳ2346
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 16
HotelampRestaurants
TinaPriceManagerofKualapu`uCookhouseKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ9655GenePikeExecutiveChefatHulaShoresRestaurantHotelMolokaiKamiloloa(808)553Ͳ5347httpwwwhotelmolokaicomKerrieFeltCoͲOwnerofMolokaiBurger(808)553Ͳ3533wwwmolokaiburgercom
OtherInformantsByronEspaniolaAhaMokuRepresentativeforKaluakoiMaunaloa
WewereunsuccessfulinsecuringaninterviewwithMonsantoasthelargestemployerand
agricultureoperationonMolokai Our repeated inquiries remainedunanswered TherewereadditionalMolokaigrowersranchersaquacultureoperators fishermenstoresandrestaurantsthatwewantedto interviewbut inthe interestofgeneratingthisreport inatimelymannerwewereunabletofullymeetthisobjective
Findings were also supplemented through research of existing literature of global
statewideandMolokaiͲspecificagriculturefactsandtrendsAreviewofcurrentandpriorcommunityͲbased planning economic education and training initiatives in support ofagriculturewerealsoexaminedThesearereferencedthroughoutthedocument
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 17
IV KEYFINDINGS
Thissectionhasbeenorganizedintothefollowingcategories LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProducts MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgriculture
Producers Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengths
NeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFoodAccesstoLocallyGrownFoodWeaskedMolokairesidentsiftheyfeltaccesswasavailabletolocallygrown food in the localgrocery storesandopenmarkets78of those surveyed felttheyhaveaccesswhile13felttheydidnotAwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood
Doyoucareorthinkaboutwhereyourfoodcomesfrom
DoyouprefertobuymorelocalMolokaifoodproducts
Wouldyoueatmorelocalfoodifitwereavailable
98ofthosesurveyedwouldeatmorelocalfoodifitwasavailablewhile1wouldnot
90ofthosesurveyedprefertobuylocalMolokaifoodproductswhile2donot
94 of the sample populationcarethink about where theirfood comes from while 5 donot
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 18
QuestionWhatwouldyouliketoeatorbuyifitwasmadeorgrownonMolokai
TheMolokaipopulationwantstoeatasmuch Molokai made products aspossible Fresh vegetables and fruitsranked the highest Specificallymentioned items were kalo (taro)sweet potato brussel sprouts bittermelon cabbage olives pumpkinasparagus corn lettuce tomatoesbroccoli cucumber eggplant squashzucchini beans carrots onion garlicginger spinach melons watermelonspears strawberries and persimmonsMeat products included requests for
fishchickenporkandbeefValueaddedproductrequestsincludedhamburgersausagetofupoibutterand jamRequestswerealsomade fordairyproducts likemilkeggscheeseandgoatcheeseWhile 90 of those surveyed stated theywould buymore local food if itwas available itappearsthatsomerespondents(25people)feltthattherewasnrsquotenoughdemandonislandforlocalproduceandthatlikelyposedachallengetoMolokaifarmersWequeriedMolokairesidentsonwhattheywouldliketoseeintermsofimprovingagricultureonMolokaiandincreasingtheiraccessascustomerstolocalfoodsTheseweresomeoftheirresponses
ldquomoresupportforlocalfarmersrdquoldquo(createa)betterfarmersmarketrdquoldquobybuyinglocalrdquoldquothatstoresbuyandsellmorelocalproducerdquoldquocoͲopͲonedistributorrdquoldquolabelgmoandorganicproductssoweknowrdquo
SubsistenceWealso surveyed theMolokaipopulation todetermine someof theirpracticesaroundfoodpreparationandwhatpercentageoftheirfoodcamefromdifferentsources AswehadsurveyedMolokairsquosfarmingcommunityandanalyzedthebehavioroftheislandrsquosmaingrocerystoresonwhatitemstheyselectedtosellwewantedtoknowiftheremightbeadirectcorrelationbetweenconsumerdemand for localproductsand levelofselfͲsufficiencyamongthegeneralpopulationtoengageinsubsistenceactivitiesWe foundthatanaverage825ofthosesurveyedpreparetheir foodathomewhile174mainlyeatrestaurantͲpreparedfoods
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 19
QuestionOfthefoodyouprepareathomeapproximatelywhatpercentageisgrown
caughtandorproduced
Fromoursurveyresponsestowhatpercentageoffoodpreparedathomecamefromwhatwasgrowncaughtandorproducedby individuals themselvesonMolokai ingeneralwithin theStateofHawai`ioveralland fromoutsideofHawai`iwe found that residentsaccessed foodfromthesemultiplesourcesatanearequalratewitharangeof236to272 fromeachsourceItisinterestingtonotethat246ofthefoodpreparedintheaveragepersonrsquoshomecame frompersonal subsistence activities The figure of 272 of locally grown caught orproducedfoodsmay includebothofwhat isavailable inMolokaistoresaswellaswhatmighthave been bartered or shared by otherMolokai residents as a result of their subsistenceactivities Whenaskeddirectlywhatpercentageof food consumed comes from subsistenceactivitiesanaverageof401camefromitemsthatwerefishedhuntedgatheredraisedorgrown (to includeonersquospersonalharvestsand foodsacquiredandsharedbarteredbyothersalsoengagedinsubsistence)Thusitwouldmakesensethatcombiningthetwofiguresinthegraphaboveofpreparedfoodsgrowncaughtandorproducedbytheindividualsthemselves(246) andwhatwas acquired generally fromMolokai resources (272) either shared byothers or bought directly from the store the cumulative total being 518 one mayextrapolatefromthisdatathatthedifferencebetween518and401being117maybethe amount of locally produced foods sold in Molokairsquos stores When polled as to theimportance of subsistence activities in their lives 72 of the respondents said itwas veryimportant to them Of the13who responded that theydonotengage inany subsistenceactivitylackoftimewascitedasthegreatestreasonwhytheydidnottakepartinsubsistenceIn comparing our general data on subsistencewith the results presented in theGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReport37in1993wefoundthatsubsistencemaybeplayingan
37MatsuokaJonDaviannaMcGregorLucianoMinerbiMaliaAkutagawaGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReportMolokaiDepartmentofBusinessEconomicDevelopmentandTourism1993
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 20
even bigger role today than it did two decades ago Loss of jobs and the global economicdownturnmaybecontributingfactors
SubsistenceFactors 1993 2012Estimatedtotalpercentageoffoodthatcomesfromvarioussubsistenceactivities
28 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored38 Ͳ for Native HawaiianMolokaifamilies50 Ͳ 54 respondents out of241surveyed
40 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored
Overall importance ofsubsistence to Molokaifamilies
51Ͳveryimportant25Ͳsomewhatimportant11Ͳsomewhatunimportant32Ͳnotatallimportant
72Ͳveryimportant21Ͳsomewhatimportant1Ͳsomewhatunimportant2Ͳnotatallimportant
From this information though not as comprehensive and rigorous in its exploration ofsubsistence on Molokai as the 1993 Task Force Report we are assured that subsistencecontinuestobeanimportantpartofMolokairsquosfamiliesandoveralleconomyFiftyͲthreepercent (53)ofour respondents stated that they grow theirown food throughfarmingorgardeningWhenpolledastothekindsofsubsistenceactivitiestheytypicallyengageinrespondentsidentifiedthefollowing
HUNTING 39ofthosesurveyedhunt(axisdeerwild
piggoat)FISHINGampDIVING 57ofthosesurveyedfishordive
GATHERING 32gather(limuopihicrabpipipilĈrsquoau
harsquoukersquouke)asasubsistenceactivity
OTHER 4citedamixtureofraisinglivestock
sharingandtradingfoodasasubsistenceactivity
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 21
ThefactthatsubsistenceremainsasignificantcontributortohowMolokaifamiliesacquiretheirfoodthisinturnmayalsoaffectlocalmarketbehaviorintermsofwhatlocallyproduceditemsareplacedonstoreshelvesandwhetherMolokai farmersandproducers find itnecessary toprovideasignificantvolumeoffoodforthelocalMolokaimarketAvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProductsWewerepleasedtofindthatMolokairsquosagricultureindustryisquitediverseandhostsanumberof small family farms both on the Hawaiian Homestead in Ho`olehua and also dotting thelandscape inMana`eEastMolokai Duringour interviewsweasked farmers ranchersandaquaculturistswhatcropsandvalueͲaddedproducts theycultivatedprocessedvalueͲaddedandsoldandwhatweretheirprimarymarketsWealsocombedtheinternetandlearnedbywordofmouthofotheragribusinesses The following tableprovides for the readeranatͲaͲglancelistofgrowersonMolokaiandwhattypesoffoodandproductsareavailableonislandItalsolistsprimarylocalaswellasoffͲislandmarketsProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldMeatsampEggs
MolokaiGrassFedBeef PedroRanchPu`uOHokuRanchKualapu`uRanchPohakuloaRanch
ProcessedandsoldbySlaughterhouse(MolokaiLivestockCooperative)toMolokaiBurgerFriendlyMarketCenterKualapu`uMarketKualapu`uCookhousePu`uOHokuRanch
Venison DJCRanchLLC NotsoldSharedonlywithcustomersonformalhuntsandMolokaifamiliesforsubsistence
Lamb(freerange) KalapanaandDeeannaKeli`iho`omalu
PilotphaseProcessedatMolokaiSlaughterhouseSoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketCenterandMisakirsquos
FreeRangeEggs Davis`ohana MolokaiMinimartMana`eGoodsampGrindzotherMolokaigrocerystores(notebecamemorepopularandvisibleinstoresaftermainlandeggswererecallednationwideforbacterialcontamination)
DuckEggs WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SeafoodFishndashakutunaakuleopakapakaahionomahimahionaga
Variouscommercialfishermen5onisland
DirectCustomerSalesOffͲIslandWholesalerDistributor(forhotelsandrestaurants)
Shrimp KeawaNuiFarms(808)558Ͳ8931httpwwwkeawanuifarmscomMolokaiSeaFarms
FriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosOffͲIslandOnlineSalesforShrimpBroodstock
SeaweedLimuOgo(Gracilaria) KeawaNuiFarmMolokaiSeaFarms
MisakirsquosOffͲIsland
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 22
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldGreensampOtherVegetables
Lettuces KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(808)558Ͳ8306
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Kale WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
MustardCabbage Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BokChoy ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamMali`oFarm
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
Chinesecabbage ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistArugula WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsales
SwissChard JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomatillo JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomato ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sweetcorn ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistChinesePeas ArcersquosFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SoyBeans JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BlackBeans Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
GreenBeans ArcersquosFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
GreenOnion KuikamokuFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
AllMolokaigrocerystoresCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Radish KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Beets KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 23
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
GreensampOtherVegetablesBrocolli ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistEggplant ArcersquosFarm
Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Carrots JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SweetPotatoSweetPotatoChips
LampRFarm VariouslocalMolokaistores8tonsshippedweeklyoffͲisland
YamsYamChips(indevelopmentphase)
TuipulotuFarm
Tarondashregularandcertifiedbiodynamicdifferentvarietiesdryandwetlu`auleaf
`inaKulaniFarmsKaiamaFarmsKimMarkhamPapaoHakuFarm
FriendlyMarketCenterdirectsalestocustomersCertifiedbiodynamictarosoldoffͲislandathealthstoreoutlets
Avocado PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm558Ͳ8383httpwwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Organicginger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲIslandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Organicturmeric PapaOHakuFarm NotsoldMedicinaluseAwa Pu`uOHokuRanchKaiamaFarms DirectsalestocustomersChiliPepper Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproduceshared
withclientsintreatmentandforclientfundraising
HerbsampSpicesBasils(ItalianThai) KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm
(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanadaCommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Thyme JamieRonzello(CSA)KumuFarms CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dill KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Oregano KimMarkhamKumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
ItalianParsley KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 24
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
HerbsampSpicesChineseParsley KimMarkhamMali`oFarmWaialua
Permafarm(CSA)CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Cilantro KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Rosemary KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Spearmint KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Lavender KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Savory KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sage KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Cinnamon PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm(808)553Ͳ8383wwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Vanilla PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Cacao PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
FruitsampNutsOrange Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tangerine Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 25
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
FruitsampNutsLimes Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Papayandashconventionalandorganic
KaiamaFarmsKaleikoaFarmsHuaKalaFarmNoahKuohaKumuFarmsMali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
VariouslocalMolokaistoresexportedthroughoutHawaiianislandsWholeFoodsoutletsMainlandUSandCanadaCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Watermelon `AinaKulaniFarm DirectsalestocustomersBananaAppleBanana HuaKalaFarm`AinaKulaniFarms
KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
Kualapu`uMarketOutpostFriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Rambutan WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
JackFruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Mango Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentandsoldbythemCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Soursop WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dragonfruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Strawberry PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Lychee PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
MacadamiaNuts PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm DirectsalestovisitorsparticipatinginfarmtourMailorders
Coffee CoffeesofHawai`i(808)567Ͳ9490wwwcoffeesofhawaiicom
AllMolokaistoresonlineorders
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 26
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
ValueͲAddedProductsCilantroLimePesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaionlinesales
outletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
BasilMacadamiaNutPesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
PickledOrganicGinger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲislandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Honey(premiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyhoneycombs)
MolokaiMeliKimMarkham
KumuFarmsOutpostNaturalFoodStore
Poi ChongrsquosPoiShop AllMolokaistoresKulolo `inaKulaniFarms DirectSalesTaroChips HuaKalaFarm NotenoughvolumetosellregularlyYamChips TuipulotoFarm StillindevelopmentstageBeeswaxCandlesChapstick MolokaiMeli KumuFarmsGourmetSeaSalt PacificaHawai`iSeaSalts
HawaiiKaiCorporationhttpwwwhawaiikaicocom
Pu`uOHokuRanchKumuFarmsKamakanaCountryStoreMolokaiWinesampSpiritsBlueMonkeyFriendlyMarketCenteroutletsthroughoutHawaiiStateandUSMainlandonlinesales
Other Tileaf KimMarkham KukuiStarters PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm Giventohomesteadersfor
reforestationinHo`olehuaFlowersgingerakulekulecigar
PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm ShippedleistooffͲisland
Tropicalflowers(variety) KuleanaWorkCenterwwwmolokaiflowerscom
OnlinesalesanddirectsalesatSaturdayOpenMarketdays
SeedsSeedbank Ka`anoTheMolokaiSeedProject553Ͳ4243
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 27
MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers
Molokairsquos grocery stores and restaurants selllocallygrownharvestedandprocessed itemsAnaverageof2of locallygrownorMadeonMolokai products are sold in local grocerystores Some stores such asMisakirsquos carry ahigher percentage (15) ofMolokai produceThoseestablishmentsweinterviewedallstatedthat they want to sell everything that isMolokaimade PapayasweetpotatoChongrsquosPoicoffeeKanemitsubreadandKumuFarmspesto are the most common Molokai itemsfound in localstores Misakirsquostendstocarryagreater assortment of Molokai produce andvalueͲadded products in addition to thesecommon items Misakirsquos sells LampR sweetpotatochipsstringbeansbittermelonutongeggplant green onion lime and lemon FishalsoarepurchasedfromlocalfishermenSome stores and restaurants also purchaseMolokaigrass fedbeefprocessed through theislandrsquosslaughterhouseTheseordersarefilledonaconsistentbasisSmaller stores like Kualapu`u Market andMaunaloaGeneralStorethatdonotexperienceas much traffic as the grocery stores inKaunakakai have to concern themselves withhowquicklyanitemsellsForsomecustomersMolokaigrassfedbeefisanacquiredtasteandit may take a more conscientious eaterconsidering the health benefits of grass fedbeeftoappreciateitsflavorButiftheaveragecustomer does not appreciate these qualitiesandprefersacertaintasteofbeefthatshehasgrown accustomed to then the store risksspoilage The samegoes for fruits likemangothatripenquicklybutmaynotsellfastenough
especially sincemany families havemango trees in their own back yards For these smallstorescarryingitemsthatwillsellquicklyisimportantespeciallymeatandproducethathaveashort shelf life Kualapu`uMarket typically sellsMolokai coffee sweet potato chips poi
MOLOKAIESTABLISHMENTSSELLINGORSERVINGFOODampGROCERIES
ONMOLOKAIRESTAURANTSampFASTFOODCoffeesofHawaii 567Ͳ9655HulaShores(HotelMolokai)
553Ͳ5347
KanemitsuBakeryampRestaurant
553Ͳ5855
KualapursquouCookhouse 567Ͳ9655LittleGrassShack 553Ͳ5862MakarsquosCorner 553Ͳ8058ManarsquoeGoodznGrindz 558Ͳ8498MolokaiBurger 553Ͳ3533MolokaiDriveInn 553Ͳ5655MolokaiPizzaCafeacute 553Ͳ3288MolokaiRoastPorkHouse 553Ͳ9068MrsKrsquos 553Ͳ3201SundownDeli 553Ͳ3713LOCALGROCERYSTORESFriendlyMarketCenter 553Ͳ5595CPascuaStore 553Ͳ5443KamoisSnackNGo 553Ͳ5443KualapuuMarketLtd 567Ͳ6243MaunaloaGeneralStore 552Ͳ2346Misakis 553Ͳ5505MolokaiMiniMart 553Ͳ4447OutpostNaturalFoods 553Ͳ3377MolokaiWinesNSpirits 553Ͳ5009TheStoreHouse 553Ͳ3399KamakanaCountryStore 553Ͳ5725GASSTATIONSHayakuGasNGo 553Ͳ3444RawlinsChevronStation 553Ͳ3214ReferenceSustainableMolokaiResourceGuide2009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 28
MolokaibreadandeggsMaunaloaGeneralStoremakesitapointtoacceptproducefromthecommunitygarden runby theKaHaleMua low incomehousing They typicallygrow stringbeans tomatoeseggplantand lettuce Maunaloa residentsarealsopermitted toutilize thefacilitytopreparemusubibentoandlocalplatelunchestosellpreparedfoodsaswellastheirartandcraftsatthefrontofthestoreOther locallyproduced items that someof the storeswould like to sell inmore volume aretomatoesbananasfishanddairyIfMolokaifarmerselectnottogroworsellcertainproduceor products to the local grocery stores the storeswill sell offͲisland produce (egManoalettuce Kula tomatoes etc) Sometimes they will also order items from as far away asCaliforniaorMexicotosatisfycustomerdemandsandpreferencesTherequirementsarenotoverlystringentforthelocalfarmertosellproduceandvalueͲaddedfoodstolocalgrocerystoresForsomestoreslikeFriendlyMarketindividualsmustpossessabusinesslicenseForotherstoresthatreceivesmallquantitiesoffreshproduceatatimetheydonotrequireproofofbusinesslicenseGrocery stores showcasing locally grown food feel cheated when farmers simultaneouslypeddletheirproduceonthestreetPricing isalsoan issue forMolokaistores Theywould like tobuymore locallygrown itemshowevertheycangetproducealotcheaperfromthemainlandForexampletheaveragecostofatomatothatislocallygrownis$2lbwhilestorescanacquiretomatoesfromthemainlandfor$1lbandpassthesavingsontothecustomerFriendlyMarkethasexpressedapreferenceforbuyingproduce from farmerswhohaveapricecostandplan (egthat identifiesspecificamountsofproducethatwillbeavailableandtheircost)toensureitemconsistencyinpricingandavailabilityIdeallystoreswanttosaveonpayingshippingcoststoimportfoodfromthemainlandandoffͲislandbyprovidingpreferenceforlocallygrownfoodsConsistencyisimportantforstorestocontinuecarryingspecificitemsprovidedbylocalfarmersandproducers Consistencywas citedbyevery store and restaurantwe interviewed as thenumberonechallengethatmostfarmersfaceinworkingwiththemMisakirsquoshasfoundawayaround this issue TheypurchaseMolokai fish caught and sold to theHonolulu fishmarketthroughadistributortheresothatcustomerscanstillbenefitfromeatingMolokaicaughtfishMisakirsquosalsoprefers tobuy fromanOahudistributor thatbuys thebulkof itsproduce fromMolokai farmers In thisway by buying in bulk through a distributorMisakirsquos is assured aconsistentproductTherearestoreswhospecificallyselect for localandorganic foodsaspartoftheirmarketingstrategy Onesuchstore istheOutpostNaturalFoodsStorewhichwillselleverythingthat isMolokaimade ConsumersexpecttopayaheftiergrocerybillastheyhaveanexpectationofbuyinglocalandpreferablyorganicallygrownandproducedfoodsOtheritemsthatcannotbesourced locallyorare in lessersupplyorforwhichthere isademandfor(egapplespearsandoranges)aresourcedfromthemainlandandsoldattheOutpost
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 29
We interviewed3restaurantsKualapu`uCookhouseHotelMolokairsquosHulaShoresrestaurantandMolokaiBurger Useofandemphasisonuseof localmeatseafoodandproducevariedTheKualapu`uCookhouseestimates that itutilizes1ofMolokaigrownproduceandvalueͲadded products in its dishes as it does not have strict requirements to do so It primarilypurchasesMolokailettucethroughKualapu`uMarketHotelMolokaiuses less than20 localproduceand seafood in itsdishesbutwould ideallyprefer toutilizeat least60of locallygrownandharvested foodson theirmenu ThehotelcurrentlybuyslocallygrownlettuceeggplantandpapayafromKumuFarmsandincorporatesthesefoods intotheirmenu Freshfish isthefastestandmostpopularselling itemanddoesnot requireapricecost listwhenbuying from fishermen Patronsbuy fishdishesatmarketprice Itwascommunicated thataschefs it is important toestablish relationshipswith localfarmersandacquirehighend itemsonaconsistentbasis Whathasbeenachallengeforthechefs at the hotel is figuring outwho is growingwhat and searching these farmers out toprovidetheproducemeatandseafoodtheyneedWhatwouldeasilyservethemwouldbeabrokeror localdistributor to takeon that typeofwork Currently theHotel is consideringsettingasidesomespaceonthehotelgroundsforanherbgardentoreadilysupplysomeofthekitchenrsquosneedswhileprovidingsomekindofyouthinternshipprogramtoinstallandmaintainthegardenMolokai Burger exclusively serves 100Molokai grass fed beef for its burgers and TuesdayMexican menu The restaurant purchases 240 pounds of Molokai beef from theslaughterhouse It receives positive customer feedback its loyal customers being especiallyhealth conscious individuals and local and nativeHawaiian activistswhomake it a point tosupportestablishments thatutilize localMolokai foods MolokaiBurgeralsopurchases fromKumuFarmsonaweeklybasis8poundsoftheirvegetablegreenstoserveintheirspecialsaladand chicken salad plates Molokai sweet potatoes are also utilized for sweet potato nachochipsontheMexicanmenu Whilenot locallyproducedMolokaiBurgeralsopurchasesbunsfromalocalMolokaidistributorasawaytosupportasmanylocalbusinessesaspossible
QuestionWhatlocalfooditemswouldyouliketosellorincorporateinyourmenuthatarenotcurrentlyavailableorareinshortsupply
FriendlyMarket orangesallcitrusesmangoavocadobokchoywonboktropicalfruits inseasonfishporkprocessed through slaughterhousealldairy (milk cheese)or soybasedmilkasanalternativeand free rangeeggsWillsellalllocalitemsMisakirsquosbananasandtomatoesWillsellanythinggrownandmadeonMolokaiOutpostNaturalFoodsStorestrawberriescantaloupescucumbers tomatoespotatoesandYukon from localgrowersKualapu`uCookhouselocalfreerangechickeneggsKualapu`uMarketagreaterdiversityandselectionoflocalproducegrownbyMolokairsquosfarmersMaunaloaGeneralStoremorebananasandpapayasastheyselloutfastestHulaShoresRestaurantofHotelMolokaivenisonMolokaiBurgeraconsistentsupplyofMolokaitomatoesfreerangeeggsandfishthatarereasonablypriced
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 30
Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities
QuestionAreyoua farmerIfsohowoldareyouͶΨ ȋȌ ǡ
ͶͶǤ
ǡ ͷͶǤ
QuestiontofarmersinterviewedHowlonghaveyoubeenfarming
ʹʹ ͶͲǤ
QuestionHowmuchlandareyoufarming
ǡͶͶǢ͵ʹͳͷǢͷͳͷǦͶͲ͵ͶͲǤ ǡͲ
ǡͲƬʹͲͲƮǦǤ
QuestiontofarmerswhatdoyoufeelarethechallengesfarmersfaceonMolokaiNatureandtheElementsWindHomestead farmers must contend with high winds on a regular basis Thus initial farmplanning must include installing windbreaks to avoid crop damage from weathering Thecommunity has identified in several former planning documents such as the MolokaiEmpowermentZoneApplication(1998)massplantingofwindbreaksthroughouttheHo`olehuaareatoprotecthomesteadfarm landsasoneofthe40priorityprojects IntheendMolokaiwas successful in achieving theMolokai Enterprise Community federal designation a step
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 31
secondtoEmpowermentZonestatus Windbreaksremainedpartofthe40priorityprojectsInstallationofwindbreakshave alsobeen reiterated as a ShortRangePriorityProject in theMaui County Comprehensive EconomicDevelopment Strategy (CEDS) 201038However notmuchhasbeendonetomovethisfromaconceptualstagetoimplementation
Thesituationwasexacerbatedin2005upontheintroductionofthevirulenterythrinagallwaspthatdestroyedthevastmajorityofwiliwilitreesStatewideLarvaeimplantedintothetissueofwiliwili leaves form tumorous like growths and effectively starve the trees from receivingnutrition39Muchof thewiliwili trees thathad servedprimarilyaswindbreaksdiedwithinayearor two Thus farms thathadestablishedwiliwiliwindbreaksbecamenewlyexposed towinds With the introduction of Eurytoma by scientists a predator species that exclusivelyfeedsonerythrinagallwaspsandavoidsnativewaspsthesurvivingwiliwilihavebeenabletomakeacomeback40DroughtAnumberoffarmershavecitedcurrentdroughtconditionsasaseriousthreattofarmingOnefarmerreportedthatherentireorganicgingercropfailedduetodroughtandshewasunabletoyieldaharvestthisyearAtthetimewestartedourinterviewsinFebruary(2012)Molokaiwasexperiencingthelowestrainfallinadecadecomparableto2001droughtfiguresAdrywinterandspringseasonhavebeencausingwatershortages Arecentheavystorm inMarch (2012)brought some reliefbutwithprimarilyeroded soilsexposed to theelementsmuchofthatmuddiedwaterwashed intotheseatochokecoralsaffectnurserygrounds forfishandcoverlimu(seaweed)beds41Steadypercolationintotheaquiferisnecessarytomakea difference to the watershed and levels in the reservoir42 According to Glenn TevesExtensionAgent forUHͲCTAHRdroughtconditionsaffect insectbehavior Forexampleantsseekingwaterwillfindasubstitutebyacquiringhoneydewfromcertaininsectsthatproduceitsuchasldquoaphidsmealybugswhitefliesandscaleshellipknown tosuckplant juicesandweakenthem hellip [and] spread plant viruses on an array of crops such as melons peppers andtomatoesrdquo43 Animals will also chew through drip irrigation systems to access water in adrought andwill subsequently cause leaks andwater loss for the farmer44Cows are alsoaffectedwithahigher incidenceofmiscarriageorsmallercalfsizedueto lackofhighquality
38 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1102 AgricultureReforestationWindbreakPlantingp5039RichardsSabrinaldquoWaspwarsNewpredatorchecksHawai`irsquosgallwaspepidemicrdquoSciencelineJanuary62011httpsciencelineorg201101waspͲwars40Richards201141 Teves G ldquoEffects of Rain and Droughtrdquo Molokai Dispatch March 15 2012httpthemolokaidispatchcomeffectsͲofͲrainͲandͲdrought42Teves201243Teves201244Teves2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 32
food consumed during pregnancy45Deerwill also compete and feed on grass reserves forcattleTevesroughlyestimatesthatfarmersandranchershaveexperiencedacumulativecroplossvaluedat$1millionduetothedrought46MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)Builtinthe1950sandlsquo60stheMISwasconstructedtotransportwaterfromWaikoluValleyonthenorthshoretothefarmingareasofCentralMolokaitoprovidewaterforthesolepurposeofagriculture47WaikoluValleyprovideswatertothesystemviaa51milelongtunnelPipesand flumes convey thewater to the Kualapu`u Reservoirwhich is designed for amaximumdepthof54feetor14billiongalloncapacity48TheHawaiianHomesCommissionAct (ldquoHHCArdquo)of1920sect221(d)grantedhomesteadersldquotherighttousefreeofallchargeanyofthewateruponthe islandofMolokairdquo49Thisprovisionwasamended in1955togiveHawaiianHomesatwoͲthirdswaterallocationpreference fromtheMIS50 The Department of Agriculture whichmanages theMIS has not enforced thisprovision Presently80oftheMIS isconsumedbynonͲhomesteadersdespite23rdswaterreservation requirement for homesteaders51 It has been recently noted that homesteaderwaterusagehasincreasedbynearly20comparedtolastyear52TheMISWaterUseAdvisoryBoardspeculatedthathomesteadfamiliesareexpandingtheirfamilygardens53TheentireislandofMolokaihasbeendesignatedbytheStateCommissiononWaterResourcesManagement (CWRM or ldquoWater Commissionrdquo) a sole source aquifer and critical watermanagementarea Thesedesignationsunderscorethefactthattheentire islanddependsonone water source for its drinking water subsistence and agricultural needs and carefulmanagementisnecessarytomaintaintheaquiferRecords for the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) revealed that as of December 2011 theKualapu`ureservoirhadloweredto11feet(ascomparedto17feetayearprior)andcontinuedtodecline54Todaythereservoirhasloweredanotherfootwithstoragelevels50lessthana
45Teves201246Teves201247BaldaufNatashaHalsquoaheoKaholsquoohalahalaandDavidSakodaldquoTheMoloka`i IrrigationSystem AVision foraSustainableFuturerdquoDecember1200948BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200949BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200950BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200951BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200952ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion53ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion54ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 33
year ago55 Current rainfall is 10 of normal levels and those utilizing theMIS have beensubjecttoa30restrictioninwaterusageoverthepast3years56TheStatelegislaturerecentlysetaside$125millionforimprovementstotheMIS57Fundswillcover Anewhydropowerplantwaterflowwillproduceenergyandoffsetelectricalcosts Replacement of aboveͲground concrete flume with an underground pipeline to avoid
animalsanddebrisfromfallingintoandcontaminatingthewatersupply StructuralrepairtoMISaccessbridge Installation of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system to allow for
monitoringofwaterflowremotelyThis is a step in the right direction and hopefullywill assist in decreasingwater loss in thesystemandimprovemanagementoftheMISWeedsPestsWildAnimalsNumerousfarmersinterviewedparticularlyintheHo`olehuaHomesteadareahaveciteddeerasamajorproblem incrop failureTheorganicpapaya farmershavebeenhithardwithonefarmerhavinglosthisentirecropofpapayatreesSeedlingswereeatenandadulttreeswerealsoaffectedbydeerrubbings Anotherfarmerhashadtoadoptprotectivemeasuresforhisyoungkukuistarter treesasdeerseekingmoisture fromyoungplantswilleat them Hehasindicatedthatyoungkukuitreeshavetoreachacertainheightwheredeercannolongerbitethe leaves from the top Farmers are also experiencing brokenwater and irrigation pipesdestroyedbydeer One farmerwas issued a $700waterbillbefore discovering hisbrokenwaterpipeMuchofthisactivityhasbeenattributedtotheongoingdroughtconditionsdeerareseekingfarmsforwaterandfood It isestimatedthat$1million inagricultureprofitwaslosttodeerwithinthelastyearAnotherproblemthatfarmersencounteredafewyearsagowasaninfestationofratandmiceTheyweresonumerousthatdriversoftensawthemcrossingtheroad One farmerresolvedthisproblemonhisfarmbyadopting20cats
55ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions56ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions57ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 34
Other farmershavecitedpestsandweedsasaproblemon their farms Oneorganic farmerstatedthatshefinds itachallengebecauseuseofpesticidesandherbicidesareprohibited inorganicfarmingThere is an urgent need to keepMolokairsquos bee population healthy as they are pollinatorsimportant to theagriculture industry Threats to the localbeepopulation includepesticidesbeetlesandmitesHighOperationalCostsOfthe208surveyed61peopleconsideredhighoperationalcostsasabigchallengetofarmingonMolokaiThesecostsinclude Labor Infrastructure Toolsimplements Fuelforequipmentandvehicles Supplies such as fertilizer compost pesticides herbicides seeds irrigation supplies etc
Supplycostsareespeciallyhigherdue toadditionalcostmarkͲup forshipping items in toMolokai
Electricitycostsforrunningrefrigerationchiller Allfeesandtaxesincurredfromrunningabusiness Specialcostsfororganiccertification(est$1300peryear)HighCostofWaterSeventy(70)surveyrespondentsfeltfarming ismadedifficultbythehighcostofwater Thiswasespeciallytrueforfarmerswhoareoncountywater insteadofcheaperagriculturewaterfromtheMolokaiIrrigationSystemThesefarmersareontheEastEndoftheislandAlsoitisverydifficultforpeople inMaunaloaandKaluakoitofarmandevengardenduetothewatersystemrunbyMolokaiRanch Ratesforwaterareastronomicalhaving increasedby17858TheStatePublicUtilitiesCommissionallowedforarateincreasefortheRanchrsquosMolokaiPublicUtilitiesfrom$318per1000gallonsto$60459TheWaiolaOMolokaiIncwateralsoownedbyMolokaiRanchwas approved for a rate increase from$185 to $51560 These increasesimpactapproximately1200residentsonthewestsideoftheisland61
58BernardoRldquoMolokaiwaterusersprotestratehikerdquoHonoluluStarBulletinSeptember52008httparchivesstarbulletincom20080905newsstory08html59Bernardo200860Bernardo200861Bernardo2008
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 35
HighEquipmentCostsSixty(60) survey respondents considered high equipment costs as a challenge to farmingTractor costs can range from $21000 to $80000 depending on the size neededwhich isrelativetotheamountofacreagetobefarmedManysmallandbeginningfarmerslackaccesstocapitaltopurchasebigticketitemssuchasequipmentHighShippingCostsYoungBrothersistheprimaryshippingproviderforMolokaiSomefarmersutilizecargoplanessuchasKamakaAir for shipmentofmoreperishable items Shipping fromMolokai involvesaddedcostanddisadvantagesforMolokaiasaruralislandtryingtotransportgoodsacrosstheoceantothelargerurbancenterssuchasOahuandMauiForthoseutilizingdistributorsthatisanotheraddedcostIn thepast farmers receivedapartialbreakon shippingcosts throughYoungBrothers TheFarmBureauassisted indefrayingchargesassociatedwith theMolokai toHonoluu legwhilethefarmerwasrequiredtocoveronlythecostofshippingfromHonolulutothemainlandThishelped to level the playing field forMolokai farmerswith the rest of farmers onOahu andStatewide Within the last five yearshowever thispolicyhasbeendiscontinued causing adisadvantagetotheMolokaifarmerYoungBrotherswillbephasingoutitsldquoGrdquoVans218cubicftcontainersforshippingpricedat$180containerandwillbepalletizingeverythingItwillnolongerbeeasytodropitemsoffatthepierandshipoutFarmerswillneedtomakethetransitionandwilllikelyhavetosolicittheservicesofMakoaTruckingtopalletizetheirgoodsandtransportthemtothepierTheftOne farmer interviewed cited crop theft as a challenge There are also risks of theft ofequipmenttoolsandsupplieswithoutadequatestorageandsecuritymeasuresFireA localbeekeeping family thatproducespremiumorganic raw kiawehoneyexperienced adevastatingfirein2009thatwipedoutthemajorityoftheirhivesTheyhaveahighamountoforderstofillandarecurrentlyrecoveringfromthedamagetotheirhivesNotEnoughLandtoFarmampCompetingUsesforAgricultureLandThe Molokai Agricultural Park owned by the State of Hawai`i is located in theHo`olehuaMahanaregionadjacenttoMolokaiRanchandHawaiianHomeLandsItconsistsof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 36
22subdividedlotsspanningatotalof753acres62Thepurposeofagriculturalparksstatewideistoprovideaffordable longͲterm leasestosmallfarmers63CurrentlyallMolokaiAgPark landsare being utilized64 Thismakes it difficult for new farmerswho are nonͲhomesteaders tosecurecheaplandSeedbiotechcompaniessuchasMonsantoandMycogenhavegainedasolidfootholdontheisland Their use of prime agriculture lands and limited water resources impact the localfarming community It is problematic especially for organic farmers who risk losing theircertification if their farmsare inproximity toGMO crops It is known thata local familyofbeekeeperswereforcedtomovetheirhivesorelserisklosingtheirorganichoneycertificationLow Prices Offered for Local Produce Not Enough Demand for Goods and ProductInconsistencyOfthosesurveyed25peoplefeltthatnotenoughconsumerdemandforproducewasamajorchallenge for farmers Whileour surveyalso found that90ofour respondentswouldbuymorelocalfoodifitwasavailableMolokairsquossmallpopulationlimitshowmuchproducefarmerscanplaceinthelocalmarketManyof the farmers thatwe interviewedwere frustratedat the lowprices theyget for theproduce theygrow They find itdifficult tonegotiatewith storesonpricing For them it ischallengingtomakealivingorbeeconomicallysustainablebysellingproduceonlyonMolokaiOne certified organic and biodynamic farmer informed us that she is offered $110lb byMolokai stores forherorganicgingerbut she can sell itatamuchhigherpriceonOahuat$5lbinstoresthatshowcaseorganicfoodsWiththatamountsheisabletomakeaprofitaswellasrecoupherproductionandshippingcostsUHCTAHRAgricultureExtensionAgentGlennTevesstatesthatalotoffarmersdonotpaycloseenoughattentiontotheirpricingOftentimestheywillpricetheirproduceonthelowendThissetsanegativestandardthatmakesitmoredifficultforotherfarmerstogetareasonablepricefor their crops He recommends that farmers check regularly on produce prices andmakecomparisonsalsoonhowmuchtheysellforontheotherislandssothattheycanprovidemorecompetitivepricingthatisadvantageoustothemLackofSupportforAgricultureLawmakershavealsobecomeunsupportivetopreservingagriculturelandsAbusesaboundonagricultural landswithmultiͲmilliondollargentlemanestatesdevelopedanddefinedasldquofarm
62StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks63StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks64StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 37
dwellingsrdquo and attractive landscaping required underCCRs andAssociationRules dubbed aslegitimateldquoagriculturerdquo Theseldquofarmdwellingsrdquo increasethepriceofagriculture landforrealfarmersNationwide family farmersarebeingedgedoutby largecorporateproducersat the rateof330farmersperweek65TheUnitedStateshasanestimated5millionfewerfarmsthanithadinthe1930s66Today2millionfarmsexist intheUSwith565000 identifiedasfamilyfarms67ThereasonforthisisthatfederalgovernmentpoliciesfavorlargeͲscalecorporateagriculturePoliciessuchassubsidizingbigagriculturecreatesafalsesetͲpointontrueproductioncosts68TheAmerican taxpayerabsorbs thesehefty costs The federalgovernment spentover$177billion in agricultural subsidies from the years of 1995 to 200669 These large agricultureoperationsareabletoprovidehugevolumesoffoodforacheappricebecauseofthesubsidiesallocatedTheyeasilyoutcompeteandsqueezeoutthesmallfarmerthatreceivesnohelpfromsubsidies andmust pass to the customer the true costs of production in order to remain aviablebusinessStrongcorporatelobbyingmaintainsthisstatusquo
NeedforAdditionalEducationampTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunityOfthosesurveyed33farmersconsideredalackofcapacityeducationtobeachallengeSomefarmersaredauntedbythecostsofhighereducationandthetimetheywouldneedtoinvestineducationalongsidebalancingfamilyresponsibilitiesandfullͲtimefarmingProficiency inknowledgeandexperienceoffarmingprinciplesandtechniques isnecessaryforallfarmers Theymustunderstandfarmplanninghowtoplantmaintainandharvestcropshowtosetupirrigationmeetthebiologicalandmineralneedsoftheircropshowtomaintainsoil health how to minimize offͲfarm releases of pollutants and toxins such as chemicalfertilizersandpesticidesoperateand repair toolsandmachinerybasic carpentry skillsandpossess a true passion for farming A lot is learned through trial and error but educationcombinedwithpracticalexperience gives farmers abetter chance atmaking it These skillsalonearenottheonlyrequirementshoweverAfarmer(orparticipatingfamilymembers)mustalsobefinanciallyliterateandpossessstrongbusinessbookkeepingaccountingandmarketingskills To lease landsaccessbusinessstartup fundssuccessfullyapply for loansandreceive financing forbigequipmentpurchases the
65ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml66ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml67ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml68ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml69ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 38
farmerhastohavegoodcreditandbefinancially literate Ifhe issaddledwithdebtandbadcreditthenhewillneedtocreateandsticktoaplanforrepairinghiscreditOther skills a farmermust cultivate to successfully start an agricultureenterprise is learninghowtodomarketresearchandbusinessplanningItrsquosbettertomakemistakesonpaperfirstrather than in real life aftermuch time and investment has beenmade Once the farmenterprise isupand running then the farmerhas to contendwithkeeping financial recordscurrenteitherpersonallyortruesecuringabookkeeperoraccountant BusinessandpayrolltaxeswillneedtobepaidfeesforspecialcertificationssuchasorganicfarmingmayalsohavetobefactoredinAfarmermustbeawareofwhattogrowandproduceandhowtomarketherproducts inorder tobeprofitable Shemustbedisciplined in implementingher farmplanaccount for year round staggered plantings and harvests and crop rotations and reinvestprofitsbackintothebusinessRarelydotheseskillsexistinonepersonMostfarmersjustwanttofarmandnotdealwiththeother details of running a business As they age too farmerswill need to think about asuccession plan Ideally it should be a family enterprise with familymembers possessingdifferent skill sets and playing different roles that collectivelymake a successful agricultureenterpriseRanchingampTheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeMolokairsquos history includes large scale ranching of cattle which was once an enterpriseendeavorbyMolokaiRanch the islandrsquos largestprivate landownernow known asMolokaiProperties Limited SinceMPLrsquos closure ofmajor operations ranching is currently done bymembersof thecommunity inwhich theycultivate the remainingcattleonproperty CattleRanchersincludePohakuloaRanchKualapu`uRanchPedroRanchandPu`uOHokuRanchChallengeswithMolokaiBeef Muchof theranchingcommunitydonot finish theiranimals through theslaughterhouse
preferringtosellcattleoffisland Lessmeat isproducedon the islandwhich in turnmeans lessMolokaibeefavailable for
consumptioninrestaurantsandstores More than one individualentity does not like the tasteconsistency of the beef ndash some
suggestedthatthemeatbecuredlonger Somemembersofthecooperativefeelthecostforanimalprocessing($65animal)isunfair
since it isnotbasedonactualproductyield(egdeerorgoatmeatyields lesspoundsofmeatthancattle)
SlaughterhouseTheMolokai Livestock Cooperative which operates the only slaughterhouse facility on theislandprocessescattleandpork Pork isnotusually sold to storesdue to thepreferenceof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 39
Molokaifamiliestoutilizerearedhogsforhomeconsumption Thuspork issubjectusuallytocustomkillsonlyAsforcattleamaximumof18headperweekandaminimumof5headperweekgoes through the slaughterhousewitha cumulative totalof730animalsprocessed todatesincethefacilityopeneditsdoorsseveralyearsagoTheslaughterhouse iscurrentlynotoperatingatfullcapacity There isahistoricalcontextforsome of the challenges that the Molokai Livestock Cooperative faces today After thewholesale TB eradication of Molokai cattle in the 1980s and the closure of the oldslaughterhouseinKaunakakailocalranchersinitiallyworkedtogetanewslaughterhousebuiltwiththeirsweatequityandthroughsecuringfundingfromCountyStateandFederalsourcesUnfortunatelytheprocessofmovingthisprojectfromaconceptualphasetobrickandmortartook over a decade to complete By the time the slaughterhouse facility was completedranchershadmovedaway fromgrassͲfinishedcattleonMolokai to finishing theiranimalsonthe mainland Over time the ranchersrsquo commitment to strengthening their own localslaughterhouse as a viable economic engine had wavered Some ranches do not see aneconomic incentive to return to the formermodelofgrass finishing theircattleandpreferaquickerturnͲaroundtimeandtheconvenienceofsellingtheiranimalspreͲfinishedWhile theMolokaiLivestockCooperativersquosnew slaughterhousehasmadepositive inroads togettingMolokai grassͲfedbeef in local grocery stores and restaurants through itsworkwithcommittedranchersutilizingthefacility lackofvolumefromholdͲoutranchersalso limitstheslaughterhousersquosabilitytoexpandthemarketandfullydevelopanorganicnicheproduct Tomakeupforthisshortfalltheslaughterhousenowshipsin30headofnonͲMolokaicattle(50oftotalstock)onaregularbasisLambSheepForthepast5yearsahusbandandwifeteamhasbeenexperimentingwithranchingfreerangelambssheepon55acresof land inwestMolokai Thecouplehas80animals (60ewes20lambs) Theyharvestthe lambsat6monthsofageandhavebeentestingthequalityoftheanimalsMost recently they market tested their lambs The lambs were processed at theslaughterhouse ThemeatwassoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketandMisakirsquos CustomerfeedbackhasbeenverypositiveThelambmeatsoldoutquicklyinthestoresRightnowthelambsheep ranchers are trying to figure out pricing whether to sell directly to theslaughterhouseforprocessingmarketinganddistributionortohandlesomeofthoseaspectsontheirownDeerRanchingDeerranchingisnotawidespreadactivityinfactthereareonlytwopeopleontheislandthatraisevenisonDeerpensexist inMaunaloaandPalarsquoauwithasmuchas260animalscorralled
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 40
within high game fencing The deer ranching is part of a safari tour businesswhich allowsvisitorstoexperiencehuntinggameDeercanbeprocessed through theMolokaiSlaughterhouse if theanimal ispresentedat thefacilityat leastonehourafterthekillandaUSDACertified Inspectorparticipates inthehuntThisiscurrentlynotbeingdonebydeerranchersonMolokaiTheownersofDJCRanch Incwhich currentlyoperates adeer ranchhasdone some initialmarkettestingandresearchonthedemandandpotentialforvenisonmeatproduction Theyhave found ahugedemand from restaurants and the generalpublic for venisondue to thehealthbenefitsandsuperiortasteofMolokaiaxisdeerThereiscurrentlynosteadysourceforvenisonmeatandvalueͲaddedproductsinHawai`iDJCRanchhasstatedinitsmarketingplanthatinthefirstyeartheycouldprovidevenisononaseasonalbasisandinitiallyproducegroundvenison and sausages As herd numbers increase additional markets could potentially beopeneduptoWholeFoodsandCostco CurrentlyDJCRanchhasaUSDA licensetoslaughtervenisonandcouldutilizetheMolokaiSlaughterhouseThecompanyisFDAapprovedthroughthe USDA with its own stamp and seal formarketing The products that DJC Ranch hadconsideredmarketingwere
1 Groundvenisonforhumanconsumptionandalsodogfood2 9differentsausageswhichithasdevelopedandsuccessfullymarkettested3 Venisoncornedbeef4 Freshcuts5 Innards
ThereismuchpotentialinthisareaandhopefullyinvestmentscanbesuccessfullyacquiredtoimplementDJCRanchrsquosplanAdditionally theremaybeopportunity tocreateacollaborationbetweendeer ranchersandfarmerssufferingfromcrop lossesduetodeergrazing ifaplancouldbeundertakentodivertdeerfromcultivatedlandsandabsorbthemintoranchingoperationsAquacultureEffortshavebeenmadetorestorefishpondsandhavemetwithsomesuccessforsubsistenceuses State regulations affecting the restoration andutilizationof theseponds limituses tosubsistenceandeducationalpurposesmaking itdifficult toutilize theponds for commercialaquacultureThisisunfortunategiventhehardworkonthepartofthecommunityandfederalfunds invested inProjectLoko I`aatrainingprogramthathadservedanestimated20youngMolokai adults in drystack and fishpondwall reconstruction fishpond husbandry live rockcultivation for theaquarium industry shrimpand seaweedaquaculturewater samplingandanalysis leadershipandentrepreneurial skills Theseyoungadultswere trainedwithall thetools to be successful in aquaculture butwere not given the chance to commercially leaseMolokaipondsandestablishabusiness
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 41
PlansandfundingallocatedtoestablishafinfishhatcheryonMolokaiasearlyas1991andtostockfishpondsforcommercialproductionwerestalledandareunlikelytocometofruitionTheMolokai Ice House completed construction at the KaunakakaiWharf in 1993 It wasestablishedbya local commercial fishermenrsquoscooperativeof40 individualswho contributedapproximately 60Ͳ70 of Molokairsquos commercial fish landings The Ice House operatedsuccessfullyfornearlyadecadeprovidingicefreshfishpokeandseaweedforsaleA Native Hawaiian nonͲprofit Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou established a successful limu(seaweed)growersnetworkandlimubuyͲbackprogramwith30familieslivingalongMolokairsquossouthandcentralshores These familieswere trained incultivationof theedibleandhighlyprizedseaweedGracilariaparvisporacommonlyknownas limuogo Anestimated1000 lbsweeklywereshippedtoOahufishmarketsaswellasdistributedtotheMolokaiIceHouseandvariousstoresonislandintheformoffreshandvalueͲaddedproducts(limusalsaandnamasu)Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou served as amarketer and broker for the families In the endhowever some of themore successful growers opted to sell and distribute their harvestsindependently causing the cooperative typeof structure todismantleanddriving thepricesdownforMolokailimuogoduetocompetitionamongstthegrowersTherearetwoshrimpfarmsonMolokaiMolokaiSeaFarmsinPala`auandKeawaNuiFarmsineastMolokaiKeawaNuiFarmssuppliesSPFcertifiedPenaeusvannameishrimpbroodstockaswellasseasonalharvestsoftilapia fishand limuogo70MolokaiSeaFarmsalsospecializes indiseasefreeSPFPvannameibroodstockandservescustomersthroughouttheworld71PacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsandHawai`iKaiCorporationbothfarmseasaltfromMolokairsquosoceanwaters Thesesaltscarryessentialmineralsandtraceelements Molokaisaltproductionhasreachedaglobalmarketas farasChinaandEurope Productscanalsobe found inMolokaistoresAddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparationMolokairsquoshiddensubsistenceeconomy isastrengththatassistsfamiliestoday inachronicallydepressedeconomyThereisenoughdeergoatandwildpigonthelandandfishonthereeftomeet the peoplersquos protein requirements and provide food security for tomorrow TheHo`olehuaHomesteadcommunitywithfamilyfarmsdottingthelandscapehasenoughproduceandstarchinthegroundtofeedtheircommunityAscomparedtootherislandsMolokaiisinbettershapethanmostifnotallislandsHoweverthereisstillastrongrelianceonYoungBrotherstoshipinfoodtotheislandAtanygiventimethereisanestimated4daysoffoodstockedonMolokairsquosstoreshelvesNodisaster
70KeawaNuiFarmshttpwwwkeawanuifarmscom71MolokaiSeaFarmshttpwwwbroodstockcomHawaiian_SPF_Shrimp_Broodstockhomehtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 42
scenarioplanninghaseverbeenundertakenforhowthiscommunityshouldrespondifonedaythebargedoesnotarriveandalltransportationvenuesbyseaairandlandwereinterruptedAccordingtooneinformantMolokairsquosfoodreservesarestoredonMauibytheAmericanRedCross This iswrong Molokai isoneofthefew islandswithoutamainairportonthecoastalshores In timesofdisaster (eghurricane tsunami) therewouldbebetter accesson theislandtoreceiveassistanceRealisticallyhoweverMolokaiwouldbeofalesserprioritytoshipin food and medical supplies in a Statewide disaster scenario due to the islandrsquos smallpopulationInitialaidwouldbefocusedprimarilyonurbananddenselypopulatedareasontheneighboringislandsIntheMana`eandKaunakakaiareas(eastandcentralMolokai)whereasignificantportionofMolokairsquospopulationisconcentratedtheroadsandmajorityofhomesarelocatedonthecoastwithin the tsunami and flood zone corridor Getting assistance to these areas would beproblematic No major farming takes place in Kaunakakai and Mana`e except for homegardensandsomewetlandtarocultivationinthelushervalleysontheeastsideMonoͲcropping increases risks ofwholesale andmass crop failure Whilemost smallͲscalefarmers are doing diversified agriculture onMolokai not enough effort has beenmade topreserve thehundredsofvarietiesofsweetpotatobreadfruit taroandothercanoeplantsNot enough has been done to cultivate and preserve varieties of regionallyͲadapted openͲpollinatedseedsforhomegardensandsmallscalefarmersUHCTAHRhasthroughitsresearchdevelopedseedsadapted tocertainenvironments Moreeffortmaybeneeded toget theseseedstofarmers
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 43
V RECOMMENDATIONSMitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElementsWindAswindwillcontinuetobeanissueforfarmersespeciallyhomesteadfarmersintheHo`olehuaareaitisimportanttoestablishacomprehensiveprojecttoinstallwindbreaksthatwillhelptoopenupmorehomesteadlandforfarmingCostcanbeafactorforsmallͲscaleandbeginningfarmersThusaccessingfundingandcreatingcollaborativepartnershipswithcoreleadershipisnecessarytomovethisprojectalongOtherthingstoconsider intermsofdecidingwhattypesofwindbreaksto installwouldbetooptimizethepotentialofthewindbreakstoservemultiplefunctionsOnecommoncomplaintamongsthomesteadfarmershasbeenthedestructionofcropsfromgrazingdeerProvidingavegetativewindbreakwith tightplantings could serve as a living fence that keepsout deerSelectingalso fornitrogen fixingspecieswillalsoaddnutrientstothesoilandboost farmerrsquoscropsIdentifiedasakeyprojectintheEnvironmentSectionofMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandisprovidingwindbreaks inHo`olehuaThevision istoplantwindbreaksldquoalongthecoastalpaliaround the central plain andhellip along individual farmersrsquo lots Native trees and treeswithsecondarymarketvalue(fruittreesandhardwoods)rdquoshouldbeutilized72DroughtͲProofingReforestationThecommunity initiateddocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian Islandhas identified in itsAgricultureampAquacultureSectionthefollowingpriorities73
Recognize the limited availability of water as a primary factor in prioritizing suitableagriculturalfoodcrops
Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture foodproduction
Water is a limiting factor in farming especially in light of chronic drought conditions andcontinuousmandatorycutbacksonwateruse from theMolokai IrrigationSystem TherearewaysthatthefarmercanharvestwateraswellasminimizewaterlossPlantingwindbreakswillaidincreatingamicroclimatethatwillreduceevapotranspirationandallowforsomeshadeforcrops that require less sunlight Installing swales and terraces on contour in tandem withplantingswillslowthepathofwaterrunoffcomingontothepropertycreategoodsoakagethatwillbuildthewatertableandnaturallyfeedcropsMulchingandplantinggroundcoverspecies
72MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf73MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 44
alongsidemain crops will retainmoisture and support soil health These droughtͲproofingstrategiesworkinginconcertwillprovideagreatbenefittothefarmerA longertermstrategythatonehomestead farmersuggestedand forwhichhehasbeguntospreadamongstotherhomesteaders is conductingmassplantingsofKukui trees to createaforest forHo`olehua and capture rain He is setting the example by creating a kukui plantnurseryonhispropertyandgivingkeikiplantstootherhomesteadersAdoptionofthesetypesofstrategiesshouldalsobeconsideredbynonͲhomesteaduserswhohaveutilizedthe lionrsquosshareofMISwater ReforestationoftheslopesofMaunaloathathadbeendamagedbycattleranchingandpineapplecultivationwouldalso lessendependenceonwaterdiversions Thishasbeen identifiedasakeyprojectunder the communitydocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandalongwithcertainerosioncontrolmeasuresfortheWestEnd gulches that include installing ldquorock dikes (gabions) hedgerow plantings [and] siltationpondsrdquo74
ProtectingWaterResourceRights
TheWater Code directs the Commission to ldquoincorporate and protect adequate reserves ofwaterforcurrentandforeseeabledevelopmentanduseofHawaiianhomelandsassetforthinsection 221 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Actrdquo75 Additionally by law the HawaiianHomes Commission Act recognizes a twoͲthirdswater preference for homesteaders on theMolokai IrrigationSystem76These lawsshouldbeenforcedandtheDepartmentofHawaiianHomeLandsneedstoactivelyadvocateonbehalfofhomesteaderstoensuretheprotectionoftheir water rights The Department of Agriculture which manages the MIS must alsoresponsiblymeettheStatersquosfiduciarydutybyassuringthatwaterallocationsareincompliancewiththetwoͲthirdsprovisionforhomesteaders
WildAnimalControl
A number of farmers plagued by deer have opted to allow subsistence hunting on theirpropertyorhunt thedeer themselvesOthersare installing fencing tokeep thedeerout AlocaldeerranchersurmisedthatalotofthedeerareoriginatingfromdryMolokaiRanchlandsandmovingtowardsthehomesteadregionofHo`olehuainsearchofwaterandfoodThisdeerfarmerwouldliketoworkwithMolokaiRanchtoleaseandexpandhisoperationsontoRanchlandserect fencingandprovideadequatewater for thedeer toprevent them from invadingtheHomestead Withcollaborationamong farmersMolokaiRanchand localdeer ranchersthiscouldprovideawinͲwinsolutionforall
74MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf75HawRevStatSection174CͲ101(a)76HawaiianHomesCommissionActsect221(d)1920amended1955
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 45
IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth
Typicallyweeds are found in disturbed areas Weeds are bioͲindicators of soil health andstructureTheyservedifferentfunctionsandareoftenpioneerspeciesthatcomeintoasystemearly on to create optimal conditions for the next stages of succession into amorematuresystem Differentweedsperformdifferent functions suchasaddingnitrogen to the soil reͲmineralizingthesoilwithdeeptaprootsthatbringnutrientsbelowuptothesurfacelooseningcompacted hard pan soils to allow for aeration and room for new seedlings to grow andstabilizingfragileandexposedsoilswithrootstructuresthatfanoutmorewidelytoholdloosesoiltogetherThekeyistoselectspeciesthataremoreusefultothefarmerthanthenaturalordisturbedvegetationandovertimethesespecieswilloutcompeteweedyvarietiesDiversifyingcropsandmimickingnaturalsuccessiondoingtimestackingwithdenserplantingsofperenniallegumesgroundcoverswindbreaks fruit treesandvinesofpreferredspecieswillallow formaturation of the system create better soil health and select out nonͲfavorable weedyspeciesOne farmerwhooperatesanorganicpapaya farmdoesthe followingtopreservesoil fertilityandcontrolpests77 Utilizesa localmanufacturerfromOahuwhorecyclesusedcookingoilfatsbonesandfish
collected from restaurants foodmanufacturersand fishoutletsand turns thiswaste into100 certified organic soil amendments Tons of rawmaterialwaste now diverted fromlandfill
Usesdolomiteandcrushedcoraltoamendsoilorgypsumassubstitute Growssunnhemponrestingfieldstohelpwithnematodesandfixnitrogeninsoil Providescovercropofgrassesandweedsbetween rowsofmaturepapaya trees irrigated
withmicroͲsprinklerstokeepmoistureandlifeinthesoil Maintainsadiversefloraratherthanengaginginmonocropping Responds to cut worms (seasonal) by planting extra seedling trays to replace damaged
seedlings Sprays kumulus (organic sulfur) and baking soda to combat powderymildewmites and
thrips Ripsandairsoutoldfieldsandrestsfieldsforatleast15monthstoaddressnematodeissue Focusesongrowingthestrongesthealthiestplantstoprovidegreaterresistancetopests
77UniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesFeaturedFarmerRickTamanahaKaleikoafarmsHo`olehuaMoloka`iHĈnai`AiNewsletterJuneͲJulyͲAugust2011httpwwwctahrhawaiiedusustainagnewsarticlesV8ͲKaleikoaFarmsͲFFpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 46
AddressingHighOperationalCosts
EquipmentAccessSeveralcommunitypartnerscametogethertoaddressoneofthemajorimpedimentsforsmallfarmersonMolokai access toequipment TheMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityndashKeAupuniLƃkahipurchasedatractoraspartofaplannedequipmentrentalprogramadministeredbyUHCTAHR and the Hawaiian Homestead Association TheMolokai Rural Development ProjectpurchasedtractorimplementstofurtherassistthefarmersTheseimplementsincludedaJactoArbusAirblast Sprayerwith TractorMount to assist farmers in spraying their fieldswithoutadded labor Samp A AG 20 Spreader to allow growers to improve their soil pH and organicmatter Miller Bobcat 250 welder to aid farmers in repairing and fabricating tools andimplements aswell as serve as a training tool inwelding and farmmechanics and aGreatPlainsSubSoilerSS1300toassistfarmersinfieldpreparationwithminimalsoildisruptionWhilefarmerswillstillneedaccesstootherformsofequipmenttocutdown laborandtimetheEquipmentRentalModel isagoodone that shouldbe replicated tobenefit theMolokaifarming community overall and ameliorate farmersrsquo chances of success by bringing theirindividualcostsdownShipping
Howtotacklehighshippingcosts Consolidation Compilecargoandnegotiatewithcarriersbased on volume78 This could be handled formally through a cooperative structure orinformally through a hui of farmers The Molokai community has also recommendedcommissioning a ldquostudy to explore new alternatives for transportation links (air and sea)betweenMolokaiandotherareasandmarketsrdquo79Another alternative that Sust`ĈinableMolokai is preliminarily exploring is the feasibility ofprovidingasailingvesselequippedwithchillspacethatwouldideallybepoweredbyrenewableenergy (egwind solar) to serve as a communal shipping vessel forMolokai exports andimportsOneofourconcernsisnotonlythehighshippingcoststhatresidentsincurbutalsodealingwiththeinevitableconsequencesofglobalpeakoilandhelpingtoincreaseourislandrsquosfuelandenergysecurity
78Youn JL ldquoRootsofChange ToRichardNelsondiversification ismuchmore than justabuzzwordrdquoHawaiiBusiness Magazine February 2004 httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange79 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1105 InfrastructureTransportationAlternativesp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 47
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoodsOne of the areas where some farmers feel challenged is marketing and distributing theirproducts offͲisland While some of themwant to take advantage of better pricing on theneighbor islands the lackofknowledgeandexperience inpenetrating thosemarketscanbedauntingfortheMolokaifarmerItwasalsoexpressedtousfromvendorsandrestaurantsthatit is difficult to determine which farmer is selling what and to achieve a level of productconsistencyamong individualfarmers ForMolokaistoresandrestaurants itwouldbeeasiertodealwithabrokerdistributorormarketingteamwho isplugged intotheMolokaifarmingcommunityandcouldconsolidategoodsamongstallfarmersandachieveafairpriceforthemCoststoretainthisdistributorcouldalsobesharedamongstthefarmersThisdistributorcouldalso handlemarkets on neighboring islandsmainland and internationally and remove theheadachefromfarmerswhojustwanttofarmOriginallytheHiki`olaFarmersCooperativewassetuptosellanddistributefarmersrsquoproductsandhelptoremovethe impedimentsandpersonalchallengesfarmersface inmarketingtheirproduceandproducts independently HoweverthisprovedunsuccessfulbecauseofproductinconsistencyThismaybeanongoingchallengebutnotcompletelyinsurmountablePerhapsmorecarefulfarmplanningandcollaborationwithfarmersmaybeneededtocollectivelygrowspecific items tomaintainacertainvolumeandconsistency Issuesof seasonalityhoweverwillalwaysimpactconsistencyMarketingFarmers couldalso increase theirprofits throughappropriatebrandinga common logoandsharedwebsitefeaturingldquoGrownonMolokairdquoorldquoMadeonMolokairdquoproductlineThiswouldalsohelpprospectivevalueͲaddedfoodentrepreneurswhoarechallengedbyhighstartͲupandinsurancecoststhatcomeswithdevelopingaproductdesigningalogoandlabelandcomingupwithappropriatepackagingUnderonebrandandacommoninsurancethesecostscanbeminimizedandthevalueͲaddedproducercouldfocuschieflyoncreatingaqualityproductFarmersMarketampCommunitySupportedAgricultureMolokairsquoscurrentSaturdaymarketlocatedintheheartofKaunakakaiTownisanopenmarketwherethereareavarietyofitemssoldartscraftsvarioussundriesbakedgoodsandavarietyof vegetablesand fruits Ithasbeen suggested that theMolokaiopenmarketbe improvedupon to reflect a true farmersmarket Improvementswould includeproviding chill space toprovide other products like Molokai grass fed beef and seafood showcasing valueͲaddedMolokaiproductssellingmoreandbonafideMolokaiproduceandincreasingaccessibilityforlow income families to fresh local produce and other foods through undergoing the formalprocessandclearancetoacceptEBTfoodstamps
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 48
FarmersMarkets serve as an important venue for farmers to sell directly to customers andcreatepositiverelationshipswiththemForthosewhoprefertofarmandleavethesellingandmarketingtoothersalocaldistributorcouldfillthoseshoesSomehavesuggestedthatseveralfarmersmarketsbeestablishedwithinthevariousdistrictsofthe island (east central and west Molokai) to make local foods readily accessible to allconsumersAnother suggestionwas thatMolokai create its own local dollar or Local Exchange TradingSystem (LETS) amongst a communityor groupofpeoplewhomutually agree toextend andearn credit from each other through a series of transactions and exchanges of goods andservicesDirectbarterbetweenpartiesisnotnecessaryratheronecanearnLETScreditsfromperformingaserviceorgivingagoodandbereciprocatedatalatertimeforgoodsorservicesofequalvalue(egprovidingbabysittingservicestoearncreditsandreceiveplumbingworkinreturn)LETSallowscommunitiesgreater flexibilityandcreatesequalityamong itsmembersofferingvaluebeyondtheconventionalmonetarysystemSome farmers create their own market by operating a CSA or Community SupportedAgricultureTheWaialuaPermafarmhasbeenoperatingsuccessfullyforabout30yearsnowasaCSATheWaialuaPermafarmhasfamiliesthatregularlysubscribetotheirCSAandpurchaseweekly or biͲmonthly boxes of veggies and fruits The Waialua Permafarm provides animpressive listing of vegetable and fruits that they grow with customers choosing theirfavoritesWhateverisinseasonandpreferredbythecustomeriswhattheCSAprovidesPu`uOHokuRanchalsoprovidesveggieboxesaswellasamore recentoperation runningoutofMahanaGardensOneMolokaiCSAoperatorsuggestedtheSiskiyouSustainableCooperativeinOregonasagreatmodel that could help farmers here to consolidate their efforts and create direct farmer toconsumer relationships Some of the best practices coming from Siskiyou SustainableCooperativeinclude Acollectiveoffarmerswhowantedtoformamarketingandbusinesscooperative Their business plan included visionary goals such as a credit union for farmers a
cooperatively owned state of the art commercial kitchen and seed cleaning facilityaffordablehealthinsuranceforfarmfamiliesetc
Inthefirst2yearsthefarmersdeveloped3marketingvenuesaCSAafarmstandalongtheroadsideandacooperatively runmarketboothEventually theCooperative focusedmoreexclusivelyontheCSAasitprovedmostfinanciallysuccessful
Farmersrsquogoal istoprovidecontinualaccesstomore locallygrownandproducedfoodsandtomaketheCSAboxmoreofaldquooneͲstopshoppingrdquoexperienceformembersTodatetheCSA offers bread cheese eggs flowers beef and buffalo products coffee and honey inadditiontotheregularproduceboxes
CoͲopprovidescertifiedorganicfruitsvegetablesandspecialty itemsproducedon9smallͲscalefamilyfarmsandranches
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 49
Feeds250 families throughcooperativeCommunitySupportedAgriculture (CSA)marketingand distribution program while enhancing the economic viability of their sustainableagricultureoperations
CoͲopoffersasmallsharethatfeeds2peopleandalargesharethatfeeds3Ͳ5peopleCoͲopdropsoffthefoodboxesto7differentspotsonaweeklybasis
ProvidingproducetolowͲincomepopulationsispartofCoͲoprsquosmissionCoͲopprovidesfoodtoACCESSandfoodbanks
CoͲopalsosuccessfullyappliedtoacceptfoodstampsCoͲopunderstandsthateatingfreshhealthyfood is importantforeveryoneespeciallyforthemorevulnerablepopulations likechildrenpregnantandnursingmotherstheelderlyanddisabledThesepeoplearemostinneedofnutrientͲdensehighqualityfoods
CSAmembersalsobenefit from farmdaysofferedby thecoͲopmembersget tosee theirfoodbeing grown andmeet their farmersCoͲop also sends recipes andnewsletterswitheachboxtohelpmemberslearnnewandexcitingwaystopreparetheirvegetables
CoͲopworks toexpandmarkets for localseedproducers toprovidevarietiesofregionallyͲadaptedopenͲpollinated seeds forhomegardenersand smallͲscale farmersCoͲop leasesseed cleaning equipment from a local nonͲprofit to improve seed quality and encouragegrowers toproducemore seedas theequipment saves time Oneof thecoͲop foundingmembers started his own local seed company see websitewwwbiodynamicseedsblogspotcom
CoͲop farms utilize interns as an inexpensive labor pool while providing them withopportunitiesto learnhowtogrow foodandruna farmoperation Inaneffort toprovidequality internships someof thecoͲopmembers formedanonͲprofit toprovideeducationandsocialopportunitiesforfarminternsSeewebsitehttproguefarmcorpsorg
AchievingFinancialSustainabilityThroughMIFFStrategyTodays farmermust possess a diverse skillsͲset to be truly competitive in a globalmarketAccordingtoRichardNelsonpresidentofHawaiiBizlinkLLCanagricultureͲconsultingfirmontheBigIslandnichemarketdevelopmentisthekeytosuccessfulagribusinessinHawaiiratherthan the agricultureasacommoditymindset80 Headds [A]g iseconomicdevelopmentanditisalsotourismVisitorswanttoeattheNalogreensandthefreshfishseethepineappleplantationandvisit theaquacultureoperationsahard look [needs tobe taken in]assistingfarmers with a variety of things including development of market plans business planspackagedesignintroductiontobuyersdevelopmentoftradeshowsandmarketingvenuesforlocalproducers[E]veryfarmerhasgottogetsmarterItsnolongerjustharvestingproductandthrowing it inabinFarmershavetowearmultiplehatsnow81Aswe looktobuildinggreatercapacityinourfarmingcommunitymoreeducationandtrainingmustbeavailableforfarmerstomeettheseemergingtrendsinagriculture
80YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange81YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 50
Farmers are more likely to succeed through diversification The Multiple Income FarmingFamilies (MIFF) model is a strategy for strengthening agribusinesses through generatingmultiplerevenuestreamsOne exampleof aMultiple Income Farming Family isMolokaiMeli inoperation since 2004MolokaiMeli sellspremiumorganic rawkiawehoneyasavalueͲaddedproductThe familymarketsldquomelisticksrdquoorhoneysealed instrawsassimplesnacks Theyalsoprovidedifferentgradesofhoneypremiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyandhoneycombsthattheyadvertiseand sell through their website The family doesnrsquot stop there Their eldest child Elijahdevelopedhisownbusiness around adressing recipeheperfectedmadewithMolokaiMelihoneyTheyoungerdaughtershavealsodevelopedtheirownproductsbeeswaxcandlesandchapstickthataresoldatKumuFarmsandMolokairsquosspecialtyshopsAllfamilymemberssuitupintheirbeekeepingsuitstocareforthebeesInitiallywhentheystartedtheirbusinesstheyhadnot fullyreachedtheir financialgoal insecuringallthestartͲupcoststheyneeded Theylearnedtoadaptandadjustedtheirbusinessplan Whenfacedwithapredicamentthattheywould not receive their bees on time to start their operations smoothly they turned thischallengeintoanewbusinessopportunitybyprovidingtheislandrsquossolebeeremovalservicesThey utilized this initial stock of bees for honey production and continue to replenish theirstoresbymaintainingbeeremovalservicesValueͲAddingampGoingOrganicThecommunitysupportsorganicvalueͲaddedandsustainablefarming82 Encourageandsupportorganicandenvironmentallyfriendlyfarmingmethodstechniques SupporttheproductionofvalueͲaddedproducts SupportthefarmingofcertifiedorganicandornonͲGMOcropsAnexampleofwhereMolokaifarmershaveachievedsuccess is inproducingcertifiedorganicpapayaMolokaiistheonlyplaceintheworldwhereorganicpapayaisgrowncommerciallyAsmallairportrunway that lacks thecapacity toreceive largeplanesand internationalcarriershaskeptMolokaibiologicallypurerthantheother islands inthat ithasnotbeenexposedtothepapaya ringspotvirus likewise thebananabunchy topvirushasalsonot takena strongholdonMolokaibananaKumu Farms is a local distributor of organic sunrisestrawberry papaya In themidͲ1990sKumuFarms invested inandbuiltaforcedͲhotͲair(FHA)chemicalfreetreatmentfacilitywiththeapprovalof theUSDepartmentofAgriculture to treat itscertifiedorganicpapayaonsiteand distribute directly to its various markets throughout the State of Hawai`i the USMainland and Canada83 Thirty percent (30) of the organic papaya supply comes from
82MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf83KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 51
homesteadfarmingfamilieswhoarepartofKumuFarmsldquosatelliteprogramrdquo84ThesefarmersarepaidbyKumuFarms$075lbfororganicpapayawhichismorethandoublewhatfarmerstypicallygetforconventionalGMOpapayaat$030lb MolokaiOrganicPapayaretails inthemainlandUSat$5lbProducingcropsorganically isawaytovalueͲaddandenteranichemarket This isespeciallyusefulforsmallfarmswhocannotcompetewithlargeproducersOneofthesatellitefarmshasexpressedadesiretobegindistributingandmarketingitsorganicpapayaindependentlyofKumuFarmstorealizedirectmarketprofitsInanycaseKumuFarmsplaysavaluablerole inproviding itsownFHAchemicalfreetreatmentfacilitydoingoutreachto small farmers to assume the costs of shipping distribution and marketing For manybeginning farmers these types of opportunitiesmitigate some of the costs of running anagribusinessandgivethemaleguptogrowandeventuallyexpandtheirownenterprisesThe 2010 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process forMaui Countyidentified the main economic sectors forMauiMolokai and Lanai islands They includeAgriculture Arts and Entertainment Government Healthcare Recreation and SportsRenewableEnergyResearchampDevelopment (RampD)and theVisitor Industry MolokaiCEDSparticipantshave identifiedprioritygoalsandobjectivesundereachsector ForAgricultureampAquacultureMolokai residentselectedasapriorityobjectiveaneffective ldquoBuy Localrdquo (ldquoBuyMolokairdquocampaign)andtheestablishmentofaldquoMadeonMolokairdquobrandAdditionally a September 2009 report provided by theMaui EconomicDevelopment Board(MEDB)onldquoEntrepreneurshipandtheFutureofMolokairdquodeterminedfrommultiplesurveysofMolokairsquos business community areas for growth and opportunity for the islandrsquos economyRespondents identified asopportunities ldquouniquelyMolokai lsquonichersquoproducts (organicpapayacoffeecookiesMolokaibreadetc)rdquoandldquovalueͲaddedproducts (tarochipspackageddriedmangococonutandbanana)rdquoIncreasedproductionandmarketingofnewvalueͲaddedfoodproductsprovide longershelf life requires lessvolumeof rawproductandhaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketswishingtotrynewandexoticfoods ValueͲaddingandcreationofnicheproducts thatplay to the strengthsofwhat farmershere cangrowprovidesagreateradvantagetoMolokaiproducersandallowsthemtobemorecompetitiveinthemarket A few years ago theMolokai Rural Development Project (RDP) offered ValueͲAdded FoodProductionTrainingattheLanikehaCommercialKitchen inpartnershipwithHawaiianHomestheMolokaiCommunityServiceCouncilandKƻha`oBusinessCenterThetrainingwasgearedtoestablishingsuccessfulvalueͲadded foodbusinessesto fulfillanichemarketandaid inthediversification ofMolokairsquos agriculture industry RDP designed the training along theMIFFmodelofprovidingmultipleincomestreamsforfarmingfamiliesThelocalfarmerthroughthistrainingcouldsupplementhis income throughvalueͲaddingorconnectwithanentrepreneurwishingtoturnldquowasterdquo(discardedoffͲgradeproduce)intoopportunity
84KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 52
Currently Lanikeha holds a number of anchor tenants that regularly produce valueͲaddeditems Products thathavecomeoutofLanikeha includepoisweetpotatochipshoneyseasaltpestoproductsbakedandcatereditemsUtilizingLanikehaasaCommunityCommercialKitchen Incubator for additional valueͲadded product development and training is key todeveloping new food entrepreneurs on Molokai and strengthening the islands agricultureeconomyAgriͲTourismPriorities identified inMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian IslandrsquosAgricultureAquacultureSectionincludessupportofldquoagroͲtourismendeavorsrdquo85An area in which there is room for growth and diversification is the agritourism industryAccording to the Hawaii Agritourism Association (HATA) agritourism assists farmers withsupplementalincomebyprovidinganichemarketthatinvolvesconnectingtheconsumertothelandandthegrowersbyeducatingthemaboutagriculturalproductsandprovidingadirectandinteractiveexperienceOf theprofitsmade fromagͲtourism relatedactivitiesmost revenuesaregainedthroughonfarmsalesdirecttofarmvisitorsAdditionallymanyoperationsreceiveorders for products after visitors return home suggesting gains made through buildingrelationshipswithcustomersthroughagritourismvenuesAccording toHATAagritourism isagrowingglobal trend thatprovides farmswith income increative ways enhances diversity of visitor experiences while at the same time supportsculturalidentityTheMolokaiResponsibleTourism InitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanprovidesabasisfor identifyingacceptablehostͲvisitorexperiences inkeepingwithMolokairsquoscultureandruralpace 86 Focus group sessions interviews and surveys revealed that residents favoredsustainablecommunitytourismtheelementsofwhichinclude Operationsby localand traditionalpopulation toenhance thequalityof lifeprotectand
restoretheenvironmentalandculturalassetsandengagevisitorsontermsdefinedbythecommunity
Activitiesevolvingasasolutiontoeconomicenvironmentalsocialeducationalandcultural
growthchallenges
85MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf86McGregorDaviannaldquoMolokaiResponsibleTourismInitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanForMoloka`irdquoKe`AupuniLƃkĈhindashMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityFebruary2006httphuinethawaiirdporgmolokaiFinal20Report20Ͳ20with20coverpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 53
Advocating a fair exchange of value between the host and the hosted Preserving the
communityrsquossenseofplacethatbringsdignityandpridetothehost Featuringauthenticandgenuineactivities forguests Sharing realcultureby thepeople
whopracticeit Creatingabalancedratiobetweenthelocalpopulationandvisitorcountsothatthesenseof
placeisnotoverwhelmedbylargescaletourismSomeactionsteps identified tomeet theseprinciples includedculturalexchangeeducationaltoursbuilding thekama`ainavisitormarketworkingwithentrepreneurcohortsestablishingcommunitynetworksandcollaborativeeffortsSuccesswouldbemeasuredwithanincreaseinthe number of jobs in the visitor industry and an increase in contributions to the islandrsquoseconomyfromvisitoractivitiesandretailpurchasesSome Molokai farmers have shown interest in agriͲtourism as evidenced by a programsupportedbytheKƻha`oBusinessCentertheCountyOfficeofEconomicDevelopmentandtheMolokaiAgriculturalDevelopmentProgramafewyearsagotoprovideintroductoryagritourismworkshops and site visits to various farmsonMauiMaui farms likeAli`iKula Lavender andSurfingGoatDairyhaveservedasgreatmentorsTheseactivitieshave inspiredandpromptedMolokai farmersto lookathowtheycan improvetheirown farmingoperationsand increaserevenuethroughdiversificationPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm isoneexampleofagritourismonMolokai The familyprovides farmtoursandgivesvisitorstheldquomacadamiaexperiencerdquothroughaneducationalcomponentandanopportunity to taste and purchase their product Relationships builtwith visitors serve tocreatealoyalcustomerbaseThePurdyrsquosprovidedirectmarketingbymailtocustomerswhohavevisitedtheminthepastThismethodhasbeenquiteeffectiveforthemTherearenegativeviewsonMolokaiabout tourismorconventionalaspectsof tourism thatexploittheHawaiianhostculture One farmerwhodislikestourismstatedhoweverthathehaswelcomedhundredsofpeopleofallagestovisittourandworkonhis family farm Forhimnoproprietarysecretsarekeptjustadesiretoshareknowledgeandthefamilyrsquospassionfor farming In this sense tourism takes a differentmeaning one that ismore about aneducational exchange and an opportunity to volunteer and gain knowledge throughexperiencingaworkingfarmfirsthand
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 54
ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms
Lawsmustbeenforcedtomake it favorabletothe farmerto farm Enforcementofthe lawsthataccuratelydefineagricultureandappropriatefarmdwellingsiscriticaltothemaintenanceofHawai`irsquosinventoryofagriculturallandslestweforfeitafoodsecurefutureforHawai`i
MolokaiisoneofthefewislandsifnottheonlyHawaiianislandthatselfͲidentifiesitsdesiredandprimaryeconomy tobeagriculture rather than tourismThemajorityofour informantsrespondedtothefollowingquestioninthismanner
Question What is your Agriculture Vision for Molokai
ldquoTo truly be the agriculture breadbasket of the Staterdquo
Muchofthissentimentcanbeattributedtoourhistoriclegacyas`inaMomonaandaculturethathasneverforgottenthatthewealthofthe land isdeterminedbyhowmuchfoodcanbeproduced and howmuch can be shared This is the essence ofMolokairsquos two economiesagricultureandtraditionalsubsistence
InkeepingwithavisionforMolokaitobetheagriculturebreadbasketoftheStatefarmerssaythatchangesneed tobemadeby theStategovernment toprovideaguaranteedmarket forMolokai farmers to supply urban and densely populated islands like Oahu rather thanperpetuatingalosingpropositionforMolokairsquosfarmerswhoareforcedtocompetewithotherswhohavemoredirectaccesstothemarket
ExcerptsfromMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandmakescommunityobjectivesclearastothehighprioritygiventoprotectingtheinterestsoflocalagriculture87 Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture food
production Promoteandsupport family farmsonMolokai inorder toprotectagricultureaquaculture
resourcesfromcommercialexploitation Promoteactivitiesand incentives thatwillhelpsupport theeconomicsecurityofour farm
families
AdditionalacreageforAgriculturalParksshouldbereservedtosupporttheexpansionoflocalfamilyfarmsPracticesthatconflictwiththespiritandpoliciesidentifiedforAgParkssuchasleasingorsubͲleasingto largecorporateindustrialagricultureandbiotechcompaniesshouldbeprohibited
87MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 55
Newtrendsrelatedtoan increasingappreciationanddemandfor localandregionalproduceencourage the return of small family farms88 Family farms are important to the soul andresilienceofacommunity Where industrialagriculturecompaniestendtocauseerosionandpollution through destructive practiceswith the use ofmachinery and heavy application ofchemical fertilizersherbicides andpesticides independent small family farmshave amoreintimate relationship with the land and are keen on preserving green and open spaces inalignmentwithcommunityvalues89
Related to thedeclineofsmall family farms is theagingofAmericarsquos farmers Molokai isnodifferent Theaverageageofthefarmerswesurveyedwere54yearsoldwhilethenationalaverage is 5790 The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 70 of the nationrsquosagricultural landwill changehandswithin the next 20 yearsdue to the agingpopulationoffarmers91 Ifthenextgeneration isnot interested infarmingthere isarealthreatthatthesefarmlandswillbeconvertedtononͲagriculturepurposes92 It is imperativethentocultivateanewgenerationofbeginningfarmers
OutreachampEducationIncreasingConsumerAwareness Reviewofsurveyand interviewresponsesstimulated livelyinformalinquiryanddiscussionamongfriendsfamilyandcolleaguesOnesuchdiscussionwasabout the need to raise greater consumer awareness of different kinds of foods herbsvegetablesthatattractthemoreexperiencedpalettebut forwhichthe localpopulationmaynotbeaccustomedtooutsideoftheirowntraditionalfoodsOneobservationthatwasmadebyKumuFarmsisthatsalesarelowinthesummerandpickupagainatthearrivalofsnowbirdsin the fallandwintermonths Hearing localpeople talkabout theirappreciationofgoing toKumuFarmstopickupfreshorganicproducebutareluctancetotrysomeofthemoreexoticherbsbecauseoftheirlackofknowledgeonhowtopreparethemsuggestsadesiretoexploredifferentcuisinesbutnotenoughopportunitytolearnaboutandincorporatethesefoodsintotheir cooking Hosting different tastings and cooking classes that integrate a farm to tableapproachmayhelp to removesome thesebarriers toeatinghealthynew foods With thesetypesofactivitieswecreatemoreeducatedconsumers Severalofour informantshavealsosuggestedraisingawarenessatanearlyagetoeducatethenextgenerationofeatersthroughschoolgardenprogramsthatgivechildrenadirectexperienceandappreciationofcultivating
ͺͺUnited StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof FoodandAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml89ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml90ShuteBldquoANewGenerationofFarmersrdquoTheNewYorkTimesAugust192011httpwwwnytimescomroomfordebate20110817couldͲfarmsͲsurviveͲwithoutͲillegalͲlaborweͲneedͲaͲnewͲgenerationͲofͲamericanͲfarmers91United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml92United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 56
preparingeatingandeventuallybuyingadelightfuldiversityof locallygrownnutritiousandwholefoodsEducatingFarmers Molokaihasgreatresourcesthatassistboththeprospectiveandcurrentfarmer ingaining inͲdepthagriculturalknowledgeand skills TheUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollege (UHMC) Molokai Farm confers an Associates Degree and Certificates in variousAgricultureampNaturalResourcestopics
CertificateofAchievementandASdegrees inHorticultureand LandscapeMaintenanceandSustainableTropicalCropManagement
Certificates of Competence in Agricultural Science Nursery Production and PestManagement
CertificatesofCompletioninTurfgrassSpecialistSustainableTropicalCropProductionandLandscapeMaintenance
Associates in Technical Studies Degree in Cultural and Natural Resource ManagementMĈlama`ina
InthepasttheMolokaiRuralDevelopmentProjectsponsoredtheAgricultureCohorttrainingprogramwhichserved8 farming families (27 familymemberstotal)committedtodevelopingsustainablefamilyfarms93The UHͲCTAHR Molokai Office delivered the training The project employed experientiallearning and instructionalmethodologies as best practices for intergenerational transfer oftechnology and expertise for sustainable agriculture Participants learned marketing farmplanningproductionplanningrecordkeepingcompleterequisitetaxforms(ScheduleF)farmequipmentsafetyandoperationsiteͲselectionassessmentirrigationsetͲupsoilfertilityplantnutritionpestmanagement (weeds insectsdiseases)harvesting commoditiespostͲharvesthandling grading and qualitymanagement organic certification basic computing businesssoftware and custom agricultureͲbased software Participants received training on usingspecialagriculture softwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRMolokaiextensionagentAltonArakakiThe first software they learned was on Production Mapping With this program farmersplannedandprojected theirproductionactivities throughout theyearanddeterminedwhenandhowmuch resourceswouldbeneeded to complete activities successfully TheprogramalsoprovidedfarmersanopportunitytorealisticallyestimateproductioncashflowoftheirfarmplansThesecondsoftwarethey learnedwastheScheduleFfinancialrecordkeepingprogramthatmaintainsrecords inatemplatethatwouldeventuallycompletetheirDepartmentoftheTreasuryProfitandLossfromFarmingIRSScheduleFForm1040AttheendofthetrainingthecohortparticipantsreceivedcopiesofthesoftwareOtherfarmingsoftwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRprovedusefulforfarmentrepreneursenrolledintheprojectThesoftwareincludedPlantTissueAnalysisndashRecordingandTrackingforplantnutritionmanagementandCalibratingYourSprayer(publishedbyCTAHRhttpwwwctahrhawaiieduocfreepubspdfPRREͲ6pdf)
93AkutagawaMalialdquoAgriculturalCohortProjectFinalReportrdquoAugust302007
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 57
Farmfamiliesincreasedtheirknowledgeandexperienceincropproductionandmanagementandapplied theiracquiredskills toestablishingorexpanding their farmbusiness Thecropsproducedbythe8 family farmenterprises includedorganicpapaya(3 farms)yamDioscareaorganicwatermelon and taro greenhouse lettucepumpkin taro (lu`au leaf table taro andvalueͲaddedkuloloproduct)andcoffeeSeveral participants were successful recipients of the Molokai Agricultural DevelopmentProgram awards having enrolled in RDPrsquos Kƻha`o Business Center Entrepreneurial TrainingProgram to receive oneͲtoͲone business consultation and assistance in developing theirbusinessplans
Allcohort familiesmadeprofitandexceededbenchmarkssetbyRDP Anestimated totalof$105000wasmade in cumulative sales over the yearmore than doubling the year 2 endprojectgoalof$50000 The farmproductsweremarketedonͲisland intrastateandon themainlandOrganicpapayasweremarketedtomainlandhubsinLosAngelesSanFranciscoandPortlandFromthesehugecitiestheyweresoldandshippedtoinlandmarkets
From thiscomprehensive trainingparticipants learnedandexperiencedboth theagriculturalsciencesandartofrunningasuccessfulbusinessInthesciencecurriculumparticipantslearnedsubjectmatters insoilplantsplantdiseases insectsweedsplantnutritionmanagementofplant pests and plant nutrition In the agriͲbusiness curriculum participants learned postharvesthandlinggradingorganic certificationmarketingand farmproductionplanningandmanagement Both experiential learning and classroom instruction proved invaluable Themajorityofthesefamiliesremainsuccessfultodaymorethan5yearsaftertheprogramendedTrainingslikethisgivefarmersthenecessarytoolstorunasuccessfulagribusinessUHͲCTAHRcontinues toassistby focusingon teachingbeginning farmersasaway to cultivate thenextgenerationoffarmersandreversethenationwidetrendofanagingfarmingpopulationSust`ĈinableMolokaihasalso focusedoncomplementing thisworkbybringingpermaculture(ecologicalfarming)inpartnershipwiththePermacultureResearchInstituteUSAtointerestedlocal adults and homesteaders to farm responsibly and sustainably From herewersquove beenteachingsustainablefarmingstrategiestoanestimated100MolokaiHighSchoolstudentsandinstallingthefeaturesofaminiͲahupua`aasademonstrationandteachingtoolIt is recommended that tobuilda strong farmingcommunity in thenextgenerationwewillneedtotakeproactivestepsnowandstartpreparingnewfarmersearlyonfromgradeschoollevel with school gardens up through middle and high school as youth begin to exploreagricultureasacareerGeneralagricultureclassescanbesupplementedwithacurriculumthatincludes financial literacyentrepreneurshipbusinesshomeeconomicshealthandnutritionscience (biology ecology chemistry conservation) and engineering aspects From herestudentswill be able to understand agriculture from diverse viewpoints and disciplines anddevelopdifferentskills required foroperatingasuccessful farmenterprise Creatingadirectbridge tohighereducation throughcollegeandcareerpathway ladderprogramsavailableat
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 58
UHMCMolokaiandotheruniversityinstitutionsisidealOnefarmerwhohasastrongbusinessbackgroundandwasabookkeeperformanyyearspriorto farming recommended that youngpeople take courses inbookkeeping and accounting inadditiontoagricultureclassesPerhaps thegreatestways to impart farmingknowledge isbetween farmers SeveralofourfarmersthatweinterviewedindicatedthattheylearnbestfromeachotherandthatthereisadesiretoserveasmentorsfornewfarmerswholackexperienceThisisfeltparticularlyamongMolokairsquoshomesteadfarmersOnefarmerremarkedontheverycloseͲknitcommunityformedonthehomesteadandthatmosthavethesamemindsetthatldquonewopportunitiesforoneareopportunities for allrdquo As a group they rely on each other to share farming techniquesinformation on new equipment and promote their produce together Rarely is therecompetitionamongsthomesteadersbutadesire todemonstrate thatagriculture isa viableeconomicenginefortheislandOtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchersThereareanumberofincentiveprogramsthatassistfarmersranchersandlandownersiftheychoosetointegrateconservationandsustainablepracticesintheiroperationsThisisonewaythat Molokai producers can access critical funding and work with conservation expertsIncentive Programs through the US Department of Agriculture include the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service (NRCS) ndashMolokaiͲLanai Soil ampWater Conservation District(SWCD) which prepares local conservation and watershed management plans providesconservationeducationandpropagatesnativeplantstorestoreHawaiianecosystemsassistsfarmersand ranchers inanumberof federalFarmBillPrograms thatprovides incentives forvoluntary conservation practices to help reduce erosion protect streams and rivers restoreandestablishfishandwildlifehabitatandimproveairqualityo EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)respondstoimportantlocallyidentified
natural resource concerns Funds cover conservationplanningdesignand installation Itmayincludestrategiessuchasnoxiousweedcontrolbrushmanagementpasturehaylandplantingterracesandgroundcover
o GroundampSurfaceWaterConservation (GSWC) supports installationof irrigation related
conservation practices Strategies funded arewater catchment basinsmicroͲirrigationroofrunoffetc
o GrasslandReserveProgram(GRP)assistslandownersandoperatorsintherestorationand
protectionofgrasslandincludingrangelandandpasturelando WildlifeHabitat IncentiveProgram (WHIP) utilized for thecreationand improvementof
fish and wildlife habitat on private land Some practices funded include developingwetlandripariananduplandareas
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 59
o Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) wetland restoration enhancement or creation on
privatelando FarmampRanchlandProtectionProgram(FRPP)helpingstatetribalorlocalgovernmentto
purchasethedevelopmentrightstokeepproductivefarmandranchlandinagriculturaluseo Conservation Security Program (CSP) rewards farmers for protecting and improving the
environment Pays producerswho historically practice good stewardship on agriculturallandsandprovidesincentives
OtherprogramsadministeredthroughNRCSanditsaffiliatesincludeo AgriculturalDevelopment Program (ADP) provides funds to Resource Conservation and
DevelopmentCouncils throughout the nation to administer grants for community drivenprojectsthatpromoteagriculturaldevelopment
o Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) stimulates the development and adoption of
innovativeconservationapproachesand technologieswhile leveraging federal investmentinenvironmentalenhancementandprotectioninconjunctionwithagriculturalproduction
o CooperativeEcosystemStudiesUnit(CESU)provideopportunitiesforinterdisciplinaryand
multiͲagency research technical assistance and education Function as ldquovirtualrdquoorganizationslinkingseveralinstitutionstoincreaseaccesstoexpertiseandfacilities
ImproveRanchingPracticesampMaximizeUseampPotentialofSlaughterhouseThebroaderimpactfortheislandinhavingitsownslaughterhousethemostadvancedfacilityin theStateofHawaii is the revitalizationofMolokairsquos ranching industryWherequalityandincreased volume are paramount ranchers with the right tools may take advantage ofconsumer trends towards making healthier food choices through offering MolokaiͲgrowngrassͲfedorganicbeefasavalueͲaddednicheproduct
TherehavebeencriticismsaboutthequalityofMolokaibeef intermsoftaste Whilevisitorsandhealthconsciousindividualstendtobemorewillingtospendupto$5lbonlocalgrassfedbeeftheaverageMolokaiconsumertendstobemoreconcernedabouttasteAccordingtotheslaughterhousemanagerhighqualitypastureyieldshighqualitybeefandisapreͲrequisiteforenteringanichemarket Ranchersherearenot focusedongrass finishing theircattle HighqualitygrassgrownunderbestmanagementpracticesisneededtocreateagreatbeefproductItwill take time for the ranching industry to see the valueof adopting greatermeasures inalignmentwithorganicranchingpreceptstocaptureanichemarket
Venisonand lambshowmarketpotential Itwillbe interestingtotracktheprogressofthese
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 60
potential enterprises in the years ahead It is recommended thatMolokairsquos stateͲofͲtheͲartslaughterhousebeutilizedtoprocessanddistributemore localmeatandavarietyofanimalsforretailprocessingaswellasvalueͲaddedfooddevelopmentAdditionallythepossibilityandrequirements for processing goat through the slaughterhouse and the potentialmarket fortheseanimals shouldbe furtherexploredasaway toget feralgoats (andmoredeer)downfromthemountainasathreattouplandnativeforestsandontotheplateWemustbegintolookatwaystoturnthreatsintoopportunities
SustainableRanchingThe community has identified as a priority the support of ldquocontinued livestockͲraisingoperationsonMolokaithatusesustainablelandwatermanagementpracticestominimizetheriskoferosionandtoprotectMolokairsquoslimitedwaterresourcesrdquo94Sust`ĈinableMolokaihasbeenresearchingwaystobringthetoolsofHolisticManagementtoMolokai ranchers Theholisticmanagement framework touchesupon theways thatanimalscan play an important role in renewing the land through careful management andunderstandingthewatercyclemineralcycleenergyflowandecosystemdynamics Throughthismethodgrasslandscanbe improved tominimizenegativeeffectsofdroughtrebuildsoilandsequestercarbonaswellasprovidegoodpastureforhoovedanimalswhoareintegratedinto themanagement plan With holisticmanagement livestock actually provide a healingeffectonthelandthroughmimickingnatureandwildherdingbehaviorAnimalscanbeutilizedtoaerate the soilandaid in theplantingofgrass seedwith theirhooveswhilecontributingnutrientstothesoilfromtheirfeceswithhighdensitygrazingforshortperiodsfollowedbyarestorativeperiod Outcomesof this sustainablewayofmanagement include reduced costsand increased profits for the ranch more productive range land biologically active soilsreversal of desertification of eroded lands drought protection restorative effect on thewatershedimprovedwildlifehabitatandecosystemsandfoodsecurityRanchersaroundtheworldhavemetwithgreatsuccessthroughthismethodTherearesomeexamplesontheBigIslandofsuccessfulranchingwithHolisticManagementprinciplesWithappropriateplanningcollaboration and raising the necessary funds Sust`ĈinableMolokai would like to bring aHolisticManagementtrainingworkshoptoassisttheranchingcommunityStrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparednessOne farm business Kumu Farms has taken an active role in responding to food securityconcernsforMolokaiKumuFarmsaftertherecenttsunamiscarebegantoconsiderhowtheycouldhelpinincreasingMolokairsquosfoodsecurityandresiliencetodisastereventsKumuFarmsadoptedapolicy thatmakesMolokai firstpriority in termsof supplying the islandrsquosproduceneedsMolokaineedsaretakencareoffirstwiththesurplusexportedtotherestoftheStateandUSmainland
94MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 61
UH CTAHRwill be providing an `Ohana Gardening class for subsistence gardening Familygardens are the bestway to provide food security There is a phrase by Geoff Lawton arenowned permaculture teacher ldquoOne can solve all problems in a gardenrdquo In a gardendistributionandtransportationissuesareautomaticallyresolvedOthermeasuresthatcanbetaken to make food readily accessible to families and minimize the amount of time andresources to travel by foot is toworkwith families to plant breadfruit trees sweet potatobananaswet or dryland taroMany Hawaiian families particularly living on kuleana landsalreadyhavetheseplantsandtrees inthegroundasdirectbeneficiariesoftheirkupunawhocommonlyprovidedforthefamilyrsquosneedsrightintheirownbackyardOne farmer would like to see food forests on the mountain sides in every ahupua`aCollaborationwith large landownerscommunitygroupsand theahaki`ole leadershipwouldbeagoodstartingpointtocoordinatethistypeofworkMolokairsquos strength also lies in its diversified agriculture and family farms The use of largeacreagesof farm land forbiotech seedcropsutilized for researchpurposesonly impacts theislandrsquos food security and ability to produce food Typical industrialmonocrop culture alsoleavestheislandmorevulnerabletomasscropfailureGreaterresilienceisfoundthroughdiversificationoffoodcropsReintroducingthepracticeofseedsavingandgrowingmanyvarietiesofheirloomseedsadaptedtospecificgrowingregionsand climate regimes is away to increase food security Greater effortmust be placed increatingaseedbankpreservingandplantingexistingseedvarietiesparticularlycreatedbytheearlyHawaiians and passed down to the present generation and cultivating new varietiesadaptedtoonersquosgrowingareaRestoration ofWaikolu Valley was identified as a priority project under theMaui CountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)processTherestorationprojectwouldentailallowinghomesteaderstorestorethetaroterracesinthevalleyandreplanttaro95Molokairsquosgreat inventoryoffishpondsandmassivefringingreefsystemarealsoassetstotheislandrsquosabilitytoproducefoodCaremustbetakentorestoreuplandforeststostopsiltationandrunoffintotheoceanandfishpondsWorkmustbeundertakentorestoremorefishpondsandputthembackintoproduction
95Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter4ndashMauiCountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy2010ShortRangePriorityProjectsp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 62
ConclusionFarming is challenging onMolokai due to limited water resources high operational costsshippinghurdlesandtheabilitytogeta fairprice forproduce farmed Thesechallengesarenot insurmountable ifapproachedsystematicallyandcontinuedeffortsandcommitmentsaremade byMolokairsquos community to support local agriculture through education and creatingstructuresthatpoolresourcesandpeopletogetherThe island ismadestrongerby theassetswehavearichcultural legacyof `Ĉinamomonaapopulation thatmaintains traditional subsistence practices and upholds agriculture as theeconomic mainstay for the island lands fishponds and reefs capable of producing vastamounts of food a strongHawaiianHomestead farming community engaged in diversifiedagriculture a college and demonstration farm that offers agriculture certificate and degreeprograms local stateͲofͲtheͲart slaughterhousea community run commercialkitchen facilityforvalueͲadded foodproductionand trainingdedicatededucatorsandagricultureextensionagents from the University to help farmers in the field and an environment that ismorecooperativethancompetitiveintermsofsharingknowledgeandbestpractices
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 63
VI APPENDICES
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sustrsquoaina ble Molokai Survey Food Production amp Security
Do you care or think about where your food comes from ___yes ___no Do you prefer to buy local Molokai food products __ yes ___no __no preference Would you eat more local food if it were available __yes __no If yes what would you like to eat or buy if made grown on Molokai_______________________________________________________________________________ Do you feel you have access to locally grown food in the grocery stores and open markets ___yes ___no If no
what do you suggest to improve this situation_______________________________________________________
Are you a farmer or interested in farming ____ yes ____no If yes how old are you_________________
If yes what do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other ________________________________
What produce do you (plan to) farm_______________ ______________________________________ How much land are you farming (or is available for you) a Less than one acre b 1 ndash 5 acres c 15 - 40 acres d 40 acres or more
Do you grow your own food (farm gardening) _____ yes ______no If no what is the primary reason for not
growing your own food __Too busy __ Not interested __ Relying on others __Disabled __ Donrsquot know
how Other Reason _____________________________
Approximately what percentage of the food you eat is Prepared at home ______ Purchased from a restaurant ______ (total should equal 100)
Of the food you prepare at home approximately what percentage is grown caught andor produced (total should equal 100)
a By you andor your family ______ b On Molokai_______ c In Hawaii ________ d Outside Hawaii________
Would you grow food for sale if there were a viable market (guaranteed customer) (or more food if you already grow)
__Yes __No What subsistence activities do you do If none why (no interest no time donrsquot know how)
aHunting b FishingDiving c Gathering (what___________________) Other ______________ None because _______________________
To practice subsistence on Molokai we need our natural resources to be in good conditionprotected and we need access Which one is a bigger concern for you ___Conditionprotection of our natural resources ___Access to natural areasresources ___Both ndash equally
Overall how important is subsistence to your family ___Very Important ___Somewhat important
___Somewhat Unimportant ___Not Important at all
About what percent of your familyrsquos food comes from subsistence activities (fishing hunting gathering raising
animals cultivation) ________
AppendixA-FoodProduc0onampSecuritySurvey
Food Production ndash Informant Interviews ndash Farmers
Sustainable Molokai is creating an online database where we are inputting information about the islandrsquos food production We want to share what you are growing as well as include your manarsquoo on the status of Molokairsquos food supply Once this information is available to the public the island community would have a picture of what is going on in terms of food security and how we can all get together to fill in the gaps and meet needs
How old are you how long have you been farming
What produce do you farm or are interested in farming How much land is available for you
What has been your best cash crop
Has farming your specific productproduce been successful
What do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other___________________________
Do you sell or plan to sell food mostly on island What is your vision for an agricultural future for this island
AppendixB-InterviewQues0onsforFarmers
Food Security Interview Questions for Businesses
Sustainable Molokai is working on a database project which is collecting information about Molokairsquos food production We are surveying the community and would like to talk story with the islandrsquos grocery stores
Out of a 100 how much percentage of what you sell out of the store is locally grownproducedmade
If itrsquos not Molokai made where does the produce come that is being sold out of the store
What Molokai madegrown products do you sell out of the store
What are the requirements for local food to be sold out of your store (eg business license)
What is the most popularsuccessful or fastest selling local product sold
What do you consider to be the challenges that farmers face on Molokai
What would you like to sell that is Molokai made
Do you have any suggestions to potential farmers food businesses on Molokai What to sell when to sell etc
AppendixC-InterviewQues0onsforBusinesses
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 2
The Land and People Past and Present This island also produced themost famed andpowerful kahuna (priests) known for their Pule O`o (potent and ripened prayers) KahunafinishingschoolsforhigherlearningwerefoundhereMolokaiisalsoKaHulaPikobirthplaceof the dance (the giving and expression of life) and also the origin of its counterpart lua(martialartsasbringerofdeath)Togethertheyformthenecessarydualityofthehealerandwarrior to become one complete artOne comes to know the descendants of this land toexpressthatsamedualityakindnessandfriendlyopennessmingledwithanintenseferocityasprotectorsanddefendersofMolokaiNuiAHinaGreatChildofHinaSeventyͲtwopercent(72)ofMolokairsquospopulation isofNativeHawaiianancestryThe islandhasnostoplightsandnobuildingstallerthanacoconuttree Cardoorsarerarely locked AtrafficͲjamonMolokai isdescribedastwovehiclesstopped inthemiddleoftheroadwhiletheiroccupantstalkstoryanddriversbehindthemwaitpatientlyfortheconversationtoendAt least oneͲthird of the averageMolokai familys diet comes from traditional subsistenceactivities(huntingfishinggatheringandfarming)Itiscommonpracticetoexchangefishforvenisonbreadfruitfortaroandtogivefoodtokupuna(elders)whonolongercanfishorhuntforthemselves Whilenostrangertowestern influencesandthetragedyofthecommonsoftheislandsMolokaihasbestmanageditsnaturalresourcesandmaintainedagreatersenseofitsheritageas`ĈinamomonaSubsistenceandMolokairsquosEconomy As theplanemakes itsdescent the islandmoves intogreaterfocusOneseesadeepscarringofthelanddenudedlandscapesfromtheintroductionofhoovedanimals (goatdeerandcattle)decadesofheavyranchinghugewaterdiversionsthat were used for destructive plantation agriculture and now in support of the GMOcompaniesEroded gullies transport silt into the sea chokingonce abundant fishpondswithtoxic chemicalͲladen soils and inundating the largest contiguous fringing reef in the USDespite declining resources Molokai residents persist by supplementing their diet withsubsistence foods grown gathered caught fished andhuntedOne can say thepeoplenotonlysubsiston traditional foodsasaculturalpracticebutoutofnecessityBurdenedwitha12unemployment ratecoupledbyahighcostof living (gascostscurrentlyat$549gallonhighshippingcostsofgoodsbroughtbybargethatarepasseddowntothefamilyrsquosgrocerybilland100dieselpoweredelectricitycosting45centskwh)thepeopleturntotraditional lifeskillstostretchtheirdollarsTheyalsorelyonextended`ohana(families)andfriendsformutualbarteringandgoodwillAPlaceofContrasts Upon landingonMolokairsquos shortairstripone cannothelpbut takeacooling and restorative breath and absorb the surroundings of a truly beautiful andmostspecial island Over timeone realizes thatMolokai is aplaceof contrastswherepast andpresentabundanceandscarcityeaseandhardshipoccupythesamespaceOnewondershowtochangetheparadigmsothebestofthepastbecomesthe futureandthe futurebecomesthe present ͲͲwhere the land flourishes and the people thriveOur goal is to become theabundanceourancestorssaweverydayoftheir livesthatwemayrestorethepono (balanceandrightrelationship)andembracethetruemeaningofsustainability
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 3
MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandandtheWorkofSust`ĈinableMolokaiResidentstookitupon themselves to compile decades of community planning and identified cultural andfoundational values into a culminating and living document titled ldquoMolokai Future of AHawaiianIslandrdquo Itsetthestagefortheworkour islandwillundertakeforthenext40yearsandbeyond Itservedasacalltoactionthatresulted inthe formationofthisgrassrootsͲlednonprofit organization Sust`ĈinableMolokai The document has attracted the interests ofdecisionͲmakers in state and local government conservationists and environmentalistsHawaiian and other indigenous groups and green innovators It examines community andculturalvalues forwhich futuredecisionͲmakingshallbeguided It identifiesopportunities ineducation (both modern and traditional) business and vocational training diversifiedagricultureandaquacultureresponsible landusemanagementrestorationandstewardshiptomaintainopenspaceandprotecttraditionalsubsistencehostͲbasedculturallyappropriatemodels for tourism green jobs promoting energy selfͲsufficiency water conservationconvertingrelianceonfossilͲfuelͲpoweredautomobilestothoserunonrenewableenergyandatraditional`ahaki`olelocalgovernancestructurethatraisescommunityparityAs coͲauthors of this document our core leadership subsequently founded a grassrootsinitiativein2008toensurethattheplanwouldnotsitonashelftoholdunfulfilledcommunityhopesanddreams In2010weofficially incorporatedasa501(c)(3)nonprofitto implementtheplanpreserveourislandsrichcultureandhistoriclegacyof`ĈinamomonawhileembracingmodernpathwaystoasustainablefutureTheSust`ĈinabilityWheel
We define sust`Ĉinability in terms of restoringabundance or `Ĉinamomona to the land and people`ina reflects a covenant between the people and thelandwhereEarthsbountygoeshandinhandwithgoodstewardshipWeaskedourselveswhatmakesahappyhealthy and sust `Ĉina ble community We came upwiththe12priorityareasWesawthese12componentsas spokes on awheel connected to a central hub thatheldthemalltogetherThatcoreisthelokahi(unity)andthepono(harmony)betweenthelandandpeoplewhenwehonorthecovenantthatcomeswiththeword`INA
12ndashPOINTSUST`INABILITYWHEEL
CulturalIdentity LocalGreenEconomy CulturalandEnvironmentalEducation
FoodSovereigntyandSecurity WaterQualityandConservation RenewableEnergy
EnergyEfficientTransportation GreenBuildingandAffordableHousing
HealthyEnvironmentandAbundantResources
ResponsibleLandUseandProtectingSubsistence
ZeroWasteRecyclingandReͲUse CommunityHealthSafetyandWellͲBeing
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 4
Moloka`iͲpedia and the Agriculture Needs Assessment Moloka`iͲpedia is a projectundertakenbySust`ĈinableMolokaiforthepurposeofcreatingstrongercommunitynetworksinformingkeystakeholdersincreasingequityandaccesstopublicandprivatepartnershipsandresources andmobilizing our people to build as well asmeasure our progress towards asustainablefutureTheconceptforMoloka`iͲpediastemsfromour2009Sust`ainableMolokaiResource Guide that is based on our 12Ͳspoke Sustainability Wheel Positive communityinvolvementhaspromptedtheexpansionofthisworkTheprojectaddressesthecurrentlackof data specifically for our geographic area The majority of information on Molokai issubsumed within a triͲisle county system that does not account for the vast differencesbetween our rural island of 7345 to tourismͲfocused Lanai and urbanMauiwith amuchhigherpopulationdensityFurtherthereisnodatacollectiononthe12areasofsustainabilityidentified by our project Moloka`iͲpedia also seeks to address the isolation that manyindividualsandorganizationsoperate inThis siloͲeffectmakesusall ineffectiveSust`ĈinableMolokaiaimstoutilizeMoloka`iͲipediaasatooltoshowhowvariousentitiescanbenefitfromcollaboratingPublicprivateandnonprofitentitieswillbeabletoaccessspecificdatasetsseeaclearpictureofneedsͲtoͲassetsratiosmobilizecollectivelytofillexistinggapsandcapitalizeonavailableassetsandresourcestoachievesharedgoalsOuronlineopensourcedatabase isbeingorganizedalongthe12spokesoftheSust`ĈinabilityWheel Within each section we are collecting baseline and new data to provide acomprehensiveoverviewintheformofaldquoneedsandassetsassessmentrdquoofMolokairesourcesOncecompletewewillbeabletoseewhatwehaveandwhatismissingThiswillinformournext stageofworkandhelpus toeffectivelypursue solutionsonourpath to sustainabilityMoloka`iͲpediawillassistus inoureducationtrainingandadvocacyworkhelpusto identifyexistingcommunityassetsandinherentchallengesandfillcomplementaryrolesthatadvancelocaleffortsThisvehiclewillfacilitatethekuleana(responsibility)weplaceonourselvestobearchitectsofourowndestinyand indevelopinghomegrownsolutionsthatworkbest Inoursuccessothersalsosucceed Ourstrategyaimsto identifypartnershipsbetween individualscommunitygroupsbusinessesgovernmentalagenciesandotherserviceproviderswhocouldbenefitfromworkingtogetherWe envision Moloka`iͲpedia to serve as a tool for citizen empowerment returning dataownership to community toeffectmeaningful change and solutionsMoloka`iͲpediaensurescommunityselfͲdetermination inhowdata iscollectedandutilizednot justscientificallybutresponsibly ethically andwith good intent Itnecessitatesongoing community engagementwithnotonlythedataandthetechnologybutalso insharing ideasMoloka`iͲpediawillgiveeverydaypeopleaccesstoreal informationthat is importanttothemandthat improvestheirlivesespecially inatimeofgovernment inefficiencyandwastewheredecisionmakersoftendisconnectandabdicatetheirfiduciaryresponsibilityforthepeopleandplacestheyrepresentWhencitizensdetermine for themselveswhatdatasourcesare informationͲrichandofgreatvalue (including stories shared by kupuna farmers fishermen teachers coaches and
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 5
grassroots leaders)then life isbreathed intothedataand ithasthepowertotransform livesforthebetterThefirstsustainabilitytopicwehavebeguntosurveyourpopulationonisinFoodProductionToaidus in thisendeavorwesearchedexisting literatureonagriculturegenerallyaswellascombed through references toMolokaiͲspecificagriculture Thisbaselineworkhelpedus todetermine gaps in the data and refine our interview and survey questions The followingbackground information isprovidedtohelp layafoundationandcontextualbackdropforourstudy
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 6
II BACKGROUND
AStatewideOutlook
Agriculture isamajorcontributortoHawai`irsquoseconomyand isessential forproviding foodtoresidentsaswellasgeneratingrevenuethrougharobustexportmarket1Agriculturegenerates$29billion toHawai`irsquosannualeconomyandproduces42000 jobs2However there ismuchroomfor improvement intermsofprovidingenoughfoodforthe islandsaswellas increasingrevenuesfortheState
From Plantation Agriculture to Biotech Seed Crops Towards the end of the 20th centurymonocropplantationagriculture(sugarpineapple) lost itseconomicedgedueto lowerwageforeign competition3 Industrialized corporate agriculture in Hawai`i has shifted to biotechcropsnamelygeneticallymodifiedseedcornresearch4
WhilebiotechseedcropshaveprovenmosteconomicallylucrativeforHawai`iagriculturewithaprofitvalueof$177million in the2008Ͳ2009growingseason5allocatingpreciousacreageand limitedwaterresources toGMOseedcropresearchwould in the longͲtermcompromisethe Statersquos overall food security and limit the Statersquos ability to provide locally healthy andnutritiousfoodsIndustrialnonͲsustainablefarmingpracticesthatincludeheavyapplicationofsynthetic fertilizers and pesticides further degrade the ecological health and viability ofHawai`irsquosprimeagriculturallandsforpresentandfuturegenerations
AgroecologyHawai`irsquosgeographic isolationasan islandarchipelago leaves itmostvulnerableto food and fuel shortages natural disasters drought and rising sea levels associatedwithglobal climate change Measures to increase resilience and adaptability include adoptingagroecological approaches ldquoapply[ing] ecological science to the design of agricultural1State of Hawai`i Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism Office of Planning Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)ExecutiveSummaryii20102HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday3Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp4Ͳ5 ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50million Likewise thepineapple industryproduced954000 tonsof fruit in1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74millionͶHawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp5ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50millionLikewisethepineappleindustryproduced954000tonsoffruitin1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74million5ldquoTheHawaiiDepartmentofAgricultureestimatesthevalueofseedcorngrowingat$169millioninthe200809growingseasonmorethandoublethevaluefromthe200506ItrepresentedaboutoneͲthirdthevalueofallcropsgrowninthestatein200809rdquo5Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp30Ͳ31
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 7
systemsrdquo6Thismethodology includespracticesthatenhancethe life inthesoilthatprovidesnutritiousorganic food integratedpestmanagement throughguildingwithbeneficialplantsandtreesandattractingnaturalpredatorinsectsandanimalstoprotectcropsandselectingforbiodiversitytominimizecroplosses
Organic Farming Renewed interest in sustainable agricultural practices have arisen from aburgeoning organic industry and standards for organic certification that stress ecologicallybased farming and exclusion of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and geneticallymodifiedorganisms7TheUSorganicindustrynetted$178billioninretailsalesin2007approximately25intotalnationalfoodsales8Worldwidevalueoforganicproducestoodat$30billionasof2005witha14annualincreasesince20009Acreagededicatedtoorganicagriculturehasincreased20annuallysince2001with78millionacresinproductionworldwideasof200610Hawai`irsquos growth hasmirrored global and national trendswith State sales of organic cropsincreasing60between2005and2007from$5millionto$8million11Organic foods have becomemoremainstream with outlets including regular supermarketsrather than just the typical small natural food outposts12Whole FoodsMarket Inc has inrecentyearsestablishedapresenceinHawai`iWithitsreputationforbuyingfromsmalllocalfarmers the presence ofWhole Foods serves as an incentive for Hawai`i farmers to groworganicfood13Thereareanestimated200certifiedorganicproducers intheStateoperatingon a median of 5Ͳ13 acres of land14 The Big Island holds the most acreage for organicproductionat58followedbyMaui(22)Kaua`i(11)Molokai(7)andOahu(2)15TheindustrywillcontinuetoexpandwithincreasingconsumerpreferencefororganicfoodsBuyLocalEatLocalCommonthemesaroundagricultureemergedfromfocusgroupmeetingsconductedaspartofHawai`irsquos2010StatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS) These included support for diversified agriculture and increasing food security bysupportingFarmersMarketsandldquoBuyLocalEatLocalrdquo initiatives16TheHawai`iFarmBureauFederation StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculture andUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UHͲCTAHR) have sponsored these type ofcampaignsademphasizethefollowing
6UnitedNationsHumanRightsOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRightsEcoͲFarmingcandoublefoodproductionin10yearssaysnewUNreportMarch82011httpwwwohchrorgENNewsEventsPagesDisplayNewsaspxNewsID=10819ampLangID=E7RadovichTheodoreJLindaJCoxandJamesRHollyerldquoOverviewofOrganicFoodCropSystemsinHawai`irdquoCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesSustainableAgricultureNov2009SAͲ38RadovichCoxandHollyer20099RadovichCoxandHollyer200910RadovichCoxandHollyer200911RadovichCoxandHollyer200912RadovichCoxandHollyer200913RadovichCoxandHollyer200914RadovichCoxandHollyer200915RadovichCoxandHollyer200916Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)2010ExecutiveSummaryii
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 8
1 Enjoyexceptionaltasteandfreshnesspremiumtastemaximumfreshnessproducepicked
andeatenclosertoitsheightofripenesspackedwithnutrients2 Strengthen your local economy and community buying local food keeps your dollars
circulatinginyourcommunityBuildingrelationshipswiththefarmerswhogrowyourfoodstrengthensyourtiestothecommunityandtheland
3 Helppreserveopen space by supporting local farmersbuying local foodhelpspreservegreenopenspaceinyourcommunity
Part of this campaign also acknowledges lessening the Statersquos ecological footprint anddependenceonfossilfuelsfromheavyimportsfromthemainlandthathavemoreldquofoodmilesrdquoassociatedwiththemascomparedtolocallypurchasedfoodDiversifiedAgriculture Hawai`irsquosagriculture industrycapitalizesonthe islandsrsquotropicalyearͲroundgrowingclimateanduniquefeaturesthatallowfornicheindustries17Moresmallfarmshave gained a foothold in the diversified agriculture sector through cultivation of specialtycropssuchastropical fruitsmacadamianutscoffee flowersand freshproducesoldaroundtheglobe18TheldquoGrowninHawai`irdquobrandingisrecognizedaroundtheworldasaguaranteeofhighqualitydelicacies19Hawai`iRegionalCuisinehasalsobecomeknownforitsutilizationofthe freshest seafoodveggiesand tropical fruits inaunique fusionofEastWestand islandflavors20
In2008farmproductionindiversifiedagricultureproduced12200jobsthroughouttheState21Proactive measures to revitalize Hawaiirsquos agriculture industry through diversification hasbroughtrevenuesthatarecomparabletotheStatersquosearlyheydayswhensugarandpineapplewereking In2002HawaiirsquosAgriculturalFarmRevenuecrossed$5359million22Diversifiedagricultureaccountsfor69ofannualrevenueswithpineapple(19)andunprocessedcanesugar(12)trailingbehind23
AgriͲTourism Agriculture is also proving important to tourism Hawai`irsquos top economicengine24VisitorinterestinecoͲtoursagriͲtoursandculturallyauthenticexperiencesisontherise25 In2006agritourismbrought in$388million in revenueas reportedby112Hawai`iͲ
17Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp1218HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday19HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday20HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday21Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp2922ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200823ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200824HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday25HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 9
based farmsan increaseof14 from2003 figures ($339million)26The leadingcategoryofrevenuereceived fromagriͲtourswas$121million inonͲfarmdirectsalestovisitors27Otheractivitiesyieldingprofit includedbedandbreakfastamenitiesprovidingmeeting spacesandvenuesforeducationandentertainmentandoutdoorrecreation28
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent
FromancienttimesMolokaiwaswellknownas`Ĉinamomona(theldquofatrdquoorabundantland)foritswealthasanislandthatproducedfoodinsurplusfromitsverdantahupua`aandnumerousfishponds As on all Hawaiian islands Molokairsquos people and the natural resources weremanagedundertheahupua`asystemTheahupua`awasaunitoflandtypicallywedgeͲshapedrunning frommauka tomakai (mountain tosea)and following thenaturalboundariesof thewatershedThesystemwascomprisedofwaoakua(sacredplaceofthegods)uplandforeststhatgatheredtherainsTheareawassubjecttolimiteduses(egforkiamanubirdcatcherstogatherfeathersforcloakshelmetsandkahiliforthekahunakĈlaiwa`atoharvestkoaforcanoebuilding)and forceremonialpurposes Themountain forestswerepreserved intacttoformandprotectthewatershedandcarrynutrientslowerdowntheahupua`aintowaokanaka(thepeoplersquosdomain)Herethepeoplewerefreetogatheravarietyofplantsfordailyneedshardwood ofthe kauila tocarve ihe(spears) andmake toolsandimplementsolonĈ tocreate strongcordage forfishnets andfish linesmedicinalherbs `ie`iefor lashinghouse postsand canoesand maile forleiThefertileplains and fields were known as the kula lands a place rich in agriculture These landscontainedancientfeatsofwaterengineeringcontouredterracingoffieldsplantedintarothatslowedthepathofthewaterandallowedformaximumsoakageThewatercollectedandfed
26GeislerMalindaldquoagritourismprofilerdquoAgMRCagriculturalmarketingresourcecenterUpdatedJanuary2012httpwwwagmrcorgcommodities__productsagritourismagritourismͲprofile27Geisler201228Geisler2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 10
numerousspringsbelow`Auwai(irrigationditches)transportedwaterfromkahawai(streams)tomultiple lo`i(taropatches)andreturnedthewateroncemoreto itssourceTarobanana`ulu(breadfruit)tileafkƃ(sugarcane)wereallcultivatedinthekularegionFaunaharvestedfrom streams included `o`opu (goby) `opae (shrimp) and hihiwai (snail) Grasslandswereconverted to agricultural fields of `uala (sweet potato) Other kinds of plants and treescultivated here included kukui (candlenut) `ohe (bamboo) and lauhala (pandanus) At thebottomofthevalleyspringscarryingnutrientsfromaboveflowedalongtheshorelineandseaHere loko i`a (fishponds)were constructed to farm fish Thesewalled fishponds form semiͲcirclesalongtheshorelineandaredesignedasmicroͲenvironmentsforcertainbrackishwaterand herbivorous fish likemullet and awa (milkfish) that feed on abundantmats of algaetherebyproducingfoodforthepeoplewithouthavingtoapplyexcessivefishingpressurealongthereefandopenoceanExistingwithintheahupua`awasastrictcodeofconduct(kapusystem)amongstthepeopleofthe land (hoa`Ĉina) as delegated and enforced by the ali`i (chiefs) and their konohiki (landagents)forthecarefulmanagementofthenaturalresourcesThehoa`Ĉinapossessedrightsofgathering and usage of the natural resourceswithin their ahupua`a of residencewith theunderstandingthattheyalsohadkuleana(responsibility)tomĈlama(carefor)thelandandseaandharvestappropriatelyfornomorethantheirneeds Theyengaged inpo`alimacollectiveworkdayswherethepeoplepooledtheir labortoengage inpublicworks improvementssuchas constructing additional lo`i and `auwai and building fishponds From the conscientiousmanagementof the landwatersand seaand themaintenanceofgenealogicaland spiritualrelationshipstothenaturalworldtheresourceswerebroughttoastateofabundanceTheahupua`asystemsustainedthepeopleforcenturiesUponCaptainCookrsquosarrivaltotheHawaiianislandsin1778heestimatedthepopulationtobebetween 20000 to 3600029 Introduced diseases for which the people had no immunitydecimatedthepopulationthroughouttheislandsBy1836Molokairsquospopulationhaddwindledtoanestimated8700andwasfurtherreducedto2307peoplebythetimeacensuswastakenneartheturnofthecenturyin189630Kamehamehabroughtabout theunificationofall the islandsunderoneKingdomofHawai`iWesterninfluencesandtheteachingsofChristianmissionariesbroughtaboutdecisionsamongtheali`itoabolishthekapusystem(1819)privatizeanddeconstructtheahupua`a(Maheleof1848)Whilethechiefsreceivedtheirapportionmentoflandsmanyhoa`Ĉinaoutofignorancetrust intheirchiefstocare fortheirwellͲbeingandgovern them justlyor for fearofreprisalfailed to register land claims to small kuleana parcels that would have kept them with acomfortablepieceoflandtomaintaintheir`ohana(family)withhale(home)andgardenplotsHawai`irsquosentry into the internationalmarket shifted the laborof themaka`Ĉinana (commonpeople) away from agriculture and towardsdeforestationof theupland forests to fulfill the
29MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml30MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 11
kingdomrsquos sandalwood tradewithChina Otherenterprises includedwhalingandplantationagriculture that brought immigrants from around theworld toHawai`irsquos shores and alteredwatershedsthroughthediversionofwatersfrom lushwindwardvalleystodry leewardplainsforthemassproductionofsugarcaneandpineappleWithoutwatertoirrigatetheirtarofieldsmanywere forced toabandon the lo`iandmake for thecityManyMolokai families left theisland insearchofwork inthemorecommercialcenters locatedonMauiandOahu31ThosewhostayedbehindmaintainedtheirconnectiontotraditionalpathwaysandsubsistencelivingEarlyunsuccessfulagriculture trialsonMolokai included sugar coffee sisalwhitepotatoescottoncorngrapesbeansbarleyoatswheatandalfalfa32Thesecropsfailedduetoheavywindsandinsects33TheareawiththegreatestpopulationconcentrationwaseastMolokaiTheeasternmostvalleyof Halawa Valley was rich in lo`i produced taro commercially and supported a thrivingcommunityuntiltwotsunamiin1946and1967devastatedthevalleyThecommercialcentersmovedtoPuko`oandthenKamalowhichheldanaturalharborforimportandexportofgoodsTheCooke family acquired the arid central andwestMolokaiplains aboutoneͲthirdof theisland These landsarenowownedbyMolokaiPropertiesLtdcommonlyknownasMolokaiRanchToattractcommercetoitslandholdingstheRanchdredgedaharborinKaunakakaiandconstructedawharf TodayKaunakakai servesas themaincenterofbusinesswithKamaloWharfhaving fallen intodisrepairandmuchof theareaemptiedof familiesTheRanchalsostrategically purchased lands thatwould give them riparian and correlative rights tomajorstreams and aquifer water in centralMolokai They diverted water to their westernmostpropertiesusedforcattleranchingMuch of their lands in Kualapu`u and Maunaloa were utilized by Dole and Del Montecompanies forpineapplecultivation34Thepineapple industryservedas theeconomicenginefortheislanduntilitphasedoutin1987duetocheaperlaborabroadTodaymanyofMolokaiRanchrsquoslandholdingsthatgrewpineapplearenowleasedforbiotechcornresearchandcoffeeproductionTheHawaiianHomesCommissionActameasuretorehabilitateNativeHawaiiansof50bloodquantumormorebyreturningthemtothe landtobuildhomesandfarmwaspassedbytheUS federal government in 1920Molokai served as the staging ground for the programrsquossuccess or failure Hawaiian Home lands were designated in the areas of Kapa`akeaKalama`ula Pala`au andHo`olehua andmore recentlyUalapu`e NativeHawaiian familiesfromneighboringislandscametoMolokaitobuildtheirhomesandmakethelandproductiveTheir early successes aided in the establishment ofmore homesteads on the other islandsWiththeinfluxofadditionalHawaiianfamiliesandJapaneseandFilipinoimmigrantstoworkinthepineapplefieldsMolokairsquospopulationhadincreasedto442735InrecentyearsMolokairsquos31MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml32MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml33MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml34MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml35MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 12
population has grown to include snowbirds and retirees from theUSmainland aswell asthose seeking amore quiet and rural lifestyle Today the population ofMolokai stands at7345
In 1987Molokairsquos livestock industrywas crippled by the StateDepartment of AgriculturersquosmandatetoeradicateallcattleontheislandduetothethreatofbovinetuberculosisAnotherheavyblowwasdealtattheclosureoftheoldslaughterhouse inKaunakakai Muchplanningfrom the grassroots level upwas undertaken to resolve this problem Commitments frommultiplecountystateandfederalpartnersinͲkindcontributionsbyvolunteermembersoftheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeandcountlessvolunteerhoursandservicesofferedbyvariouslocal businesses and individual residents led to the establishment of a new slaughterhousefacilitylocatedinHo`olehua
Erecting this stateͲofͲtheͲart facility represented a vehicle to facilitate the restoration ofMolokairsquos ranching industry and the ability for the island toproduce and sell itsownmeatRanchersandhomesteadfarmersnowhadavenuetoprocesstheiranimalsInadditiontothemoreestablishedranchesanestimated150Molokai familiesraise livestock largely forhomeconsumption With the adventof thenew slaughterhouse therearenowopportunities forthese small scale farmers to expand into commercial livestock production Stores andrestaurantsneednot import all theirmeat fromoffͲisland as theynowhave access to localmeatMoniesgeneratedcouldbenefitthecommunitydirectlyThe introduction of hooved animals toMolokai has devastated the natural ecology of theislandCattleranchingferaldeerandgoathaveerodedthelandHeavyrainstransporttonsofsilteachyearontoMolokairsquosreefsandfishpondsIntroducedmangrovehavealsodestroyedasignificant percentage of Molokairsquos fishponds Mangroves encroach and break throughfishpond walls trap sediments and choke off underwater springs such that the watercirculationandecologyarenolongerviableforfishproductionDespite thesehardshipsand setbacksover theyearsagriculture remains the cornerstoneofthe islandrsquoseconomyMolokairsquos ruralcharacter lends toacloseͲknit communitywithpeoplewhoperpetuate strong cultural values traditional subsistence and selfͲreliance Thepeopleembrace local autonomy and are very involved in local governing processes AgriculturenonprofitssmallbusinessenterprisesandlocalmomandpopstoresarethefoundationofthelongͲtermeconomyonislandMuchofthesocialculturalandserviceorientedprogramsarealsogeneratedfromthegrassroots locallevelthroughtheworkofchurchgroupsnonprofitsandunincorporatedhuiDuringtheFocusMauiNuiproceedings in2003MauiMolokaiandLana`iresidentsgatheredtostrategicallyplanafutureforMauiCountyThe120MolokaiparticipantsoutlinedchallengestheyfacedasacommunityandprovidedstrategiesandactionplanstoaddressthemMolokairesidents identified top five community priorities which included inter alia creating jobs(409) strengthening the economy (296) growingmore food locally (217) protectingandpromotingruralidentity(191)andsupportingsmallbusinessdevelopment(130)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 13
TheMaui CountyWorkforce Investment Board (WIB) Local Plan provides an Assessment ofLaborMarketTrendstodevelopaComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategyovera10yearspanOneofWIBsgoalsistofocusondiversifyingtheeconomyincludingtheagriculturalsectorandldquonicheareasrdquoTheplanrecognizestheneedforexpansioninvalueͲaddedopportunitieswhichemphasize the uniqueness ofMaui Nui The increased production andmarketing of newagricultureproductshaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketsTheplanalso identifiesentrepreneurshipasan importantgrowtharealdquoThedevelopmentofentrepreneurshipskills is importanttothesuccessofMaui [Countyrsquos]smallbusinesses Datacollected by the Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism and otherorganizationssuggestmoreandmoreresidentsaretakingtoselfͲemploymentForMolokaiasignificant number of new business startͲupswithin the past decade have been agriculturalenterprises(36total)particularlyfromtheHawaiianHomesteadareainHo`olehua36TheMolokai Education Centers Business Plan (2007) acknowledges the islands diversifiedagricultureindustryasamajorcontributortoMolokaiseconomywithroomforfuturegrowthAreas for future growth include valueͲadded food product development as a nichemarketMECsBusinessPlanaddsthatagriculturalcourseofferingsatthecollegeandrelevanttrainingwillplayasignificantroleinpreparingtheworkforceforadiversifiedeconomyWhile community and countyplanningobjectives clearly identify agriculture asaneconomicmainstay forMolokaiacomprehensiveprofileofMolokairsquosagriculture industryhasnotbeenfullyanalyzedOne of the objectives of this Needs Assessment is to determinewhereMolokai fits in theoverall Statewide picture for agriculture Has Molokai experienced similar successes andchallenges that farmers on the other islands face What are the strengths and assets ofMolokairsquos agricultural community aswell asneeds challenges andopportunities What isworkingandwhatisnrsquotWhataretheperceptionsoflocalconsumersWhatisthedemandforlocalMolokai grownproducemeat and seafood Howmany are farming What isbeingfarmedandwhereWhatarethelimitingfactorstofarmingonMolokaiIstherecommunitysupportforlocalfarmersDostoresandrestaurantsonMolokaihavestrongrelationshipswithlocal farmers and make priority for their produce and valueͲadded items How can westrengthenagricultureonMolokaiHowfoodsecureisMolokaiThesearethequestionsthatwesetouttoanswerthroughtheneedsassessment
36AkutagawaMalialdquoKƻha`oBusinessCenterndashEntrepreneurialTrainingampSupportFinalReportrdquoMarch312009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 14
III METHODS
Weadoptedthefollowingmethodsandstrategies An islandwidesurveyonfoodproductionandsecuritystartedfromFebruary27toMarch
272012(SeeAppendixforSurveyFormandResultsAnalysisSummary) Twohundredeight (208)surveyswerecompletedbytheadultmembers (overtheageof
18)ofthegeneralMolokaipopulationbringingoursamplepopulationat39Molokairsquosadultpopulationisat5401outofatotalislandpopulationof7345
Target SampleSizeADULTPOPULATION(Individualsover18
yearsofage)
208
Surveysweremadeavailableatvariouscommunity resourcecentersaswellasonlinevia
ourwebsiteEmailalertsandFacebook invitationsweremade for the tech savvy GivenMolokairsquos rural character and varying levels of knowledge and exposure of the generalpopulation to technology themost effectivemethod for data collection proved to bethroughdirectphysical inquiriesRespondentsweremost receptive toour surveyswhenofferedatourmultiplesurveytablesplaced inpublicareasparticularlystrategic locationsof commerce such as sidewalks fronting grocery stores and during various communityevents
Atotalof36 interviewswereconductedwithagricultureexpertsandeducators (3)small
andmediumͲscalefarmersandCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)operatorsgrowingdiversifiedandorganiccrops(14)deerandcattleranchers(3)fishermenandaquacultureproducers (3) localgroceryandhealth foodstores (5)meatprocessorsandvalueͲaddedfoodproducers(4)hotelandrestaurants(3)andother informants(1)(SeeAppendixforInterviewQuestionsandResultsAnalysis)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 15
Keyinterviewinformantsincluded
AgricultureExpertsampEducators
GlennTevesMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureampHumanResources(UHͲCTAHR)ph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJenniferHawkinsMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUHͲCTAHRph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJamesBoswellCertifedOrganicInspectorandAgricultureInstructorUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollegendashMolokaiFarmph(808)567Ͳ6577boswelljhawaiiedu
FarmersndashDiversifiedampOrganicCropsCastleAdolphoHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerof`inaKulaniFarmsHo`olehuaKimoKaiamaHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKaiamaFarmsHo`olehuaRickTamanahaofKaleikoaFarmsHawaiianHomesteadFamilyFarmHo`olehuaKalaniHanHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKuikamokuFarmsHo`olehuaTuddiPurdyHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm(808)567Ͳ6601wwwmolokaiͲalohacommacnutsJaneTevesHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofHuaKalaFarmHo`olehuaLynnDeCoiteHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofLampRFarmHo`olehuandashMahana(808)567Ͳ9234wwwlandrfarmscomKu`uleiArceofArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamShariLynofMali`oFarmandExecutiveDirectorofKaHalePomaika`iKamaloandUalapu`eEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8107httpwwwlocalharvestorgmalioͲfarmͲorganicallyͲgrowingͲonͲmolokaiͲM11205EllenSpruanceOwnerofPapaoHakuFarmMapulehuandKumimiEastMolokaiJamieRonzelloCSAOperatorMahanaGardensJoeKennedyPermaculturistMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanaEmanuelaVinciguerraMarketingDirectorofKumuFarmsMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanawwwkumufarmscom
RanchersEdmundPedroOwnerofPedroRanchEastMolokaiJanRoneyManagerofPu`uOHokuRanchEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8109wwwpuuohokucomfarmDesmundManabaOwnerofDJCRanchIncHo`olehuandashMahana
FishermanAquacultureProducerDedrickManabaFishermanKaunakakaiSteveChaikinOwnerofMolokaiSeaFarmPala`au(808)553Ͳ3547wwwbroodstockcomMyronAkutagawaandShermanNapoleonJrKeKua`ĈinaHanaunaHouPuko`oEastMolokai
MeatProcessorValueͲAddedProducersJackSpruanceDirectorofMolokaiLivestockCooperative(MolokaiSlaughterhouse)Ho`olehuaBrendaKaneshiroBeekeeperandOwnerofMolokaiMeliKamaloEastMolokai(800)434Ͳ2550NancyGoveSaltMasterandOwnerofPacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ8484wwwpacificahawaiicomChrisMebileChongrsquosPoiShopKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ4313
GroceryStoresCrystalIgusaandStaffFriendlyMarketCenterKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5595KevinMisakiofMisakirsquosGroceryKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5505DennisTurnerOwnerofOutpostNaturalFoodsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ3377SonyaYuenOwnerofKualapu`uMarketKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ6243NaniPeleManagerofMaunaloaGeneralStoreMaunaloa(808)552Ͳ2346
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 16
HotelampRestaurants
TinaPriceManagerofKualapu`uCookhouseKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ9655GenePikeExecutiveChefatHulaShoresRestaurantHotelMolokaiKamiloloa(808)553Ͳ5347httpwwwhotelmolokaicomKerrieFeltCoͲOwnerofMolokaiBurger(808)553Ͳ3533wwwmolokaiburgercom
OtherInformantsByronEspaniolaAhaMokuRepresentativeforKaluakoiMaunaloa
WewereunsuccessfulinsecuringaninterviewwithMonsantoasthelargestemployerand
agricultureoperationonMolokai Our repeated inquiries remainedunanswered TherewereadditionalMolokaigrowersranchersaquacultureoperators fishermenstoresandrestaurantsthatwewantedto interviewbut inthe interestofgeneratingthisreport inatimelymannerwewereunabletofullymeetthisobjective
Findings were also supplemented through research of existing literature of global
statewideandMolokaiͲspecificagriculturefactsandtrendsAreviewofcurrentandpriorcommunityͲbased planning economic education and training initiatives in support ofagriculturewerealsoexaminedThesearereferencedthroughoutthedocument
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 17
IV KEYFINDINGS
Thissectionhasbeenorganizedintothefollowingcategories LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProducts MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgriculture
Producers Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengths
NeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFoodAccesstoLocallyGrownFoodWeaskedMolokairesidentsiftheyfeltaccesswasavailabletolocallygrown food in the localgrocery storesandopenmarkets78of those surveyed felttheyhaveaccesswhile13felttheydidnotAwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood
Doyoucareorthinkaboutwhereyourfoodcomesfrom
DoyouprefertobuymorelocalMolokaifoodproducts
Wouldyoueatmorelocalfoodifitwereavailable
98ofthosesurveyedwouldeatmorelocalfoodifitwasavailablewhile1wouldnot
90ofthosesurveyedprefertobuylocalMolokaifoodproductswhile2donot
94 of the sample populationcarethink about where theirfood comes from while 5 donot
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 18
QuestionWhatwouldyouliketoeatorbuyifitwasmadeorgrownonMolokai
TheMolokaipopulationwantstoeatasmuch Molokai made products aspossible Fresh vegetables and fruitsranked the highest Specificallymentioned items were kalo (taro)sweet potato brussel sprouts bittermelon cabbage olives pumpkinasparagus corn lettuce tomatoesbroccoli cucumber eggplant squashzucchini beans carrots onion garlicginger spinach melons watermelonspears strawberries and persimmonsMeat products included requests for
fishchickenporkandbeefValueaddedproductrequestsincludedhamburgersausagetofupoibutterand jamRequestswerealsomade fordairyproducts likemilkeggscheeseandgoatcheeseWhile 90 of those surveyed stated theywould buymore local food if itwas available itappearsthatsomerespondents(25people)feltthattherewasnrsquotenoughdemandonislandforlocalproduceandthatlikelyposedachallengetoMolokaifarmersWequeriedMolokairesidentsonwhattheywouldliketoseeintermsofimprovingagricultureonMolokaiandincreasingtheiraccessascustomerstolocalfoodsTheseweresomeoftheirresponses
ldquomoresupportforlocalfarmersrdquoldquo(createa)betterfarmersmarketrdquoldquobybuyinglocalrdquoldquothatstoresbuyandsellmorelocalproducerdquoldquocoͲopͲonedistributorrdquoldquolabelgmoandorganicproductssoweknowrdquo
SubsistenceWealso surveyed theMolokaipopulation todetermine someof theirpracticesaroundfoodpreparationandwhatpercentageoftheirfoodcamefromdifferentsources AswehadsurveyedMolokairsquosfarmingcommunityandanalyzedthebehavioroftheislandrsquosmaingrocerystoresonwhatitemstheyselectedtosellwewantedtoknowiftheremightbeadirectcorrelationbetweenconsumerdemand for localproductsand levelofselfͲsufficiencyamongthegeneralpopulationtoengageinsubsistenceactivitiesWe foundthatanaverage825ofthosesurveyedpreparetheir foodathomewhile174mainlyeatrestaurantͲpreparedfoods
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 19
QuestionOfthefoodyouprepareathomeapproximatelywhatpercentageisgrown
caughtandorproduced
Fromoursurveyresponsestowhatpercentageoffoodpreparedathomecamefromwhatwasgrowncaughtandorproducedby individuals themselvesonMolokai ingeneralwithin theStateofHawai`ioveralland fromoutsideofHawai`iwe found that residentsaccessed foodfromthesemultiplesourcesatanearequalratewitharangeof236to272 fromeachsourceItisinterestingtonotethat246ofthefoodpreparedintheaveragepersonrsquoshomecame frompersonal subsistence activities The figure of 272 of locally grown caught orproducedfoodsmay includebothofwhat isavailable inMolokaistoresaswellaswhatmighthave been bartered or shared by otherMolokai residents as a result of their subsistenceactivities Whenaskeddirectlywhatpercentageof food consumed comes from subsistenceactivitiesanaverageof401camefromitemsthatwerefishedhuntedgatheredraisedorgrown (to includeonersquospersonalharvestsand foodsacquiredandsharedbarteredbyothersalsoengagedinsubsistence)Thusitwouldmakesensethatcombiningthetwofiguresinthegraphaboveofpreparedfoodsgrowncaughtandorproducedbytheindividualsthemselves(246) andwhatwas acquired generally fromMolokai resources (272) either shared byothers or bought directly from the store the cumulative total being 518 one mayextrapolatefromthisdatathatthedifferencebetween518and401being117maybethe amount of locally produced foods sold in Molokairsquos stores When polled as to theimportance of subsistence activities in their lives 72 of the respondents said itwas veryimportant to them Of the13who responded that theydonotengage inany subsistenceactivitylackoftimewascitedasthegreatestreasonwhytheydidnottakepartinsubsistenceIn comparing our general data on subsistencewith the results presented in theGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReport37in1993wefoundthatsubsistencemaybeplayingan
37MatsuokaJonDaviannaMcGregorLucianoMinerbiMaliaAkutagawaGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReportMolokaiDepartmentofBusinessEconomicDevelopmentandTourism1993
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 20
even bigger role today than it did two decades ago Loss of jobs and the global economicdownturnmaybecontributingfactors
SubsistenceFactors 1993 2012Estimatedtotalpercentageoffoodthatcomesfromvarioussubsistenceactivities
28 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored38 Ͳ for Native HawaiianMolokaifamilies50 Ͳ 54 respondents out of241surveyed
40 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored
Overall importance ofsubsistence to Molokaifamilies
51Ͳveryimportant25Ͳsomewhatimportant11Ͳsomewhatunimportant32Ͳnotatallimportant
72Ͳveryimportant21Ͳsomewhatimportant1Ͳsomewhatunimportant2Ͳnotatallimportant
From this information though not as comprehensive and rigorous in its exploration ofsubsistence on Molokai as the 1993 Task Force Report we are assured that subsistencecontinuestobeanimportantpartofMolokairsquosfamiliesandoveralleconomyFiftyͲthreepercent (53)ofour respondents stated that they grow theirown food throughfarmingorgardeningWhenpolledastothekindsofsubsistenceactivitiestheytypicallyengageinrespondentsidentifiedthefollowing
HUNTING 39ofthosesurveyedhunt(axisdeerwild
piggoat)FISHINGampDIVING 57ofthosesurveyedfishordive
GATHERING 32gather(limuopihicrabpipipilĈrsquoau
harsquoukersquouke)asasubsistenceactivity
OTHER 4citedamixtureofraisinglivestock
sharingandtradingfoodasasubsistenceactivity
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 21
ThefactthatsubsistenceremainsasignificantcontributortohowMolokaifamiliesacquiretheirfoodthisinturnmayalsoaffectlocalmarketbehaviorintermsofwhatlocallyproduceditemsareplacedonstoreshelvesandwhetherMolokai farmersandproducers find itnecessary toprovideasignificantvolumeoffoodforthelocalMolokaimarketAvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProductsWewerepleasedtofindthatMolokairsquosagricultureindustryisquitediverseandhostsanumberof small family farms both on the Hawaiian Homestead in Ho`olehua and also dotting thelandscape inMana`eEastMolokai Duringour interviewsweasked farmers ranchersandaquaculturistswhatcropsandvalueͲaddedproducts theycultivatedprocessedvalueͲaddedandsoldandwhatweretheirprimarymarketsWealsocombedtheinternetandlearnedbywordofmouthofotheragribusinesses The following tableprovides for the readeranatͲaͲglancelistofgrowersonMolokaiandwhattypesoffoodandproductsareavailableonislandItalsolistsprimarylocalaswellasoffͲislandmarketsProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldMeatsampEggs
MolokaiGrassFedBeef PedroRanchPu`uOHokuRanchKualapu`uRanchPohakuloaRanch
ProcessedandsoldbySlaughterhouse(MolokaiLivestockCooperative)toMolokaiBurgerFriendlyMarketCenterKualapu`uMarketKualapu`uCookhousePu`uOHokuRanch
Venison DJCRanchLLC NotsoldSharedonlywithcustomersonformalhuntsandMolokaifamiliesforsubsistence
Lamb(freerange) KalapanaandDeeannaKeli`iho`omalu
PilotphaseProcessedatMolokaiSlaughterhouseSoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketCenterandMisakirsquos
FreeRangeEggs Davis`ohana MolokaiMinimartMana`eGoodsampGrindzotherMolokaigrocerystores(notebecamemorepopularandvisibleinstoresaftermainlandeggswererecallednationwideforbacterialcontamination)
DuckEggs WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SeafoodFishndashakutunaakuleopakapakaahionomahimahionaga
Variouscommercialfishermen5onisland
DirectCustomerSalesOffͲIslandWholesalerDistributor(forhotelsandrestaurants)
Shrimp KeawaNuiFarms(808)558Ͳ8931httpwwwkeawanuifarmscomMolokaiSeaFarms
FriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosOffͲIslandOnlineSalesforShrimpBroodstock
SeaweedLimuOgo(Gracilaria) KeawaNuiFarmMolokaiSeaFarms
MisakirsquosOffͲIsland
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 22
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldGreensampOtherVegetables
Lettuces KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(808)558Ͳ8306
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Kale WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
MustardCabbage Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BokChoy ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamMali`oFarm
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
Chinesecabbage ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistArugula WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsales
SwissChard JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomatillo JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomato ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sweetcorn ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistChinesePeas ArcersquosFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SoyBeans JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BlackBeans Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
GreenBeans ArcersquosFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
GreenOnion KuikamokuFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
AllMolokaigrocerystoresCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Radish KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Beets KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 23
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
GreensampOtherVegetablesBrocolli ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistEggplant ArcersquosFarm
Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Carrots JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SweetPotatoSweetPotatoChips
LampRFarm VariouslocalMolokaistores8tonsshippedweeklyoffͲisland
YamsYamChips(indevelopmentphase)
TuipulotuFarm
Tarondashregularandcertifiedbiodynamicdifferentvarietiesdryandwetlu`auleaf
`inaKulaniFarmsKaiamaFarmsKimMarkhamPapaoHakuFarm
FriendlyMarketCenterdirectsalestocustomersCertifiedbiodynamictarosoldoffͲislandathealthstoreoutlets
Avocado PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm558Ͳ8383httpwwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Organicginger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲIslandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Organicturmeric PapaOHakuFarm NotsoldMedicinaluseAwa Pu`uOHokuRanchKaiamaFarms DirectsalestocustomersChiliPepper Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproduceshared
withclientsintreatmentandforclientfundraising
HerbsampSpicesBasils(ItalianThai) KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm
(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanadaCommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Thyme JamieRonzello(CSA)KumuFarms CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dill KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Oregano KimMarkhamKumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
ItalianParsley KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 24
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
HerbsampSpicesChineseParsley KimMarkhamMali`oFarmWaialua
Permafarm(CSA)CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Cilantro KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Rosemary KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Spearmint KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Lavender KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Savory KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sage KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Cinnamon PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm(808)553Ͳ8383wwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Vanilla PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Cacao PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
FruitsampNutsOrange Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tangerine Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 25
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
FruitsampNutsLimes Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Papayandashconventionalandorganic
KaiamaFarmsKaleikoaFarmsHuaKalaFarmNoahKuohaKumuFarmsMali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
VariouslocalMolokaistoresexportedthroughoutHawaiianislandsWholeFoodsoutletsMainlandUSandCanadaCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Watermelon `AinaKulaniFarm DirectsalestocustomersBananaAppleBanana HuaKalaFarm`AinaKulaniFarms
KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
Kualapu`uMarketOutpostFriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Rambutan WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
JackFruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Mango Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentandsoldbythemCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Soursop WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dragonfruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Strawberry PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Lychee PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
MacadamiaNuts PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm DirectsalestovisitorsparticipatinginfarmtourMailorders
Coffee CoffeesofHawai`i(808)567Ͳ9490wwwcoffeesofhawaiicom
AllMolokaistoresonlineorders
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 26
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
ValueͲAddedProductsCilantroLimePesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaionlinesales
outletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
BasilMacadamiaNutPesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
PickledOrganicGinger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲislandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Honey(premiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyhoneycombs)
MolokaiMeliKimMarkham
KumuFarmsOutpostNaturalFoodStore
Poi ChongrsquosPoiShop AllMolokaistoresKulolo `inaKulaniFarms DirectSalesTaroChips HuaKalaFarm NotenoughvolumetosellregularlyYamChips TuipulotoFarm StillindevelopmentstageBeeswaxCandlesChapstick MolokaiMeli KumuFarmsGourmetSeaSalt PacificaHawai`iSeaSalts
HawaiiKaiCorporationhttpwwwhawaiikaicocom
Pu`uOHokuRanchKumuFarmsKamakanaCountryStoreMolokaiWinesampSpiritsBlueMonkeyFriendlyMarketCenteroutletsthroughoutHawaiiStateandUSMainlandonlinesales
Other Tileaf KimMarkham KukuiStarters PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm Giventohomesteadersfor
reforestationinHo`olehuaFlowersgingerakulekulecigar
PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm ShippedleistooffͲisland
Tropicalflowers(variety) KuleanaWorkCenterwwwmolokaiflowerscom
OnlinesalesanddirectsalesatSaturdayOpenMarketdays
SeedsSeedbank Ka`anoTheMolokaiSeedProject553Ͳ4243
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 27
MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers
Molokairsquos grocery stores and restaurants selllocallygrownharvestedandprocessed itemsAnaverageof2of locallygrownorMadeonMolokai products are sold in local grocerystores Some stores such asMisakirsquos carry ahigher percentage (15) ofMolokai produceThoseestablishmentsweinterviewedallstatedthat they want to sell everything that isMolokaimade PapayasweetpotatoChongrsquosPoicoffeeKanemitsubreadandKumuFarmspesto are the most common Molokai itemsfound in localstores Misakirsquostendstocarryagreater assortment of Molokai produce andvalueͲadded products in addition to thesecommon items Misakirsquos sells LampR sweetpotatochipsstringbeansbittermelonutongeggplant green onion lime and lemon FishalsoarepurchasedfromlocalfishermenSome stores and restaurants also purchaseMolokaigrass fedbeefprocessed through theislandrsquosslaughterhouseTheseordersarefilledonaconsistentbasisSmaller stores like Kualapu`u Market andMaunaloaGeneralStorethatdonotexperienceas much traffic as the grocery stores inKaunakakai have to concern themselves withhowquicklyanitemsellsForsomecustomersMolokaigrassfedbeefisanacquiredtasteandit may take a more conscientious eaterconsidering the health benefits of grass fedbeeftoappreciateitsflavorButiftheaveragecustomer does not appreciate these qualitiesandprefersacertaintasteofbeefthatshehasgrown accustomed to then the store risksspoilage The samegoes for fruits likemangothatripenquicklybutmaynotsellfastenough
especially sincemany families havemango trees in their own back yards For these smallstorescarryingitemsthatwillsellquicklyisimportantespeciallymeatandproducethathaveashort shelf life Kualapu`uMarket typically sellsMolokai coffee sweet potato chips poi
MOLOKAIESTABLISHMENTSSELLINGORSERVINGFOODampGROCERIES
ONMOLOKAIRESTAURANTSampFASTFOODCoffeesofHawaii 567Ͳ9655HulaShores(HotelMolokai)
553Ͳ5347
KanemitsuBakeryampRestaurant
553Ͳ5855
KualapursquouCookhouse 567Ͳ9655LittleGrassShack 553Ͳ5862MakarsquosCorner 553Ͳ8058ManarsquoeGoodznGrindz 558Ͳ8498MolokaiBurger 553Ͳ3533MolokaiDriveInn 553Ͳ5655MolokaiPizzaCafeacute 553Ͳ3288MolokaiRoastPorkHouse 553Ͳ9068MrsKrsquos 553Ͳ3201SundownDeli 553Ͳ3713LOCALGROCERYSTORESFriendlyMarketCenter 553Ͳ5595CPascuaStore 553Ͳ5443KamoisSnackNGo 553Ͳ5443KualapuuMarketLtd 567Ͳ6243MaunaloaGeneralStore 552Ͳ2346Misakis 553Ͳ5505MolokaiMiniMart 553Ͳ4447OutpostNaturalFoods 553Ͳ3377MolokaiWinesNSpirits 553Ͳ5009TheStoreHouse 553Ͳ3399KamakanaCountryStore 553Ͳ5725GASSTATIONSHayakuGasNGo 553Ͳ3444RawlinsChevronStation 553Ͳ3214ReferenceSustainableMolokaiResourceGuide2009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 28
MolokaibreadandeggsMaunaloaGeneralStoremakesitapointtoacceptproducefromthecommunitygarden runby theKaHaleMua low incomehousing They typicallygrow stringbeans tomatoeseggplantand lettuce Maunaloa residentsarealsopermitted toutilize thefacilitytopreparemusubibentoandlocalplatelunchestosellpreparedfoodsaswellastheirartandcraftsatthefrontofthestoreOther locallyproduced items that someof the storeswould like to sell inmore volume aretomatoesbananasfishanddairyIfMolokaifarmerselectnottogroworsellcertainproduceor products to the local grocery stores the storeswill sell offͲisland produce (egManoalettuce Kula tomatoes etc) Sometimes they will also order items from as far away asCaliforniaorMexicotosatisfycustomerdemandsandpreferencesTherequirementsarenotoverlystringentforthelocalfarmertosellproduceandvalueͲaddedfoodstolocalgrocerystoresForsomestoreslikeFriendlyMarketindividualsmustpossessabusinesslicenseForotherstoresthatreceivesmallquantitiesoffreshproduceatatimetheydonotrequireproofofbusinesslicenseGrocery stores showcasing locally grown food feel cheated when farmers simultaneouslypeddletheirproduceonthestreetPricing isalsoan issue forMolokaistores Theywould like tobuymore locallygrown itemshowevertheycangetproducealotcheaperfromthemainlandForexampletheaveragecostofatomatothatislocallygrownis$2lbwhilestorescanacquiretomatoesfromthemainlandfor$1lbandpassthesavingsontothecustomerFriendlyMarkethasexpressedapreferenceforbuyingproduce from farmerswhohaveapricecostandplan (egthat identifiesspecificamountsofproducethatwillbeavailableandtheircost)toensureitemconsistencyinpricingandavailabilityIdeallystoreswanttosaveonpayingshippingcoststoimportfoodfromthemainlandandoffͲislandbyprovidingpreferenceforlocallygrownfoodsConsistencyisimportantforstorestocontinuecarryingspecificitemsprovidedbylocalfarmersandproducers Consistencywas citedbyevery store and restaurantwe interviewed as thenumberonechallengethatmostfarmersfaceinworkingwiththemMisakirsquoshasfoundawayaround this issue TheypurchaseMolokai fish caught and sold to theHonolulu fishmarketthroughadistributortheresothatcustomerscanstillbenefitfromeatingMolokaicaughtfishMisakirsquosalsoprefers tobuy fromanOahudistributor thatbuys thebulkof itsproduce fromMolokai farmers In thisway by buying in bulk through a distributorMisakirsquos is assured aconsistentproductTherearestoreswhospecificallyselect for localandorganic foodsaspartoftheirmarketingstrategy Onesuchstore istheOutpostNaturalFoodsStorewhichwillselleverythingthat isMolokaimade ConsumersexpecttopayaheftiergrocerybillastheyhaveanexpectationofbuyinglocalandpreferablyorganicallygrownandproducedfoodsOtheritemsthatcannotbesourced locallyorare in lessersupplyorforwhichthere isademandfor(egapplespearsandoranges)aresourcedfromthemainlandandsoldattheOutpost
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 29
We interviewed3restaurantsKualapu`uCookhouseHotelMolokairsquosHulaShoresrestaurantandMolokaiBurger Useofandemphasisonuseof localmeatseafoodandproducevariedTheKualapu`uCookhouseestimates that itutilizes1ofMolokaigrownproduceandvalueͲadded products in its dishes as it does not have strict requirements to do so It primarilypurchasesMolokailettucethroughKualapu`uMarketHotelMolokaiuses less than20 localproduceand seafood in itsdishesbutwould ideallyprefer toutilizeat least60of locallygrownandharvested foodson theirmenu ThehotelcurrentlybuyslocallygrownlettuceeggplantandpapayafromKumuFarmsandincorporatesthesefoods intotheirmenu Freshfish isthefastestandmostpopularselling itemanddoesnot requireapricecost listwhenbuying from fishermen Patronsbuy fishdishesatmarketprice Itwascommunicated thataschefs it is important toestablish relationshipswith localfarmersandacquirehighend itemsonaconsistentbasis Whathasbeenachallengeforthechefs at the hotel is figuring outwho is growingwhat and searching these farmers out toprovidetheproducemeatandseafoodtheyneedWhatwouldeasilyservethemwouldbeabrokeror localdistributor to takeon that typeofwork Currently theHotel is consideringsettingasidesomespaceonthehotelgroundsforanherbgardentoreadilysupplysomeofthekitchenrsquosneedswhileprovidingsomekindofyouthinternshipprogramtoinstallandmaintainthegardenMolokai Burger exclusively serves 100Molokai grass fed beef for its burgers and TuesdayMexican menu The restaurant purchases 240 pounds of Molokai beef from theslaughterhouse It receives positive customer feedback its loyal customers being especiallyhealth conscious individuals and local and nativeHawaiian activistswhomake it a point tosupportestablishments thatutilize localMolokai foods MolokaiBurgeralsopurchases fromKumuFarmsonaweeklybasis8poundsoftheirvegetablegreenstoserveintheirspecialsaladand chicken salad plates Molokai sweet potatoes are also utilized for sweet potato nachochipsontheMexicanmenu Whilenot locallyproducedMolokaiBurgeralsopurchasesbunsfromalocalMolokaidistributorasawaytosupportasmanylocalbusinessesaspossible
QuestionWhatlocalfooditemswouldyouliketosellorincorporateinyourmenuthatarenotcurrentlyavailableorareinshortsupply
FriendlyMarket orangesallcitrusesmangoavocadobokchoywonboktropicalfruits inseasonfishporkprocessed through slaughterhousealldairy (milk cheese)or soybasedmilkasanalternativeand free rangeeggsWillsellalllocalitemsMisakirsquosbananasandtomatoesWillsellanythinggrownandmadeonMolokaiOutpostNaturalFoodsStorestrawberriescantaloupescucumbers tomatoespotatoesandYukon from localgrowersKualapu`uCookhouselocalfreerangechickeneggsKualapu`uMarketagreaterdiversityandselectionoflocalproducegrownbyMolokairsquosfarmersMaunaloaGeneralStoremorebananasandpapayasastheyselloutfastestHulaShoresRestaurantofHotelMolokaivenisonMolokaiBurgeraconsistentsupplyofMolokaitomatoesfreerangeeggsandfishthatarereasonablypriced
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 30
Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities
QuestionAreyoua farmerIfsohowoldareyouͶΨ ȋȌ ǡ
ͶͶǤ
ǡ ͷͶǤ
QuestiontofarmersinterviewedHowlonghaveyoubeenfarming
ʹʹ ͶͲǤ
QuestionHowmuchlandareyoufarming
ǡͶͶǢ͵ʹͳͷǢͷͳͷǦͶͲ͵ͶͲǤ ǡͲ
ǡͲƬʹͲͲƮǦǤ
QuestiontofarmerswhatdoyoufeelarethechallengesfarmersfaceonMolokaiNatureandtheElementsWindHomestead farmers must contend with high winds on a regular basis Thus initial farmplanning must include installing windbreaks to avoid crop damage from weathering Thecommunity has identified in several former planning documents such as the MolokaiEmpowermentZoneApplication(1998)massplantingofwindbreaksthroughouttheHo`olehuaareatoprotecthomesteadfarm landsasoneofthe40priorityprojects IntheendMolokaiwas successful in achieving theMolokai Enterprise Community federal designation a step
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 31
secondtoEmpowermentZonestatus Windbreaksremainedpartofthe40priorityprojectsInstallationofwindbreakshave alsobeen reiterated as a ShortRangePriorityProject in theMaui County Comprehensive EconomicDevelopment Strategy (CEDS) 201038However notmuchhasbeendonetomovethisfromaconceptualstagetoimplementation
Thesituationwasexacerbatedin2005upontheintroductionofthevirulenterythrinagallwaspthatdestroyedthevastmajorityofwiliwilitreesStatewideLarvaeimplantedintothetissueofwiliwili leaves form tumorous like growths and effectively starve the trees from receivingnutrition39Muchof thewiliwili trees thathad servedprimarilyaswindbreaksdiedwithinayearor two Thus farms thathadestablishedwiliwiliwindbreaksbecamenewlyexposed towinds With the introduction of Eurytoma by scientists a predator species that exclusivelyfeedsonerythrinagallwaspsandavoidsnativewaspsthesurvivingwiliwilihavebeenabletomakeacomeback40DroughtAnumberoffarmershavecitedcurrentdroughtconditionsasaseriousthreattofarmingOnefarmerreportedthatherentireorganicgingercropfailedduetodroughtandshewasunabletoyieldaharvestthisyearAtthetimewestartedourinterviewsinFebruary(2012)Molokaiwasexperiencingthelowestrainfallinadecadecomparableto2001droughtfiguresAdrywinterandspringseasonhavebeencausingwatershortages Arecentheavystorm inMarch (2012)brought some reliefbutwithprimarilyeroded soilsexposed to theelementsmuchofthatmuddiedwaterwashed intotheseatochokecoralsaffectnurserygrounds forfishandcoverlimu(seaweed)beds41Steadypercolationintotheaquiferisnecessarytomakea difference to the watershed and levels in the reservoir42 According to Glenn TevesExtensionAgent forUHͲCTAHRdroughtconditionsaffect insectbehavior Forexampleantsseekingwaterwillfindasubstitutebyacquiringhoneydewfromcertaininsectsthatproduceitsuchasldquoaphidsmealybugswhitefliesandscaleshellipknown tosuckplant juicesandweakenthem hellip [and] spread plant viruses on an array of crops such as melons peppers andtomatoesrdquo43 Animals will also chew through drip irrigation systems to access water in adrought andwill subsequently cause leaks andwater loss for the farmer44Cows are alsoaffectedwithahigher incidenceofmiscarriageorsmallercalfsizedueto lackofhighquality
38 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1102 AgricultureReforestationWindbreakPlantingp5039RichardsSabrinaldquoWaspwarsNewpredatorchecksHawai`irsquosgallwaspepidemicrdquoSciencelineJanuary62011httpsciencelineorg201101waspͲwars40Richards201141 Teves G ldquoEffects of Rain and Droughtrdquo Molokai Dispatch March 15 2012httpthemolokaidispatchcomeffectsͲofͲrainͲandͲdrought42Teves201243Teves201244Teves2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 32
food consumed during pregnancy45Deerwill also compete and feed on grass reserves forcattleTevesroughlyestimatesthatfarmersandranchershaveexperiencedacumulativecroplossvaluedat$1millionduetothedrought46MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)Builtinthe1950sandlsquo60stheMISwasconstructedtotransportwaterfromWaikoluValleyonthenorthshoretothefarmingareasofCentralMolokaitoprovidewaterforthesolepurposeofagriculture47WaikoluValleyprovideswatertothesystemviaa51milelongtunnelPipesand flumes convey thewater to the Kualapu`u Reservoirwhich is designed for amaximumdepthof54feetor14billiongalloncapacity48TheHawaiianHomesCommissionAct (ldquoHHCArdquo)of1920sect221(d)grantedhomesteadersldquotherighttousefreeofallchargeanyofthewateruponthe islandofMolokairdquo49Thisprovisionwasamended in1955togiveHawaiianHomesatwoͲthirdswaterallocationpreference fromtheMIS50 The Department of Agriculture whichmanages theMIS has not enforced thisprovision Presently80oftheMIS isconsumedbynonͲhomesteadersdespite23rdswaterreservation requirement for homesteaders51 It has been recently noted that homesteaderwaterusagehasincreasedbynearly20comparedtolastyear52TheMISWaterUseAdvisoryBoardspeculatedthathomesteadfamiliesareexpandingtheirfamilygardens53TheentireislandofMolokaihasbeendesignatedbytheStateCommissiononWaterResourcesManagement (CWRM or ldquoWater Commissionrdquo) a sole source aquifer and critical watermanagementarea Thesedesignationsunderscorethefactthattheentire islanddependsonone water source for its drinking water subsistence and agricultural needs and carefulmanagementisnecessarytomaintaintheaquiferRecords for the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) revealed that as of December 2011 theKualapu`ureservoirhadloweredto11feet(ascomparedto17feetayearprior)andcontinuedtodecline54Todaythereservoirhasloweredanotherfootwithstoragelevels50lessthana
45Teves201246Teves201247BaldaufNatashaHalsquoaheoKaholsquoohalahalaandDavidSakodaldquoTheMoloka`i IrrigationSystem AVision foraSustainableFuturerdquoDecember1200948BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200949BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200950BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200951BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200952ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion53ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion54ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 33
year ago55 Current rainfall is 10 of normal levels and those utilizing theMIS have beensubjecttoa30restrictioninwaterusageoverthepast3years56TheStatelegislaturerecentlysetaside$125millionforimprovementstotheMIS57Fundswillcover Anewhydropowerplantwaterflowwillproduceenergyandoffsetelectricalcosts Replacement of aboveͲground concrete flume with an underground pipeline to avoid
animalsanddebrisfromfallingintoandcontaminatingthewatersupply StructuralrepairtoMISaccessbridge Installation of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system to allow for
monitoringofwaterflowremotelyThis is a step in the right direction and hopefullywill assist in decreasingwater loss in thesystemandimprovemanagementoftheMISWeedsPestsWildAnimalsNumerousfarmersinterviewedparticularlyintheHo`olehuaHomesteadareahaveciteddeerasamajorproblem incrop failureTheorganicpapaya farmershavebeenhithardwithonefarmerhavinglosthisentirecropofpapayatreesSeedlingswereeatenandadulttreeswerealsoaffectedbydeerrubbings Anotherfarmerhashadtoadoptprotectivemeasuresforhisyoungkukuistarter treesasdeerseekingmoisture fromyoungplantswilleat them Hehasindicatedthatyoungkukuitreeshavetoreachacertainheightwheredeercannolongerbitethe leaves from the top Farmers are also experiencing brokenwater and irrigation pipesdestroyedbydeer One farmerwas issued a $700waterbillbefore discovering hisbrokenwaterpipeMuchofthisactivityhasbeenattributedtotheongoingdroughtconditionsdeerareseekingfarmsforwaterandfood It isestimatedthat$1million inagricultureprofitwaslosttodeerwithinthelastyearAnotherproblemthatfarmersencounteredafewyearsagowasaninfestationofratandmiceTheyweresonumerousthatdriversoftensawthemcrossingtheroad One farmerresolvedthisproblemonhisfarmbyadopting20cats
55ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions56ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions57ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 34
Other farmershavecitedpestsandweedsasaproblemon their farms Oneorganic farmerstatedthatshefinds itachallengebecauseuseofpesticidesandherbicidesareprohibited inorganicfarmingThere is an urgent need to keepMolokairsquos bee population healthy as they are pollinatorsimportant to theagriculture industry Threats to the localbeepopulation includepesticidesbeetlesandmitesHighOperationalCostsOfthe208surveyed61peopleconsideredhighoperationalcostsasabigchallengetofarmingonMolokaiThesecostsinclude Labor Infrastructure Toolsimplements Fuelforequipmentandvehicles Supplies such as fertilizer compost pesticides herbicides seeds irrigation supplies etc
Supplycostsareespeciallyhigherdue toadditionalcostmarkͲup forshipping items in toMolokai
Electricitycostsforrunningrefrigerationchiller Allfeesandtaxesincurredfromrunningabusiness Specialcostsfororganiccertification(est$1300peryear)HighCostofWaterSeventy(70)surveyrespondentsfeltfarming ismadedifficultbythehighcostofwater Thiswasespeciallytrueforfarmerswhoareoncountywater insteadofcheaperagriculturewaterfromtheMolokaiIrrigationSystemThesefarmersareontheEastEndoftheislandAlsoitisverydifficultforpeople inMaunaloaandKaluakoitofarmandevengardenduetothewatersystemrunbyMolokaiRanch Ratesforwaterareastronomicalhaving increasedby17858TheStatePublicUtilitiesCommissionallowedforarateincreasefortheRanchrsquosMolokaiPublicUtilitiesfrom$318per1000gallonsto$60459TheWaiolaOMolokaiIncwateralsoownedbyMolokaiRanchwas approved for a rate increase from$185 to $51560 These increasesimpactapproximately1200residentsonthewestsideoftheisland61
58BernardoRldquoMolokaiwaterusersprotestratehikerdquoHonoluluStarBulletinSeptember52008httparchivesstarbulletincom20080905newsstory08html59Bernardo200860Bernardo200861Bernardo2008
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 35
HighEquipmentCostsSixty(60) survey respondents considered high equipment costs as a challenge to farmingTractor costs can range from $21000 to $80000 depending on the size neededwhich isrelativetotheamountofacreagetobefarmedManysmallandbeginningfarmerslackaccesstocapitaltopurchasebigticketitemssuchasequipmentHighShippingCostsYoungBrothersistheprimaryshippingproviderforMolokaiSomefarmersutilizecargoplanessuchasKamakaAir for shipmentofmoreperishable items Shipping fromMolokai involvesaddedcostanddisadvantagesforMolokaiasaruralislandtryingtotransportgoodsacrosstheoceantothelargerurbancenterssuchasOahuandMauiForthoseutilizingdistributorsthatisanotheraddedcostIn thepast farmers receivedapartialbreakon shippingcosts throughYoungBrothers TheFarmBureauassisted indefrayingchargesassociatedwith theMolokai toHonoluu legwhilethefarmerwasrequiredtocoveronlythecostofshippingfromHonolulutothemainlandThishelped to level the playing field forMolokai farmerswith the rest of farmers onOahu andStatewide Within the last five yearshowever thispolicyhasbeendiscontinued causing adisadvantagetotheMolokaifarmerYoungBrotherswillbephasingoutitsldquoGrdquoVans218cubicftcontainersforshippingpricedat$180containerandwillbepalletizingeverythingItwillnolongerbeeasytodropitemsoffatthepierandshipoutFarmerswillneedtomakethetransitionandwilllikelyhavetosolicittheservicesofMakoaTruckingtopalletizetheirgoodsandtransportthemtothepierTheftOne farmer interviewed cited crop theft as a challenge There are also risks of theft ofequipmenttoolsandsupplieswithoutadequatestorageandsecuritymeasuresFireA localbeekeeping family thatproducespremiumorganic raw kiawehoneyexperienced adevastatingfirein2009thatwipedoutthemajorityoftheirhivesTheyhaveahighamountoforderstofillandarecurrentlyrecoveringfromthedamagetotheirhivesNotEnoughLandtoFarmampCompetingUsesforAgricultureLandThe Molokai Agricultural Park owned by the State of Hawai`i is located in theHo`olehuaMahanaregionadjacenttoMolokaiRanchandHawaiianHomeLandsItconsistsof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 36
22subdividedlotsspanningatotalof753acres62Thepurposeofagriculturalparksstatewideistoprovideaffordable longͲterm leasestosmallfarmers63CurrentlyallMolokaiAgPark landsare being utilized64 Thismakes it difficult for new farmerswho are nonͲhomesteaders tosecurecheaplandSeedbiotechcompaniessuchasMonsantoandMycogenhavegainedasolidfootholdontheisland Their use of prime agriculture lands and limited water resources impact the localfarming community It is problematic especially for organic farmers who risk losing theircertification if their farmsare inproximity toGMO crops It is known thata local familyofbeekeeperswereforcedtomovetheirhivesorelserisklosingtheirorganichoneycertificationLow Prices Offered for Local Produce Not Enough Demand for Goods and ProductInconsistencyOfthosesurveyed25peoplefeltthatnotenoughconsumerdemandforproducewasamajorchallenge for farmers Whileour surveyalso found that90ofour respondentswouldbuymorelocalfoodifitwasavailableMolokairsquossmallpopulationlimitshowmuchproducefarmerscanplaceinthelocalmarketManyof the farmers thatwe interviewedwere frustratedat the lowprices theyget for theproduce theygrow They find itdifficult tonegotiatewith storesonpricing For them it ischallengingtomakealivingorbeeconomicallysustainablebysellingproduceonlyonMolokaiOne certified organic and biodynamic farmer informed us that she is offered $110lb byMolokai stores forherorganicgingerbut she can sell itatamuchhigherpriceonOahuat$5lbinstoresthatshowcaseorganicfoodsWiththatamountsheisabletomakeaprofitaswellasrecoupherproductionandshippingcostsUHCTAHRAgricultureExtensionAgentGlennTevesstatesthatalotoffarmersdonotpaycloseenoughattentiontotheirpricingOftentimestheywillpricetheirproduceonthelowendThissetsanegativestandardthatmakesitmoredifficultforotherfarmerstogetareasonablepricefor their crops He recommends that farmers check regularly on produce prices andmakecomparisonsalsoonhowmuchtheysellforontheotherislandssothattheycanprovidemorecompetitivepricingthatisadvantageoustothemLackofSupportforAgricultureLawmakershavealsobecomeunsupportivetopreservingagriculturelandsAbusesaboundonagricultural landswithmultiͲmilliondollargentlemanestatesdevelopedanddefinedasldquofarm
62StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks63StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks64StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 37
dwellingsrdquo and attractive landscaping required underCCRs andAssociationRules dubbed aslegitimateldquoagriculturerdquo Theseldquofarmdwellingsrdquo increasethepriceofagriculture landforrealfarmersNationwide family farmersarebeingedgedoutby largecorporateproducersat the rateof330farmersperweek65TheUnitedStateshasanestimated5millionfewerfarmsthanithadinthe1930s66Today2millionfarmsexist intheUSwith565000 identifiedasfamilyfarms67ThereasonforthisisthatfederalgovernmentpoliciesfavorlargeͲscalecorporateagriculturePoliciessuchassubsidizingbigagriculturecreatesafalsesetͲpointontrueproductioncosts68TheAmerican taxpayerabsorbs thesehefty costs The federalgovernment spentover$177billion in agricultural subsidies from the years of 1995 to 200669 These large agricultureoperationsareabletoprovidehugevolumesoffoodforacheappricebecauseofthesubsidiesallocatedTheyeasilyoutcompeteandsqueezeoutthesmallfarmerthatreceivesnohelpfromsubsidies andmust pass to the customer the true costs of production in order to remain aviablebusinessStrongcorporatelobbyingmaintainsthisstatusquo
NeedforAdditionalEducationampTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunityOfthosesurveyed33farmersconsideredalackofcapacityeducationtobeachallengeSomefarmersaredauntedbythecostsofhighereducationandthetimetheywouldneedtoinvestineducationalongsidebalancingfamilyresponsibilitiesandfullͲtimefarmingProficiency inknowledgeandexperienceoffarmingprinciplesandtechniques isnecessaryforallfarmers Theymustunderstandfarmplanninghowtoplantmaintainandharvestcropshowtosetupirrigationmeetthebiologicalandmineralneedsoftheircropshowtomaintainsoil health how to minimize offͲfarm releases of pollutants and toxins such as chemicalfertilizersandpesticidesoperateand repair toolsandmachinerybasic carpentry skillsandpossess a true passion for farming A lot is learned through trial and error but educationcombinedwithpracticalexperience gives farmers abetter chance atmaking it These skillsalonearenottheonlyrequirementshoweverAfarmer(orparticipatingfamilymembers)mustalsobefinanciallyliterateandpossessstrongbusinessbookkeepingaccountingandmarketingskills To lease landsaccessbusinessstartup fundssuccessfullyapply for loansandreceive financing forbigequipmentpurchases the
65ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml66ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml67ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml68ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml69ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 38
farmerhastohavegoodcreditandbefinancially literate Ifhe issaddledwithdebtandbadcreditthenhewillneedtocreateandsticktoaplanforrepairinghiscreditOther skills a farmermust cultivate to successfully start an agricultureenterprise is learninghowtodomarketresearchandbusinessplanningItrsquosbettertomakemistakesonpaperfirstrather than in real life aftermuch time and investment has beenmade Once the farmenterprise isupand running then the farmerhas to contendwithkeeping financial recordscurrenteitherpersonallyortruesecuringabookkeeperoraccountant BusinessandpayrolltaxeswillneedtobepaidfeesforspecialcertificationssuchasorganicfarmingmayalsohavetobefactoredinAfarmermustbeawareofwhattogrowandproduceandhowtomarketherproducts inorder tobeprofitable Shemustbedisciplined in implementingher farmplanaccount for year round staggered plantings and harvests and crop rotations and reinvestprofitsbackintothebusinessRarelydotheseskillsexistinonepersonMostfarmersjustwanttofarmandnotdealwiththeother details of running a business As they age too farmerswill need to think about asuccession plan Ideally it should be a family enterprise with familymembers possessingdifferent skill sets and playing different roles that collectivelymake a successful agricultureenterpriseRanchingampTheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeMolokairsquos history includes large scale ranching of cattle which was once an enterpriseendeavorbyMolokaiRanch the islandrsquos largestprivate landownernow known asMolokaiProperties Limited SinceMPLrsquos closure ofmajor operations ranching is currently done bymembersof thecommunity inwhich theycultivate the remainingcattleonproperty CattleRanchersincludePohakuloaRanchKualapu`uRanchPedroRanchandPu`uOHokuRanchChallengeswithMolokaiBeef Muchof theranchingcommunitydonot finish theiranimals through theslaughterhouse
preferringtosellcattleoffisland Lessmeat isproducedon the islandwhich in turnmeans lessMolokaibeefavailable for
consumptioninrestaurantsandstores More than one individualentity does not like the tasteconsistency of the beef ndash some
suggestedthatthemeatbecuredlonger Somemembersofthecooperativefeelthecostforanimalprocessing($65animal)isunfair
since it isnotbasedonactualproductyield(egdeerorgoatmeatyields lesspoundsofmeatthancattle)
SlaughterhouseTheMolokai Livestock Cooperative which operates the only slaughterhouse facility on theislandprocessescattleandpork Pork isnotusually sold to storesdue to thepreferenceof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 39
Molokaifamiliestoutilizerearedhogsforhomeconsumption Thuspork issubjectusuallytocustomkillsonlyAsforcattleamaximumof18headperweekandaminimumof5headperweekgoes through the slaughterhousewitha cumulative totalof730animalsprocessed todatesincethefacilityopeneditsdoorsseveralyearsagoTheslaughterhouse iscurrentlynotoperatingatfullcapacity There isahistoricalcontextforsome of the challenges that the Molokai Livestock Cooperative faces today After thewholesale TB eradication of Molokai cattle in the 1980s and the closure of the oldslaughterhouseinKaunakakailocalranchersinitiallyworkedtogetanewslaughterhousebuiltwiththeirsweatequityandthroughsecuringfundingfromCountyStateandFederalsourcesUnfortunatelytheprocessofmovingthisprojectfromaconceptualphasetobrickandmortartook over a decade to complete By the time the slaughterhouse facility was completedranchershadmovedaway fromgrassͲfinishedcattleonMolokai to finishing theiranimalsonthe mainland Over time the ranchersrsquo commitment to strengthening their own localslaughterhouse as a viable economic engine had wavered Some ranches do not see aneconomic incentive to return to the formermodelofgrass finishing theircattleandpreferaquickerturnͲaroundtimeandtheconvenienceofsellingtheiranimalspreͲfinishedWhile theMolokaiLivestockCooperativersquosnew slaughterhousehasmadepositive inroads togettingMolokai grassͲfedbeef in local grocery stores and restaurants through itsworkwithcommittedranchersutilizingthefacility lackofvolumefromholdͲoutranchersalso limitstheslaughterhousersquosabilitytoexpandthemarketandfullydevelopanorganicnicheproduct Tomakeupforthisshortfalltheslaughterhousenowshipsin30headofnonͲMolokaicattle(50oftotalstock)onaregularbasisLambSheepForthepast5yearsahusbandandwifeteamhasbeenexperimentingwithranchingfreerangelambssheepon55acresof land inwestMolokai Thecouplehas80animals (60ewes20lambs) Theyharvestthe lambsat6monthsofageandhavebeentestingthequalityoftheanimalsMost recently they market tested their lambs The lambs were processed at theslaughterhouse ThemeatwassoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketandMisakirsquos CustomerfeedbackhasbeenverypositiveThelambmeatsoldoutquicklyinthestoresRightnowthelambsheep ranchers are trying to figure out pricing whether to sell directly to theslaughterhouseforprocessingmarketinganddistributionortohandlesomeofthoseaspectsontheirownDeerRanchingDeerranchingisnotawidespreadactivityinfactthereareonlytwopeopleontheislandthatraisevenisonDeerpensexist inMaunaloaandPalarsquoauwithasmuchas260animalscorralled
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 40
within high game fencing The deer ranching is part of a safari tour businesswhich allowsvisitorstoexperiencehuntinggameDeercanbeprocessed through theMolokaiSlaughterhouse if theanimal ispresentedat thefacilityat leastonehourafterthekillandaUSDACertified Inspectorparticipates inthehuntThisiscurrentlynotbeingdonebydeerranchersonMolokaiTheownersofDJCRanch Incwhich currentlyoperates adeer ranchhasdone some initialmarkettestingandresearchonthedemandandpotentialforvenisonmeatproduction Theyhave found ahugedemand from restaurants and the generalpublic for venisondue to thehealthbenefitsandsuperiortasteofMolokaiaxisdeerThereiscurrentlynosteadysourceforvenisonmeatandvalueͲaddedproductsinHawai`iDJCRanchhasstatedinitsmarketingplanthatinthefirstyeartheycouldprovidevenisononaseasonalbasisandinitiallyproducegroundvenison and sausages As herd numbers increase additional markets could potentially beopeneduptoWholeFoodsandCostco CurrentlyDJCRanchhasaUSDA licensetoslaughtervenisonandcouldutilizetheMolokaiSlaughterhouseThecompanyisFDAapprovedthroughthe USDA with its own stamp and seal formarketing The products that DJC Ranch hadconsideredmarketingwere
1 Groundvenisonforhumanconsumptionandalsodogfood2 9differentsausageswhichithasdevelopedandsuccessfullymarkettested3 Venisoncornedbeef4 Freshcuts5 Innards
ThereismuchpotentialinthisareaandhopefullyinvestmentscanbesuccessfullyacquiredtoimplementDJCRanchrsquosplanAdditionally theremaybeopportunity tocreateacollaborationbetweendeer ranchersandfarmerssufferingfromcrop lossesduetodeergrazing ifaplancouldbeundertakentodivertdeerfromcultivatedlandsandabsorbthemintoranchingoperationsAquacultureEffortshavebeenmadetorestorefishpondsandhavemetwithsomesuccessforsubsistenceuses State regulations affecting the restoration andutilizationof theseponds limituses tosubsistenceandeducationalpurposesmaking itdifficult toutilize theponds for commercialaquacultureThisisunfortunategiventhehardworkonthepartofthecommunityandfederalfunds invested inProjectLoko I`aatrainingprogramthathadservedanestimated20youngMolokai adults in drystack and fishpondwall reconstruction fishpond husbandry live rockcultivation for theaquarium industry shrimpand seaweedaquaculturewater samplingandanalysis leadershipandentrepreneurial skills Theseyoungadultswere trainedwithall thetools to be successful in aquaculture butwere not given the chance to commercially leaseMolokaipondsandestablishabusiness
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 41
PlansandfundingallocatedtoestablishafinfishhatcheryonMolokaiasearlyas1991andtostockfishpondsforcommercialproductionwerestalledandareunlikelytocometofruitionTheMolokai Ice House completed construction at the KaunakakaiWharf in 1993 It wasestablishedbya local commercial fishermenrsquoscooperativeof40 individualswho contributedapproximately 60Ͳ70 of Molokairsquos commercial fish landings The Ice House operatedsuccessfullyfornearlyadecadeprovidingicefreshfishpokeandseaweedforsaleA Native Hawaiian nonͲprofit Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou established a successful limu(seaweed)growersnetworkandlimubuyͲbackprogramwith30familieslivingalongMolokairsquossouthandcentralshores These familieswere trained incultivationof theedibleandhighlyprizedseaweedGracilariaparvisporacommonlyknownas limuogo Anestimated1000 lbsweeklywereshippedtoOahufishmarketsaswellasdistributedtotheMolokaiIceHouseandvariousstoresonislandintheformoffreshandvalueͲaddedproducts(limusalsaandnamasu)Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou served as amarketer and broker for the families In the endhowever some of themore successful growers opted to sell and distribute their harvestsindependently causing the cooperative typeof structure todismantleanddriving thepricesdownforMolokailimuogoduetocompetitionamongstthegrowersTherearetwoshrimpfarmsonMolokaiMolokaiSeaFarmsinPala`auandKeawaNuiFarmsineastMolokaiKeawaNuiFarmssuppliesSPFcertifiedPenaeusvannameishrimpbroodstockaswellasseasonalharvestsoftilapia fishand limuogo70MolokaiSeaFarmsalsospecializes indiseasefreeSPFPvannameibroodstockandservescustomersthroughouttheworld71PacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsandHawai`iKaiCorporationbothfarmseasaltfromMolokairsquosoceanwaters Thesesaltscarryessentialmineralsandtraceelements Molokaisaltproductionhasreachedaglobalmarketas farasChinaandEurope Productscanalsobe found inMolokaistoresAddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparationMolokairsquoshiddensubsistenceeconomy isastrengththatassistsfamiliestoday inachronicallydepressedeconomyThereisenoughdeergoatandwildpigonthelandandfishonthereeftomeet the peoplersquos protein requirements and provide food security for tomorrow TheHo`olehuaHomesteadcommunitywithfamilyfarmsdottingthelandscapehasenoughproduceandstarchinthegroundtofeedtheircommunityAscomparedtootherislandsMolokaiisinbettershapethanmostifnotallislandsHoweverthereisstillastrongrelianceonYoungBrotherstoshipinfoodtotheislandAtanygiventimethereisanestimated4daysoffoodstockedonMolokairsquosstoreshelvesNodisaster
70KeawaNuiFarmshttpwwwkeawanuifarmscom71MolokaiSeaFarmshttpwwwbroodstockcomHawaiian_SPF_Shrimp_Broodstockhomehtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 42
scenarioplanninghaseverbeenundertakenforhowthiscommunityshouldrespondifonedaythebargedoesnotarriveandalltransportationvenuesbyseaairandlandwereinterruptedAccordingtooneinformantMolokairsquosfoodreservesarestoredonMauibytheAmericanRedCross This iswrong Molokai isoneofthefew islandswithoutamainairportonthecoastalshores In timesofdisaster (eghurricane tsunami) therewouldbebetter accesson theislandtoreceiveassistanceRealisticallyhoweverMolokaiwouldbeofalesserprioritytoshipin food and medical supplies in a Statewide disaster scenario due to the islandrsquos smallpopulationInitialaidwouldbefocusedprimarilyonurbananddenselypopulatedareasontheneighboringislandsIntheMana`eandKaunakakaiareas(eastandcentralMolokai)whereasignificantportionofMolokairsquospopulationisconcentratedtheroadsandmajorityofhomesarelocatedonthecoastwithin the tsunami and flood zone corridor Getting assistance to these areas would beproblematic No major farming takes place in Kaunakakai and Mana`e except for homegardensandsomewetlandtarocultivationinthelushervalleysontheeastsideMonoͲcropping increases risks ofwholesale andmass crop failure Whilemost smallͲscalefarmers are doing diversified agriculture onMolokai not enough effort has beenmade topreserve thehundredsofvarietiesofsweetpotatobreadfruit taroandothercanoeplantsNot enough has been done to cultivate and preserve varieties of regionallyͲadapted openͲpollinatedseedsforhomegardensandsmallscalefarmersUHCTAHRhasthroughitsresearchdevelopedseedsadapted tocertainenvironments Moreeffortmaybeneeded toget theseseedstofarmers
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 43
V RECOMMENDATIONSMitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElementsWindAswindwillcontinuetobeanissueforfarmersespeciallyhomesteadfarmersintheHo`olehuaareaitisimportanttoestablishacomprehensiveprojecttoinstallwindbreaksthatwillhelptoopenupmorehomesteadlandforfarmingCostcanbeafactorforsmallͲscaleandbeginningfarmersThusaccessingfundingandcreatingcollaborativepartnershipswithcoreleadershipisnecessarytomovethisprojectalongOtherthingstoconsider intermsofdecidingwhattypesofwindbreaksto installwouldbetooptimizethepotentialofthewindbreakstoservemultiplefunctionsOnecommoncomplaintamongsthomesteadfarmershasbeenthedestructionofcropsfromgrazingdeerProvidingavegetativewindbreakwith tightplantings could serve as a living fence that keepsout deerSelectingalso fornitrogen fixingspecieswillalsoaddnutrientstothesoilandboost farmerrsquoscropsIdentifiedasakeyprojectintheEnvironmentSectionofMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandisprovidingwindbreaks inHo`olehuaThevision istoplantwindbreaksldquoalongthecoastalpaliaround the central plain andhellip along individual farmersrsquo lots Native trees and treeswithsecondarymarketvalue(fruittreesandhardwoods)rdquoshouldbeutilized72DroughtͲProofingReforestationThecommunity initiateddocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian Islandhas identified in itsAgricultureampAquacultureSectionthefollowingpriorities73
Recognize the limited availability of water as a primary factor in prioritizing suitableagriculturalfoodcrops
Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture foodproduction
Water is a limiting factor in farming especially in light of chronic drought conditions andcontinuousmandatorycutbacksonwateruse from theMolokai IrrigationSystem TherearewaysthatthefarmercanharvestwateraswellasminimizewaterlossPlantingwindbreakswillaidincreatingamicroclimatethatwillreduceevapotranspirationandallowforsomeshadeforcrops that require less sunlight Installing swales and terraces on contour in tandem withplantingswillslowthepathofwaterrunoffcomingontothepropertycreategoodsoakagethatwillbuildthewatertableandnaturallyfeedcropsMulchingandplantinggroundcoverspecies
72MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf73MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 44
alongsidemain crops will retainmoisture and support soil health These droughtͲproofingstrategiesworkinginconcertwillprovideagreatbenefittothefarmerA longertermstrategythatonehomestead farmersuggestedand forwhichhehasbeguntospreadamongstotherhomesteaders is conductingmassplantingsofKukui trees to createaforest forHo`olehua and capture rain He is setting the example by creating a kukui plantnurseryonhispropertyandgivingkeikiplantstootherhomesteadersAdoptionofthesetypesofstrategiesshouldalsobeconsideredbynonͲhomesteaduserswhohaveutilizedthe lionrsquosshareofMISwater ReforestationoftheslopesofMaunaloathathadbeendamagedbycattleranchingandpineapplecultivationwouldalso lessendependenceonwaterdiversions Thishasbeen identifiedasakeyprojectunder the communitydocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandalongwithcertainerosioncontrolmeasuresfortheWestEnd gulches that include installing ldquorock dikes (gabions) hedgerow plantings [and] siltationpondsrdquo74
ProtectingWaterResourceRights
TheWater Code directs the Commission to ldquoincorporate and protect adequate reserves ofwaterforcurrentandforeseeabledevelopmentanduseofHawaiianhomelandsassetforthinsection 221 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Actrdquo75 Additionally by law the HawaiianHomes Commission Act recognizes a twoͲthirdswater preference for homesteaders on theMolokai IrrigationSystem76These lawsshouldbeenforcedandtheDepartmentofHawaiianHomeLandsneedstoactivelyadvocateonbehalfofhomesteaderstoensuretheprotectionoftheir water rights The Department of Agriculture which manages the MIS must alsoresponsiblymeettheStatersquosfiduciarydutybyassuringthatwaterallocationsareincompliancewiththetwoͲthirdsprovisionforhomesteaders
WildAnimalControl
A number of farmers plagued by deer have opted to allow subsistence hunting on theirpropertyorhunt thedeer themselvesOthersare installing fencing tokeep thedeerout AlocaldeerranchersurmisedthatalotofthedeerareoriginatingfromdryMolokaiRanchlandsandmovingtowardsthehomesteadregionofHo`olehuainsearchofwaterandfoodThisdeerfarmerwouldliketoworkwithMolokaiRanchtoleaseandexpandhisoperationsontoRanchlandserect fencingandprovideadequatewater for thedeer toprevent them from invadingtheHomestead Withcollaborationamong farmersMolokaiRanchand localdeer ranchersthiscouldprovideawinͲwinsolutionforall
74MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf75HawRevStatSection174CͲ101(a)76HawaiianHomesCommissionActsect221(d)1920amended1955
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 45
IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth
Typicallyweeds are found in disturbed areas Weeds are bioͲindicators of soil health andstructureTheyservedifferentfunctionsandareoftenpioneerspeciesthatcomeintoasystemearly on to create optimal conditions for the next stages of succession into amorematuresystem Differentweedsperformdifferent functions suchasaddingnitrogen to the soil reͲmineralizingthesoilwithdeeptaprootsthatbringnutrientsbelowuptothesurfacelooseningcompacted hard pan soils to allow for aeration and room for new seedlings to grow andstabilizingfragileandexposedsoilswithrootstructuresthatfanoutmorewidelytoholdloosesoiltogetherThekeyistoselectspeciesthataremoreusefultothefarmerthanthenaturalordisturbedvegetationandovertimethesespecieswilloutcompeteweedyvarietiesDiversifyingcropsandmimickingnaturalsuccessiondoingtimestackingwithdenserplantingsofperenniallegumesgroundcoverswindbreaks fruit treesandvinesofpreferredspecieswillallow formaturation of the system create better soil health and select out nonͲfavorable weedyspeciesOne farmerwhooperatesanorganicpapaya farmdoesthe followingtopreservesoil fertilityandcontrolpests77 Utilizesa localmanufacturerfromOahuwhorecyclesusedcookingoilfatsbonesandfish
collected from restaurants foodmanufacturersand fishoutletsand turns thiswaste into100 certified organic soil amendments Tons of rawmaterialwaste now diverted fromlandfill
Usesdolomiteandcrushedcoraltoamendsoilorgypsumassubstitute Growssunnhemponrestingfieldstohelpwithnematodesandfixnitrogeninsoil Providescovercropofgrassesandweedsbetween rowsofmaturepapaya trees irrigated
withmicroͲsprinklerstokeepmoistureandlifeinthesoil Maintainsadiversefloraratherthanengaginginmonocropping Responds to cut worms (seasonal) by planting extra seedling trays to replace damaged
seedlings Sprays kumulus (organic sulfur) and baking soda to combat powderymildewmites and
thrips Ripsandairsoutoldfieldsandrestsfieldsforatleast15monthstoaddressnematodeissue Focusesongrowingthestrongesthealthiestplantstoprovidegreaterresistancetopests
77UniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesFeaturedFarmerRickTamanahaKaleikoafarmsHo`olehuaMoloka`iHĈnai`AiNewsletterJuneͲJulyͲAugust2011httpwwwctahrhawaiiedusustainagnewsarticlesV8ͲKaleikoaFarmsͲFFpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 46
AddressingHighOperationalCosts
EquipmentAccessSeveralcommunitypartnerscametogethertoaddressoneofthemajorimpedimentsforsmallfarmersonMolokai access toequipment TheMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityndashKeAupuniLƃkahipurchasedatractoraspartofaplannedequipmentrentalprogramadministeredbyUHCTAHR and the Hawaiian Homestead Association TheMolokai Rural Development ProjectpurchasedtractorimplementstofurtherassistthefarmersTheseimplementsincludedaJactoArbusAirblast Sprayerwith TractorMount to assist farmers in spraying their fieldswithoutadded labor Samp A AG 20 Spreader to allow growers to improve their soil pH and organicmatter Miller Bobcat 250 welder to aid farmers in repairing and fabricating tools andimplements aswell as serve as a training tool inwelding and farmmechanics and aGreatPlainsSubSoilerSS1300toassistfarmersinfieldpreparationwithminimalsoildisruptionWhilefarmerswillstillneedaccesstootherformsofequipmenttocutdown laborandtimetheEquipmentRentalModel isagoodone that shouldbe replicated tobenefit theMolokaifarming community overall and ameliorate farmersrsquo chances of success by bringing theirindividualcostsdownShipping
Howtotacklehighshippingcosts Consolidation Compilecargoandnegotiatewithcarriersbased on volume78 This could be handled formally through a cooperative structure orinformally through a hui of farmers The Molokai community has also recommendedcommissioning a ldquostudy to explore new alternatives for transportation links (air and sea)betweenMolokaiandotherareasandmarketsrdquo79Another alternative that Sust`ĈinableMolokai is preliminarily exploring is the feasibility ofprovidingasailingvesselequippedwithchillspacethatwouldideallybepoweredbyrenewableenergy (egwind solar) to serve as a communal shipping vessel forMolokai exports andimportsOneofourconcernsisnotonlythehighshippingcoststhatresidentsincurbutalsodealingwiththeinevitableconsequencesofglobalpeakoilandhelpingtoincreaseourislandrsquosfuelandenergysecurity
78Youn JL ldquoRootsofChange ToRichardNelsondiversification ismuchmore than justabuzzwordrdquoHawaiiBusiness Magazine February 2004 httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange79 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1105 InfrastructureTransportationAlternativesp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 47
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoodsOne of the areas where some farmers feel challenged is marketing and distributing theirproducts offͲisland While some of themwant to take advantage of better pricing on theneighbor islands the lackofknowledgeandexperience inpenetrating thosemarketscanbedauntingfortheMolokaifarmerItwasalsoexpressedtousfromvendorsandrestaurantsthatit is difficult to determine which farmer is selling what and to achieve a level of productconsistencyamong individualfarmers ForMolokaistoresandrestaurants itwouldbeeasiertodealwithabrokerdistributorormarketingteamwho isplugged intotheMolokaifarmingcommunityandcouldconsolidategoodsamongstallfarmersandachieveafairpriceforthemCoststoretainthisdistributorcouldalsobesharedamongstthefarmersThisdistributorcouldalso handlemarkets on neighboring islandsmainland and internationally and remove theheadachefromfarmerswhojustwanttofarmOriginallytheHiki`olaFarmersCooperativewassetuptosellanddistributefarmersrsquoproductsandhelptoremovethe impedimentsandpersonalchallengesfarmersface inmarketingtheirproduceandproducts independently HoweverthisprovedunsuccessfulbecauseofproductinconsistencyThismaybeanongoingchallengebutnotcompletelyinsurmountablePerhapsmorecarefulfarmplanningandcollaborationwithfarmersmaybeneededtocollectivelygrowspecific items tomaintainacertainvolumeandconsistency Issuesof seasonalityhoweverwillalwaysimpactconsistencyMarketingFarmers couldalso increase theirprofits throughappropriatebrandinga common logoandsharedwebsitefeaturingldquoGrownonMolokairdquoorldquoMadeonMolokairdquoproductlineThiswouldalsohelpprospectivevalueͲaddedfoodentrepreneurswhoarechallengedbyhighstartͲupandinsurancecoststhatcomeswithdevelopingaproductdesigningalogoandlabelandcomingupwithappropriatepackagingUnderonebrandandacommoninsurancethesecostscanbeminimizedandthevalueͲaddedproducercouldfocuschieflyoncreatingaqualityproductFarmersMarketampCommunitySupportedAgricultureMolokairsquoscurrentSaturdaymarketlocatedintheheartofKaunakakaiTownisanopenmarketwherethereareavarietyofitemssoldartscraftsvarioussundriesbakedgoodsandavarietyof vegetablesand fruits Ithasbeen suggested that theMolokaiopenmarketbe improvedupon to reflect a true farmersmarket Improvementswould includeproviding chill space toprovide other products like Molokai grass fed beef and seafood showcasing valueͲaddedMolokaiproductssellingmoreandbonafideMolokaiproduceandincreasingaccessibilityforlow income families to fresh local produce and other foods through undergoing the formalprocessandclearancetoacceptEBTfoodstamps
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 48
FarmersMarkets serve as an important venue for farmers to sell directly to customers andcreatepositiverelationshipswiththemForthosewhoprefertofarmandleavethesellingandmarketingtoothersalocaldistributorcouldfillthoseshoesSomehavesuggestedthatseveralfarmersmarketsbeestablishedwithinthevariousdistrictsofthe island (east central and west Molokai) to make local foods readily accessible to allconsumersAnother suggestionwas thatMolokai create its own local dollar or Local Exchange TradingSystem (LETS) amongst a communityor groupofpeoplewhomutually agree toextend andearn credit from each other through a series of transactions and exchanges of goods andservicesDirectbarterbetweenpartiesisnotnecessaryratheronecanearnLETScreditsfromperformingaserviceorgivingagoodandbereciprocatedatalatertimeforgoodsorservicesofequalvalue(egprovidingbabysittingservicestoearncreditsandreceiveplumbingworkinreturn)LETSallowscommunitiesgreater flexibilityandcreatesequalityamong itsmembersofferingvaluebeyondtheconventionalmonetarysystemSome farmers create their own market by operating a CSA or Community SupportedAgricultureTheWaialuaPermafarmhasbeenoperatingsuccessfullyforabout30yearsnowasaCSATheWaialuaPermafarmhasfamiliesthatregularlysubscribetotheirCSAandpurchaseweekly or biͲmonthly boxes of veggies and fruits The Waialua Permafarm provides animpressive listing of vegetable and fruits that they grow with customers choosing theirfavoritesWhateverisinseasonandpreferredbythecustomeriswhattheCSAprovidesPu`uOHokuRanchalsoprovidesveggieboxesaswellasamore recentoperation runningoutofMahanaGardensOneMolokaiCSAoperatorsuggestedtheSiskiyouSustainableCooperativeinOregonasagreatmodel that could help farmers here to consolidate their efforts and create direct farmer toconsumer relationships Some of the best practices coming from Siskiyou SustainableCooperativeinclude Acollectiveoffarmerswhowantedtoformamarketingandbusinesscooperative Their business plan included visionary goals such as a credit union for farmers a
cooperatively owned state of the art commercial kitchen and seed cleaning facilityaffordablehealthinsuranceforfarmfamiliesetc
Inthefirst2yearsthefarmersdeveloped3marketingvenuesaCSAafarmstandalongtheroadsideandacooperatively runmarketboothEventually theCooperative focusedmoreexclusivelyontheCSAasitprovedmostfinanciallysuccessful
Farmersrsquogoal istoprovidecontinualaccesstomore locallygrownandproducedfoodsandtomaketheCSAboxmoreofaldquooneͲstopshoppingrdquoexperienceformembersTodatetheCSA offers bread cheese eggs flowers beef and buffalo products coffee and honey inadditiontotheregularproduceboxes
CoͲopprovidescertifiedorganicfruitsvegetablesandspecialty itemsproducedon9smallͲscalefamilyfarmsandranches
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 49
Feeds250 families throughcooperativeCommunitySupportedAgriculture (CSA)marketingand distribution program while enhancing the economic viability of their sustainableagricultureoperations
CoͲopoffersasmallsharethatfeeds2peopleandalargesharethatfeeds3Ͳ5peopleCoͲopdropsoffthefoodboxesto7differentspotsonaweeklybasis
ProvidingproducetolowͲincomepopulationsispartofCoͲoprsquosmissionCoͲopprovidesfoodtoACCESSandfoodbanks
CoͲopalsosuccessfullyappliedtoacceptfoodstampsCoͲopunderstandsthateatingfreshhealthyfood is importantforeveryoneespeciallyforthemorevulnerablepopulations likechildrenpregnantandnursingmotherstheelderlyanddisabledThesepeoplearemostinneedofnutrientͲdensehighqualityfoods
CSAmembersalsobenefit from farmdaysofferedby thecoͲopmembersget tosee theirfoodbeing grown andmeet their farmersCoͲop also sends recipes andnewsletterswitheachboxtohelpmemberslearnnewandexcitingwaystopreparetheirvegetables
CoͲopworks toexpandmarkets for localseedproducers toprovidevarietiesofregionallyͲadaptedopenͲpollinated seeds forhomegardenersand smallͲscale farmersCoͲop leasesseed cleaning equipment from a local nonͲprofit to improve seed quality and encouragegrowers toproducemore seedas theequipment saves time Oneof thecoͲop foundingmembers started his own local seed company see websitewwwbiodynamicseedsblogspotcom
CoͲop farms utilize interns as an inexpensive labor pool while providing them withopportunitiesto learnhowtogrow foodandruna farmoperation Inaneffort toprovidequality internships someof thecoͲopmembers formedanonͲprofit toprovideeducationandsocialopportunitiesforfarminternsSeewebsitehttproguefarmcorpsorg
AchievingFinancialSustainabilityThroughMIFFStrategyTodays farmermust possess a diverse skillsͲset to be truly competitive in a globalmarketAccordingtoRichardNelsonpresidentofHawaiiBizlinkLLCanagricultureͲconsultingfirmontheBigIslandnichemarketdevelopmentisthekeytosuccessfulagribusinessinHawaiiratherthan the agricultureasacommoditymindset80 Headds [A]g iseconomicdevelopmentanditisalsotourismVisitorswanttoeattheNalogreensandthefreshfishseethepineappleplantationandvisit theaquacultureoperationsahard look [needs tobe taken in]assistingfarmers with a variety of things including development of market plans business planspackagedesignintroductiontobuyersdevelopmentoftradeshowsandmarketingvenuesforlocalproducers[E]veryfarmerhasgottogetsmarterItsnolongerjustharvestingproductandthrowing it inabinFarmershavetowearmultiplehatsnow81Aswe looktobuildinggreatercapacityinourfarmingcommunitymoreeducationandtrainingmustbeavailableforfarmerstomeettheseemergingtrendsinagriculture
80YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange81YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 50
Farmers are more likely to succeed through diversification The Multiple Income FarmingFamilies (MIFF) model is a strategy for strengthening agribusinesses through generatingmultiplerevenuestreamsOne exampleof aMultiple Income Farming Family isMolokaiMeli inoperation since 2004MolokaiMeli sellspremiumorganic rawkiawehoneyasavalueͲaddedproductThe familymarketsldquomelisticksrdquoorhoneysealed instrawsassimplesnacks Theyalsoprovidedifferentgradesofhoneypremiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyandhoneycombsthattheyadvertiseand sell through their website The family doesnrsquot stop there Their eldest child Elijahdevelopedhisownbusiness around adressing recipeheperfectedmadewithMolokaiMelihoneyTheyoungerdaughtershavealsodevelopedtheirownproductsbeeswaxcandlesandchapstickthataresoldatKumuFarmsandMolokairsquosspecialtyshopsAllfamilymemberssuitupintheirbeekeepingsuitstocareforthebeesInitiallywhentheystartedtheirbusinesstheyhadnot fullyreachedtheir financialgoal insecuringallthestartͲupcoststheyneeded Theylearnedtoadaptandadjustedtheirbusinessplan Whenfacedwithapredicamentthattheywould not receive their bees on time to start their operations smoothly they turned thischallengeintoanewbusinessopportunitybyprovidingtheislandrsquossolebeeremovalservicesThey utilized this initial stock of bees for honey production and continue to replenish theirstoresbymaintainingbeeremovalservicesValueͲAddingampGoingOrganicThecommunitysupportsorganicvalueͲaddedandsustainablefarming82 Encourageandsupportorganicandenvironmentallyfriendlyfarmingmethodstechniques SupporttheproductionofvalueͲaddedproducts SupportthefarmingofcertifiedorganicandornonͲGMOcropsAnexampleofwhereMolokaifarmershaveachievedsuccess is inproducingcertifiedorganicpapayaMolokaiistheonlyplaceintheworldwhereorganicpapayaisgrowncommerciallyAsmallairportrunway that lacks thecapacity toreceive largeplanesand internationalcarriershaskeptMolokaibiologicallypurerthantheother islands inthat ithasnotbeenexposedtothepapaya ringspotvirus likewise thebananabunchy topvirushasalsonot takena strongholdonMolokaibananaKumu Farms is a local distributor of organic sunrisestrawberry papaya In themidͲ1990sKumuFarms invested inandbuiltaforcedͲhotͲair(FHA)chemicalfreetreatmentfacilitywiththeapprovalof theUSDepartmentofAgriculture to treat itscertifiedorganicpapayaonsiteand distribute directly to its various markets throughout the State of Hawai`i the USMainland and Canada83 Thirty percent (30) of the organic papaya supply comes from
82MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf83KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 51
homesteadfarmingfamilieswhoarepartofKumuFarmsldquosatelliteprogramrdquo84ThesefarmersarepaidbyKumuFarms$075lbfororganicpapayawhichismorethandoublewhatfarmerstypicallygetforconventionalGMOpapayaat$030lb MolokaiOrganicPapayaretails inthemainlandUSat$5lbProducingcropsorganically isawaytovalueͲaddandenteranichemarket This isespeciallyusefulforsmallfarmswhocannotcompetewithlargeproducersOneofthesatellitefarmshasexpressedadesiretobegindistributingandmarketingitsorganicpapayaindependentlyofKumuFarmstorealizedirectmarketprofitsInanycaseKumuFarmsplaysavaluablerole inproviding itsownFHAchemicalfreetreatmentfacilitydoingoutreachto small farmers to assume the costs of shipping distribution and marketing For manybeginning farmers these types of opportunitiesmitigate some of the costs of running anagribusinessandgivethemaleguptogrowandeventuallyexpandtheirownenterprisesThe 2010 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process forMaui Countyidentified the main economic sectors forMauiMolokai and Lanai islands They includeAgriculture Arts and Entertainment Government Healthcare Recreation and SportsRenewableEnergyResearchampDevelopment (RampD)and theVisitor Industry MolokaiCEDSparticipantshave identifiedprioritygoalsandobjectivesundereachsector ForAgricultureampAquacultureMolokai residentselectedasapriorityobjectiveaneffective ldquoBuy Localrdquo (ldquoBuyMolokairdquocampaign)andtheestablishmentofaldquoMadeonMolokairdquobrandAdditionally a September 2009 report provided by theMaui EconomicDevelopment Board(MEDB)onldquoEntrepreneurshipandtheFutureofMolokairdquodeterminedfrommultiplesurveysofMolokairsquos business community areas for growth and opportunity for the islandrsquos economyRespondents identified asopportunities ldquouniquelyMolokai lsquonichersquoproducts (organicpapayacoffeecookiesMolokaibreadetc)rdquoandldquovalueͲaddedproducts (tarochipspackageddriedmangococonutandbanana)rdquoIncreasedproductionandmarketingofnewvalueͲaddedfoodproductsprovide longershelf life requires lessvolumeof rawproductandhaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketswishingtotrynewandexoticfoods ValueͲaddingandcreationofnicheproducts thatplay to the strengthsofwhat farmershere cangrowprovidesagreateradvantagetoMolokaiproducersandallowsthemtobemorecompetitiveinthemarket A few years ago theMolokai Rural Development Project (RDP) offered ValueͲAdded FoodProductionTrainingattheLanikehaCommercialKitchen inpartnershipwithHawaiianHomestheMolokaiCommunityServiceCouncilandKƻha`oBusinessCenterThetrainingwasgearedtoestablishingsuccessfulvalueͲadded foodbusinessesto fulfillanichemarketandaid inthediversification ofMolokairsquos agriculture industry RDP designed the training along theMIFFmodelofprovidingmultipleincomestreamsforfarmingfamiliesThelocalfarmerthroughthistrainingcouldsupplementhis income throughvalueͲaddingorconnectwithanentrepreneurwishingtoturnldquowasterdquo(discardedoffͲgradeproduce)intoopportunity
84KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 52
Currently Lanikeha holds a number of anchor tenants that regularly produce valueͲaddeditems Products thathavecomeoutofLanikeha includepoisweetpotatochipshoneyseasaltpestoproductsbakedandcatereditemsUtilizingLanikehaasaCommunityCommercialKitchen Incubator for additional valueͲadded product development and training is key todeveloping new food entrepreneurs on Molokai and strengthening the islands agricultureeconomyAgriͲTourismPriorities identified inMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian IslandrsquosAgricultureAquacultureSectionincludessupportofldquoagroͲtourismendeavorsrdquo85An area in which there is room for growth and diversification is the agritourism industryAccording to the Hawaii Agritourism Association (HATA) agritourism assists farmers withsupplementalincomebyprovidinganichemarketthatinvolvesconnectingtheconsumertothelandandthegrowersbyeducatingthemaboutagriculturalproductsandprovidingadirectandinteractiveexperienceOf theprofitsmade fromagͲtourism relatedactivitiesmost revenuesaregainedthroughonfarmsalesdirecttofarmvisitorsAdditionallymanyoperationsreceiveorders for products after visitors return home suggesting gains made through buildingrelationshipswithcustomersthroughagritourismvenuesAccording toHATAagritourism isagrowingglobal trend thatprovides farmswith income increative ways enhances diversity of visitor experiences while at the same time supportsculturalidentityTheMolokaiResponsibleTourism InitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanprovidesabasisfor identifyingacceptablehostͲvisitorexperiences inkeepingwithMolokairsquoscultureandruralpace 86 Focus group sessions interviews and surveys revealed that residents favoredsustainablecommunitytourismtheelementsofwhichinclude Operationsby localand traditionalpopulation toenhance thequalityof lifeprotectand
restoretheenvironmentalandculturalassetsandengagevisitorsontermsdefinedbythecommunity
Activitiesevolvingasasolutiontoeconomicenvironmentalsocialeducationalandcultural
growthchallenges
85MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf86McGregorDaviannaldquoMolokaiResponsibleTourismInitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanForMoloka`irdquoKe`AupuniLƃkĈhindashMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityFebruary2006httphuinethawaiirdporgmolokaiFinal20Report20Ͳ20with20coverpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 53
Advocating a fair exchange of value between the host and the hosted Preserving the
communityrsquossenseofplacethatbringsdignityandpridetothehost Featuringauthenticandgenuineactivities forguests Sharing realcultureby thepeople
whopracticeit Creatingabalancedratiobetweenthelocalpopulationandvisitorcountsothatthesenseof
placeisnotoverwhelmedbylargescaletourismSomeactionsteps identified tomeet theseprinciples includedculturalexchangeeducationaltoursbuilding thekama`ainavisitormarketworkingwithentrepreneurcohortsestablishingcommunitynetworksandcollaborativeeffortsSuccesswouldbemeasuredwithanincreaseinthe number of jobs in the visitor industry and an increase in contributions to the islandrsquoseconomyfromvisitoractivitiesandretailpurchasesSome Molokai farmers have shown interest in agriͲtourism as evidenced by a programsupportedbytheKƻha`oBusinessCentertheCountyOfficeofEconomicDevelopmentandtheMolokaiAgriculturalDevelopmentProgramafewyearsagotoprovideintroductoryagritourismworkshops and site visits to various farmsonMauiMaui farms likeAli`iKula Lavender andSurfingGoatDairyhaveservedasgreatmentorsTheseactivitieshave inspiredandpromptedMolokai farmersto lookathowtheycan improvetheirown farmingoperationsand increaserevenuethroughdiversificationPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm isoneexampleofagritourismonMolokai The familyprovides farmtoursandgivesvisitorstheldquomacadamiaexperiencerdquothroughaneducationalcomponentandanopportunity to taste and purchase their product Relationships builtwith visitors serve tocreatealoyalcustomerbaseThePurdyrsquosprovidedirectmarketingbymailtocustomerswhohavevisitedtheminthepastThismethodhasbeenquiteeffectiveforthemTherearenegativeviewsonMolokaiabout tourismorconventionalaspectsof tourism thatexploittheHawaiianhostculture One farmerwhodislikestourismstatedhoweverthathehaswelcomedhundredsofpeopleofallagestovisittourandworkonhis family farm Forhimnoproprietarysecretsarekeptjustadesiretoshareknowledgeandthefamilyrsquospassionfor farming In this sense tourism takes a differentmeaning one that ismore about aneducational exchange and an opportunity to volunteer and gain knowledge throughexperiencingaworkingfarmfirsthand
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 54
ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms
Lawsmustbeenforcedtomake it favorabletothe farmerto farm Enforcementofthe lawsthataccuratelydefineagricultureandappropriatefarmdwellingsiscriticaltothemaintenanceofHawai`irsquosinventoryofagriculturallandslestweforfeitafoodsecurefutureforHawai`i
MolokaiisoneofthefewislandsifnottheonlyHawaiianislandthatselfͲidentifiesitsdesiredandprimaryeconomy tobeagriculture rather than tourismThemajorityofour informantsrespondedtothefollowingquestioninthismanner
Question What is your Agriculture Vision for Molokai
ldquoTo truly be the agriculture breadbasket of the Staterdquo
Muchofthissentimentcanbeattributedtoourhistoriclegacyas`inaMomonaandaculturethathasneverforgottenthatthewealthofthe land isdeterminedbyhowmuchfoodcanbeproduced and howmuch can be shared This is the essence ofMolokairsquos two economiesagricultureandtraditionalsubsistence
InkeepingwithavisionforMolokaitobetheagriculturebreadbasketoftheStatefarmerssaythatchangesneed tobemadeby theStategovernment toprovideaguaranteedmarket forMolokai farmers to supply urban and densely populated islands like Oahu rather thanperpetuatingalosingpropositionforMolokairsquosfarmerswhoareforcedtocompetewithotherswhohavemoredirectaccesstothemarket
ExcerptsfromMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandmakescommunityobjectivesclearastothehighprioritygiventoprotectingtheinterestsoflocalagriculture87 Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture food
production Promoteandsupport family farmsonMolokai inorder toprotectagricultureaquaculture
resourcesfromcommercialexploitation Promoteactivitiesand incentives thatwillhelpsupport theeconomicsecurityofour farm
families
AdditionalacreageforAgriculturalParksshouldbereservedtosupporttheexpansionoflocalfamilyfarmsPracticesthatconflictwiththespiritandpoliciesidentifiedforAgParkssuchasleasingorsubͲleasingto largecorporateindustrialagricultureandbiotechcompaniesshouldbeprohibited
87MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 55
Newtrendsrelatedtoan increasingappreciationanddemandfor localandregionalproduceencourage the return of small family farms88 Family farms are important to the soul andresilienceofacommunity Where industrialagriculturecompaniestendtocauseerosionandpollution through destructive practiceswith the use ofmachinery and heavy application ofchemical fertilizersherbicides andpesticides independent small family farmshave amoreintimate relationship with the land and are keen on preserving green and open spaces inalignmentwithcommunityvalues89
Related to thedeclineofsmall family farms is theagingofAmericarsquos farmers Molokai isnodifferent Theaverageageofthefarmerswesurveyedwere54yearsoldwhilethenationalaverage is 5790 The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 70 of the nationrsquosagricultural landwill changehandswithin the next 20 yearsdue to the agingpopulationoffarmers91 Ifthenextgeneration isnot interested infarmingthere isarealthreatthatthesefarmlandswillbeconvertedtononͲagriculturepurposes92 It is imperativethentocultivateanewgenerationofbeginningfarmers
OutreachampEducationIncreasingConsumerAwareness Reviewofsurveyand interviewresponsesstimulated livelyinformalinquiryanddiscussionamongfriendsfamilyandcolleaguesOnesuchdiscussionwasabout the need to raise greater consumer awareness of different kinds of foods herbsvegetablesthatattractthemoreexperiencedpalettebut forwhichthe localpopulationmaynotbeaccustomedtooutsideoftheirowntraditionalfoodsOneobservationthatwasmadebyKumuFarmsisthatsalesarelowinthesummerandpickupagainatthearrivalofsnowbirdsin the fallandwintermonths Hearing localpeople talkabout theirappreciationofgoing toKumuFarmstopickupfreshorganicproducebutareluctancetotrysomeofthemoreexoticherbsbecauseoftheirlackofknowledgeonhowtopreparethemsuggestsadesiretoexploredifferentcuisinesbutnotenoughopportunitytolearnaboutandincorporatethesefoodsintotheir cooking Hosting different tastings and cooking classes that integrate a farm to tableapproachmayhelp to removesome thesebarriers toeatinghealthynew foods With thesetypesofactivitieswecreatemoreeducatedconsumers Severalofour informantshavealsosuggestedraisingawarenessatanearlyagetoeducatethenextgenerationofeatersthroughschoolgardenprogramsthatgivechildrenadirectexperienceandappreciationofcultivating
ͺͺUnited StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof FoodandAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml89ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml90ShuteBldquoANewGenerationofFarmersrdquoTheNewYorkTimesAugust192011httpwwwnytimescomroomfordebate20110817couldͲfarmsͲsurviveͲwithoutͲillegalͲlaborweͲneedͲaͲnewͲgenerationͲofͲamericanͲfarmers91United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml92United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 56
preparingeatingandeventuallybuyingadelightfuldiversityof locallygrownnutritiousandwholefoodsEducatingFarmers Molokaihasgreatresourcesthatassistboththeprospectiveandcurrentfarmer ingaining inͲdepthagriculturalknowledgeand skills TheUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollege (UHMC) Molokai Farm confers an Associates Degree and Certificates in variousAgricultureampNaturalResourcestopics
CertificateofAchievementandASdegrees inHorticultureand LandscapeMaintenanceandSustainableTropicalCropManagement
Certificates of Competence in Agricultural Science Nursery Production and PestManagement
CertificatesofCompletioninTurfgrassSpecialistSustainableTropicalCropProductionandLandscapeMaintenance
Associates in Technical Studies Degree in Cultural and Natural Resource ManagementMĈlama`ina
InthepasttheMolokaiRuralDevelopmentProjectsponsoredtheAgricultureCohorttrainingprogramwhichserved8 farming families (27 familymemberstotal)committedtodevelopingsustainablefamilyfarms93The UHͲCTAHR Molokai Office delivered the training The project employed experientiallearning and instructionalmethodologies as best practices for intergenerational transfer oftechnology and expertise for sustainable agriculture Participants learned marketing farmplanningproductionplanningrecordkeepingcompleterequisitetaxforms(ScheduleF)farmequipmentsafetyandoperationsiteͲselectionassessmentirrigationsetͲupsoilfertilityplantnutritionpestmanagement (weeds insectsdiseases)harvesting commoditiespostͲharvesthandling grading and qualitymanagement organic certification basic computing businesssoftware and custom agricultureͲbased software Participants received training on usingspecialagriculture softwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRMolokaiextensionagentAltonArakakiThe first software they learned was on Production Mapping With this program farmersplannedandprojected theirproductionactivities throughout theyearanddeterminedwhenandhowmuch resourceswouldbeneeded to complete activities successfully TheprogramalsoprovidedfarmersanopportunitytorealisticallyestimateproductioncashflowoftheirfarmplansThesecondsoftwarethey learnedwastheScheduleFfinancialrecordkeepingprogramthatmaintainsrecords inatemplatethatwouldeventuallycompletetheirDepartmentoftheTreasuryProfitandLossfromFarmingIRSScheduleFForm1040AttheendofthetrainingthecohortparticipantsreceivedcopiesofthesoftwareOtherfarmingsoftwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRprovedusefulforfarmentrepreneursenrolledintheprojectThesoftwareincludedPlantTissueAnalysisndashRecordingandTrackingforplantnutritionmanagementandCalibratingYourSprayer(publishedbyCTAHRhttpwwwctahrhawaiieduocfreepubspdfPRREͲ6pdf)
93AkutagawaMalialdquoAgriculturalCohortProjectFinalReportrdquoAugust302007
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 57
Farmfamiliesincreasedtheirknowledgeandexperienceincropproductionandmanagementandapplied theiracquiredskills toestablishingorexpanding their farmbusiness Thecropsproducedbythe8 family farmenterprises includedorganicpapaya(3 farms)yamDioscareaorganicwatermelon and taro greenhouse lettucepumpkin taro (lu`au leaf table taro andvalueͲaddedkuloloproduct)andcoffeeSeveral participants were successful recipients of the Molokai Agricultural DevelopmentProgram awards having enrolled in RDPrsquos Kƻha`o Business Center Entrepreneurial TrainingProgram to receive oneͲtoͲone business consultation and assistance in developing theirbusinessplans
Allcohort familiesmadeprofitandexceededbenchmarkssetbyRDP Anestimated totalof$105000wasmade in cumulative sales over the yearmore than doubling the year 2 endprojectgoalof$50000 The farmproductsweremarketedonͲisland intrastateandon themainlandOrganicpapayasweremarketedtomainlandhubsinLosAngelesSanFranciscoandPortlandFromthesehugecitiestheyweresoldandshippedtoinlandmarkets
From thiscomprehensive trainingparticipants learnedandexperiencedboth theagriculturalsciencesandartofrunningasuccessfulbusinessInthesciencecurriculumparticipantslearnedsubjectmatters insoilplantsplantdiseases insectsweedsplantnutritionmanagementofplant pests and plant nutrition In the agriͲbusiness curriculum participants learned postharvesthandlinggradingorganic certificationmarketingand farmproductionplanningandmanagement Both experiential learning and classroom instruction proved invaluable Themajorityofthesefamiliesremainsuccessfultodaymorethan5yearsaftertheprogramendedTrainingslikethisgivefarmersthenecessarytoolstorunasuccessfulagribusinessUHͲCTAHRcontinues toassistby focusingon teachingbeginning farmersasaway to cultivate thenextgenerationoffarmersandreversethenationwidetrendofanagingfarmingpopulationSust`ĈinableMolokaihasalso focusedoncomplementing thisworkbybringingpermaculture(ecologicalfarming)inpartnershipwiththePermacultureResearchInstituteUSAtointerestedlocal adults and homesteaders to farm responsibly and sustainably From herewersquove beenteachingsustainablefarmingstrategiestoanestimated100MolokaiHighSchoolstudentsandinstallingthefeaturesofaminiͲahupua`aasademonstrationandteachingtoolIt is recommended that tobuilda strong farmingcommunity in thenextgenerationwewillneedtotakeproactivestepsnowandstartpreparingnewfarmersearlyonfromgradeschoollevel with school gardens up through middle and high school as youth begin to exploreagricultureasacareerGeneralagricultureclassescanbesupplementedwithacurriculumthatincludes financial literacyentrepreneurshipbusinesshomeeconomicshealthandnutritionscience (biology ecology chemistry conservation) and engineering aspects From herestudentswill be able to understand agriculture from diverse viewpoints and disciplines anddevelopdifferentskills required foroperatingasuccessful farmenterprise Creatingadirectbridge tohighereducation throughcollegeandcareerpathway ladderprogramsavailableat
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 58
UHMCMolokaiandotheruniversityinstitutionsisidealOnefarmerwhohasastrongbusinessbackgroundandwasabookkeeperformanyyearspriorto farming recommended that youngpeople take courses inbookkeeping and accounting inadditiontoagricultureclassesPerhaps thegreatestways to impart farmingknowledge isbetween farmers SeveralofourfarmersthatweinterviewedindicatedthattheylearnbestfromeachotherandthatthereisadesiretoserveasmentorsfornewfarmerswholackexperienceThisisfeltparticularlyamongMolokairsquoshomesteadfarmersOnefarmerremarkedontheverycloseͲknitcommunityformedonthehomesteadandthatmosthavethesamemindsetthatldquonewopportunitiesforoneareopportunities for allrdquo As a group they rely on each other to share farming techniquesinformation on new equipment and promote their produce together Rarely is therecompetitionamongsthomesteadersbutadesire todemonstrate thatagriculture isa viableeconomicenginefortheislandOtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchersThereareanumberofincentiveprogramsthatassistfarmersranchersandlandownersiftheychoosetointegrateconservationandsustainablepracticesintheiroperationsThisisonewaythat Molokai producers can access critical funding and work with conservation expertsIncentive Programs through the US Department of Agriculture include the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service (NRCS) ndashMolokaiͲLanai Soil ampWater Conservation District(SWCD) which prepares local conservation and watershed management plans providesconservationeducationandpropagatesnativeplantstorestoreHawaiianecosystemsassistsfarmersand ranchers inanumberof federalFarmBillPrograms thatprovides incentives forvoluntary conservation practices to help reduce erosion protect streams and rivers restoreandestablishfishandwildlifehabitatandimproveairqualityo EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)respondstoimportantlocallyidentified
natural resource concerns Funds cover conservationplanningdesignand installation Itmayincludestrategiessuchasnoxiousweedcontrolbrushmanagementpasturehaylandplantingterracesandgroundcover
o GroundampSurfaceWaterConservation (GSWC) supports installationof irrigation related
conservation practices Strategies funded arewater catchment basinsmicroͲirrigationroofrunoffetc
o GrasslandReserveProgram(GRP)assistslandownersandoperatorsintherestorationand
protectionofgrasslandincludingrangelandandpasturelando WildlifeHabitat IncentiveProgram (WHIP) utilized for thecreationand improvementof
fish and wildlife habitat on private land Some practices funded include developingwetlandripariananduplandareas
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 59
o Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) wetland restoration enhancement or creation on
privatelando FarmampRanchlandProtectionProgram(FRPP)helpingstatetribalorlocalgovernmentto
purchasethedevelopmentrightstokeepproductivefarmandranchlandinagriculturaluseo Conservation Security Program (CSP) rewards farmers for protecting and improving the
environment Pays producerswho historically practice good stewardship on agriculturallandsandprovidesincentives
OtherprogramsadministeredthroughNRCSanditsaffiliatesincludeo AgriculturalDevelopment Program (ADP) provides funds to Resource Conservation and
DevelopmentCouncils throughout the nation to administer grants for community drivenprojectsthatpromoteagriculturaldevelopment
o Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) stimulates the development and adoption of
innovativeconservationapproachesand technologieswhile leveraging federal investmentinenvironmentalenhancementandprotectioninconjunctionwithagriculturalproduction
o CooperativeEcosystemStudiesUnit(CESU)provideopportunitiesforinterdisciplinaryand
multiͲagency research technical assistance and education Function as ldquovirtualrdquoorganizationslinkingseveralinstitutionstoincreaseaccesstoexpertiseandfacilities
ImproveRanchingPracticesampMaximizeUseampPotentialofSlaughterhouseThebroaderimpactfortheislandinhavingitsownslaughterhousethemostadvancedfacilityin theStateofHawaii is the revitalizationofMolokairsquos ranching industryWherequalityandincreased volume are paramount ranchers with the right tools may take advantage ofconsumer trends towards making healthier food choices through offering MolokaiͲgrowngrassͲfedorganicbeefasavalueͲaddednicheproduct
TherehavebeencriticismsaboutthequalityofMolokaibeef intermsoftaste Whilevisitorsandhealthconsciousindividualstendtobemorewillingtospendupto$5lbonlocalgrassfedbeeftheaverageMolokaiconsumertendstobemoreconcernedabouttasteAccordingtotheslaughterhousemanagerhighqualitypastureyieldshighqualitybeefandisapreͲrequisiteforenteringanichemarket Ranchersherearenot focusedongrass finishing theircattle HighqualitygrassgrownunderbestmanagementpracticesisneededtocreateagreatbeefproductItwill take time for the ranching industry to see the valueof adopting greatermeasures inalignmentwithorganicranchingpreceptstocaptureanichemarket
Venisonand lambshowmarketpotential Itwillbe interestingtotracktheprogressofthese
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 60
potential enterprises in the years ahead It is recommended thatMolokairsquos stateͲofͲtheͲartslaughterhousebeutilizedtoprocessanddistributemore localmeatandavarietyofanimalsforretailprocessingaswellasvalueͲaddedfooddevelopmentAdditionallythepossibilityandrequirements for processing goat through the slaughterhouse and the potentialmarket fortheseanimals shouldbe furtherexploredasaway toget feralgoats (andmoredeer)downfromthemountainasathreattouplandnativeforestsandontotheplateWemustbegintolookatwaystoturnthreatsintoopportunities
SustainableRanchingThe community has identified as a priority the support of ldquocontinued livestockͲraisingoperationsonMolokaithatusesustainablelandwatermanagementpracticestominimizetheriskoferosionandtoprotectMolokairsquoslimitedwaterresourcesrdquo94Sust`ĈinableMolokaihasbeenresearchingwaystobringthetoolsofHolisticManagementtoMolokai ranchers Theholisticmanagement framework touchesupon theways thatanimalscan play an important role in renewing the land through careful management andunderstandingthewatercyclemineralcycleenergyflowandecosystemdynamics Throughthismethodgrasslandscanbe improved tominimizenegativeeffectsofdroughtrebuildsoilandsequestercarbonaswellasprovidegoodpastureforhoovedanimalswhoareintegratedinto themanagement plan With holisticmanagement livestock actually provide a healingeffectonthelandthroughmimickingnatureandwildherdingbehaviorAnimalscanbeutilizedtoaerate the soilandaid in theplantingofgrass seedwith theirhooveswhilecontributingnutrientstothesoilfromtheirfeceswithhighdensitygrazingforshortperiodsfollowedbyarestorativeperiod Outcomesof this sustainablewayofmanagement include reduced costsand increased profits for the ranch more productive range land biologically active soilsreversal of desertification of eroded lands drought protection restorative effect on thewatershedimprovedwildlifehabitatandecosystemsandfoodsecurityRanchersaroundtheworldhavemetwithgreatsuccessthroughthismethodTherearesomeexamplesontheBigIslandofsuccessfulranchingwithHolisticManagementprinciplesWithappropriateplanningcollaboration and raising the necessary funds Sust`ĈinableMolokai would like to bring aHolisticManagementtrainingworkshoptoassisttheranchingcommunityStrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparednessOne farm business Kumu Farms has taken an active role in responding to food securityconcernsforMolokaiKumuFarmsaftertherecenttsunamiscarebegantoconsiderhowtheycouldhelpinincreasingMolokairsquosfoodsecurityandresiliencetodisastereventsKumuFarmsadoptedapolicy thatmakesMolokai firstpriority in termsof supplying the islandrsquosproduceneedsMolokaineedsaretakencareoffirstwiththesurplusexportedtotherestoftheStateandUSmainland
94MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 61
UH CTAHRwill be providing an `Ohana Gardening class for subsistence gardening Familygardens are the bestway to provide food security There is a phrase by Geoff Lawton arenowned permaculture teacher ldquoOne can solve all problems in a gardenrdquo In a gardendistributionandtransportationissuesareautomaticallyresolvedOthermeasuresthatcanbetaken to make food readily accessible to families and minimize the amount of time andresources to travel by foot is toworkwith families to plant breadfruit trees sweet potatobananaswet or dryland taroMany Hawaiian families particularly living on kuleana landsalreadyhavetheseplantsandtrees inthegroundasdirectbeneficiariesoftheirkupunawhocommonlyprovidedforthefamilyrsquosneedsrightintheirownbackyardOne farmer would like to see food forests on the mountain sides in every ahupua`aCollaborationwith large landownerscommunitygroupsand theahaki`ole leadershipwouldbeagoodstartingpointtocoordinatethistypeofworkMolokairsquos strength also lies in its diversified agriculture and family farms The use of largeacreagesof farm land forbiotech seedcropsutilized for researchpurposesonly impacts theislandrsquos food security and ability to produce food Typical industrialmonocrop culture alsoleavestheislandmorevulnerabletomasscropfailureGreaterresilienceisfoundthroughdiversificationoffoodcropsReintroducingthepracticeofseedsavingandgrowingmanyvarietiesofheirloomseedsadaptedtospecificgrowingregionsand climate regimes is away to increase food security Greater effortmust be placed increatingaseedbankpreservingandplantingexistingseedvarietiesparticularlycreatedbytheearlyHawaiians and passed down to the present generation and cultivating new varietiesadaptedtoonersquosgrowingareaRestoration ofWaikolu Valley was identified as a priority project under theMaui CountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)processTherestorationprojectwouldentailallowinghomesteaderstorestorethetaroterracesinthevalleyandreplanttaro95Molokairsquosgreat inventoryoffishpondsandmassivefringingreefsystemarealsoassetstotheislandrsquosabilitytoproducefoodCaremustbetakentorestoreuplandforeststostopsiltationandrunoffintotheoceanandfishpondsWorkmustbeundertakentorestoremorefishpondsandputthembackintoproduction
95Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter4ndashMauiCountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy2010ShortRangePriorityProjectsp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 62
ConclusionFarming is challenging onMolokai due to limited water resources high operational costsshippinghurdlesandtheabilitytogeta fairprice forproduce farmed Thesechallengesarenot insurmountable ifapproachedsystematicallyandcontinuedeffortsandcommitmentsaremade byMolokairsquos community to support local agriculture through education and creatingstructuresthatpoolresourcesandpeopletogetherThe island ismadestrongerby theassetswehavearichcultural legacyof `Ĉinamomonaapopulation thatmaintains traditional subsistence practices and upholds agriculture as theeconomic mainstay for the island lands fishponds and reefs capable of producing vastamounts of food a strongHawaiianHomestead farming community engaged in diversifiedagriculture a college and demonstration farm that offers agriculture certificate and degreeprograms local stateͲofͲtheͲart slaughterhousea community run commercialkitchen facilityforvalueͲadded foodproductionand trainingdedicatededucatorsandagricultureextensionagents from the University to help farmers in the field and an environment that ismorecooperativethancompetitiveintermsofsharingknowledgeandbestpractices
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 63
VI APPENDICES
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sustrsquoaina ble Molokai Survey Food Production amp Security
Do you care or think about where your food comes from ___yes ___no Do you prefer to buy local Molokai food products __ yes ___no __no preference Would you eat more local food if it were available __yes __no If yes what would you like to eat or buy if made grown on Molokai_______________________________________________________________________________ Do you feel you have access to locally grown food in the grocery stores and open markets ___yes ___no If no
what do you suggest to improve this situation_______________________________________________________
Are you a farmer or interested in farming ____ yes ____no If yes how old are you_________________
If yes what do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other ________________________________
What produce do you (plan to) farm_______________ ______________________________________ How much land are you farming (or is available for you) a Less than one acre b 1 ndash 5 acres c 15 - 40 acres d 40 acres or more
Do you grow your own food (farm gardening) _____ yes ______no If no what is the primary reason for not
growing your own food __Too busy __ Not interested __ Relying on others __Disabled __ Donrsquot know
how Other Reason _____________________________
Approximately what percentage of the food you eat is Prepared at home ______ Purchased from a restaurant ______ (total should equal 100)
Of the food you prepare at home approximately what percentage is grown caught andor produced (total should equal 100)
a By you andor your family ______ b On Molokai_______ c In Hawaii ________ d Outside Hawaii________
Would you grow food for sale if there were a viable market (guaranteed customer) (or more food if you already grow)
__Yes __No What subsistence activities do you do If none why (no interest no time donrsquot know how)
aHunting b FishingDiving c Gathering (what___________________) Other ______________ None because _______________________
To practice subsistence on Molokai we need our natural resources to be in good conditionprotected and we need access Which one is a bigger concern for you ___Conditionprotection of our natural resources ___Access to natural areasresources ___Both ndash equally
Overall how important is subsistence to your family ___Very Important ___Somewhat important
___Somewhat Unimportant ___Not Important at all
About what percent of your familyrsquos food comes from subsistence activities (fishing hunting gathering raising
animals cultivation) ________
AppendixA-FoodProduc0onampSecuritySurvey
Food Production ndash Informant Interviews ndash Farmers
Sustainable Molokai is creating an online database where we are inputting information about the islandrsquos food production We want to share what you are growing as well as include your manarsquoo on the status of Molokairsquos food supply Once this information is available to the public the island community would have a picture of what is going on in terms of food security and how we can all get together to fill in the gaps and meet needs
How old are you how long have you been farming
What produce do you farm or are interested in farming How much land is available for you
What has been your best cash crop
Has farming your specific productproduce been successful
What do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other___________________________
Do you sell or plan to sell food mostly on island What is your vision for an agricultural future for this island
AppendixB-InterviewQues0onsforFarmers
Food Security Interview Questions for Businesses
Sustainable Molokai is working on a database project which is collecting information about Molokairsquos food production We are surveying the community and would like to talk story with the islandrsquos grocery stores
Out of a 100 how much percentage of what you sell out of the store is locally grownproducedmade
If itrsquos not Molokai made where does the produce come that is being sold out of the store
What Molokai madegrown products do you sell out of the store
What are the requirements for local food to be sold out of your store (eg business license)
What is the most popularsuccessful or fastest selling local product sold
What do you consider to be the challenges that farmers face on Molokai
What would you like to sell that is Molokai made
Do you have any suggestions to potential farmers food businesses on Molokai What to sell when to sell etc
AppendixC-InterviewQues0onsforBusinesses
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 3
MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandandtheWorkofSust`ĈinableMolokaiResidentstookitupon themselves to compile decades of community planning and identified cultural andfoundational values into a culminating and living document titled ldquoMolokai Future of AHawaiianIslandrdquo Itsetthestagefortheworkour islandwillundertakeforthenext40yearsandbeyond Itservedasacalltoactionthatresulted inthe formationofthisgrassrootsͲlednonprofit organization Sust`ĈinableMolokai The document has attracted the interests ofdecisionͲmakers in state and local government conservationists and environmentalistsHawaiian and other indigenous groups and green innovators It examines community andculturalvalues forwhich futuredecisionͲmakingshallbeguided It identifiesopportunities ineducation (both modern and traditional) business and vocational training diversifiedagricultureandaquacultureresponsible landusemanagementrestorationandstewardshiptomaintainopenspaceandprotecttraditionalsubsistencehostͲbasedculturallyappropriatemodels for tourism green jobs promoting energy selfͲsufficiency water conservationconvertingrelianceonfossilͲfuelͲpoweredautomobilestothoserunonrenewableenergyandatraditional`ahaki`olelocalgovernancestructurethatraisescommunityparityAs coͲauthors of this document our core leadership subsequently founded a grassrootsinitiativein2008toensurethattheplanwouldnotsitonashelftoholdunfulfilledcommunityhopesanddreams In2010weofficially incorporatedasa501(c)(3)nonprofitto implementtheplanpreserveourislandsrichcultureandhistoriclegacyof`ĈinamomonawhileembracingmodernpathwaystoasustainablefutureTheSust`ĈinabilityWheel
We define sust`Ĉinability in terms of restoringabundance or `Ĉinamomona to the land and people`ina reflects a covenant between the people and thelandwhereEarthsbountygoeshandinhandwithgoodstewardshipWeaskedourselveswhatmakesahappyhealthy and sust `Ĉina ble community We came upwiththe12priorityareasWesawthese12componentsas spokes on awheel connected to a central hub thatheldthemalltogetherThatcoreisthelokahi(unity)andthepono(harmony)betweenthelandandpeoplewhenwehonorthecovenantthatcomeswiththeword`INA
12ndashPOINTSUST`INABILITYWHEEL
CulturalIdentity LocalGreenEconomy CulturalandEnvironmentalEducation
FoodSovereigntyandSecurity WaterQualityandConservation RenewableEnergy
EnergyEfficientTransportation GreenBuildingandAffordableHousing
HealthyEnvironmentandAbundantResources
ResponsibleLandUseandProtectingSubsistence
ZeroWasteRecyclingandReͲUse CommunityHealthSafetyandWellͲBeing
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 4
Moloka`iͲpedia and the Agriculture Needs Assessment Moloka`iͲpedia is a projectundertakenbySust`ĈinableMolokaiforthepurposeofcreatingstrongercommunitynetworksinformingkeystakeholdersincreasingequityandaccesstopublicandprivatepartnershipsandresources andmobilizing our people to build as well asmeasure our progress towards asustainablefutureTheconceptforMoloka`iͲpediastemsfromour2009Sust`ainableMolokaiResource Guide that is based on our 12Ͳspoke Sustainability Wheel Positive communityinvolvementhaspromptedtheexpansionofthisworkTheprojectaddressesthecurrentlackof data specifically for our geographic area The majority of information on Molokai issubsumed within a triͲisle county system that does not account for the vast differencesbetween our rural island of 7345 to tourismͲfocused Lanai and urbanMauiwith amuchhigherpopulationdensityFurtherthereisnodatacollectiononthe12areasofsustainabilityidentified by our project Moloka`iͲpedia also seeks to address the isolation that manyindividualsandorganizationsoperate inThis siloͲeffectmakesusall ineffectiveSust`ĈinableMolokaiaimstoutilizeMoloka`iͲipediaasatooltoshowhowvariousentitiescanbenefitfromcollaboratingPublicprivateandnonprofitentitieswillbeabletoaccessspecificdatasetsseeaclearpictureofneedsͲtoͲassetsratiosmobilizecollectivelytofillexistinggapsandcapitalizeonavailableassetsandresourcestoachievesharedgoalsOuronlineopensourcedatabase isbeingorganizedalongthe12spokesoftheSust`ĈinabilityWheel Within each section we are collecting baseline and new data to provide acomprehensiveoverviewintheformofaldquoneedsandassetsassessmentrdquoofMolokairesourcesOncecompletewewillbeabletoseewhatwehaveandwhatismissingThiswillinformournext stageofworkandhelpus toeffectivelypursue solutionsonourpath to sustainabilityMoloka`iͲpediawillassistus inoureducationtrainingandadvocacyworkhelpusto identifyexistingcommunityassetsandinherentchallengesandfillcomplementaryrolesthatadvancelocaleffortsThisvehiclewillfacilitatethekuleana(responsibility)weplaceonourselvestobearchitectsofourowndestinyand indevelopinghomegrownsolutionsthatworkbest Inoursuccessothersalsosucceed Ourstrategyaimsto identifypartnershipsbetween individualscommunitygroupsbusinessesgovernmentalagenciesandotherserviceproviderswhocouldbenefitfromworkingtogetherWe envision Moloka`iͲpedia to serve as a tool for citizen empowerment returning dataownership to community toeffectmeaningful change and solutionsMoloka`iͲpediaensurescommunityselfͲdetermination inhowdata iscollectedandutilizednot justscientificallybutresponsibly ethically andwith good intent Itnecessitatesongoing community engagementwithnotonlythedataandthetechnologybutalso insharing ideasMoloka`iͲpediawillgiveeverydaypeopleaccesstoreal informationthat is importanttothemandthat improvestheirlivesespecially inatimeofgovernment inefficiencyandwastewheredecisionmakersoftendisconnectandabdicatetheirfiduciaryresponsibilityforthepeopleandplacestheyrepresentWhencitizensdetermine for themselveswhatdatasourcesare informationͲrichandofgreatvalue (including stories shared by kupuna farmers fishermen teachers coaches and
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 5
grassroots leaders)then life isbreathed intothedataand ithasthepowertotransform livesforthebetterThefirstsustainabilitytopicwehavebeguntosurveyourpopulationonisinFoodProductionToaidus in thisendeavorwesearchedexisting literatureonagriculturegenerallyaswellascombed through references toMolokaiͲspecificagriculture Thisbaselineworkhelpedus todetermine gaps in the data and refine our interview and survey questions The followingbackground information isprovidedtohelp layafoundationandcontextualbackdropforourstudy
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 6
II BACKGROUND
AStatewideOutlook
Agriculture isamajorcontributortoHawai`irsquoseconomyand isessential forproviding foodtoresidentsaswellasgeneratingrevenuethrougharobustexportmarket1Agriculturegenerates$29billion toHawai`irsquosannualeconomyandproduces42000 jobs2However there ismuchroomfor improvement intermsofprovidingenoughfoodforthe islandsaswellas increasingrevenuesfortheState
From Plantation Agriculture to Biotech Seed Crops Towards the end of the 20th centurymonocropplantationagriculture(sugarpineapple) lost itseconomicedgedueto lowerwageforeign competition3 Industrialized corporate agriculture in Hawai`i has shifted to biotechcropsnamelygeneticallymodifiedseedcornresearch4
WhilebiotechseedcropshaveprovenmosteconomicallylucrativeforHawai`iagriculturewithaprofitvalueof$177million in the2008Ͳ2009growingseason5allocatingpreciousacreageand limitedwaterresources toGMOseedcropresearchwould in the longͲtermcompromisethe Statersquos overall food security and limit the Statersquos ability to provide locally healthy andnutritiousfoodsIndustrialnonͲsustainablefarmingpracticesthatincludeheavyapplicationofsynthetic fertilizers and pesticides further degrade the ecological health and viability ofHawai`irsquosprimeagriculturallandsforpresentandfuturegenerations
AgroecologyHawai`irsquosgeographic isolationasan islandarchipelago leaves itmostvulnerableto food and fuel shortages natural disasters drought and rising sea levels associatedwithglobal climate change Measures to increase resilience and adaptability include adoptingagroecological approaches ldquoapply[ing] ecological science to the design of agricultural1State of Hawai`i Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism Office of Planning Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)ExecutiveSummaryii20102HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday3Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp4Ͳ5 ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50million Likewise thepineapple industryproduced954000 tonsof fruit in1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74millionͶHawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp5ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50millionLikewisethepineappleindustryproduced954000tonsoffruitin1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74million5ldquoTheHawaiiDepartmentofAgricultureestimatesthevalueofseedcorngrowingat$169millioninthe200809growingseasonmorethandoublethevaluefromthe200506ItrepresentedaboutoneͲthirdthevalueofallcropsgrowninthestatein200809rdquo5Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp30Ͳ31
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 7
systemsrdquo6Thismethodology includespracticesthatenhancethe life inthesoilthatprovidesnutritiousorganic food integratedpestmanagement throughguildingwithbeneficialplantsandtreesandattractingnaturalpredatorinsectsandanimalstoprotectcropsandselectingforbiodiversitytominimizecroplosses
Organic Farming Renewed interest in sustainable agricultural practices have arisen from aburgeoning organic industry and standards for organic certification that stress ecologicallybased farming and exclusion of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and geneticallymodifiedorganisms7TheUSorganicindustrynetted$178billioninretailsalesin2007approximately25intotalnationalfoodsales8Worldwidevalueoforganicproducestoodat$30billionasof2005witha14annualincreasesince20009Acreagededicatedtoorganicagriculturehasincreased20annuallysince2001with78millionacresinproductionworldwideasof200610Hawai`irsquos growth hasmirrored global and national trendswith State sales of organic cropsincreasing60between2005and2007from$5millionto$8million11Organic foods have becomemoremainstream with outlets including regular supermarketsrather than just the typical small natural food outposts12Whole FoodsMarket Inc has inrecentyearsestablishedapresenceinHawai`iWithitsreputationforbuyingfromsmalllocalfarmers the presence ofWhole Foods serves as an incentive for Hawai`i farmers to groworganicfood13Thereareanestimated200certifiedorganicproducers intheStateoperatingon a median of 5Ͳ13 acres of land14 The Big Island holds the most acreage for organicproductionat58followedbyMaui(22)Kaua`i(11)Molokai(7)andOahu(2)15TheindustrywillcontinuetoexpandwithincreasingconsumerpreferencefororganicfoodsBuyLocalEatLocalCommonthemesaroundagricultureemergedfromfocusgroupmeetingsconductedaspartofHawai`irsquos2010StatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS) These included support for diversified agriculture and increasing food security bysupportingFarmersMarketsandldquoBuyLocalEatLocalrdquo initiatives16TheHawai`iFarmBureauFederation StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculture andUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UHͲCTAHR) have sponsored these type ofcampaignsademphasizethefollowing
6UnitedNationsHumanRightsOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRightsEcoͲFarmingcandoublefoodproductionin10yearssaysnewUNreportMarch82011httpwwwohchrorgENNewsEventsPagesDisplayNewsaspxNewsID=10819ampLangID=E7RadovichTheodoreJLindaJCoxandJamesRHollyerldquoOverviewofOrganicFoodCropSystemsinHawai`irdquoCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesSustainableAgricultureNov2009SAͲ38RadovichCoxandHollyer20099RadovichCoxandHollyer200910RadovichCoxandHollyer200911RadovichCoxandHollyer200912RadovichCoxandHollyer200913RadovichCoxandHollyer200914RadovichCoxandHollyer200915RadovichCoxandHollyer200916Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)2010ExecutiveSummaryii
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 8
1 Enjoyexceptionaltasteandfreshnesspremiumtastemaximumfreshnessproducepicked
andeatenclosertoitsheightofripenesspackedwithnutrients2 Strengthen your local economy and community buying local food keeps your dollars
circulatinginyourcommunityBuildingrelationshipswiththefarmerswhogrowyourfoodstrengthensyourtiestothecommunityandtheland
3 Helppreserveopen space by supporting local farmersbuying local foodhelpspreservegreenopenspaceinyourcommunity
Part of this campaign also acknowledges lessening the Statersquos ecological footprint anddependenceonfossilfuelsfromheavyimportsfromthemainlandthathavemoreldquofoodmilesrdquoassociatedwiththemascomparedtolocallypurchasedfoodDiversifiedAgriculture Hawai`irsquosagriculture industrycapitalizesonthe islandsrsquotropicalyearͲroundgrowingclimateanduniquefeaturesthatallowfornicheindustries17Moresmallfarmshave gained a foothold in the diversified agriculture sector through cultivation of specialtycropssuchastropical fruitsmacadamianutscoffee flowersand freshproducesoldaroundtheglobe18TheldquoGrowninHawai`irdquobrandingisrecognizedaroundtheworldasaguaranteeofhighqualitydelicacies19Hawai`iRegionalCuisinehasalsobecomeknownforitsutilizationofthe freshest seafoodveggiesand tropical fruits inaunique fusionofEastWestand islandflavors20
In2008farmproductionindiversifiedagricultureproduced12200jobsthroughouttheState21Proactive measures to revitalize Hawaiirsquos agriculture industry through diversification hasbroughtrevenuesthatarecomparabletotheStatersquosearlyheydayswhensugarandpineapplewereking In2002HawaiirsquosAgriculturalFarmRevenuecrossed$5359million22Diversifiedagricultureaccountsfor69ofannualrevenueswithpineapple(19)andunprocessedcanesugar(12)trailingbehind23
AgriͲTourism Agriculture is also proving important to tourism Hawai`irsquos top economicengine24VisitorinterestinecoͲtoursagriͲtoursandculturallyauthenticexperiencesisontherise25 In2006agritourismbrought in$388million in revenueas reportedby112Hawai`iͲ
17Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp1218HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday19HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday20HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday21Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp2922ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200823ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200824HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday25HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 9
based farmsan increaseof14 from2003 figures ($339million)26The leadingcategoryofrevenuereceived fromagriͲtourswas$121million inonͲfarmdirectsalestovisitors27Otheractivitiesyieldingprofit includedbedandbreakfastamenitiesprovidingmeeting spacesandvenuesforeducationandentertainmentandoutdoorrecreation28
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent
FromancienttimesMolokaiwaswellknownas`Ĉinamomona(theldquofatrdquoorabundantland)foritswealthasanislandthatproducedfoodinsurplusfromitsverdantahupua`aandnumerousfishponds As on all Hawaiian islands Molokairsquos people and the natural resources weremanagedundertheahupua`asystemTheahupua`awasaunitoflandtypicallywedgeͲshapedrunning frommauka tomakai (mountain tosea)and following thenaturalboundariesof thewatershedThesystemwascomprisedofwaoakua(sacredplaceofthegods)uplandforeststhatgatheredtherainsTheareawassubjecttolimiteduses(egforkiamanubirdcatcherstogatherfeathersforcloakshelmetsandkahiliforthekahunakĈlaiwa`atoharvestkoaforcanoebuilding)and forceremonialpurposes Themountain forestswerepreserved intacttoformandprotectthewatershedandcarrynutrientslowerdowntheahupua`aintowaokanaka(thepeoplersquosdomain)Herethepeoplewerefreetogatheravarietyofplantsfordailyneedshardwood ofthe kauila tocarve ihe(spears) andmake toolsandimplementsolonĈ tocreate strongcordage forfishnets andfish linesmedicinalherbs `ie`iefor lashinghouse postsand canoesand maile forleiThefertileplains and fields were known as the kula lands a place rich in agriculture These landscontainedancientfeatsofwaterengineeringcontouredterracingoffieldsplantedintarothatslowedthepathofthewaterandallowedformaximumsoakageThewatercollectedandfed
26GeislerMalindaldquoagritourismprofilerdquoAgMRCagriculturalmarketingresourcecenterUpdatedJanuary2012httpwwwagmrcorgcommodities__productsagritourismagritourismͲprofile27Geisler201228Geisler2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 10
numerousspringsbelow`Auwai(irrigationditches)transportedwaterfromkahawai(streams)tomultiple lo`i(taropatches)andreturnedthewateroncemoreto itssourceTarobanana`ulu(breadfruit)tileafkƃ(sugarcane)wereallcultivatedinthekularegionFaunaharvestedfrom streams included `o`opu (goby) `opae (shrimp) and hihiwai (snail) Grasslandswereconverted to agricultural fields of `uala (sweet potato) Other kinds of plants and treescultivated here included kukui (candlenut) `ohe (bamboo) and lauhala (pandanus) At thebottomofthevalleyspringscarryingnutrientsfromaboveflowedalongtheshorelineandseaHere loko i`a (fishponds)were constructed to farm fish Thesewalled fishponds form semiͲcirclesalongtheshorelineandaredesignedasmicroͲenvironmentsforcertainbrackishwaterand herbivorous fish likemullet and awa (milkfish) that feed on abundantmats of algaetherebyproducingfoodforthepeoplewithouthavingtoapplyexcessivefishingpressurealongthereefandopenoceanExistingwithintheahupua`awasastrictcodeofconduct(kapusystem)amongstthepeopleofthe land (hoa`Ĉina) as delegated and enforced by the ali`i (chiefs) and their konohiki (landagents)forthecarefulmanagementofthenaturalresourcesThehoa`Ĉinapossessedrightsofgathering and usage of the natural resourceswithin their ahupua`a of residencewith theunderstandingthattheyalsohadkuleana(responsibility)tomĈlama(carefor)thelandandseaandharvestappropriatelyfornomorethantheirneeds Theyengaged inpo`alimacollectiveworkdayswherethepeoplepooledtheir labortoengage inpublicworks improvementssuchas constructing additional lo`i and `auwai and building fishponds From the conscientiousmanagementof the landwatersand seaand themaintenanceofgenealogicaland spiritualrelationshipstothenaturalworldtheresourceswerebroughttoastateofabundanceTheahupua`asystemsustainedthepeopleforcenturiesUponCaptainCookrsquosarrivaltotheHawaiianislandsin1778heestimatedthepopulationtobebetween 20000 to 3600029 Introduced diseases for which the people had no immunitydecimatedthepopulationthroughouttheislandsBy1836Molokairsquospopulationhaddwindledtoanestimated8700andwasfurtherreducedto2307peoplebythetimeacensuswastakenneartheturnofthecenturyin189630Kamehamehabroughtabout theunificationofall the islandsunderoneKingdomofHawai`iWesterninfluencesandtheteachingsofChristianmissionariesbroughtaboutdecisionsamongtheali`itoabolishthekapusystem(1819)privatizeanddeconstructtheahupua`a(Maheleof1848)Whilethechiefsreceivedtheirapportionmentoflandsmanyhoa`Ĉinaoutofignorancetrust intheirchiefstocare fortheirwellͲbeingandgovern them justlyor for fearofreprisalfailed to register land claims to small kuleana parcels that would have kept them with acomfortablepieceoflandtomaintaintheir`ohana(family)withhale(home)andgardenplotsHawai`irsquosentry into the internationalmarket shifted the laborof themaka`Ĉinana (commonpeople) away from agriculture and towardsdeforestationof theupland forests to fulfill the
29MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml30MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 11
kingdomrsquos sandalwood tradewithChina Otherenterprises includedwhalingandplantationagriculture that brought immigrants from around theworld toHawai`irsquos shores and alteredwatershedsthroughthediversionofwatersfrom lushwindwardvalleystodry leewardplainsforthemassproductionofsugarcaneandpineappleWithoutwatertoirrigatetheirtarofieldsmanywere forced toabandon the lo`iandmake for thecityManyMolokai families left theisland insearchofwork inthemorecommercialcenters locatedonMauiandOahu31ThosewhostayedbehindmaintainedtheirconnectiontotraditionalpathwaysandsubsistencelivingEarlyunsuccessfulagriculture trialsonMolokai included sugar coffee sisalwhitepotatoescottoncorngrapesbeansbarleyoatswheatandalfalfa32Thesecropsfailedduetoheavywindsandinsects33TheareawiththegreatestpopulationconcentrationwaseastMolokaiTheeasternmostvalleyof Halawa Valley was rich in lo`i produced taro commercially and supported a thrivingcommunityuntiltwotsunamiin1946and1967devastatedthevalleyThecommercialcentersmovedtoPuko`oandthenKamalowhichheldanaturalharborforimportandexportofgoodsTheCooke family acquired the arid central andwestMolokaiplains aboutoneͲthirdof theisland These landsarenowownedbyMolokaiPropertiesLtdcommonlyknownasMolokaiRanchToattractcommercetoitslandholdingstheRanchdredgedaharborinKaunakakaiandconstructedawharf TodayKaunakakai servesas themaincenterofbusinesswithKamaloWharfhaving fallen intodisrepairandmuchof theareaemptiedof familiesTheRanchalsostrategically purchased lands thatwould give them riparian and correlative rights tomajorstreams and aquifer water in centralMolokai They diverted water to their westernmostpropertiesusedforcattleranchingMuch of their lands in Kualapu`u and Maunaloa were utilized by Dole and Del Montecompanies forpineapplecultivation34Thepineapple industryservedas theeconomicenginefortheislanduntilitphasedoutin1987duetocheaperlaborabroadTodaymanyofMolokaiRanchrsquoslandholdingsthatgrewpineapplearenowleasedforbiotechcornresearchandcoffeeproductionTheHawaiianHomesCommissionActameasuretorehabilitateNativeHawaiiansof50bloodquantumormorebyreturningthemtothe landtobuildhomesandfarmwaspassedbytheUS federal government in 1920Molokai served as the staging ground for the programrsquossuccess or failure Hawaiian Home lands were designated in the areas of Kapa`akeaKalama`ula Pala`au andHo`olehua andmore recentlyUalapu`e NativeHawaiian familiesfromneighboringislandscametoMolokaitobuildtheirhomesandmakethelandproductiveTheir early successes aided in the establishment ofmore homesteads on the other islandsWiththeinfluxofadditionalHawaiianfamiliesandJapaneseandFilipinoimmigrantstoworkinthepineapplefieldsMolokairsquospopulationhadincreasedto442735InrecentyearsMolokairsquos31MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml32MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml33MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml34MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml35MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 12
population has grown to include snowbirds and retirees from theUSmainland aswell asthose seeking amore quiet and rural lifestyle Today the population ofMolokai stands at7345
In 1987Molokairsquos livestock industrywas crippled by the StateDepartment of AgriculturersquosmandatetoeradicateallcattleontheislandduetothethreatofbovinetuberculosisAnotherheavyblowwasdealtattheclosureoftheoldslaughterhouse inKaunakakai Muchplanningfrom the grassroots level upwas undertaken to resolve this problem Commitments frommultiplecountystateandfederalpartnersinͲkindcontributionsbyvolunteermembersoftheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeandcountlessvolunteerhoursandservicesofferedbyvariouslocal businesses and individual residents led to the establishment of a new slaughterhousefacilitylocatedinHo`olehua
Erecting this stateͲofͲtheͲart facility represented a vehicle to facilitate the restoration ofMolokairsquos ranching industry and the ability for the island toproduce and sell itsownmeatRanchersandhomesteadfarmersnowhadavenuetoprocesstheiranimalsInadditiontothemoreestablishedranchesanestimated150Molokai familiesraise livestock largely forhomeconsumption With the adventof thenew slaughterhouse therearenowopportunities forthese small scale farmers to expand into commercial livestock production Stores andrestaurantsneednot import all theirmeat fromoffͲisland as theynowhave access to localmeatMoniesgeneratedcouldbenefitthecommunitydirectlyThe introduction of hooved animals toMolokai has devastated the natural ecology of theislandCattleranchingferaldeerandgoathaveerodedthelandHeavyrainstransporttonsofsilteachyearontoMolokairsquosreefsandfishpondsIntroducedmangrovehavealsodestroyedasignificant percentage of Molokairsquos fishponds Mangroves encroach and break throughfishpond walls trap sediments and choke off underwater springs such that the watercirculationandecologyarenolongerviableforfishproductionDespite thesehardshipsand setbacksover theyearsagriculture remains the cornerstoneofthe islandrsquoseconomyMolokairsquos ruralcharacter lends toacloseͲknit communitywithpeoplewhoperpetuate strong cultural values traditional subsistence and selfͲreliance Thepeopleembrace local autonomy and are very involved in local governing processes AgriculturenonprofitssmallbusinessenterprisesandlocalmomandpopstoresarethefoundationofthelongͲtermeconomyonislandMuchofthesocialculturalandserviceorientedprogramsarealsogeneratedfromthegrassroots locallevelthroughtheworkofchurchgroupsnonprofitsandunincorporatedhuiDuringtheFocusMauiNuiproceedings in2003MauiMolokaiandLana`iresidentsgatheredtostrategicallyplanafutureforMauiCountyThe120MolokaiparticipantsoutlinedchallengestheyfacedasacommunityandprovidedstrategiesandactionplanstoaddressthemMolokairesidents identified top five community priorities which included inter alia creating jobs(409) strengthening the economy (296) growingmore food locally (217) protectingandpromotingruralidentity(191)andsupportingsmallbusinessdevelopment(130)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 13
TheMaui CountyWorkforce Investment Board (WIB) Local Plan provides an Assessment ofLaborMarketTrendstodevelopaComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategyovera10yearspanOneofWIBsgoalsistofocusondiversifyingtheeconomyincludingtheagriculturalsectorandldquonicheareasrdquoTheplanrecognizestheneedforexpansioninvalueͲaddedopportunitieswhichemphasize the uniqueness ofMaui Nui The increased production andmarketing of newagricultureproductshaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketsTheplanalso identifiesentrepreneurshipasan importantgrowtharealdquoThedevelopmentofentrepreneurshipskills is importanttothesuccessofMaui [Countyrsquos]smallbusinesses Datacollected by the Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism and otherorganizationssuggestmoreandmoreresidentsaretakingtoselfͲemploymentForMolokaiasignificant number of new business startͲupswithin the past decade have been agriculturalenterprises(36total)particularlyfromtheHawaiianHomesteadareainHo`olehua36TheMolokai Education Centers Business Plan (2007) acknowledges the islands diversifiedagricultureindustryasamajorcontributortoMolokaiseconomywithroomforfuturegrowthAreas for future growth include valueͲadded food product development as a nichemarketMECsBusinessPlanaddsthatagriculturalcourseofferingsatthecollegeandrelevanttrainingwillplayasignificantroleinpreparingtheworkforceforadiversifiedeconomyWhile community and countyplanningobjectives clearly identify agriculture asaneconomicmainstay forMolokaiacomprehensiveprofileofMolokairsquosagriculture industryhasnotbeenfullyanalyzedOne of the objectives of this Needs Assessment is to determinewhereMolokai fits in theoverall Statewide picture for agriculture Has Molokai experienced similar successes andchallenges that farmers on the other islands face What are the strengths and assets ofMolokairsquos agricultural community aswell asneeds challenges andopportunities What isworkingandwhatisnrsquotWhataretheperceptionsoflocalconsumersWhatisthedemandforlocalMolokai grownproducemeat and seafood Howmany are farming What isbeingfarmedandwhereWhatarethelimitingfactorstofarmingonMolokaiIstherecommunitysupportforlocalfarmersDostoresandrestaurantsonMolokaihavestrongrelationshipswithlocal farmers and make priority for their produce and valueͲadded items How can westrengthenagricultureonMolokaiHowfoodsecureisMolokaiThesearethequestionsthatwesetouttoanswerthroughtheneedsassessment
36AkutagawaMalialdquoKƻha`oBusinessCenterndashEntrepreneurialTrainingampSupportFinalReportrdquoMarch312009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 14
III METHODS
Weadoptedthefollowingmethodsandstrategies An islandwidesurveyonfoodproductionandsecuritystartedfromFebruary27toMarch
272012(SeeAppendixforSurveyFormandResultsAnalysisSummary) Twohundredeight (208)surveyswerecompletedbytheadultmembers (overtheageof
18)ofthegeneralMolokaipopulationbringingoursamplepopulationat39Molokairsquosadultpopulationisat5401outofatotalislandpopulationof7345
Target SampleSizeADULTPOPULATION(Individualsover18
yearsofage)
208
Surveysweremadeavailableatvariouscommunity resourcecentersaswellasonlinevia
ourwebsiteEmailalertsandFacebook invitationsweremade for the tech savvy GivenMolokairsquos rural character and varying levels of knowledge and exposure of the generalpopulation to technology themost effectivemethod for data collection proved to bethroughdirectphysical inquiriesRespondentsweremost receptive toour surveyswhenofferedatourmultiplesurveytablesplaced inpublicareasparticularlystrategic locationsof commerce such as sidewalks fronting grocery stores and during various communityevents
Atotalof36 interviewswereconductedwithagricultureexpertsandeducators (3)small
andmediumͲscalefarmersandCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)operatorsgrowingdiversifiedandorganiccrops(14)deerandcattleranchers(3)fishermenandaquacultureproducers (3) localgroceryandhealth foodstores (5)meatprocessorsandvalueͲaddedfoodproducers(4)hotelandrestaurants(3)andother informants(1)(SeeAppendixforInterviewQuestionsandResultsAnalysis)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 15
Keyinterviewinformantsincluded
AgricultureExpertsampEducators
GlennTevesMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureampHumanResources(UHͲCTAHR)ph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJenniferHawkinsMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUHͲCTAHRph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJamesBoswellCertifedOrganicInspectorandAgricultureInstructorUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollegendashMolokaiFarmph(808)567Ͳ6577boswelljhawaiiedu
FarmersndashDiversifiedampOrganicCropsCastleAdolphoHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerof`inaKulaniFarmsHo`olehuaKimoKaiamaHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKaiamaFarmsHo`olehuaRickTamanahaofKaleikoaFarmsHawaiianHomesteadFamilyFarmHo`olehuaKalaniHanHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKuikamokuFarmsHo`olehuaTuddiPurdyHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm(808)567Ͳ6601wwwmolokaiͲalohacommacnutsJaneTevesHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofHuaKalaFarmHo`olehuaLynnDeCoiteHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofLampRFarmHo`olehuandashMahana(808)567Ͳ9234wwwlandrfarmscomKu`uleiArceofArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamShariLynofMali`oFarmandExecutiveDirectorofKaHalePomaika`iKamaloandUalapu`eEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8107httpwwwlocalharvestorgmalioͲfarmͲorganicallyͲgrowingͲonͲmolokaiͲM11205EllenSpruanceOwnerofPapaoHakuFarmMapulehuandKumimiEastMolokaiJamieRonzelloCSAOperatorMahanaGardensJoeKennedyPermaculturistMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanaEmanuelaVinciguerraMarketingDirectorofKumuFarmsMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanawwwkumufarmscom
RanchersEdmundPedroOwnerofPedroRanchEastMolokaiJanRoneyManagerofPu`uOHokuRanchEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8109wwwpuuohokucomfarmDesmundManabaOwnerofDJCRanchIncHo`olehuandashMahana
FishermanAquacultureProducerDedrickManabaFishermanKaunakakaiSteveChaikinOwnerofMolokaiSeaFarmPala`au(808)553Ͳ3547wwwbroodstockcomMyronAkutagawaandShermanNapoleonJrKeKua`ĈinaHanaunaHouPuko`oEastMolokai
MeatProcessorValueͲAddedProducersJackSpruanceDirectorofMolokaiLivestockCooperative(MolokaiSlaughterhouse)Ho`olehuaBrendaKaneshiroBeekeeperandOwnerofMolokaiMeliKamaloEastMolokai(800)434Ͳ2550NancyGoveSaltMasterandOwnerofPacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ8484wwwpacificahawaiicomChrisMebileChongrsquosPoiShopKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ4313
GroceryStoresCrystalIgusaandStaffFriendlyMarketCenterKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5595KevinMisakiofMisakirsquosGroceryKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5505DennisTurnerOwnerofOutpostNaturalFoodsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ3377SonyaYuenOwnerofKualapu`uMarketKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ6243NaniPeleManagerofMaunaloaGeneralStoreMaunaloa(808)552Ͳ2346
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 16
HotelampRestaurants
TinaPriceManagerofKualapu`uCookhouseKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ9655GenePikeExecutiveChefatHulaShoresRestaurantHotelMolokaiKamiloloa(808)553Ͳ5347httpwwwhotelmolokaicomKerrieFeltCoͲOwnerofMolokaiBurger(808)553Ͳ3533wwwmolokaiburgercom
OtherInformantsByronEspaniolaAhaMokuRepresentativeforKaluakoiMaunaloa
WewereunsuccessfulinsecuringaninterviewwithMonsantoasthelargestemployerand
agricultureoperationonMolokai Our repeated inquiries remainedunanswered TherewereadditionalMolokaigrowersranchersaquacultureoperators fishermenstoresandrestaurantsthatwewantedto interviewbut inthe interestofgeneratingthisreport inatimelymannerwewereunabletofullymeetthisobjective
Findings were also supplemented through research of existing literature of global
statewideandMolokaiͲspecificagriculturefactsandtrendsAreviewofcurrentandpriorcommunityͲbased planning economic education and training initiatives in support ofagriculturewerealsoexaminedThesearereferencedthroughoutthedocument
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 17
IV KEYFINDINGS
Thissectionhasbeenorganizedintothefollowingcategories LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProducts MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgriculture
Producers Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengths
NeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFoodAccesstoLocallyGrownFoodWeaskedMolokairesidentsiftheyfeltaccesswasavailabletolocallygrown food in the localgrocery storesandopenmarkets78of those surveyed felttheyhaveaccesswhile13felttheydidnotAwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood
Doyoucareorthinkaboutwhereyourfoodcomesfrom
DoyouprefertobuymorelocalMolokaifoodproducts
Wouldyoueatmorelocalfoodifitwereavailable
98ofthosesurveyedwouldeatmorelocalfoodifitwasavailablewhile1wouldnot
90ofthosesurveyedprefertobuylocalMolokaifoodproductswhile2donot
94 of the sample populationcarethink about where theirfood comes from while 5 donot
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 18
QuestionWhatwouldyouliketoeatorbuyifitwasmadeorgrownonMolokai
TheMolokaipopulationwantstoeatasmuch Molokai made products aspossible Fresh vegetables and fruitsranked the highest Specificallymentioned items were kalo (taro)sweet potato brussel sprouts bittermelon cabbage olives pumpkinasparagus corn lettuce tomatoesbroccoli cucumber eggplant squashzucchini beans carrots onion garlicginger spinach melons watermelonspears strawberries and persimmonsMeat products included requests for
fishchickenporkandbeefValueaddedproductrequestsincludedhamburgersausagetofupoibutterand jamRequestswerealsomade fordairyproducts likemilkeggscheeseandgoatcheeseWhile 90 of those surveyed stated theywould buymore local food if itwas available itappearsthatsomerespondents(25people)feltthattherewasnrsquotenoughdemandonislandforlocalproduceandthatlikelyposedachallengetoMolokaifarmersWequeriedMolokairesidentsonwhattheywouldliketoseeintermsofimprovingagricultureonMolokaiandincreasingtheiraccessascustomerstolocalfoodsTheseweresomeoftheirresponses
ldquomoresupportforlocalfarmersrdquoldquo(createa)betterfarmersmarketrdquoldquobybuyinglocalrdquoldquothatstoresbuyandsellmorelocalproducerdquoldquocoͲopͲonedistributorrdquoldquolabelgmoandorganicproductssoweknowrdquo
SubsistenceWealso surveyed theMolokaipopulation todetermine someof theirpracticesaroundfoodpreparationandwhatpercentageoftheirfoodcamefromdifferentsources AswehadsurveyedMolokairsquosfarmingcommunityandanalyzedthebehavioroftheislandrsquosmaingrocerystoresonwhatitemstheyselectedtosellwewantedtoknowiftheremightbeadirectcorrelationbetweenconsumerdemand for localproductsand levelofselfͲsufficiencyamongthegeneralpopulationtoengageinsubsistenceactivitiesWe foundthatanaverage825ofthosesurveyedpreparetheir foodathomewhile174mainlyeatrestaurantͲpreparedfoods
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 19
QuestionOfthefoodyouprepareathomeapproximatelywhatpercentageisgrown
caughtandorproduced
Fromoursurveyresponsestowhatpercentageoffoodpreparedathomecamefromwhatwasgrowncaughtandorproducedby individuals themselvesonMolokai ingeneralwithin theStateofHawai`ioveralland fromoutsideofHawai`iwe found that residentsaccessed foodfromthesemultiplesourcesatanearequalratewitharangeof236to272 fromeachsourceItisinterestingtonotethat246ofthefoodpreparedintheaveragepersonrsquoshomecame frompersonal subsistence activities The figure of 272 of locally grown caught orproducedfoodsmay includebothofwhat isavailable inMolokaistoresaswellaswhatmighthave been bartered or shared by otherMolokai residents as a result of their subsistenceactivities Whenaskeddirectlywhatpercentageof food consumed comes from subsistenceactivitiesanaverageof401camefromitemsthatwerefishedhuntedgatheredraisedorgrown (to includeonersquospersonalharvestsand foodsacquiredandsharedbarteredbyothersalsoengagedinsubsistence)Thusitwouldmakesensethatcombiningthetwofiguresinthegraphaboveofpreparedfoodsgrowncaughtandorproducedbytheindividualsthemselves(246) andwhatwas acquired generally fromMolokai resources (272) either shared byothers or bought directly from the store the cumulative total being 518 one mayextrapolatefromthisdatathatthedifferencebetween518and401being117maybethe amount of locally produced foods sold in Molokairsquos stores When polled as to theimportance of subsistence activities in their lives 72 of the respondents said itwas veryimportant to them Of the13who responded that theydonotengage inany subsistenceactivitylackoftimewascitedasthegreatestreasonwhytheydidnottakepartinsubsistenceIn comparing our general data on subsistencewith the results presented in theGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReport37in1993wefoundthatsubsistencemaybeplayingan
37MatsuokaJonDaviannaMcGregorLucianoMinerbiMaliaAkutagawaGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReportMolokaiDepartmentofBusinessEconomicDevelopmentandTourism1993
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 20
even bigger role today than it did two decades ago Loss of jobs and the global economicdownturnmaybecontributingfactors
SubsistenceFactors 1993 2012Estimatedtotalpercentageoffoodthatcomesfromvarioussubsistenceactivities
28 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored38 Ͳ for Native HawaiianMolokaifamilies50 Ͳ 54 respondents out of241surveyed
40 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored
Overall importance ofsubsistence to Molokaifamilies
51Ͳveryimportant25Ͳsomewhatimportant11Ͳsomewhatunimportant32Ͳnotatallimportant
72Ͳveryimportant21Ͳsomewhatimportant1Ͳsomewhatunimportant2Ͳnotatallimportant
From this information though not as comprehensive and rigorous in its exploration ofsubsistence on Molokai as the 1993 Task Force Report we are assured that subsistencecontinuestobeanimportantpartofMolokairsquosfamiliesandoveralleconomyFiftyͲthreepercent (53)ofour respondents stated that they grow theirown food throughfarmingorgardeningWhenpolledastothekindsofsubsistenceactivitiestheytypicallyengageinrespondentsidentifiedthefollowing
HUNTING 39ofthosesurveyedhunt(axisdeerwild
piggoat)FISHINGampDIVING 57ofthosesurveyedfishordive
GATHERING 32gather(limuopihicrabpipipilĈrsquoau
harsquoukersquouke)asasubsistenceactivity
OTHER 4citedamixtureofraisinglivestock
sharingandtradingfoodasasubsistenceactivity
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 21
ThefactthatsubsistenceremainsasignificantcontributortohowMolokaifamiliesacquiretheirfoodthisinturnmayalsoaffectlocalmarketbehaviorintermsofwhatlocallyproduceditemsareplacedonstoreshelvesandwhetherMolokai farmersandproducers find itnecessary toprovideasignificantvolumeoffoodforthelocalMolokaimarketAvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProductsWewerepleasedtofindthatMolokairsquosagricultureindustryisquitediverseandhostsanumberof small family farms both on the Hawaiian Homestead in Ho`olehua and also dotting thelandscape inMana`eEastMolokai Duringour interviewsweasked farmers ranchersandaquaculturistswhatcropsandvalueͲaddedproducts theycultivatedprocessedvalueͲaddedandsoldandwhatweretheirprimarymarketsWealsocombedtheinternetandlearnedbywordofmouthofotheragribusinesses The following tableprovides for the readeranatͲaͲglancelistofgrowersonMolokaiandwhattypesoffoodandproductsareavailableonislandItalsolistsprimarylocalaswellasoffͲislandmarketsProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldMeatsampEggs
MolokaiGrassFedBeef PedroRanchPu`uOHokuRanchKualapu`uRanchPohakuloaRanch
ProcessedandsoldbySlaughterhouse(MolokaiLivestockCooperative)toMolokaiBurgerFriendlyMarketCenterKualapu`uMarketKualapu`uCookhousePu`uOHokuRanch
Venison DJCRanchLLC NotsoldSharedonlywithcustomersonformalhuntsandMolokaifamiliesforsubsistence
Lamb(freerange) KalapanaandDeeannaKeli`iho`omalu
PilotphaseProcessedatMolokaiSlaughterhouseSoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketCenterandMisakirsquos
FreeRangeEggs Davis`ohana MolokaiMinimartMana`eGoodsampGrindzotherMolokaigrocerystores(notebecamemorepopularandvisibleinstoresaftermainlandeggswererecallednationwideforbacterialcontamination)
DuckEggs WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SeafoodFishndashakutunaakuleopakapakaahionomahimahionaga
Variouscommercialfishermen5onisland
DirectCustomerSalesOffͲIslandWholesalerDistributor(forhotelsandrestaurants)
Shrimp KeawaNuiFarms(808)558Ͳ8931httpwwwkeawanuifarmscomMolokaiSeaFarms
FriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosOffͲIslandOnlineSalesforShrimpBroodstock
SeaweedLimuOgo(Gracilaria) KeawaNuiFarmMolokaiSeaFarms
MisakirsquosOffͲIsland
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 22
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldGreensampOtherVegetables
Lettuces KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(808)558Ͳ8306
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Kale WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
MustardCabbage Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BokChoy ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamMali`oFarm
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
Chinesecabbage ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistArugula WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsales
SwissChard JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomatillo JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomato ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sweetcorn ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistChinesePeas ArcersquosFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SoyBeans JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BlackBeans Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
GreenBeans ArcersquosFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
GreenOnion KuikamokuFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
AllMolokaigrocerystoresCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Radish KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Beets KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 23
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
GreensampOtherVegetablesBrocolli ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistEggplant ArcersquosFarm
Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Carrots JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SweetPotatoSweetPotatoChips
LampRFarm VariouslocalMolokaistores8tonsshippedweeklyoffͲisland
YamsYamChips(indevelopmentphase)
TuipulotuFarm
Tarondashregularandcertifiedbiodynamicdifferentvarietiesdryandwetlu`auleaf
`inaKulaniFarmsKaiamaFarmsKimMarkhamPapaoHakuFarm
FriendlyMarketCenterdirectsalestocustomersCertifiedbiodynamictarosoldoffͲislandathealthstoreoutlets
Avocado PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm558Ͳ8383httpwwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Organicginger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲIslandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Organicturmeric PapaOHakuFarm NotsoldMedicinaluseAwa Pu`uOHokuRanchKaiamaFarms DirectsalestocustomersChiliPepper Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproduceshared
withclientsintreatmentandforclientfundraising
HerbsampSpicesBasils(ItalianThai) KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm
(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanadaCommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Thyme JamieRonzello(CSA)KumuFarms CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dill KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Oregano KimMarkhamKumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
ItalianParsley KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 24
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
HerbsampSpicesChineseParsley KimMarkhamMali`oFarmWaialua
Permafarm(CSA)CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Cilantro KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Rosemary KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Spearmint KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Lavender KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Savory KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sage KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Cinnamon PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm(808)553Ͳ8383wwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Vanilla PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Cacao PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
FruitsampNutsOrange Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tangerine Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 25
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
FruitsampNutsLimes Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Papayandashconventionalandorganic
KaiamaFarmsKaleikoaFarmsHuaKalaFarmNoahKuohaKumuFarmsMali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
VariouslocalMolokaistoresexportedthroughoutHawaiianislandsWholeFoodsoutletsMainlandUSandCanadaCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Watermelon `AinaKulaniFarm DirectsalestocustomersBananaAppleBanana HuaKalaFarm`AinaKulaniFarms
KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
Kualapu`uMarketOutpostFriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Rambutan WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
JackFruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Mango Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentandsoldbythemCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Soursop WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dragonfruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Strawberry PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Lychee PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
MacadamiaNuts PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm DirectsalestovisitorsparticipatinginfarmtourMailorders
Coffee CoffeesofHawai`i(808)567Ͳ9490wwwcoffeesofhawaiicom
AllMolokaistoresonlineorders
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 26
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
ValueͲAddedProductsCilantroLimePesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaionlinesales
outletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
BasilMacadamiaNutPesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
PickledOrganicGinger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲislandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Honey(premiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyhoneycombs)
MolokaiMeliKimMarkham
KumuFarmsOutpostNaturalFoodStore
Poi ChongrsquosPoiShop AllMolokaistoresKulolo `inaKulaniFarms DirectSalesTaroChips HuaKalaFarm NotenoughvolumetosellregularlyYamChips TuipulotoFarm StillindevelopmentstageBeeswaxCandlesChapstick MolokaiMeli KumuFarmsGourmetSeaSalt PacificaHawai`iSeaSalts
HawaiiKaiCorporationhttpwwwhawaiikaicocom
Pu`uOHokuRanchKumuFarmsKamakanaCountryStoreMolokaiWinesampSpiritsBlueMonkeyFriendlyMarketCenteroutletsthroughoutHawaiiStateandUSMainlandonlinesales
Other Tileaf KimMarkham KukuiStarters PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm Giventohomesteadersfor
reforestationinHo`olehuaFlowersgingerakulekulecigar
PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm ShippedleistooffͲisland
Tropicalflowers(variety) KuleanaWorkCenterwwwmolokaiflowerscom
OnlinesalesanddirectsalesatSaturdayOpenMarketdays
SeedsSeedbank Ka`anoTheMolokaiSeedProject553Ͳ4243
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 27
MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers
Molokairsquos grocery stores and restaurants selllocallygrownharvestedandprocessed itemsAnaverageof2of locallygrownorMadeonMolokai products are sold in local grocerystores Some stores such asMisakirsquos carry ahigher percentage (15) ofMolokai produceThoseestablishmentsweinterviewedallstatedthat they want to sell everything that isMolokaimade PapayasweetpotatoChongrsquosPoicoffeeKanemitsubreadandKumuFarmspesto are the most common Molokai itemsfound in localstores Misakirsquostendstocarryagreater assortment of Molokai produce andvalueͲadded products in addition to thesecommon items Misakirsquos sells LampR sweetpotatochipsstringbeansbittermelonutongeggplant green onion lime and lemon FishalsoarepurchasedfromlocalfishermenSome stores and restaurants also purchaseMolokaigrass fedbeefprocessed through theislandrsquosslaughterhouseTheseordersarefilledonaconsistentbasisSmaller stores like Kualapu`u Market andMaunaloaGeneralStorethatdonotexperienceas much traffic as the grocery stores inKaunakakai have to concern themselves withhowquicklyanitemsellsForsomecustomersMolokaigrassfedbeefisanacquiredtasteandit may take a more conscientious eaterconsidering the health benefits of grass fedbeeftoappreciateitsflavorButiftheaveragecustomer does not appreciate these qualitiesandprefersacertaintasteofbeefthatshehasgrown accustomed to then the store risksspoilage The samegoes for fruits likemangothatripenquicklybutmaynotsellfastenough
especially sincemany families havemango trees in their own back yards For these smallstorescarryingitemsthatwillsellquicklyisimportantespeciallymeatandproducethathaveashort shelf life Kualapu`uMarket typically sellsMolokai coffee sweet potato chips poi
MOLOKAIESTABLISHMENTSSELLINGORSERVINGFOODampGROCERIES
ONMOLOKAIRESTAURANTSampFASTFOODCoffeesofHawaii 567Ͳ9655HulaShores(HotelMolokai)
553Ͳ5347
KanemitsuBakeryampRestaurant
553Ͳ5855
KualapursquouCookhouse 567Ͳ9655LittleGrassShack 553Ͳ5862MakarsquosCorner 553Ͳ8058ManarsquoeGoodznGrindz 558Ͳ8498MolokaiBurger 553Ͳ3533MolokaiDriveInn 553Ͳ5655MolokaiPizzaCafeacute 553Ͳ3288MolokaiRoastPorkHouse 553Ͳ9068MrsKrsquos 553Ͳ3201SundownDeli 553Ͳ3713LOCALGROCERYSTORESFriendlyMarketCenter 553Ͳ5595CPascuaStore 553Ͳ5443KamoisSnackNGo 553Ͳ5443KualapuuMarketLtd 567Ͳ6243MaunaloaGeneralStore 552Ͳ2346Misakis 553Ͳ5505MolokaiMiniMart 553Ͳ4447OutpostNaturalFoods 553Ͳ3377MolokaiWinesNSpirits 553Ͳ5009TheStoreHouse 553Ͳ3399KamakanaCountryStore 553Ͳ5725GASSTATIONSHayakuGasNGo 553Ͳ3444RawlinsChevronStation 553Ͳ3214ReferenceSustainableMolokaiResourceGuide2009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 28
MolokaibreadandeggsMaunaloaGeneralStoremakesitapointtoacceptproducefromthecommunitygarden runby theKaHaleMua low incomehousing They typicallygrow stringbeans tomatoeseggplantand lettuce Maunaloa residentsarealsopermitted toutilize thefacilitytopreparemusubibentoandlocalplatelunchestosellpreparedfoodsaswellastheirartandcraftsatthefrontofthestoreOther locallyproduced items that someof the storeswould like to sell inmore volume aretomatoesbananasfishanddairyIfMolokaifarmerselectnottogroworsellcertainproduceor products to the local grocery stores the storeswill sell offͲisland produce (egManoalettuce Kula tomatoes etc) Sometimes they will also order items from as far away asCaliforniaorMexicotosatisfycustomerdemandsandpreferencesTherequirementsarenotoverlystringentforthelocalfarmertosellproduceandvalueͲaddedfoodstolocalgrocerystoresForsomestoreslikeFriendlyMarketindividualsmustpossessabusinesslicenseForotherstoresthatreceivesmallquantitiesoffreshproduceatatimetheydonotrequireproofofbusinesslicenseGrocery stores showcasing locally grown food feel cheated when farmers simultaneouslypeddletheirproduceonthestreetPricing isalsoan issue forMolokaistores Theywould like tobuymore locallygrown itemshowevertheycangetproducealotcheaperfromthemainlandForexampletheaveragecostofatomatothatislocallygrownis$2lbwhilestorescanacquiretomatoesfromthemainlandfor$1lbandpassthesavingsontothecustomerFriendlyMarkethasexpressedapreferenceforbuyingproduce from farmerswhohaveapricecostandplan (egthat identifiesspecificamountsofproducethatwillbeavailableandtheircost)toensureitemconsistencyinpricingandavailabilityIdeallystoreswanttosaveonpayingshippingcoststoimportfoodfromthemainlandandoffͲislandbyprovidingpreferenceforlocallygrownfoodsConsistencyisimportantforstorestocontinuecarryingspecificitemsprovidedbylocalfarmersandproducers Consistencywas citedbyevery store and restaurantwe interviewed as thenumberonechallengethatmostfarmersfaceinworkingwiththemMisakirsquoshasfoundawayaround this issue TheypurchaseMolokai fish caught and sold to theHonolulu fishmarketthroughadistributortheresothatcustomerscanstillbenefitfromeatingMolokaicaughtfishMisakirsquosalsoprefers tobuy fromanOahudistributor thatbuys thebulkof itsproduce fromMolokai farmers In thisway by buying in bulk through a distributorMisakirsquos is assured aconsistentproductTherearestoreswhospecificallyselect for localandorganic foodsaspartoftheirmarketingstrategy Onesuchstore istheOutpostNaturalFoodsStorewhichwillselleverythingthat isMolokaimade ConsumersexpecttopayaheftiergrocerybillastheyhaveanexpectationofbuyinglocalandpreferablyorganicallygrownandproducedfoodsOtheritemsthatcannotbesourced locallyorare in lessersupplyorforwhichthere isademandfor(egapplespearsandoranges)aresourcedfromthemainlandandsoldattheOutpost
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 29
We interviewed3restaurantsKualapu`uCookhouseHotelMolokairsquosHulaShoresrestaurantandMolokaiBurger Useofandemphasisonuseof localmeatseafoodandproducevariedTheKualapu`uCookhouseestimates that itutilizes1ofMolokaigrownproduceandvalueͲadded products in its dishes as it does not have strict requirements to do so It primarilypurchasesMolokailettucethroughKualapu`uMarketHotelMolokaiuses less than20 localproduceand seafood in itsdishesbutwould ideallyprefer toutilizeat least60of locallygrownandharvested foodson theirmenu ThehotelcurrentlybuyslocallygrownlettuceeggplantandpapayafromKumuFarmsandincorporatesthesefoods intotheirmenu Freshfish isthefastestandmostpopularselling itemanddoesnot requireapricecost listwhenbuying from fishermen Patronsbuy fishdishesatmarketprice Itwascommunicated thataschefs it is important toestablish relationshipswith localfarmersandacquirehighend itemsonaconsistentbasis Whathasbeenachallengeforthechefs at the hotel is figuring outwho is growingwhat and searching these farmers out toprovidetheproducemeatandseafoodtheyneedWhatwouldeasilyservethemwouldbeabrokeror localdistributor to takeon that typeofwork Currently theHotel is consideringsettingasidesomespaceonthehotelgroundsforanherbgardentoreadilysupplysomeofthekitchenrsquosneedswhileprovidingsomekindofyouthinternshipprogramtoinstallandmaintainthegardenMolokai Burger exclusively serves 100Molokai grass fed beef for its burgers and TuesdayMexican menu The restaurant purchases 240 pounds of Molokai beef from theslaughterhouse It receives positive customer feedback its loyal customers being especiallyhealth conscious individuals and local and nativeHawaiian activistswhomake it a point tosupportestablishments thatutilize localMolokai foods MolokaiBurgeralsopurchases fromKumuFarmsonaweeklybasis8poundsoftheirvegetablegreenstoserveintheirspecialsaladand chicken salad plates Molokai sweet potatoes are also utilized for sweet potato nachochipsontheMexicanmenu Whilenot locallyproducedMolokaiBurgeralsopurchasesbunsfromalocalMolokaidistributorasawaytosupportasmanylocalbusinessesaspossible
QuestionWhatlocalfooditemswouldyouliketosellorincorporateinyourmenuthatarenotcurrentlyavailableorareinshortsupply
FriendlyMarket orangesallcitrusesmangoavocadobokchoywonboktropicalfruits inseasonfishporkprocessed through slaughterhousealldairy (milk cheese)or soybasedmilkasanalternativeand free rangeeggsWillsellalllocalitemsMisakirsquosbananasandtomatoesWillsellanythinggrownandmadeonMolokaiOutpostNaturalFoodsStorestrawberriescantaloupescucumbers tomatoespotatoesandYukon from localgrowersKualapu`uCookhouselocalfreerangechickeneggsKualapu`uMarketagreaterdiversityandselectionoflocalproducegrownbyMolokairsquosfarmersMaunaloaGeneralStoremorebananasandpapayasastheyselloutfastestHulaShoresRestaurantofHotelMolokaivenisonMolokaiBurgeraconsistentsupplyofMolokaitomatoesfreerangeeggsandfishthatarereasonablypriced
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 30
Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities
QuestionAreyoua farmerIfsohowoldareyouͶΨ ȋȌ ǡ
ͶͶǤ
ǡ ͷͶǤ
QuestiontofarmersinterviewedHowlonghaveyoubeenfarming
ʹʹ ͶͲǤ
QuestionHowmuchlandareyoufarming
ǡͶͶǢ͵ʹͳͷǢͷͳͷǦͶͲ͵ͶͲǤ ǡͲ
ǡͲƬʹͲͲƮǦǤ
QuestiontofarmerswhatdoyoufeelarethechallengesfarmersfaceonMolokaiNatureandtheElementsWindHomestead farmers must contend with high winds on a regular basis Thus initial farmplanning must include installing windbreaks to avoid crop damage from weathering Thecommunity has identified in several former planning documents such as the MolokaiEmpowermentZoneApplication(1998)massplantingofwindbreaksthroughouttheHo`olehuaareatoprotecthomesteadfarm landsasoneofthe40priorityprojects IntheendMolokaiwas successful in achieving theMolokai Enterprise Community federal designation a step
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 31
secondtoEmpowermentZonestatus Windbreaksremainedpartofthe40priorityprojectsInstallationofwindbreakshave alsobeen reiterated as a ShortRangePriorityProject in theMaui County Comprehensive EconomicDevelopment Strategy (CEDS) 201038However notmuchhasbeendonetomovethisfromaconceptualstagetoimplementation
Thesituationwasexacerbatedin2005upontheintroductionofthevirulenterythrinagallwaspthatdestroyedthevastmajorityofwiliwilitreesStatewideLarvaeimplantedintothetissueofwiliwili leaves form tumorous like growths and effectively starve the trees from receivingnutrition39Muchof thewiliwili trees thathad servedprimarilyaswindbreaksdiedwithinayearor two Thus farms thathadestablishedwiliwiliwindbreaksbecamenewlyexposed towinds With the introduction of Eurytoma by scientists a predator species that exclusivelyfeedsonerythrinagallwaspsandavoidsnativewaspsthesurvivingwiliwilihavebeenabletomakeacomeback40DroughtAnumberoffarmershavecitedcurrentdroughtconditionsasaseriousthreattofarmingOnefarmerreportedthatherentireorganicgingercropfailedduetodroughtandshewasunabletoyieldaharvestthisyearAtthetimewestartedourinterviewsinFebruary(2012)Molokaiwasexperiencingthelowestrainfallinadecadecomparableto2001droughtfiguresAdrywinterandspringseasonhavebeencausingwatershortages Arecentheavystorm inMarch (2012)brought some reliefbutwithprimarilyeroded soilsexposed to theelementsmuchofthatmuddiedwaterwashed intotheseatochokecoralsaffectnurserygrounds forfishandcoverlimu(seaweed)beds41Steadypercolationintotheaquiferisnecessarytomakea difference to the watershed and levels in the reservoir42 According to Glenn TevesExtensionAgent forUHͲCTAHRdroughtconditionsaffect insectbehavior Forexampleantsseekingwaterwillfindasubstitutebyacquiringhoneydewfromcertaininsectsthatproduceitsuchasldquoaphidsmealybugswhitefliesandscaleshellipknown tosuckplant juicesandweakenthem hellip [and] spread plant viruses on an array of crops such as melons peppers andtomatoesrdquo43 Animals will also chew through drip irrigation systems to access water in adrought andwill subsequently cause leaks andwater loss for the farmer44Cows are alsoaffectedwithahigher incidenceofmiscarriageorsmallercalfsizedueto lackofhighquality
38 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1102 AgricultureReforestationWindbreakPlantingp5039RichardsSabrinaldquoWaspwarsNewpredatorchecksHawai`irsquosgallwaspepidemicrdquoSciencelineJanuary62011httpsciencelineorg201101waspͲwars40Richards201141 Teves G ldquoEffects of Rain and Droughtrdquo Molokai Dispatch March 15 2012httpthemolokaidispatchcomeffectsͲofͲrainͲandͲdrought42Teves201243Teves201244Teves2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 32
food consumed during pregnancy45Deerwill also compete and feed on grass reserves forcattleTevesroughlyestimatesthatfarmersandranchershaveexperiencedacumulativecroplossvaluedat$1millionduetothedrought46MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)Builtinthe1950sandlsquo60stheMISwasconstructedtotransportwaterfromWaikoluValleyonthenorthshoretothefarmingareasofCentralMolokaitoprovidewaterforthesolepurposeofagriculture47WaikoluValleyprovideswatertothesystemviaa51milelongtunnelPipesand flumes convey thewater to the Kualapu`u Reservoirwhich is designed for amaximumdepthof54feetor14billiongalloncapacity48TheHawaiianHomesCommissionAct (ldquoHHCArdquo)of1920sect221(d)grantedhomesteadersldquotherighttousefreeofallchargeanyofthewateruponthe islandofMolokairdquo49Thisprovisionwasamended in1955togiveHawaiianHomesatwoͲthirdswaterallocationpreference fromtheMIS50 The Department of Agriculture whichmanages theMIS has not enforced thisprovision Presently80oftheMIS isconsumedbynonͲhomesteadersdespite23rdswaterreservation requirement for homesteaders51 It has been recently noted that homesteaderwaterusagehasincreasedbynearly20comparedtolastyear52TheMISWaterUseAdvisoryBoardspeculatedthathomesteadfamiliesareexpandingtheirfamilygardens53TheentireislandofMolokaihasbeendesignatedbytheStateCommissiononWaterResourcesManagement (CWRM or ldquoWater Commissionrdquo) a sole source aquifer and critical watermanagementarea Thesedesignationsunderscorethefactthattheentire islanddependsonone water source for its drinking water subsistence and agricultural needs and carefulmanagementisnecessarytomaintaintheaquiferRecords for the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) revealed that as of December 2011 theKualapu`ureservoirhadloweredto11feet(ascomparedto17feetayearprior)andcontinuedtodecline54Todaythereservoirhasloweredanotherfootwithstoragelevels50lessthana
45Teves201246Teves201247BaldaufNatashaHalsquoaheoKaholsquoohalahalaandDavidSakodaldquoTheMoloka`i IrrigationSystem AVision foraSustainableFuturerdquoDecember1200948BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200949BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200950BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200951BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200952ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion53ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion54ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 33
year ago55 Current rainfall is 10 of normal levels and those utilizing theMIS have beensubjecttoa30restrictioninwaterusageoverthepast3years56TheStatelegislaturerecentlysetaside$125millionforimprovementstotheMIS57Fundswillcover Anewhydropowerplantwaterflowwillproduceenergyandoffsetelectricalcosts Replacement of aboveͲground concrete flume with an underground pipeline to avoid
animalsanddebrisfromfallingintoandcontaminatingthewatersupply StructuralrepairtoMISaccessbridge Installation of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system to allow for
monitoringofwaterflowremotelyThis is a step in the right direction and hopefullywill assist in decreasingwater loss in thesystemandimprovemanagementoftheMISWeedsPestsWildAnimalsNumerousfarmersinterviewedparticularlyintheHo`olehuaHomesteadareahaveciteddeerasamajorproblem incrop failureTheorganicpapaya farmershavebeenhithardwithonefarmerhavinglosthisentirecropofpapayatreesSeedlingswereeatenandadulttreeswerealsoaffectedbydeerrubbings Anotherfarmerhashadtoadoptprotectivemeasuresforhisyoungkukuistarter treesasdeerseekingmoisture fromyoungplantswilleat them Hehasindicatedthatyoungkukuitreeshavetoreachacertainheightwheredeercannolongerbitethe leaves from the top Farmers are also experiencing brokenwater and irrigation pipesdestroyedbydeer One farmerwas issued a $700waterbillbefore discovering hisbrokenwaterpipeMuchofthisactivityhasbeenattributedtotheongoingdroughtconditionsdeerareseekingfarmsforwaterandfood It isestimatedthat$1million inagricultureprofitwaslosttodeerwithinthelastyearAnotherproblemthatfarmersencounteredafewyearsagowasaninfestationofratandmiceTheyweresonumerousthatdriversoftensawthemcrossingtheroad One farmerresolvedthisproblemonhisfarmbyadopting20cats
55ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions56ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions57ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 34
Other farmershavecitedpestsandweedsasaproblemon their farms Oneorganic farmerstatedthatshefinds itachallengebecauseuseofpesticidesandherbicidesareprohibited inorganicfarmingThere is an urgent need to keepMolokairsquos bee population healthy as they are pollinatorsimportant to theagriculture industry Threats to the localbeepopulation includepesticidesbeetlesandmitesHighOperationalCostsOfthe208surveyed61peopleconsideredhighoperationalcostsasabigchallengetofarmingonMolokaiThesecostsinclude Labor Infrastructure Toolsimplements Fuelforequipmentandvehicles Supplies such as fertilizer compost pesticides herbicides seeds irrigation supplies etc
Supplycostsareespeciallyhigherdue toadditionalcostmarkͲup forshipping items in toMolokai
Electricitycostsforrunningrefrigerationchiller Allfeesandtaxesincurredfromrunningabusiness Specialcostsfororganiccertification(est$1300peryear)HighCostofWaterSeventy(70)surveyrespondentsfeltfarming ismadedifficultbythehighcostofwater Thiswasespeciallytrueforfarmerswhoareoncountywater insteadofcheaperagriculturewaterfromtheMolokaiIrrigationSystemThesefarmersareontheEastEndoftheislandAlsoitisverydifficultforpeople inMaunaloaandKaluakoitofarmandevengardenduetothewatersystemrunbyMolokaiRanch Ratesforwaterareastronomicalhaving increasedby17858TheStatePublicUtilitiesCommissionallowedforarateincreasefortheRanchrsquosMolokaiPublicUtilitiesfrom$318per1000gallonsto$60459TheWaiolaOMolokaiIncwateralsoownedbyMolokaiRanchwas approved for a rate increase from$185 to $51560 These increasesimpactapproximately1200residentsonthewestsideoftheisland61
58BernardoRldquoMolokaiwaterusersprotestratehikerdquoHonoluluStarBulletinSeptember52008httparchivesstarbulletincom20080905newsstory08html59Bernardo200860Bernardo200861Bernardo2008
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 35
HighEquipmentCostsSixty(60) survey respondents considered high equipment costs as a challenge to farmingTractor costs can range from $21000 to $80000 depending on the size neededwhich isrelativetotheamountofacreagetobefarmedManysmallandbeginningfarmerslackaccesstocapitaltopurchasebigticketitemssuchasequipmentHighShippingCostsYoungBrothersistheprimaryshippingproviderforMolokaiSomefarmersutilizecargoplanessuchasKamakaAir for shipmentofmoreperishable items Shipping fromMolokai involvesaddedcostanddisadvantagesforMolokaiasaruralislandtryingtotransportgoodsacrosstheoceantothelargerurbancenterssuchasOahuandMauiForthoseutilizingdistributorsthatisanotheraddedcostIn thepast farmers receivedapartialbreakon shippingcosts throughYoungBrothers TheFarmBureauassisted indefrayingchargesassociatedwith theMolokai toHonoluu legwhilethefarmerwasrequiredtocoveronlythecostofshippingfromHonolulutothemainlandThishelped to level the playing field forMolokai farmerswith the rest of farmers onOahu andStatewide Within the last five yearshowever thispolicyhasbeendiscontinued causing adisadvantagetotheMolokaifarmerYoungBrotherswillbephasingoutitsldquoGrdquoVans218cubicftcontainersforshippingpricedat$180containerandwillbepalletizingeverythingItwillnolongerbeeasytodropitemsoffatthepierandshipoutFarmerswillneedtomakethetransitionandwilllikelyhavetosolicittheservicesofMakoaTruckingtopalletizetheirgoodsandtransportthemtothepierTheftOne farmer interviewed cited crop theft as a challenge There are also risks of theft ofequipmenttoolsandsupplieswithoutadequatestorageandsecuritymeasuresFireA localbeekeeping family thatproducespremiumorganic raw kiawehoneyexperienced adevastatingfirein2009thatwipedoutthemajorityoftheirhivesTheyhaveahighamountoforderstofillandarecurrentlyrecoveringfromthedamagetotheirhivesNotEnoughLandtoFarmampCompetingUsesforAgricultureLandThe Molokai Agricultural Park owned by the State of Hawai`i is located in theHo`olehuaMahanaregionadjacenttoMolokaiRanchandHawaiianHomeLandsItconsistsof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 36
22subdividedlotsspanningatotalof753acres62Thepurposeofagriculturalparksstatewideistoprovideaffordable longͲterm leasestosmallfarmers63CurrentlyallMolokaiAgPark landsare being utilized64 Thismakes it difficult for new farmerswho are nonͲhomesteaders tosecurecheaplandSeedbiotechcompaniessuchasMonsantoandMycogenhavegainedasolidfootholdontheisland Their use of prime agriculture lands and limited water resources impact the localfarming community It is problematic especially for organic farmers who risk losing theircertification if their farmsare inproximity toGMO crops It is known thata local familyofbeekeeperswereforcedtomovetheirhivesorelserisklosingtheirorganichoneycertificationLow Prices Offered for Local Produce Not Enough Demand for Goods and ProductInconsistencyOfthosesurveyed25peoplefeltthatnotenoughconsumerdemandforproducewasamajorchallenge for farmers Whileour surveyalso found that90ofour respondentswouldbuymorelocalfoodifitwasavailableMolokairsquossmallpopulationlimitshowmuchproducefarmerscanplaceinthelocalmarketManyof the farmers thatwe interviewedwere frustratedat the lowprices theyget for theproduce theygrow They find itdifficult tonegotiatewith storesonpricing For them it ischallengingtomakealivingorbeeconomicallysustainablebysellingproduceonlyonMolokaiOne certified organic and biodynamic farmer informed us that she is offered $110lb byMolokai stores forherorganicgingerbut she can sell itatamuchhigherpriceonOahuat$5lbinstoresthatshowcaseorganicfoodsWiththatamountsheisabletomakeaprofitaswellasrecoupherproductionandshippingcostsUHCTAHRAgricultureExtensionAgentGlennTevesstatesthatalotoffarmersdonotpaycloseenoughattentiontotheirpricingOftentimestheywillpricetheirproduceonthelowendThissetsanegativestandardthatmakesitmoredifficultforotherfarmerstogetareasonablepricefor their crops He recommends that farmers check regularly on produce prices andmakecomparisonsalsoonhowmuchtheysellforontheotherislandssothattheycanprovidemorecompetitivepricingthatisadvantageoustothemLackofSupportforAgricultureLawmakershavealsobecomeunsupportivetopreservingagriculturelandsAbusesaboundonagricultural landswithmultiͲmilliondollargentlemanestatesdevelopedanddefinedasldquofarm
62StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks63StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks64StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 37
dwellingsrdquo and attractive landscaping required underCCRs andAssociationRules dubbed aslegitimateldquoagriculturerdquo Theseldquofarmdwellingsrdquo increasethepriceofagriculture landforrealfarmersNationwide family farmersarebeingedgedoutby largecorporateproducersat the rateof330farmersperweek65TheUnitedStateshasanestimated5millionfewerfarmsthanithadinthe1930s66Today2millionfarmsexist intheUSwith565000 identifiedasfamilyfarms67ThereasonforthisisthatfederalgovernmentpoliciesfavorlargeͲscalecorporateagriculturePoliciessuchassubsidizingbigagriculturecreatesafalsesetͲpointontrueproductioncosts68TheAmerican taxpayerabsorbs thesehefty costs The federalgovernment spentover$177billion in agricultural subsidies from the years of 1995 to 200669 These large agricultureoperationsareabletoprovidehugevolumesoffoodforacheappricebecauseofthesubsidiesallocatedTheyeasilyoutcompeteandsqueezeoutthesmallfarmerthatreceivesnohelpfromsubsidies andmust pass to the customer the true costs of production in order to remain aviablebusinessStrongcorporatelobbyingmaintainsthisstatusquo
NeedforAdditionalEducationampTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunityOfthosesurveyed33farmersconsideredalackofcapacityeducationtobeachallengeSomefarmersaredauntedbythecostsofhighereducationandthetimetheywouldneedtoinvestineducationalongsidebalancingfamilyresponsibilitiesandfullͲtimefarmingProficiency inknowledgeandexperienceoffarmingprinciplesandtechniques isnecessaryforallfarmers Theymustunderstandfarmplanninghowtoplantmaintainandharvestcropshowtosetupirrigationmeetthebiologicalandmineralneedsoftheircropshowtomaintainsoil health how to minimize offͲfarm releases of pollutants and toxins such as chemicalfertilizersandpesticidesoperateand repair toolsandmachinerybasic carpentry skillsandpossess a true passion for farming A lot is learned through trial and error but educationcombinedwithpracticalexperience gives farmers abetter chance atmaking it These skillsalonearenottheonlyrequirementshoweverAfarmer(orparticipatingfamilymembers)mustalsobefinanciallyliterateandpossessstrongbusinessbookkeepingaccountingandmarketingskills To lease landsaccessbusinessstartup fundssuccessfullyapply for loansandreceive financing forbigequipmentpurchases the
65ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml66ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml67ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml68ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml69ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 38
farmerhastohavegoodcreditandbefinancially literate Ifhe issaddledwithdebtandbadcreditthenhewillneedtocreateandsticktoaplanforrepairinghiscreditOther skills a farmermust cultivate to successfully start an agricultureenterprise is learninghowtodomarketresearchandbusinessplanningItrsquosbettertomakemistakesonpaperfirstrather than in real life aftermuch time and investment has beenmade Once the farmenterprise isupand running then the farmerhas to contendwithkeeping financial recordscurrenteitherpersonallyortruesecuringabookkeeperoraccountant BusinessandpayrolltaxeswillneedtobepaidfeesforspecialcertificationssuchasorganicfarmingmayalsohavetobefactoredinAfarmermustbeawareofwhattogrowandproduceandhowtomarketherproducts inorder tobeprofitable Shemustbedisciplined in implementingher farmplanaccount for year round staggered plantings and harvests and crop rotations and reinvestprofitsbackintothebusinessRarelydotheseskillsexistinonepersonMostfarmersjustwanttofarmandnotdealwiththeother details of running a business As they age too farmerswill need to think about asuccession plan Ideally it should be a family enterprise with familymembers possessingdifferent skill sets and playing different roles that collectivelymake a successful agricultureenterpriseRanchingampTheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeMolokairsquos history includes large scale ranching of cattle which was once an enterpriseendeavorbyMolokaiRanch the islandrsquos largestprivate landownernow known asMolokaiProperties Limited SinceMPLrsquos closure ofmajor operations ranching is currently done bymembersof thecommunity inwhich theycultivate the remainingcattleonproperty CattleRanchersincludePohakuloaRanchKualapu`uRanchPedroRanchandPu`uOHokuRanchChallengeswithMolokaiBeef Muchof theranchingcommunitydonot finish theiranimals through theslaughterhouse
preferringtosellcattleoffisland Lessmeat isproducedon the islandwhich in turnmeans lessMolokaibeefavailable for
consumptioninrestaurantsandstores More than one individualentity does not like the tasteconsistency of the beef ndash some
suggestedthatthemeatbecuredlonger Somemembersofthecooperativefeelthecostforanimalprocessing($65animal)isunfair
since it isnotbasedonactualproductyield(egdeerorgoatmeatyields lesspoundsofmeatthancattle)
SlaughterhouseTheMolokai Livestock Cooperative which operates the only slaughterhouse facility on theislandprocessescattleandpork Pork isnotusually sold to storesdue to thepreferenceof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 39
Molokaifamiliestoutilizerearedhogsforhomeconsumption Thuspork issubjectusuallytocustomkillsonlyAsforcattleamaximumof18headperweekandaminimumof5headperweekgoes through the slaughterhousewitha cumulative totalof730animalsprocessed todatesincethefacilityopeneditsdoorsseveralyearsagoTheslaughterhouse iscurrentlynotoperatingatfullcapacity There isahistoricalcontextforsome of the challenges that the Molokai Livestock Cooperative faces today After thewholesale TB eradication of Molokai cattle in the 1980s and the closure of the oldslaughterhouseinKaunakakailocalranchersinitiallyworkedtogetanewslaughterhousebuiltwiththeirsweatequityandthroughsecuringfundingfromCountyStateandFederalsourcesUnfortunatelytheprocessofmovingthisprojectfromaconceptualphasetobrickandmortartook over a decade to complete By the time the slaughterhouse facility was completedranchershadmovedaway fromgrassͲfinishedcattleonMolokai to finishing theiranimalsonthe mainland Over time the ranchersrsquo commitment to strengthening their own localslaughterhouse as a viable economic engine had wavered Some ranches do not see aneconomic incentive to return to the formermodelofgrass finishing theircattleandpreferaquickerturnͲaroundtimeandtheconvenienceofsellingtheiranimalspreͲfinishedWhile theMolokaiLivestockCooperativersquosnew slaughterhousehasmadepositive inroads togettingMolokai grassͲfedbeef in local grocery stores and restaurants through itsworkwithcommittedranchersutilizingthefacility lackofvolumefromholdͲoutranchersalso limitstheslaughterhousersquosabilitytoexpandthemarketandfullydevelopanorganicnicheproduct Tomakeupforthisshortfalltheslaughterhousenowshipsin30headofnonͲMolokaicattle(50oftotalstock)onaregularbasisLambSheepForthepast5yearsahusbandandwifeteamhasbeenexperimentingwithranchingfreerangelambssheepon55acresof land inwestMolokai Thecouplehas80animals (60ewes20lambs) Theyharvestthe lambsat6monthsofageandhavebeentestingthequalityoftheanimalsMost recently they market tested their lambs The lambs were processed at theslaughterhouse ThemeatwassoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketandMisakirsquos CustomerfeedbackhasbeenverypositiveThelambmeatsoldoutquicklyinthestoresRightnowthelambsheep ranchers are trying to figure out pricing whether to sell directly to theslaughterhouseforprocessingmarketinganddistributionortohandlesomeofthoseaspectsontheirownDeerRanchingDeerranchingisnotawidespreadactivityinfactthereareonlytwopeopleontheislandthatraisevenisonDeerpensexist inMaunaloaandPalarsquoauwithasmuchas260animalscorralled
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 40
within high game fencing The deer ranching is part of a safari tour businesswhich allowsvisitorstoexperiencehuntinggameDeercanbeprocessed through theMolokaiSlaughterhouse if theanimal ispresentedat thefacilityat leastonehourafterthekillandaUSDACertified Inspectorparticipates inthehuntThisiscurrentlynotbeingdonebydeerranchersonMolokaiTheownersofDJCRanch Incwhich currentlyoperates adeer ranchhasdone some initialmarkettestingandresearchonthedemandandpotentialforvenisonmeatproduction Theyhave found ahugedemand from restaurants and the generalpublic for venisondue to thehealthbenefitsandsuperiortasteofMolokaiaxisdeerThereiscurrentlynosteadysourceforvenisonmeatandvalueͲaddedproductsinHawai`iDJCRanchhasstatedinitsmarketingplanthatinthefirstyeartheycouldprovidevenisononaseasonalbasisandinitiallyproducegroundvenison and sausages As herd numbers increase additional markets could potentially beopeneduptoWholeFoodsandCostco CurrentlyDJCRanchhasaUSDA licensetoslaughtervenisonandcouldutilizetheMolokaiSlaughterhouseThecompanyisFDAapprovedthroughthe USDA with its own stamp and seal formarketing The products that DJC Ranch hadconsideredmarketingwere
1 Groundvenisonforhumanconsumptionandalsodogfood2 9differentsausageswhichithasdevelopedandsuccessfullymarkettested3 Venisoncornedbeef4 Freshcuts5 Innards
ThereismuchpotentialinthisareaandhopefullyinvestmentscanbesuccessfullyacquiredtoimplementDJCRanchrsquosplanAdditionally theremaybeopportunity tocreateacollaborationbetweendeer ranchersandfarmerssufferingfromcrop lossesduetodeergrazing ifaplancouldbeundertakentodivertdeerfromcultivatedlandsandabsorbthemintoranchingoperationsAquacultureEffortshavebeenmadetorestorefishpondsandhavemetwithsomesuccessforsubsistenceuses State regulations affecting the restoration andutilizationof theseponds limituses tosubsistenceandeducationalpurposesmaking itdifficult toutilize theponds for commercialaquacultureThisisunfortunategiventhehardworkonthepartofthecommunityandfederalfunds invested inProjectLoko I`aatrainingprogramthathadservedanestimated20youngMolokai adults in drystack and fishpondwall reconstruction fishpond husbandry live rockcultivation for theaquarium industry shrimpand seaweedaquaculturewater samplingandanalysis leadershipandentrepreneurial skills Theseyoungadultswere trainedwithall thetools to be successful in aquaculture butwere not given the chance to commercially leaseMolokaipondsandestablishabusiness
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 41
PlansandfundingallocatedtoestablishafinfishhatcheryonMolokaiasearlyas1991andtostockfishpondsforcommercialproductionwerestalledandareunlikelytocometofruitionTheMolokai Ice House completed construction at the KaunakakaiWharf in 1993 It wasestablishedbya local commercial fishermenrsquoscooperativeof40 individualswho contributedapproximately 60Ͳ70 of Molokairsquos commercial fish landings The Ice House operatedsuccessfullyfornearlyadecadeprovidingicefreshfishpokeandseaweedforsaleA Native Hawaiian nonͲprofit Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou established a successful limu(seaweed)growersnetworkandlimubuyͲbackprogramwith30familieslivingalongMolokairsquossouthandcentralshores These familieswere trained incultivationof theedibleandhighlyprizedseaweedGracilariaparvisporacommonlyknownas limuogo Anestimated1000 lbsweeklywereshippedtoOahufishmarketsaswellasdistributedtotheMolokaiIceHouseandvariousstoresonislandintheformoffreshandvalueͲaddedproducts(limusalsaandnamasu)Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou served as amarketer and broker for the families In the endhowever some of themore successful growers opted to sell and distribute their harvestsindependently causing the cooperative typeof structure todismantleanddriving thepricesdownforMolokailimuogoduetocompetitionamongstthegrowersTherearetwoshrimpfarmsonMolokaiMolokaiSeaFarmsinPala`auandKeawaNuiFarmsineastMolokaiKeawaNuiFarmssuppliesSPFcertifiedPenaeusvannameishrimpbroodstockaswellasseasonalharvestsoftilapia fishand limuogo70MolokaiSeaFarmsalsospecializes indiseasefreeSPFPvannameibroodstockandservescustomersthroughouttheworld71PacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsandHawai`iKaiCorporationbothfarmseasaltfromMolokairsquosoceanwaters Thesesaltscarryessentialmineralsandtraceelements Molokaisaltproductionhasreachedaglobalmarketas farasChinaandEurope Productscanalsobe found inMolokaistoresAddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparationMolokairsquoshiddensubsistenceeconomy isastrengththatassistsfamiliestoday inachronicallydepressedeconomyThereisenoughdeergoatandwildpigonthelandandfishonthereeftomeet the peoplersquos protein requirements and provide food security for tomorrow TheHo`olehuaHomesteadcommunitywithfamilyfarmsdottingthelandscapehasenoughproduceandstarchinthegroundtofeedtheircommunityAscomparedtootherislandsMolokaiisinbettershapethanmostifnotallislandsHoweverthereisstillastrongrelianceonYoungBrotherstoshipinfoodtotheislandAtanygiventimethereisanestimated4daysoffoodstockedonMolokairsquosstoreshelvesNodisaster
70KeawaNuiFarmshttpwwwkeawanuifarmscom71MolokaiSeaFarmshttpwwwbroodstockcomHawaiian_SPF_Shrimp_Broodstockhomehtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 42
scenarioplanninghaseverbeenundertakenforhowthiscommunityshouldrespondifonedaythebargedoesnotarriveandalltransportationvenuesbyseaairandlandwereinterruptedAccordingtooneinformantMolokairsquosfoodreservesarestoredonMauibytheAmericanRedCross This iswrong Molokai isoneofthefew islandswithoutamainairportonthecoastalshores In timesofdisaster (eghurricane tsunami) therewouldbebetter accesson theislandtoreceiveassistanceRealisticallyhoweverMolokaiwouldbeofalesserprioritytoshipin food and medical supplies in a Statewide disaster scenario due to the islandrsquos smallpopulationInitialaidwouldbefocusedprimarilyonurbananddenselypopulatedareasontheneighboringislandsIntheMana`eandKaunakakaiareas(eastandcentralMolokai)whereasignificantportionofMolokairsquospopulationisconcentratedtheroadsandmajorityofhomesarelocatedonthecoastwithin the tsunami and flood zone corridor Getting assistance to these areas would beproblematic No major farming takes place in Kaunakakai and Mana`e except for homegardensandsomewetlandtarocultivationinthelushervalleysontheeastsideMonoͲcropping increases risks ofwholesale andmass crop failure Whilemost smallͲscalefarmers are doing diversified agriculture onMolokai not enough effort has beenmade topreserve thehundredsofvarietiesofsweetpotatobreadfruit taroandothercanoeplantsNot enough has been done to cultivate and preserve varieties of regionallyͲadapted openͲpollinatedseedsforhomegardensandsmallscalefarmersUHCTAHRhasthroughitsresearchdevelopedseedsadapted tocertainenvironments Moreeffortmaybeneeded toget theseseedstofarmers
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 43
V RECOMMENDATIONSMitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElementsWindAswindwillcontinuetobeanissueforfarmersespeciallyhomesteadfarmersintheHo`olehuaareaitisimportanttoestablishacomprehensiveprojecttoinstallwindbreaksthatwillhelptoopenupmorehomesteadlandforfarmingCostcanbeafactorforsmallͲscaleandbeginningfarmersThusaccessingfundingandcreatingcollaborativepartnershipswithcoreleadershipisnecessarytomovethisprojectalongOtherthingstoconsider intermsofdecidingwhattypesofwindbreaksto installwouldbetooptimizethepotentialofthewindbreakstoservemultiplefunctionsOnecommoncomplaintamongsthomesteadfarmershasbeenthedestructionofcropsfromgrazingdeerProvidingavegetativewindbreakwith tightplantings could serve as a living fence that keepsout deerSelectingalso fornitrogen fixingspecieswillalsoaddnutrientstothesoilandboost farmerrsquoscropsIdentifiedasakeyprojectintheEnvironmentSectionofMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandisprovidingwindbreaks inHo`olehuaThevision istoplantwindbreaksldquoalongthecoastalpaliaround the central plain andhellip along individual farmersrsquo lots Native trees and treeswithsecondarymarketvalue(fruittreesandhardwoods)rdquoshouldbeutilized72DroughtͲProofingReforestationThecommunity initiateddocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian Islandhas identified in itsAgricultureampAquacultureSectionthefollowingpriorities73
Recognize the limited availability of water as a primary factor in prioritizing suitableagriculturalfoodcrops
Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture foodproduction
Water is a limiting factor in farming especially in light of chronic drought conditions andcontinuousmandatorycutbacksonwateruse from theMolokai IrrigationSystem TherearewaysthatthefarmercanharvestwateraswellasminimizewaterlossPlantingwindbreakswillaidincreatingamicroclimatethatwillreduceevapotranspirationandallowforsomeshadeforcrops that require less sunlight Installing swales and terraces on contour in tandem withplantingswillslowthepathofwaterrunoffcomingontothepropertycreategoodsoakagethatwillbuildthewatertableandnaturallyfeedcropsMulchingandplantinggroundcoverspecies
72MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf73MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 44
alongsidemain crops will retainmoisture and support soil health These droughtͲproofingstrategiesworkinginconcertwillprovideagreatbenefittothefarmerA longertermstrategythatonehomestead farmersuggestedand forwhichhehasbeguntospreadamongstotherhomesteaders is conductingmassplantingsofKukui trees to createaforest forHo`olehua and capture rain He is setting the example by creating a kukui plantnurseryonhispropertyandgivingkeikiplantstootherhomesteadersAdoptionofthesetypesofstrategiesshouldalsobeconsideredbynonͲhomesteaduserswhohaveutilizedthe lionrsquosshareofMISwater ReforestationoftheslopesofMaunaloathathadbeendamagedbycattleranchingandpineapplecultivationwouldalso lessendependenceonwaterdiversions Thishasbeen identifiedasakeyprojectunder the communitydocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandalongwithcertainerosioncontrolmeasuresfortheWestEnd gulches that include installing ldquorock dikes (gabions) hedgerow plantings [and] siltationpondsrdquo74
ProtectingWaterResourceRights
TheWater Code directs the Commission to ldquoincorporate and protect adequate reserves ofwaterforcurrentandforeseeabledevelopmentanduseofHawaiianhomelandsassetforthinsection 221 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Actrdquo75 Additionally by law the HawaiianHomes Commission Act recognizes a twoͲthirdswater preference for homesteaders on theMolokai IrrigationSystem76These lawsshouldbeenforcedandtheDepartmentofHawaiianHomeLandsneedstoactivelyadvocateonbehalfofhomesteaderstoensuretheprotectionoftheir water rights The Department of Agriculture which manages the MIS must alsoresponsiblymeettheStatersquosfiduciarydutybyassuringthatwaterallocationsareincompliancewiththetwoͲthirdsprovisionforhomesteaders
WildAnimalControl
A number of farmers plagued by deer have opted to allow subsistence hunting on theirpropertyorhunt thedeer themselvesOthersare installing fencing tokeep thedeerout AlocaldeerranchersurmisedthatalotofthedeerareoriginatingfromdryMolokaiRanchlandsandmovingtowardsthehomesteadregionofHo`olehuainsearchofwaterandfoodThisdeerfarmerwouldliketoworkwithMolokaiRanchtoleaseandexpandhisoperationsontoRanchlandserect fencingandprovideadequatewater for thedeer toprevent them from invadingtheHomestead Withcollaborationamong farmersMolokaiRanchand localdeer ranchersthiscouldprovideawinͲwinsolutionforall
74MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf75HawRevStatSection174CͲ101(a)76HawaiianHomesCommissionActsect221(d)1920amended1955
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 45
IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth
Typicallyweeds are found in disturbed areas Weeds are bioͲindicators of soil health andstructureTheyservedifferentfunctionsandareoftenpioneerspeciesthatcomeintoasystemearly on to create optimal conditions for the next stages of succession into amorematuresystem Differentweedsperformdifferent functions suchasaddingnitrogen to the soil reͲmineralizingthesoilwithdeeptaprootsthatbringnutrientsbelowuptothesurfacelooseningcompacted hard pan soils to allow for aeration and room for new seedlings to grow andstabilizingfragileandexposedsoilswithrootstructuresthatfanoutmorewidelytoholdloosesoiltogetherThekeyistoselectspeciesthataremoreusefultothefarmerthanthenaturalordisturbedvegetationandovertimethesespecieswilloutcompeteweedyvarietiesDiversifyingcropsandmimickingnaturalsuccessiondoingtimestackingwithdenserplantingsofperenniallegumesgroundcoverswindbreaks fruit treesandvinesofpreferredspecieswillallow formaturation of the system create better soil health and select out nonͲfavorable weedyspeciesOne farmerwhooperatesanorganicpapaya farmdoesthe followingtopreservesoil fertilityandcontrolpests77 Utilizesa localmanufacturerfromOahuwhorecyclesusedcookingoilfatsbonesandfish
collected from restaurants foodmanufacturersand fishoutletsand turns thiswaste into100 certified organic soil amendments Tons of rawmaterialwaste now diverted fromlandfill
Usesdolomiteandcrushedcoraltoamendsoilorgypsumassubstitute Growssunnhemponrestingfieldstohelpwithnematodesandfixnitrogeninsoil Providescovercropofgrassesandweedsbetween rowsofmaturepapaya trees irrigated
withmicroͲsprinklerstokeepmoistureandlifeinthesoil Maintainsadiversefloraratherthanengaginginmonocropping Responds to cut worms (seasonal) by planting extra seedling trays to replace damaged
seedlings Sprays kumulus (organic sulfur) and baking soda to combat powderymildewmites and
thrips Ripsandairsoutoldfieldsandrestsfieldsforatleast15monthstoaddressnematodeissue Focusesongrowingthestrongesthealthiestplantstoprovidegreaterresistancetopests
77UniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesFeaturedFarmerRickTamanahaKaleikoafarmsHo`olehuaMoloka`iHĈnai`AiNewsletterJuneͲJulyͲAugust2011httpwwwctahrhawaiiedusustainagnewsarticlesV8ͲKaleikoaFarmsͲFFpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 46
AddressingHighOperationalCosts
EquipmentAccessSeveralcommunitypartnerscametogethertoaddressoneofthemajorimpedimentsforsmallfarmersonMolokai access toequipment TheMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityndashKeAupuniLƃkahipurchasedatractoraspartofaplannedequipmentrentalprogramadministeredbyUHCTAHR and the Hawaiian Homestead Association TheMolokai Rural Development ProjectpurchasedtractorimplementstofurtherassistthefarmersTheseimplementsincludedaJactoArbusAirblast Sprayerwith TractorMount to assist farmers in spraying their fieldswithoutadded labor Samp A AG 20 Spreader to allow growers to improve their soil pH and organicmatter Miller Bobcat 250 welder to aid farmers in repairing and fabricating tools andimplements aswell as serve as a training tool inwelding and farmmechanics and aGreatPlainsSubSoilerSS1300toassistfarmersinfieldpreparationwithminimalsoildisruptionWhilefarmerswillstillneedaccesstootherformsofequipmenttocutdown laborandtimetheEquipmentRentalModel isagoodone that shouldbe replicated tobenefit theMolokaifarming community overall and ameliorate farmersrsquo chances of success by bringing theirindividualcostsdownShipping
Howtotacklehighshippingcosts Consolidation Compilecargoandnegotiatewithcarriersbased on volume78 This could be handled formally through a cooperative structure orinformally through a hui of farmers The Molokai community has also recommendedcommissioning a ldquostudy to explore new alternatives for transportation links (air and sea)betweenMolokaiandotherareasandmarketsrdquo79Another alternative that Sust`ĈinableMolokai is preliminarily exploring is the feasibility ofprovidingasailingvesselequippedwithchillspacethatwouldideallybepoweredbyrenewableenergy (egwind solar) to serve as a communal shipping vessel forMolokai exports andimportsOneofourconcernsisnotonlythehighshippingcoststhatresidentsincurbutalsodealingwiththeinevitableconsequencesofglobalpeakoilandhelpingtoincreaseourislandrsquosfuelandenergysecurity
78Youn JL ldquoRootsofChange ToRichardNelsondiversification ismuchmore than justabuzzwordrdquoHawaiiBusiness Magazine February 2004 httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange79 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1105 InfrastructureTransportationAlternativesp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 47
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoodsOne of the areas where some farmers feel challenged is marketing and distributing theirproducts offͲisland While some of themwant to take advantage of better pricing on theneighbor islands the lackofknowledgeandexperience inpenetrating thosemarketscanbedauntingfortheMolokaifarmerItwasalsoexpressedtousfromvendorsandrestaurantsthatit is difficult to determine which farmer is selling what and to achieve a level of productconsistencyamong individualfarmers ForMolokaistoresandrestaurants itwouldbeeasiertodealwithabrokerdistributorormarketingteamwho isplugged intotheMolokaifarmingcommunityandcouldconsolidategoodsamongstallfarmersandachieveafairpriceforthemCoststoretainthisdistributorcouldalsobesharedamongstthefarmersThisdistributorcouldalso handlemarkets on neighboring islandsmainland and internationally and remove theheadachefromfarmerswhojustwanttofarmOriginallytheHiki`olaFarmersCooperativewassetuptosellanddistributefarmersrsquoproductsandhelptoremovethe impedimentsandpersonalchallengesfarmersface inmarketingtheirproduceandproducts independently HoweverthisprovedunsuccessfulbecauseofproductinconsistencyThismaybeanongoingchallengebutnotcompletelyinsurmountablePerhapsmorecarefulfarmplanningandcollaborationwithfarmersmaybeneededtocollectivelygrowspecific items tomaintainacertainvolumeandconsistency Issuesof seasonalityhoweverwillalwaysimpactconsistencyMarketingFarmers couldalso increase theirprofits throughappropriatebrandinga common logoandsharedwebsitefeaturingldquoGrownonMolokairdquoorldquoMadeonMolokairdquoproductlineThiswouldalsohelpprospectivevalueͲaddedfoodentrepreneurswhoarechallengedbyhighstartͲupandinsurancecoststhatcomeswithdevelopingaproductdesigningalogoandlabelandcomingupwithappropriatepackagingUnderonebrandandacommoninsurancethesecostscanbeminimizedandthevalueͲaddedproducercouldfocuschieflyoncreatingaqualityproductFarmersMarketampCommunitySupportedAgricultureMolokairsquoscurrentSaturdaymarketlocatedintheheartofKaunakakaiTownisanopenmarketwherethereareavarietyofitemssoldartscraftsvarioussundriesbakedgoodsandavarietyof vegetablesand fruits Ithasbeen suggested that theMolokaiopenmarketbe improvedupon to reflect a true farmersmarket Improvementswould includeproviding chill space toprovide other products like Molokai grass fed beef and seafood showcasing valueͲaddedMolokaiproductssellingmoreandbonafideMolokaiproduceandincreasingaccessibilityforlow income families to fresh local produce and other foods through undergoing the formalprocessandclearancetoacceptEBTfoodstamps
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 48
FarmersMarkets serve as an important venue for farmers to sell directly to customers andcreatepositiverelationshipswiththemForthosewhoprefertofarmandleavethesellingandmarketingtoothersalocaldistributorcouldfillthoseshoesSomehavesuggestedthatseveralfarmersmarketsbeestablishedwithinthevariousdistrictsofthe island (east central and west Molokai) to make local foods readily accessible to allconsumersAnother suggestionwas thatMolokai create its own local dollar or Local Exchange TradingSystem (LETS) amongst a communityor groupofpeoplewhomutually agree toextend andearn credit from each other through a series of transactions and exchanges of goods andservicesDirectbarterbetweenpartiesisnotnecessaryratheronecanearnLETScreditsfromperformingaserviceorgivingagoodandbereciprocatedatalatertimeforgoodsorservicesofequalvalue(egprovidingbabysittingservicestoearncreditsandreceiveplumbingworkinreturn)LETSallowscommunitiesgreater flexibilityandcreatesequalityamong itsmembersofferingvaluebeyondtheconventionalmonetarysystemSome farmers create their own market by operating a CSA or Community SupportedAgricultureTheWaialuaPermafarmhasbeenoperatingsuccessfullyforabout30yearsnowasaCSATheWaialuaPermafarmhasfamiliesthatregularlysubscribetotheirCSAandpurchaseweekly or biͲmonthly boxes of veggies and fruits The Waialua Permafarm provides animpressive listing of vegetable and fruits that they grow with customers choosing theirfavoritesWhateverisinseasonandpreferredbythecustomeriswhattheCSAprovidesPu`uOHokuRanchalsoprovidesveggieboxesaswellasamore recentoperation runningoutofMahanaGardensOneMolokaiCSAoperatorsuggestedtheSiskiyouSustainableCooperativeinOregonasagreatmodel that could help farmers here to consolidate their efforts and create direct farmer toconsumer relationships Some of the best practices coming from Siskiyou SustainableCooperativeinclude Acollectiveoffarmerswhowantedtoformamarketingandbusinesscooperative Their business plan included visionary goals such as a credit union for farmers a
cooperatively owned state of the art commercial kitchen and seed cleaning facilityaffordablehealthinsuranceforfarmfamiliesetc
Inthefirst2yearsthefarmersdeveloped3marketingvenuesaCSAafarmstandalongtheroadsideandacooperatively runmarketboothEventually theCooperative focusedmoreexclusivelyontheCSAasitprovedmostfinanciallysuccessful
Farmersrsquogoal istoprovidecontinualaccesstomore locallygrownandproducedfoodsandtomaketheCSAboxmoreofaldquooneͲstopshoppingrdquoexperienceformembersTodatetheCSA offers bread cheese eggs flowers beef and buffalo products coffee and honey inadditiontotheregularproduceboxes
CoͲopprovidescertifiedorganicfruitsvegetablesandspecialty itemsproducedon9smallͲscalefamilyfarmsandranches
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 49
Feeds250 families throughcooperativeCommunitySupportedAgriculture (CSA)marketingand distribution program while enhancing the economic viability of their sustainableagricultureoperations
CoͲopoffersasmallsharethatfeeds2peopleandalargesharethatfeeds3Ͳ5peopleCoͲopdropsoffthefoodboxesto7differentspotsonaweeklybasis
ProvidingproducetolowͲincomepopulationsispartofCoͲoprsquosmissionCoͲopprovidesfoodtoACCESSandfoodbanks
CoͲopalsosuccessfullyappliedtoacceptfoodstampsCoͲopunderstandsthateatingfreshhealthyfood is importantforeveryoneespeciallyforthemorevulnerablepopulations likechildrenpregnantandnursingmotherstheelderlyanddisabledThesepeoplearemostinneedofnutrientͲdensehighqualityfoods
CSAmembersalsobenefit from farmdaysofferedby thecoͲopmembersget tosee theirfoodbeing grown andmeet their farmersCoͲop also sends recipes andnewsletterswitheachboxtohelpmemberslearnnewandexcitingwaystopreparetheirvegetables
CoͲopworks toexpandmarkets for localseedproducers toprovidevarietiesofregionallyͲadaptedopenͲpollinated seeds forhomegardenersand smallͲscale farmersCoͲop leasesseed cleaning equipment from a local nonͲprofit to improve seed quality and encouragegrowers toproducemore seedas theequipment saves time Oneof thecoͲop foundingmembers started his own local seed company see websitewwwbiodynamicseedsblogspotcom
CoͲop farms utilize interns as an inexpensive labor pool while providing them withopportunitiesto learnhowtogrow foodandruna farmoperation Inaneffort toprovidequality internships someof thecoͲopmembers formedanonͲprofit toprovideeducationandsocialopportunitiesforfarminternsSeewebsitehttproguefarmcorpsorg
AchievingFinancialSustainabilityThroughMIFFStrategyTodays farmermust possess a diverse skillsͲset to be truly competitive in a globalmarketAccordingtoRichardNelsonpresidentofHawaiiBizlinkLLCanagricultureͲconsultingfirmontheBigIslandnichemarketdevelopmentisthekeytosuccessfulagribusinessinHawaiiratherthan the agricultureasacommoditymindset80 Headds [A]g iseconomicdevelopmentanditisalsotourismVisitorswanttoeattheNalogreensandthefreshfishseethepineappleplantationandvisit theaquacultureoperationsahard look [needs tobe taken in]assistingfarmers with a variety of things including development of market plans business planspackagedesignintroductiontobuyersdevelopmentoftradeshowsandmarketingvenuesforlocalproducers[E]veryfarmerhasgottogetsmarterItsnolongerjustharvestingproductandthrowing it inabinFarmershavetowearmultiplehatsnow81Aswe looktobuildinggreatercapacityinourfarmingcommunitymoreeducationandtrainingmustbeavailableforfarmerstomeettheseemergingtrendsinagriculture
80YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange81YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 50
Farmers are more likely to succeed through diversification The Multiple Income FarmingFamilies (MIFF) model is a strategy for strengthening agribusinesses through generatingmultiplerevenuestreamsOne exampleof aMultiple Income Farming Family isMolokaiMeli inoperation since 2004MolokaiMeli sellspremiumorganic rawkiawehoneyasavalueͲaddedproductThe familymarketsldquomelisticksrdquoorhoneysealed instrawsassimplesnacks Theyalsoprovidedifferentgradesofhoneypremiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyandhoneycombsthattheyadvertiseand sell through their website The family doesnrsquot stop there Their eldest child Elijahdevelopedhisownbusiness around adressing recipeheperfectedmadewithMolokaiMelihoneyTheyoungerdaughtershavealsodevelopedtheirownproductsbeeswaxcandlesandchapstickthataresoldatKumuFarmsandMolokairsquosspecialtyshopsAllfamilymemberssuitupintheirbeekeepingsuitstocareforthebeesInitiallywhentheystartedtheirbusinesstheyhadnot fullyreachedtheir financialgoal insecuringallthestartͲupcoststheyneeded Theylearnedtoadaptandadjustedtheirbusinessplan Whenfacedwithapredicamentthattheywould not receive their bees on time to start their operations smoothly they turned thischallengeintoanewbusinessopportunitybyprovidingtheislandrsquossolebeeremovalservicesThey utilized this initial stock of bees for honey production and continue to replenish theirstoresbymaintainingbeeremovalservicesValueͲAddingampGoingOrganicThecommunitysupportsorganicvalueͲaddedandsustainablefarming82 Encourageandsupportorganicandenvironmentallyfriendlyfarmingmethodstechniques SupporttheproductionofvalueͲaddedproducts SupportthefarmingofcertifiedorganicandornonͲGMOcropsAnexampleofwhereMolokaifarmershaveachievedsuccess is inproducingcertifiedorganicpapayaMolokaiistheonlyplaceintheworldwhereorganicpapayaisgrowncommerciallyAsmallairportrunway that lacks thecapacity toreceive largeplanesand internationalcarriershaskeptMolokaibiologicallypurerthantheother islands inthat ithasnotbeenexposedtothepapaya ringspotvirus likewise thebananabunchy topvirushasalsonot takena strongholdonMolokaibananaKumu Farms is a local distributor of organic sunrisestrawberry papaya In themidͲ1990sKumuFarms invested inandbuiltaforcedͲhotͲair(FHA)chemicalfreetreatmentfacilitywiththeapprovalof theUSDepartmentofAgriculture to treat itscertifiedorganicpapayaonsiteand distribute directly to its various markets throughout the State of Hawai`i the USMainland and Canada83 Thirty percent (30) of the organic papaya supply comes from
82MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf83KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 51
homesteadfarmingfamilieswhoarepartofKumuFarmsldquosatelliteprogramrdquo84ThesefarmersarepaidbyKumuFarms$075lbfororganicpapayawhichismorethandoublewhatfarmerstypicallygetforconventionalGMOpapayaat$030lb MolokaiOrganicPapayaretails inthemainlandUSat$5lbProducingcropsorganically isawaytovalueͲaddandenteranichemarket This isespeciallyusefulforsmallfarmswhocannotcompetewithlargeproducersOneofthesatellitefarmshasexpressedadesiretobegindistributingandmarketingitsorganicpapayaindependentlyofKumuFarmstorealizedirectmarketprofitsInanycaseKumuFarmsplaysavaluablerole inproviding itsownFHAchemicalfreetreatmentfacilitydoingoutreachto small farmers to assume the costs of shipping distribution and marketing For manybeginning farmers these types of opportunitiesmitigate some of the costs of running anagribusinessandgivethemaleguptogrowandeventuallyexpandtheirownenterprisesThe 2010 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process forMaui Countyidentified the main economic sectors forMauiMolokai and Lanai islands They includeAgriculture Arts and Entertainment Government Healthcare Recreation and SportsRenewableEnergyResearchampDevelopment (RampD)and theVisitor Industry MolokaiCEDSparticipantshave identifiedprioritygoalsandobjectivesundereachsector ForAgricultureampAquacultureMolokai residentselectedasapriorityobjectiveaneffective ldquoBuy Localrdquo (ldquoBuyMolokairdquocampaign)andtheestablishmentofaldquoMadeonMolokairdquobrandAdditionally a September 2009 report provided by theMaui EconomicDevelopment Board(MEDB)onldquoEntrepreneurshipandtheFutureofMolokairdquodeterminedfrommultiplesurveysofMolokairsquos business community areas for growth and opportunity for the islandrsquos economyRespondents identified asopportunities ldquouniquelyMolokai lsquonichersquoproducts (organicpapayacoffeecookiesMolokaibreadetc)rdquoandldquovalueͲaddedproducts (tarochipspackageddriedmangococonutandbanana)rdquoIncreasedproductionandmarketingofnewvalueͲaddedfoodproductsprovide longershelf life requires lessvolumeof rawproductandhaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketswishingtotrynewandexoticfoods ValueͲaddingandcreationofnicheproducts thatplay to the strengthsofwhat farmershere cangrowprovidesagreateradvantagetoMolokaiproducersandallowsthemtobemorecompetitiveinthemarket A few years ago theMolokai Rural Development Project (RDP) offered ValueͲAdded FoodProductionTrainingattheLanikehaCommercialKitchen inpartnershipwithHawaiianHomestheMolokaiCommunityServiceCouncilandKƻha`oBusinessCenterThetrainingwasgearedtoestablishingsuccessfulvalueͲadded foodbusinessesto fulfillanichemarketandaid inthediversification ofMolokairsquos agriculture industry RDP designed the training along theMIFFmodelofprovidingmultipleincomestreamsforfarmingfamiliesThelocalfarmerthroughthistrainingcouldsupplementhis income throughvalueͲaddingorconnectwithanentrepreneurwishingtoturnldquowasterdquo(discardedoffͲgradeproduce)intoopportunity
84KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 52
Currently Lanikeha holds a number of anchor tenants that regularly produce valueͲaddeditems Products thathavecomeoutofLanikeha includepoisweetpotatochipshoneyseasaltpestoproductsbakedandcatereditemsUtilizingLanikehaasaCommunityCommercialKitchen Incubator for additional valueͲadded product development and training is key todeveloping new food entrepreneurs on Molokai and strengthening the islands agricultureeconomyAgriͲTourismPriorities identified inMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian IslandrsquosAgricultureAquacultureSectionincludessupportofldquoagroͲtourismendeavorsrdquo85An area in which there is room for growth and diversification is the agritourism industryAccording to the Hawaii Agritourism Association (HATA) agritourism assists farmers withsupplementalincomebyprovidinganichemarketthatinvolvesconnectingtheconsumertothelandandthegrowersbyeducatingthemaboutagriculturalproductsandprovidingadirectandinteractiveexperienceOf theprofitsmade fromagͲtourism relatedactivitiesmost revenuesaregainedthroughonfarmsalesdirecttofarmvisitorsAdditionallymanyoperationsreceiveorders for products after visitors return home suggesting gains made through buildingrelationshipswithcustomersthroughagritourismvenuesAccording toHATAagritourism isagrowingglobal trend thatprovides farmswith income increative ways enhances diversity of visitor experiences while at the same time supportsculturalidentityTheMolokaiResponsibleTourism InitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanprovidesabasisfor identifyingacceptablehostͲvisitorexperiences inkeepingwithMolokairsquoscultureandruralpace 86 Focus group sessions interviews and surveys revealed that residents favoredsustainablecommunitytourismtheelementsofwhichinclude Operationsby localand traditionalpopulation toenhance thequalityof lifeprotectand
restoretheenvironmentalandculturalassetsandengagevisitorsontermsdefinedbythecommunity
Activitiesevolvingasasolutiontoeconomicenvironmentalsocialeducationalandcultural
growthchallenges
85MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf86McGregorDaviannaldquoMolokaiResponsibleTourismInitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanForMoloka`irdquoKe`AupuniLƃkĈhindashMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityFebruary2006httphuinethawaiirdporgmolokaiFinal20Report20Ͳ20with20coverpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 53
Advocating a fair exchange of value between the host and the hosted Preserving the
communityrsquossenseofplacethatbringsdignityandpridetothehost Featuringauthenticandgenuineactivities forguests Sharing realcultureby thepeople
whopracticeit Creatingabalancedratiobetweenthelocalpopulationandvisitorcountsothatthesenseof
placeisnotoverwhelmedbylargescaletourismSomeactionsteps identified tomeet theseprinciples includedculturalexchangeeducationaltoursbuilding thekama`ainavisitormarketworkingwithentrepreneurcohortsestablishingcommunitynetworksandcollaborativeeffortsSuccesswouldbemeasuredwithanincreaseinthe number of jobs in the visitor industry and an increase in contributions to the islandrsquoseconomyfromvisitoractivitiesandretailpurchasesSome Molokai farmers have shown interest in agriͲtourism as evidenced by a programsupportedbytheKƻha`oBusinessCentertheCountyOfficeofEconomicDevelopmentandtheMolokaiAgriculturalDevelopmentProgramafewyearsagotoprovideintroductoryagritourismworkshops and site visits to various farmsonMauiMaui farms likeAli`iKula Lavender andSurfingGoatDairyhaveservedasgreatmentorsTheseactivitieshave inspiredandpromptedMolokai farmersto lookathowtheycan improvetheirown farmingoperationsand increaserevenuethroughdiversificationPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm isoneexampleofagritourismonMolokai The familyprovides farmtoursandgivesvisitorstheldquomacadamiaexperiencerdquothroughaneducationalcomponentandanopportunity to taste and purchase their product Relationships builtwith visitors serve tocreatealoyalcustomerbaseThePurdyrsquosprovidedirectmarketingbymailtocustomerswhohavevisitedtheminthepastThismethodhasbeenquiteeffectiveforthemTherearenegativeviewsonMolokaiabout tourismorconventionalaspectsof tourism thatexploittheHawaiianhostculture One farmerwhodislikestourismstatedhoweverthathehaswelcomedhundredsofpeopleofallagestovisittourandworkonhis family farm Forhimnoproprietarysecretsarekeptjustadesiretoshareknowledgeandthefamilyrsquospassionfor farming In this sense tourism takes a differentmeaning one that ismore about aneducational exchange and an opportunity to volunteer and gain knowledge throughexperiencingaworkingfarmfirsthand
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 54
ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms
Lawsmustbeenforcedtomake it favorabletothe farmerto farm Enforcementofthe lawsthataccuratelydefineagricultureandappropriatefarmdwellingsiscriticaltothemaintenanceofHawai`irsquosinventoryofagriculturallandslestweforfeitafoodsecurefutureforHawai`i
MolokaiisoneofthefewislandsifnottheonlyHawaiianislandthatselfͲidentifiesitsdesiredandprimaryeconomy tobeagriculture rather than tourismThemajorityofour informantsrespondedtothefollowingquestioninthismanner
Question What is your Agriculture Vision for Molokai
ldquoTo truly be the agriculture breadbasket of the Staterdquo
Muchofthissentimentcanbeattributedtoourhistoriclegacyas`inaMomonaandaculturethathasneverforgottenthatthewealthofthe land isdeterminedbyhowmuchfoodcanbeproduced and howmuch can be shared This is the essence ofMolokairsquos two economiesagricultureandtraditionalsubsistence
InkeepingwithavisionforMolokaitobetheagriculturebreadbasketoftheStatefarmerssaythatchangesneed tobemadeby theStategovernment toprovideaguaranteedmarket forMolokai farmers to supply urban and densely populated islands like Oahu rather thanperpetuatingalosingpropositionforMolokairsquosfarmerswhoareforcedtocompetewithotherswhohavemoredirectaccesstothemarket
ExcerptsfromMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandmakescommunityobjectivesclearastothehighprioritygiventoprotectingtheinterestsoflocalagriculture87 Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture food
production Promoteandsupport family farmsonMolokai inorder toprotectagricultureaquaculture
resourcesfromcommercialexploitation Promoteactivitiesand incentives thatwillhelpsupport theeconomicsecurityofour farm
families
AdditionalacreageforAgriculturalParksshouldbereservedtosupporttheexpansionoflocalfamilyfarmsPracticesthatconflictwiththespiritandpoliciesidentifiedforAgParkssuchasleasingorsubͲleasingto largecorporateindustrialagricultureandbiotechcompaniesshouldbeprohibited
87MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 55
Newtrendsrelatedtoan increasingappreciationanddemandfor localandregionalproduceencourage the return of small family farms88 Family farms are important to the soul andresilienceofacommunity Where industrialagriculturecompaniestendtocauseerosionandpollution through destructive practiceswith the use ofmachinery and heavy application ofchemical fertilizersherbicides andpesticides independent small family farmshave amoreintimate relationship with the land and are keen on preserving green and open spaces inalignmentwithcommunityvalues89
Related to thedeclineofsmall family farms is theagingofAmericarsquos farmers Molokai isnodifferent Theaverageageofthefarmerswesurveyedwere54yearsoldwhilethenationalaverage is 5790 The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 70 of the nationrsquosagricultural landwill changehandswithin the next 20 yearsdue to the agingpopulationoffarmers91 Ifthenextgeneration isnot interested infarmingthere isarealthreatthatthesefarmlandswillbeconvertedtononͲagriculturepurposes92 It is imperativethentocultivateanewgenerationofbeginningfarmers
OutreachampEducationIncreasingConsumerAwareness Reviewofsurveyand interviewresponsesstimulated livelyinformalinquiryanddiscussionamongfriendsfamilyandcolleaguesOnesuchdiscussionwasabout the need to raise greater consumer awareness of different kinds of foods herbsvegetablesthatattractthemoreexperiencedpalettebut forwhichthe localpopulationmaynotbeaccustomedtooutsideoftheirowntraditionalfoodsOneobservationthatwasmadebyKumuFarmsisthatsalesarelowinthesummerandpickupagainatthearrivalofsnowbirdsin the fallandwintermonths Hearing localpeople talkabout theirappreciationofgoing toKumuFarmstopickupfreshorganicproducebutareluctancetotrysomeofthemoreexoticherbsbecauseoftheirlackofknowledgeonhowtopreparethemsuggestsadesiretoexploredifferentcuisinesbutnotenoughopportunitytolearnaboutandincorporatethesefoodsintotheir cooking Hosting different tastings and cooking classes that integrate a farm to tableapproachmayhelp to removesome thesebarriers toeatinghealthynew foods With thesetypesofactivitieswecreatemoreeducatedconsumers Severalofour informantshavealsosuggestedraisingawarenessatanearlyagetoeducatethenextgenerationofeatersthroughschoolgardenprogramsthatgivechildrenadirectexperienceandappreciationofcultivating
ͺͺUnited StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof FoodandAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml89ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml90ShuteBldquoANewGenerationofFarmersrdquoTheNewYorkTimesAugust192011httpwwwnytimescomroomfordebate20110817couldͲfarmsͲsurviveͲwithoutͲillegalͲlaborweͲneedͲaͲnewͲgenerationͲofͲamericanͲfarmers91United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml92United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 56
preparingeatingandeventuallybuyingadelightfuldiversityof locallygrownnutritiousandwholefoodsEducatingFarmers Molokaihasgreatresourcesthatassistboththeprospectiveandcurrentfarmer ingaining inͲdepthagriculturalknowledgeand skills TheUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollege (UHMC) Molokai Farm confers an Associates Degree and Certificates in variousAgricultureampNaturalResourcestopics
CertificateofAchievementandASdegrees inHorticultureand LandscapeMaintenanceandSustainableTropicalCropManagement
Certificates of Competence in Agricultural Science Nursery Production and PestManagement
CertificatesofCompletioninTurfgrassSpecialistSustainableTropicalCropProductionandLandscapeMaintenance
Associates in Technical Studies Degree in Cultural and Natural Resource ManagementMĈlama`ina
InthepasttheMolokaiRuralDevelopmentProjectsponsoredtheAgricultureCohorttrainingprogramwhichserved8 farming families (27 familymemberstotal)committedtodevelopingsustainablefamilyfarms93The UHͲCTAHR Molokai Office delivered the training The project employed experientiallearning and instructionalmethodologies as best practices for intergenerational transfer oftechnology and expertise for sustainable agriculture Participants learned marketing farmplanningproductionplanningrecordkeepingcompleterequisitetaxforms(ScheduleF)farmequipmentsafetyandoperationsiteͲselectionassessmentirrigationsetͲupsoilfertilityplantnutritionpestmanagement (weeds insectsdiseases)harvesting commoditiespostͲharvesthandling grading and qualitymanagement organic certification basic computing businesssoftware and custom agricultureͲbased software Participants received training on usingspecialagriculture softwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRMolokaiextensionagentAltonArakakiThe first software they learned was on Production Mapping With this program farmersplannedandprojected theirproductionactivities throughout theyearanddeterminedwhenandhowmuch resourceswouldbeneeded to complete activities successfully TheprogramalsoprovidedfarmersanopportunitytorealisticallyestimateproductioncashflowoftheirfarmplansThesecondsoftwarethey learnedwastheScheduleFfinancialrecordkeepingprogramthatmaintainsrecords inatemplatethatwouldeventuallycompletetheirDepartmentoftheTreasuryProfitandLossfromFarmingIRSScheduleFForm1040AttheendofthetrainingthecohortparticipantsreceivedcopiesofthesoftwareOtherfarmingsoftwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRprovedusefulforfarmentrepreneursenrolledintheprojectThesoftwareincludedPlantTissueAnalysisndashRecordingandTrackingforplantnutritionmanagementandCalibratingYourSprayer(publishedbyCTAHRhttpwwwctahrhawaiieduocfreepubspdfPRREͲ6pdf)
93AkutagawaMalialdquoAgriculturalCohortProjectFinalReportrdquoAugust302007
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 57
Farmfamiliesincreasedtheirknowledgeandexperienceincropproductionandmanagementandapplied theiracquiredskills toestablishingorexpanding their farmbusiness Thecropsproducedbythe8 family farmenterprises includedorganicpapaya(3 farms)yamDioscareaorganicwatermelon and taro greenhouse lettucepumpkin taro (lu`au leaf table taro andvalueͲaddedkuloloproduct)andcoffeeSeveral participants were successful recipients of the Molokai Agricultural DevelopmentProgram awards having enrolled in RDPrsquos Kƻha`o Business Center Entrepreneurial TrainingProgram to receive oneͲtoͲone business consultation and assistance in developing theirbusinessplans
Allcohort familiesmadeprofitandexceededbenchmarkssetbyRDP Anestimated totalof$105000wasmade in cumulative sales over the yearmore than doubling the year 2 endprojectgoalof$50000 The farmproductsweremarketedonͲisland intrastateandon themainlandOrganicpapayasweremarketedtomainlandhubsinLosAngelesSanFranciscoandPortlandFromthesehugecitiestheyweresoldandshippedtoinlandmarkets
From thiscomprehensive trainingparticipants learnedandexperiencedboth theagriculturalsciencesandartofrunningasuccessfulbusinessInthesciencecurriculumparticipantslearnedsubjectmatters insoilplantsplantdiseases insectsweedsplantnutritionmanagementofplant pests and plant nutrition In the agriͲbusiness curriculum participants learned postharvesthandlinggradingorganic certificationmarketingand farmproductionplanningandmanagement Both experiential learning and classroom instruction proved invaluable Themajorityofthesefamiliesremainsuccessfultodaymorethan5yearsaftertheprogramendedTrainingslikethisgivefarmersthenecessarytoolstorunasuccessfulagribusinessUHͲCTAHRcontinues toassistby focusingon teachingbeginning farmersasaway to cultivate thenextgenerationoffarmersandreversethenationwidetrendofanagingfarmingpopulationSust`ĈinableMolokaihasalso focusedoncomplementing thisworkbybringingpermaculture(ecologicalfarming)inpartnershipwiththePermacultureResearchInstituteUSAtointerestedlocal adults and homesteaders to farm responsibly and sustainably From herewersquove beenteachingsustainablefarmingstrategiestoanestimated100MolokaiHighSchoolstudentsandinstallingthefeaturesofaminiͲahupua`aasademonstrationandteachingtoolIt is recommended that tobuilda strong farmingcommunity in thenextgenerationwewillneedtotakeproactivestepsnowandstartpreparingnewfarmersearlyonfromgradeschoollevel with school gardens up through middle and high school as youth begin to exploreagricultureasacareerGeneralagricultureclassescanbesupplementedwithacurriculumthatincludes financial literacyentrepreneurshipbusinesshomeeconomicshealthandnutritionscience (biology ecology chemistry conservation) and engineering aspects From herestudentswill be able to understand agriculture from diverse viewpoints and disciplines anddevelopdifferentskills required foroperatingasuccessful farmenterprise Creatingadirectbridge tohighereducation throughcollegeandcareerpathway ladderprogramsavailableat
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 58
UHMCMolokaiandotheruniversityinstitutionsisidealOnefarmerwhohasastrongbusinessbackgroundandwasabookkeeperformanyyearspriorto farming recommended that youngpeople take courses inbookkeeping and accounting inadditiontoagricultureclassesPerhaps thegreatestways to impart farmingknowledge isbetween farmers SeveralofourfarmersthatweinterviewedindicatedthattheylearnbestfromeachotherandthatthereisadesiretoserveasmentorsfornewfarmerswholackexperienceThisisfeltparticularlyamongMolokairsquoshomesteadfarmersOnefarmerremarkedontheverycloseͲknitcommunityformedonthehomesteadandthatmosthavethesamemindsetthatldquonewopportunitiesforoneareopportunities for allrdquo As a group they rely on each other to share farming techniquesinformation on new equipment and promote their produce together Rarely is therecompetitionamongsthomesteadersbutadesire todemonstrate thatagriculture isa viableeconomicenginefortheislandOtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchersThereareanumberofincentiveprogramsthatassistfarmersranchersandlandownersiftheychoosetointegrateconservationandsustainablepracticesintheiroperationsThisisonewaythat Molokai producers can access critical funding and work with conservation expertsIncentive Programs through the US Department of Agriculture include the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service (NRCS) ndashMolokaiͲLanai Soil ampWater Conservation District(SWCD) which prepares local conservation and watershed management plans providesconservationeducationandpropagatesnativeplantstorestoreHawaiianecosystemsassistsfarmersand ranchers inanumberof federalFarmBillPrograms thatprovides incentives forvoluntary conservation practices to help reduce erosion protect streams and rivers restoreandestablishfishandwildlifehabitatandimproveairqualityo EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)respondstoimportantlocallyidentified
natural resource concerns Funds cover conservationplanningdesignand installation Itmayincludestrategiessuchasnoxiousweedcontrolbrushmanagementpasturehaylandplantingterracesandgroundcover
o GroundampSurfaceWaterConservation (GSWC) supports installationof irrigation related
conservation practices Strategies funded arewater catchment basinsmicroͲirrigationroofrunoffetc
o GrasslandReserveProgram(GRP)assistslandownersandoperatorsintherestorationand
protectionofgrasslandincludingrangelandandpasturelando WildlifeHabitat IncentiveProgram (WHIP) utilized for thecreationand improvementof
fish and wildlife habitat on private land Some practices funded include developingwetlandripariananduplandareas
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 59
o Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) wetland restoration enhancement or creation on
privatelando FarmampRanchlandProtectionProgram(FRPP)helpingstatetribalorlocalgovernmentto
purchasethedevelopmentrightstokeepproductivefarmandranchlandinagriculturaluseo Conservation Security Program (CSP) rewards farmers for protecting and improving the
environment Pays producerswho historically practice good stewardship on agriculturallandsandprovidesincentives
OtherprogramsadministeredthroughNRCSanditsaffiliatesincludeo AgriculturalDevelopment Program (ADP) provides funds to Resource Conservation and
DevelopmentCouncils throughout the nation to administer grants for community drivenprojectsthatpromoteagriculturaldevelopment
o Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) stimulates the development and adoption of
innovativeconservationapproachesand technologieswhile leveraging federal investmentinenvironmentalenhancementandprotectioninconjunctionwithagriculturalproduction
o CooperativeEcosystemStudiesUnit(CESU)provideopportunitiesforinterdisciplinaryand
multiͲagency research technical assistance and education Function as ldquovirtualrdquoorganizationslinkingseveralinstitutionstoincreaseaccesstoexpertiseandfacilities
ImproveRanchingPracticesampMaximizeUseampPotentialofSlaughterhouseThebroaderimpactfortheislandinhavingitsownslaughterhousethemostadvancedfacilityin theStateofHawaii is the revitalizationofMolokairsquos ranching industryWherequalityandincreased volume are paramount ranchers with the right tools may take advantage ofconsumer trends towards making healthier food choices through offering MolokaiͲgrowngrassͲfedorganicbeefasavalueͲaddednicheproduct
TherehavebeencriticismsaboutthequalityofMolokaibeef intermsoftaste Whilevisitorsandhealthconsciousindividualstendtobemorewillingtospendupto$5lbonlocalgrassfedbeeftheaverageMolokaiconsumertendstobemoreconcernedabouttasteAccordingtotheslaughterhousemanagerhighqualitypastureyieldshighqualitybeefandisapreͲrequisiteforenteringanichemarket Ranchersherearenot focusedongrass finishing theircattle HighqualitygrassgrownunderbestmanagementpracticesisneededtocreateagreatbeefproductItwill take time for the ranching industry to see the valueof adopting greatermeasures inalignmentwithorganicranchingpreceptstocaptureanichemarket
Venisonand lambshowmarketpotential Itwillbe interestingtotracktheprogressofthese
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 60
potential enterprises in the years ahead It is recommended thatMolokairsquos stateͲofͲtheͲartslaughterhousebeutilizedtoprocessanddistributemore localmeatandavarietyofanimalsforretailprocessingaswellasvalueͲaddedfooddevelopmentAdditionallythepossibilityandrequirements for processing goat through the slaughterhouse and the potentialmarket fortheseanimals shouldbe furtherexploredasaway toget feralgoats (andmoredeer)downfromthemountainasathreattouplandnativeforestsandontotheplateWemustbegintolookatwaystoturnthreatsintoopportunities
SustainableRanchingThe community has identified as a priority the support of ldquocontinued livestockͲraisingoperationsonMolokaithatusesustainablelandwatermanagementpracticestominimizetheriskoferosionandtoprotectMolokairsquoslimitedwaterresourcesrdquo94Sust`ĈinableMolokaihasbeenresearchingwaystobringthetoolsofHolisticManagementtoMolokai ranchers Theholisticmanagement framework touchesupon theways thatanimalscan play an important role in renewing the land through careful management andunderstandingthewatercyclemineralcycleenergyflowandecosystemdynamics Throughthismethodgrasslandscanbe improved tominimizenegativeeffectsofdroughtrebuildsoilandsequestercarbonaswellasprovidegoodpastureforhoovedanimalswhoareintegratedinto themanagement plan With holisticmanagement livestock actually provide a healingeffectonthelandthroughmimickingnatureandwildherdingbehaviorAnimalscanbeutilizedtoaerate the soilandaid in theplantingofgrass seedwith theirhooveswhilecontributingnutrientstothesoilfromtheirfeceswithhighdensitygrazingforshortperiodsfollowedbyarestorativeperiod Outcomesof this sustainablewayofmanagement include reduced costsand increased profits for the ranch more productive range land biologically active soilsreversal of desertification of eroded lands drought protection restorative effect on thewatershedimprovedwildlifehabitatandecosystemsandfoodsecurityRanchersaroundtheworldhavemetwithgreatsuccessthroughthismethodTherearesomeexamplesontheBigIslandofsuccessfulranchingwithHolisticManagementprinciplesWithappropriateplanningcollaboration and raising the necessary funds Sust`ĈinableMolokai would like to bring aHolisticManagementtrainingworkshoptoassisttheranchingcommunityStrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparednessOne farm business Kumu Farms has taken an active role in responding to food securityconcernsforMolokaiKumuFarmsaftertherecenttsunamiscarebegantoconsiderhowtheycouldhelpinincreasingMolokairsquosfoodsecurityandresiliencetodisastereventsKumuFarmsadoptedapolicy thatmakesMolokai firstpriority in termsof supplying the islandrsquosproduceneedsMolokaineedsaretakencareoffirstwiththesurplusexportedtotherestoftheStateandUSmainland
94MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 61
UH CTAHRwill be providing an `Ohana Gardening class for subsistence gardening Familygardens are the bestway to provide food security There is a phrase by Geoff Lawton arenowned permaculture teacher ldquoOne can solve all problems in a gardenrdquo In a gardendistributionandtransportationissuesareautomaticallyresolvedOthermeasuresthatcanbetaken to make food readily accessible to families and minimize the amount of time andresources to travel by foot is toworkwith families to plant breadfruit trees sweet potatobananaswet or dryland taroMany Hawaiian families particularly living on kuleana landsalreadyhavetheseplantsandtrees inthegroundasdirectbeneficiariesoftheirkupunawhocommonlyprovidedforthefamilyrsquosneedsrightintheirownbackyardOne farmer would like to see food forests on the mountain sides in every ahupua`aCollaborationwith large landownerscommunitygroupsand theahaki`ole leadershipwouldbeagoodstartingpointtocoordinatethistypeofworkMolokairsquos strength also lies in its diversified agriculture and family farms The use of largeacreagesof farm land forbiotech seedcropsutilized for researchpurposesonly impacts theislandrsquos food security and ability to produce food Typical industrialmonocrop culture alsoleavestheislandmorevulnerabletomasscropfailureGreaterresilienceisfoundthroughdiversificationoffoodcropsReintroducingthepracticeofseedsavingandgrowingmanyvarietiesofheirloomseedsadaptedtospecificgrowingregionsand climate regimes is away to increase food security Greater effortmust be placed increatingaseedbankpreservingandplantingexistingseedvarietiesparticularlycreatedbytheearlyHawaiians and passed down to the present generation and cultivating new varietiesadaptedtoonersquosgrowingareaRestoration ofWaikolu Valley was identified as a priority project under theMaui CountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)processTherestorationprojectwouldentailallowinghomesteaderstorestorethetaroterracesinthevalleyandreplanttaro95Molokairsquosgreat inventoryoffishpondsandmassivefringingreefsystemarealsoassetstotheislandrsquosabilitytoproducefoodCaremustbetakentorestoreuplandforeststostopsiltationandrunoffintotheoceanandfishpondsWorkmustbeundertakentorestoremorefishpondsandputthembackintoproduction
95Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter4ndashMauiCountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy2010ShortRangePriorityProjectsp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 62
ConclusionFarming is challenging onMolokai due to limited water resources high operational costsshippinghurdlesandtheabilitytogeta fairprice forproduce farmed Thesechallengesarenot insurmountable ifapproachedsystematicallyandcontinuedeffortsandcommitmentsaremade byMolokairsquos community to support local agriculture through education and creatingstructuresthatpoolresourcesandpeopletogetherThe island ismadestrongerby theassetswehavearichcultural legacyof `Ĉinamomonaapopulation thatmaintains traditional subsistence practices and upholds agriculture as theeconomic mainstay for the island lands fishponds and reefs capable of producing vastamounts of food a strongHawaiianHomestead farming community engaged in diversifiedagriculture a college and demonstration farm that offers agriculture certificate and degreeprograms local stateͲofͲtheͲart slaughterhousea community run commercialkitchen facilityforvalueͲadded foodproductionand trainingdedicatededucatorsandagricultureextensionagents from the University to help farmers in the field and an environment that ismorecooperativethancompetitiveintermsofsharingknowledgeandbestpractices
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 63
VI APPENDICES
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sustrsquoaina ble Molokai Survey Food Production amp Security
Do you care or think about where your food comes from ___yes ___no Do you prefer to buy local Molokai food products __ yes ___no __no preference Would you eat more local food if it were available __yes __no If yes what would you like to eat or buy if made grown on Molokai_______________________________________________________________________________ Do you feel you have access to locally grown food in the grocery stores and open markets ___yes ___no If no
what do you suggest to improve this situation_______________________________________________________
Are you a farmer or interested in farming ____ yes ____no If yes how old are you_________________
If yes what do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other ________________________________
What produce do you (plan to) farm_______________ ______________________________________ How much land are you farming (or is available for you) a Less than one acre b 1 ndash 5 acres c 15 - 40 acres d 40 acres or more
Do you grow your own food (farm gardening) _____ yes ______no If no what is the primary reason for not
growing your own food __Too busy __ Not interested __ Relying on others __Disabled __ Donrsquot know
how Other Reason _____________________________
Approximately what percentage of the food you eat is Prepared at home ______ Purchased from a restaurant ______ (total should equal 100)
Of the food you prepare at home approximately what percentage is grown caught andor produced (total should equal 100)
a By you andor your family ______ b On Molokai_______ c In Hawaii ________ d Outside Hawaii________
Would you grow food for sale if there were a viable market (guaranteed customer) (or more food if you already grow)
__Yes __No What subsistence activities do you do If none why (no interest no time donrsquot know how)
aHunting b FishingDiving c Gathering (what___________________) Other ______________ None because _______________________
To practice subsistence on Molokai we need our natural resources to be in good conditionprotected and we need access Which one is a bigger concern for you ___Conditionprotection of our natural resources ___Access to natural areasresources ___Both ndash equally
Overall how important is subsistence to your family ___Very Important ___Somewhat important
___Somewhat Unimportant ___Not Important at all
About what percent of your familyrsquos food comes from subsistence activities (fishing hunting gathering raising
animals cultivation) ________
AppendixA-FoodProduc0onampSecuritySurvey
Food Production ndash Informant Interviews ndash Farmers
Sustainable Molokai is creating an online database where we are inputting information about the islandrsquos food production We want to share what you are growing as well as include your manarsquoo on the status of Molokairsquos food supply Once this information is available to the public the island community would have a picture of what is going on in terms of food security and how we can all get together to fill in the gaps and meet needs
How old are you how long have you been farming
What produce do you farm or are interested in farming How much land is available for you
What has been your best cash crop
Has farming your specific productproduce been successful
What do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other___________________________
Do you sell or plan to sell food mostly on island What is your vision for an agricultural future for this island
AppendixB-InterviewQues0onsforFarmers
Food Security Interview Questions for Businesses
Sustainable Molokai is working on a database project which is collecting information about Molokairsquos food production We are surveying the community and would like to talk story with the islandrsquos grocery stores
Out of a 100 how much percentage of what you sell out of the store is locally grownproducedmade
If itrsquos not Molokai made where does the produce come that is being sold out of the store
What Molokai madegrown products do you sell out of the store
What are the requirements for local food to be sold out of your store (eg business license)
What is the most popularsuccessful or fastest selling local product sold
What do you consider to be the challenges that farmers face on Molokai
What would you like to sell that is Molokai made
Do you have any suggestions to potential farmers food businesses on Molokai What to sell when to sell etc
AppendixC-InterviewQues0onsforBusinesses
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 4
Moloka`iͲpedia and the Agriculture Needs Assessment Moloka`iͲpedia is a projectundertakenbySust`ĈinableMolokaiforthepurposeofcreatingstrongercommunitynetworksinformingkeystakeholdersincreasingequityandaccesstopublicandprivatepartnershipsandresources andmobilizing our people to build as well asmeasure our progress towards asustainablefutureTheconceptforMoloka`iͲpediastemsfromour2009Sust`ainableMolokaiResource Guide that is based on our 12Ͳspoke Sustainability Wheel Positive communityinvolvementhaspromptedtheexpansionofthisworkTheprojectaddressesthecurrentlackof data specifically for our geographic area The majority of information on Molokai issubsumed within a triͲisle county system that does not account for the vast differencesbetween our rural island of 7345 to tourismͲfocused Lanai and urbanMauiwith amuchhigherpopulationdensityFurtherthereisnodatacollectiononthe12areasofsustainabilityidentified by our project Moloka`iͲpedia also seeks to address the isolation that manyindividualsandorganizationsoperate inThis siloͲeffectmakesusall ineffectiveSust`ĈinableMolokaiaimstoutilizeMoloka`iͲipediaasatooltoshowhowvariousentitiescanbenefitfromcollaboratingPublicprivateandnonprofitentitieswillbeabletoaccessspecificdatasetsseeaclearpictureofneedsͲtoͲassetsratiosmobilizecollectivelytofillexistinggapsandcapitalizeonavailableassetsandresourcestoachievesharedgoalsOuronlineopensourcedatabase isbeingorganizedalongthe12spokesoftheSust`ĈinabilityWheel Within each section we are collecting baseline and new data to provide acomprehensiveoverviewintheformofaldquoneedsandassetsassessmentrdquoofMolokairesourcesOncecompletewewillbeabletoseewhatwehaveandwhatismissingThiswillinformournext stageofworkandhelpus toeffectivelypursue solutionsonourpath to sustainabilityMoloka`iͲpediawillassistus inoureducationtrainingandadvocacyworkhelpusto identifyexistingcommunityassetsandinherentchallengesandfillcomplementaryrolesthatadvancelocaleffortsThisvehiclewillfacilitatethekuleana(responsibility)weplaceonourselvestobearchitectsofourowndestinyand indevelopinghomegrownsolutionsthatworkbest Inoursuccessothersalsosucceed Ourstrategyaimsto identifypartnershipsbetween individualscommunitygroupsbusinessesgovernmentalagenciesandotherserviceproviderswhocouldbenefitfromworkingtogetherWe envision Moloka`iͲpedia to serve as a tool for citizen empowerment returning dataownership to community toeffectmeaningful change and solutionsMoloka`iͲpediaensurescommunityselfͲdetermination inhowdata iscollectedandutilizednot justscientificallybutresponsibly ethically andwith good intent Itnecessitatesongoing community engagementwithnotonlythedataandthetechnologybutalso insharing ideasMoloka`iͲpediawillgiveeverydaypeopleaccesstoreal informationthat is importanttothemandthat improvestheirlivesespecially inatimeofgovernment inefficiencyandwastewheredecisionmakersoftendisconnectandabdicatetheirfiduciaryresponsibilityforthepeopleandplacestheyrepresentWhencitizensdetermine for themselveswhatdatasourcesare informationͲrichandofgreatvalue (including stories shared by kupuna farmers fishermen teachers coaches and
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 5
grassroots leaders)then life isbreathed intothedataand ithasthepowertotransform livesforthebetterThefirstsustainabilitytopicwehavebeguntosurveyourpopulationonisinFoodProductionToaidus in thisendeavorwesearchedexisting literatureonagriculturegenerallyaswellascombed through references toMolokaiͲspecificagriculture Thisbaselineworkhelpedus todetermine gaps in the data and refine our interview and survey questions The followingbackground information isprovidedtohelp layafoundationandcontextualbackdropforourstudy
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 6
II BACKGROUND
AStatewideOutlook
Agriculture isamajorcontributortoHawai`irsquoseconomyand isessential forproviding foodtoresidentsaswellasgeneratingrevenuethrougharobustexportmarket1Agriculturegenerates$29billion toHawai`irsquosannualeconomyandproduces42000 jobs2However there ismuchroomfor improvement intermsofprovidingenoughfoodforthe islandsaswellas increasingrevenuesfortheState
From Plantation Agriculture to Biotech Seed Crops Towards the end of the 20th centurymonocropplantationagriculture(sugarpineapple) lost itseconomicedgedueto lowerwageforeign competition3 Industrialized corporate agriculture in Hawai`i has shifted to biotechcropsnamelygeneticallymodifiedseedcornresearch4
WhilebiotechseedcropshaveprovenmosteconomicallylucrativeforHawai`iagriculturewithaprofitvalueof$177million in the2008Ͳ2009growingseason5allocatingpreciousacreageand limitedwaterresources toGMOseedcropresearchwould in the longͲtermcompromisethe Statersquos overall food security and limit the Statersquos ability to provide locally healthy andnutritiousfoodsIndustrialnonͲsustainablefarmingpracticesthatincludeheavyapplicationofsynthetic fertilizers and pesticides further degrade the ecological health and viability ofHawai`irsquosprimeagriculturallandsforpresentandfuturegenerations
AgroecologyHawai`irsquosgeographic isolationasan islandarchipelago leaves itmostvulnerableto food and fuel shortages natural disasters drought and rising sea levels associatedwithglobal climate change Measures to increase resilience and adaptability include adoptingagroecological approaches ldquoapply[ing] ecological science to the design of agricultural1State of Hawai`i Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism Office of Planning Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)ExecutiveSummaryii20102HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday3Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp4Ͳ5 ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50million Likewise thepineapple industryproduced954000 tonsof fruit in1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74millionͶHawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp5ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50millionLikewisethepineappleindustryproduced954000tonsoffruitin1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74million5ldquoTheHawaiiDepartmentofAgricultureestimatesthevalueofseedcorngrowingat$169millioninthe200809growingseasonmorethandoublethevaluefromthe200506ItrepresentedaboutoneͲthirdthevalueofallcropsgrowninthestatein200809rdquo5Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp30Ͳ31
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 7
systemsrdquo6Thismethodology includespracticesthatenhancethe life inthesoilthatprovidesnutritiousorganic food integratedpestmanagement throughguildingwithbeneficialplantsandtreesandattractingnaturalpredatorinsectsandanimalstoprotectcropsandselectingforbiodiversitytominimizecroplosses
Organic Farming Renewed interest in sustainable agricultural practices have arisen from aburgeoning organic industry and standards for organic certification that stress ecologicallybased farming and exclusion of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and geneticallymodifiedorganisms7TheUSorganicindustrynetted$178billioninretailsalesin2007approximately25intotalnationalfoodsales8Worldwidevalueoforganicproducestoodat$30billionasof2005witha14annualincreasesince20009Acreagededicatedtoorganicagriculturehasincreased20annuallysince2001with78millionacresinproductionworldwideasof200610Hawai`irsquos growth hasmirrored global and national trendswith State sales of organic cropsincreasing60between2005and2007from$5millionto$8million11Organic foods have becomemoremainstream with outlets including regular supermarketsrather than just the typical small natural food outposts12Whole FoodsMarket Inc has inrecentyearsestablishedapresenceinHawai`iWithitsreputationforbuyingfromsmalllocalfarmers the presence ofWhole Foods serves as an incentive for Hawai`i farmers to groworganicfood13Thereareanestimated200certifiedorganicproducers intheStateoperatingon a median of 5Ͳ13 acres of land14 The Big Island holds the most acreage for organicproductionat58followedbyMaui(22)Kaua`i(11)Molokai(7)andOahu(2)15TheindustrywillcontinuetoexpandwithincreasingconsumerpreferencefororganicfoodsBuyLocalEatLocalCommonthemesaroundagricultureemergedfromfocusgroupmeetingsconductedaspartofHawai`irsquos2010StatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS) These included support for diversified agriculture and increasing food security bysupportingFarmersMarketsandldquoBuyLocalEatLocalrdquo initiatives16TheHawai`iFarmBureauFederation StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculture andUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UHͲCTAHR) have sponsored these type ofcampaignsademphasizethefollowing
6UnitedNationsHumanRightsOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRightsEcoͲFarmingcandoublefoodproductionin10yearssaysnewUNreportMarch82011httpwwwohchrorgENNewsEventsPagesDisplayNewsaspxNewsID=10819ampLangID=E7RadovichTheodoreJLindaJCoxandJamesRHollyerldquoOverviewofOrganicFoodCropSystemsinHawai`irdquoCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesSustainableAgricultureNov2009SAͲ38RadovichCoxandHollyer20099RadovichCoxandHollyer200910RadovichCoxandHollyer200911RadovichCoxandHollyer200912RadovichCoxandHollyer200913RadovichCoxandHollyer200914RadovichCoxandHollyer200915RadovichCoxandHollyer200916Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)2010ExecutiveSummaryii
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 8
1 Enjoyexceptionaltasteandfreshnesspremiumtastemaximumfreshnessproducepicked
andeatenclosertoitsheightofripenesspackedwithnutrients2 Strengthen your local economy and community buying local food keeps your dollars
circulatinginyourcommunityBuildingrelationshipswiththefarmerswhogrowyourfoodstrengthensyourtiestothecommunityandtheland
3 Helppreserveopen space by supporting local farmersbuying local foodhelpspreservegreenopenspaceinyourcommunity
Part of this campaign also acknowledges lessening the Statersquos ecological footprint anddependenceonfossilfuelsfromheavyimportsfromthemainlandthathavemoreldquofoodmilesrdquoassociatedwiththemascomparedtolocallypurchasedfoodDiversifiedAgriculture Hawai`irsquosagriculture industrycapitalizesonthe islandsrsquotropicalyearͲroundgrowingclimateanduniquefeaturesthatallowfornicheindustries17Moresmallfarmshave gained a foothold in the diversified agriculture sector through cultivation of specialtycropssuchastropical fruitsmacadamianutscoffee flowersand freshproducesoldaroundtheglobe18TheldquoGrowninHawai`irdquobrandingisrecognizedaroundtheworldasaguaranteeofhighqualitydelicacies19Hawai`iRegionalCuisinehasalsobecomeknownforitsutilizationofthe freshest seafoodveggiesand tropical fruits inaunique fusionofEastWestand islandflavors20
In2008farmproductionindiversifiedagricultureproduced12200jobsthroughouttheState21Proactive measures to revitalize Hawaiirsquos agriculture industry through diversification hasbroughtrevenuesthatarecomparabletotheStatersquosearlyheydayswhensugarandpineapplewereking In2002HawaiirsquosAgriculturalFarmRevenuecrossed$5359million22Diversifiedagricultureaccountsfor69ofannualrevenueswithpineapple(19)andunprocessedcanesugar(12)trailingbehind23
AgriͲTourism Agriculture is also proving important to tourism Hawai`irsquos top economicengine24VisitorinterestinecoͲtoursagriͲtoursandculturallyauthenticexperiencesisontherise25 In2006agritourismbrought in$388million in revenueas reportedby112Hawai`iͲ
17Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp1218HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday19HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday20HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday21Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp2922ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200823ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200824HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday25HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 9
based farmsan increaseof14 from2003 figures ($339million)26The leadingcategoryofrevenuereceived fromagriͲtourswas$121million inonͲfarmdirectsalestovisitors27Otheractivitiesyieldingprofit includedbedandbreakfastamenitiesprovidingmeeting spacesandvenuesforeducationandentertainmentandoutdoorrecreation28
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent
FromancienttimesMolokaiwaswellknownas`Ĉinamomona(theldquofatrdquoorabundantland)foritswealthasanislandthatproducedfoodinsurplusfromitsverdantahupua`aandnumerousfishponds As on all Hawaiian islands Molokairsquos people and the natural resources weremanagedundertheahupua`asystemTheahupua`awasaunitoflandtypicallywedgeͲshapedrunning frommauka tomakai (mountain tosea)and following thenaturalboundariesof thewatershedThesystemwascomprisedofwaoakua(sacredplaceofthegods)uplandforeststhatgatheredtherainsTheareawassubjecttolimiteduses(egforkiamanubirdcatcherstogatherfeathersforcloakshelmetsandkahiliforthekahunakĈlaiwa`atoharvestkoaforcanoebuilding)and forceremonialpurposes Themountain forestswerepreserved intacttoformandprotectthewatershedandcarrynutrientslowerdowntheahupua`aintowaokanaka(thepeoplersquosdomain)Herethepeoplewerefreetogatheravarietyofplantsfordailyneedshardwood ofthe kauila tocarve ihe(spears) andmake toolsandimplementsolonĈ tocreate strongcordage forfishnets andfish linesmedicinalherbs `ie`iefor lashinghouse postsand canoesand maile forleiThefertileplains and fields were known as the kula lands a place rich in agriculture These landscontainedancientfeatsofwaterengineeringcontouredterracingoffieldsplantedintarothatslowedthepathofthewaterandallowedformaximumsoakageThewatercollectedandfed
26GeislerMalindaldquoagritourismprofilerdquoAgMRCagriculturalmarketingresourcecenterUpdatedJanuary2012httpwwwagmrcorgcommodities__productsagritourismagritourismͲprofile27Geisler201228Geisler2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 10
numerousspringsbelow`Auwai(irrigationditches)transportedwaterfromkahawai(streams)tomultiple lo`i(taropatches)andreturnedthewateroncemoreto itssourceTarobanana`ulu(breadfruit)tileafkƃ(sugarcane)wereallcultivatedinthekularegionFaunaharvestedfrom streams included `o`opu (goby) `opae (shrimp) and hihiwai (snail) Grasslandswereconverted to agricultural fields of `uala (sweet potato) Other kinds of plants and treescultivated here included kukui (candlenut) `ohe (bamboo) and lauhala (pandanus) At thebottomofthevalleyspringscarryingnutrientsfromaboveflowedalongtheshorelineandseaHere loko i`a (fishponds)were constructed to farm fish Thesewalled fishponds form semiͲcirclesalongtheshorelineandaredesignedasmicroͲenvironmentsforcertainbrackishwaterand herbivorous fish likemullet and awa (milkfish) that feed on abundantmats of algaetherebyproducingfoodforthepeoplewithouthavingtoapplyexcessivefishingpressurealongthereefandopenoceanExistingwithintheahupua`awasastrictcodeofconduct(kapusystem)amongstthepeopleofthe land (hoa`Ĉina) as delegated and enforced by the ali`i (chiefs) and their konohiki (landagents)forthecarefulmanagementofthenaturalresourcesThehoa`Ĉinapossessedrightsofgathering and usage of the natural resourceswithin their ahupua`a of residencewith theunderstandingthattheyalsohadkuleana(responsibility)tomĈlama(carefor)thelandandseaandharvestappropriatelyfornomorethantheirneeds Theyengaged inpo`alimacollectiveworkdayswherethepeoplepooledtheir labortoengage inpublicworks improvementssuchas constructing additional lo`i and `auwai and building fishponds From the conscientiousmanagementof the landwatersand seaand themaintenanceofgenealogicaland spiritualrelationshipstothenaturalworldtheresourceswerebroughttoastateofabundanceTheahupua`asystemsustainedthepeopleforcenturiesUponCaptainCookrsquosarrivaltotheHawaiianislandsin1778heestimatedthepopulationtobebetween 20000 to 3600029 Introduced diseases for which the people had no immunitydecimatedthepopulationthroughouttheislandsBy1836Molokairsquospopulationhaddwindledtoanestimated8700andwasfurtherreducedto2307peoplebythetimeacensuswastakenneartheturnofthecenturyin189630Kamehamehabroughtabout theunificationofall the islandsunderoneKingdomofHawai`iWesterninfluencesandtheteachingsofChristianmissionariesbroughtaboutdecisionsamongtheali`itoabolishthekapusystem(1819)privatizeanddeconstructtheahupua`a(Maheleof1848)Whilethechiefsreceivedtheirapportionmentoflandsmanyhoa`Ĉinaoutofignorancetrust intheirchiefstocare fortheirwellͲbeingandgovern them justlyor for fearofreprisalfailed to register land claims to small kuleana parcels that would have kept them with acomfortablepieceoflandtomaintaintheir`ohana(family)withhale(home)andgardenplotsHawai`irsquosentry into the internationalmarket shifted the laborof themaka`Ĉinana (commonpeople) away from agriculture and towardsdeforestationof theupland forests to fulfill the
29MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml30MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 11
kingdomrsquos sandalwood tradewithChina Otherenterprises includedwhalingandplantationagriculture that brought immigrants from around theworld toHawai`irsquos shores and alteredwatershedsthroughthediversionofwatersfrom lushwindwardvalleystodry leewardplainsforthemassproductionofsugarcaneandpineappleWithoutwatertoirrigatetheirtarofieldsmanywere forced toabandon the lo`iandmake for thecityManyMolokai families left theisland insearchofwork inthemorecommercialcenters locatedonMauiandOahu31ThosewhostayedbehindmaintainedtheirconnectiontotraditionalpathwaysandsubsistencelivingEarlyunsuccessfulagriculture trialsonMolokai included sugar coffee sisalwhitepotatoescottoncorngrapesbeansbarleyoatswheatandalfalfa32Thesecropsfailedduetoheavywindsandinsects33TheareawiththegreatestpopulationconcentrationwaseastMolokaiTheeasternmostvalleyof Halawa Valley was rich in lo`i produced taro commercially and supported a thrivingcommunityuntiltwotsunamiin1946and1967devastatedthevalleyThecommercialcentersmovedtoPuko`oandthenKamalowhichheldanaturalharborforimportandexportofgoodsTheCooke family acquired the arid central andwestMolokaiplains aboutoneͲthirdof theisland These landsarenowownedbyMolokaiPropertiesLtdcommonlyknownasMolokaiRanchToattractcommercetoitslandholdingstheRanchdredgedaharborinKaunakakaiandconstructedawharf TodayKaunakakai servesas themaincenterofbusinesswithKamaloWharfhaving fallen intodisrepairandmuchof theareaemptiedof familiesTheRanchalsostrategically purchased lands thatwould give them riparian and correlative rights tomajorstreams and aquifer water in centralMolokai They diverted water to their westernmostpropertiesusedforcattleranchingMuch of their lands in Kualapu`u and Maunaloa were utilized by Dole and Del Montecompanies forpineapplecultivation34Thepineapple industryservedas theeconomicenginefortheislanduntilitphasedoutin1987duetocheaperlaborabroadTodaymanyofMolokaiRanchrsquoslandholdingsthatgrewpineapplearenowleasedforbiotechcornresearchandcoffeeproductionTheHawaiianHomesCommissionActameasuretorehabilitateNativeHawaiiansof50bloodquantumormorebyreturningthemtothe landtobuildhomesandfarmwaspassedbytheUS federal government in 1920Molokai served as the staging ground for the programrsquossuccess or failure Hawaiian Home lands were designated in the areas of Kapa`akeaKalama`ula Pala`au andHo`olehua andmore recentlyUalapu`e NativeHawaiian familiesfromneighboringislandscametoMolokaitobuildtheirhomesandmakethelandproductiveTheir early successes aided in the establishment ofmore homesteads on the other islandsWiththeinfluxofadditionalHawaiianfamiliesandJapaneseandFilipinoimmigrantstoworkinthepineapplefieldsMolokairsquospopulationhadincreasedto442735InrecentyearsMolokairsquos31MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml32MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml33MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml34MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml35MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 12
population has grown to include snowbirds and retirees from theUSmainland aswell asthose seeking amore quiet and rural lifestyle Today the population ofMolokai stands at7345
In 1987Molokairsquos livestock industrywas crippled by the StateDepartment of AgriculturersquosmandatetoeradicateallcattleontheislandduetothethreatofbovinetuberculosisAnotherheavyblowwasdealtattheclosureoftheoldslaughterhouse inKaunakakai Muchplanningfrom the grassroots level upwas undertaken to resolve this problem Commitments frommultiplecountystateandfederalpartnersinͲkindcontributionsbyvolunteermembersoftheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeandcountlessvolunteerhoursandservicesofferedbyvariouslocal businesses and individual residents led to the establishment of a new slaughterhousefacilitylocatedinHo`olehua
Erecting this stateͲofͲtheͲart facility represented a vehicle to facilitate the restoration ofMolokairsquos ranching industry and the ability for the island toproduce and sell itsownmeatRanchersandhomesteadfarmersnowhadavenuetoprocesstheiranimalsInadditiontothemoreestablishedranchesanestimated150Molokai familiesraise livestock largely forhomeconsumption With the adventof thenew slaughterhouse therearenowopportunities forthese small scale farmers to expand into commercial livestock production Stores andrestaurantsneednot import all theirmeat fromoffͲisland as theynowhave access to localmeatMoniesgeneratedcouldbenefitthecommunitydirectlyThe introduction of hooved animals toMolokai has devastated the natural ecology of theislandCattleranchingferaldeerandgoathaveerodedthelandHeavyrainstransporttonsofsilteachyearontoMolokairsquosreefsandfishpondsIntroducedmangrovehavealsodestroyedasignificant percentage of Molokairsquos fishponds Mangroves encroach and break throughfishpond walls trap sediments and choke off underwater springs such that the watercirculationandecologyarenolongerviableforfishproductionDespite thesehardshipsand setbacksover theyearsagriculture remains the cornerstoneofthe islandrsquoseconomyMolokairsquos ruralcharacter lends toacloseͲknit communitywithpeoplewhoperpetuate strong cultural values traditional subsistence and selfͲreliance Thepeopleembrace local autonomy and are very involved in local governing processes AgriculturenonprofitssmallbusinessenterprisesandlocalmomandpopstoresarethefoundationofthelongͲtermeconomyonislandMuchofthesocialculturalandserviceorientedprogramsarealsogeneratedfromthegrassroots locallevelthroughtheworkofchurchgroupsnonprofitsandunincorporatedhuiDuringtheFocusMauiNuiproceedings in2003MauiMolokaiandLana`iresidentsgatheredtostrategicallyplanafutureforMauiCountyThe120MolokaiparticipantsoutlinedchallengestheyfacedasacommunityandprovidedstrategiesandactionplanstoaddressthemMolokairesidents identified top five community priorities which included inter alia creating jobs(409) strengthening the economy (296) growingmore food locally (217) protectingandpromotingruralidentity(191)andsupportingsmallbusinessdevelopment(130)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 13
TheMaui CountyWorkforce Investment Board (WIB) Local Plan provides an Assessment ofLaborMarketTrendstodevelopaComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategyovera10yearspanOneofWIBsgoalsistofocusondiversifyingtheeconomyincludingtheagriculturalsectorandldquonicheareasrdquoTheplanrecognizestheneedforexpansioninvalueͲaddedopportunitieswhichemphasize the uniqueness ofMaui Nui The increased production andmarketing of newagricultureproductshaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketsTheplanalso identifiesentrepreneurshipasan importantgrowtharealdquoThedevelopmentofentrepreneurshipskills is importanttothesuccessofMaui [Countyrsquos]smallbusinesses Datacollected by the Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism and otherorganizationssuggestmoreandmoreresidentsaretakingtoselfͲemploymentForMolokaiasignificant number of new business startͲupswithin the past decade have been agriculturalenterprises(36total)particularlyfromtheHawaiianHomesteadareainHo`olehua36TheMolokai Education Centers Business Plan (2007) acknowledges the islands diversifiedagricultureindustryasamajorcontributortoMolokaiseconomywithroomforfuturegrowthAreas for future growth include valueͲadded food product development as a nichemarketMECsBusinessPlanaddsthatagriculturalcourseofferingsatthecollegeandrelevanttrainingwillplayasignificantroleinpreparingtheworkforceforadiversifiedeconomyWhile community and countyplanningobjectives clearly identify agriculture asaneconomicmainstay forMolokaiacomprehensiveprofileofMolokairsquosagriculture industryhasnotbeenfullyanalyzedOne of the objectives of this Needs Assessment is to determinewhereMolokai fits in theoverall Statewide picture for agriculture Has Molokai experienced similar successes andchallenges that farmers on the other islands face What are the strengths and assets ofMolokairsquos agricultural community aswell asneeds challenges andopportunities What isworkingandwhatisnrsquotWhataretheperceptionsoflocalconsumersWhatisthedemandforlocalMolokai grownproducemeat and seafood Howmany are farming What isbeingfarmedandwhereWhatarethelimitingfactorstofarmingonMolokaiIstherecommunitysupportforlocalfarmersDostoresandrestaurantsonMolokaihavestrongrelationshipswithlocal farmers and make priority for their produce and valueͲadded items How can westrengthenagricultureonMolokaiHowfoodsecureisMolokaiThesearethequestionsthatwesetouttoanswerthroughtheneedsassessment
36AkutagawaMalialdquoKƻha`oBusinessCenterndashEntrepreneurialTrainingampSupportFinalReportrdquoMarch312009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 14
III METHODS
Weadoptedthefollowingmethodsandstrategies An islandwidesurveyonfoodproductionandsecuritystartedfromFebruary27toMarch
272012(SeeAppendixforSurveyFormandResultsAnalysisSummary) Twohundredeight (208)surveyswerecompletedbytheadultmembers (overtheageof
18)ofthegeneralMolokaipopulationbringingoursamplepopulationat39Molokairsquosadultpopulationisat5401outofatotalislandpopulationof7345
Target SampleSizeADULTPOPULATION(Individualsover18
yearsofage)
208
Surveysweremadeavailableatvariouscommunity resourcecentersaswellasonlinevia
ourwebsiteEmailalertsandFacebook invitationsweremade for the tech savvy GivenMolokairsquos rural character and varying levels of knowledge and exposure of the generalpopulation to technology themost effectivemethod for data collection proved to bethroughdirectphysical inquiriesRespondentsweremost receptive toour surveyswhenofferedatourmultiplesurveytablesplaced inpublicareasparticularlystrategic locationsof commerce such as sidewalks fronting grocery stores and during various communityevents
Atotalof36 interviewswereconductedwithagricultureexpertsandeducators (3)small
andmediumͲscalefarmersandCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)operatorsgrowingdiversifiedandorganiccrops(14)deerandcattleranchers(3)fishermenandaquacultureproducers (3) localgroceryandhealth foodstores (5)meatprocessorsandvalueͲaddedfoodproducers(4)hotelandrestaurants(3)andother informants(1)(SeeAppendixforInterviewQuestionsandResultsAnalysis)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 15
Keyinterviewinformantsincluded
AgricultureExpertsampEducators
GlennTevesMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureampHumanResources(UHͲCTAHR)ph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJenniferHawkinsMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUHͲCTAHRph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJamesBoswellCertifedOrganicInspectorandAgricultureInstructorUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollegendashMolokaiFarmph(808)567Ͳ6577boswelljhawaiiedu
FarmersndashDiversifiedampOrganicCropsCastleAdolphoHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerof`inaKulaniFarmsHo`olehuaKimoKaiamaHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKaiamaFarmsHo`olehuaRickTamanahaofKaleikoaFarmsHawaiianHomesteadFamilyFarmHo`olehuaKalaniHanHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKuikamokuFarmsHo`olehuaTuddiPurdyHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm(808)567Ͳ6601wwwmolokaiͲalohacommacnutsJaneTevesHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofHuaKalaFarmHo`olehuaLynnDeCoiteHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofLampRFarmHo`olehuandashMahana(808)567Ͳ9234wwwlandrfarmscomKu`uleiArceofArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamShariLynofMali`oFarmandExecutiveDirectorofKaHalePomaika`iKamaloandUalapu`eEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8107httpwwwlocalharvestorgmalioͲfarmͲorganicallyͲgrowingͲonͲmolokaiͲM11205EllenSpruanceOwnerofPapaoHakuFarmMapulehuandKumimiEastMolokaiJamieRonzelloCSAOperatorMahanaGardensJoeKennedyPermaculturistMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanaEmanuelaVinciguerraMarketingDirectorofKumuFarmsMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanawwwkumufarmscom
RanchersEdmundPedroOwnerofPedroRanchEastMolokaiJanRoneyManagerofPu`uOHokuRanchEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8109wwwpuuohokucomfarmDesmundManabaOwnerofDJCRanchIncHo`olehuandashMahana
FishermanAquacultureProducerDedrickManabaFishermanKaunakakaiSteveChaikinOwnerofMolokaiSeaFarmPala`au(808)553Ͳ3547wwwbroodstockcomMyronAkutagawaandShermanNapoleonJrKeKua`ĈinaHanaunaHouPuko`oEastMolokai
MeatProcessorValueͲAddedProducersJackSpruanceDirectorofMolokaiLivestockCooperative(MolokaiSlaughterhouse)Ho`olehuaBrendaKaneshiroBeekeeperandOwnerofMolokaiMeliKamaloEastMolokai(800)434Ͳ2550NancyGoveSaltMasterandOwnerofPacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ8484wwwpacificahawaiicomChrisMebileChongrsquosPoiShopKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ4313
GroceryStoresCrystalIgusaandStaffFriendlyMarketCenterKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5595KevinMisakiofMisakirsquosGroceryKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5505DennisTurnerOwnerofOutpostNaturalFoodsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ3377SonyaYuenOwnerofKualapu`uMarketKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ6243NaniPeleManagerofMaunaloaGeneralStoreMaunaloa(808)552Ͳ2346
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 16
HotelampRestaurants
TinaPriceManagerofKualapu`uCookhouseKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ9655GenePikeExecutiveChefatHulaShoresRestaurantHotelMolokaiKamiloloa(808)553Ͳ5347httpwwwhotelmolokaicomKerrieFeltCoͲOwnerofMolokaiBurger(808)553Ͳ3533wwwmolokaiburgercom
OtherInformantsByronEspaniolaAhaMokuRepresentativeforKaluakoiMaunaloa
WewereunsuccessfulinsecuringaninterviewwithMonsantoasthelargestemployerand
agricultureoperationonMolokai Our repeated inquiries remainedunanswered TherewereadditionalMolokaigrowersranchersaquacultureoperators fishermenstoresandrestaurantsthatwewantedto interviewbut inthe interestofgeneratingthisreport inatimelymannerwewereunabletofullymeetthisobjective
Findings were also supplemented through research of existing literature of global
statewideandMolokaiͲspecificagriculturefactsandtrendsAreviewofcurrentandpriorcommunityͲbased planning economic education and training initiatives in support ofagriculturewerealsoexaminedThesearereferencedthroughoutthedocument
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 17
IV KEYFINDINGS
Thissectionhasbeenorganizedintothefollowingcategories LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProducts MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgriculture
Producers Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengths
NeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFoodAccesstoLocallyGrownFoodWeaskedMolokairesidentsiftheyfeltaccesswasavailabletolocallygrown food in the localgrocery storesandopenmarkets78of those surveyed felttheyhaveaccesswhile13felttheydidnotAwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood
Doyoucareorthinkaboutwhereyourfoodcomesfrom
DoyouprefertobuymorelocalMolokaifoodproducts
Wouldyoueatmorelocalfoodifitwereavailable
98ofthosesurveyedwouldeatmorelocalfoodifitwasavailablewhile1wouldnot
90ofthosesurveyedprefertobuylocalMolokaifoodproductswhile2donot
94 of the sample populationcarethink about where theirfood comes from while 5 donot
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 18
QuestionWhatwouldyouliketoeatorbuyifitwasmadeorgrownonMolokai
TheMolokaipopulationwantstoeatasmuch Molokai made products aspossible Fresh vegetables and fruitsranked the highest Specificallymentioned items were kalo (taro)sweet potato brussel sprouts bittermelon cabbage olives pumpkinasparagus corn lettuce tomatoesbroccoli cucumber eggplant squashzucchini beans carrots onion garlicginger spinach melons watermelonspears strawberries and persimmonsMeat products included requests for
fishchickenporkandbeefValueaddedproductrequestsincludedhamburgersausagetofupoibutterand jamRequestswerealsomade fordairyproducts likemilkeggscheeseandgoatcheeseWhile 90 of those surveyed stated theywould buymore local food if itwas available itappearsthatsomerespondents(25people)feltthattherewasnrsquotenoughdemandonislandforlocalproduceandthatlikelyposedachallengetoMolokaifarmersWequeriedMolokairesidentsonwhattheywouldliketoseeintermsofimprovingagricultureonMolokaiandincreasingtheiraccessascustomerstolocalfoodsTheseweresomeoftheirresponses
ldquomoresupportforlocalfarmersrdquoldquo(createa)betterfarmersmarketrdquoldquobybuyinglocalrdquoldquothatstoresbuyandsellmorelocalproducerdquoldquocoͲopͲonedistributorrdquoldquolabelgmoandorganicproductssoweknowrdquo
SubsistenceWealso surveyed theMolokaipopulation todetermine someof theirpracticesaroundfoodpreparationandwhatpercentageoftheirfoodcamefromdifferentsources AswehadsurveyedMolokairsquosfarmingcommunityandanalyzedthebehavioroftheislandrsquosmaingrocerystoresonwhatitemstheyselectedtosellwewantedtoknowiftheremightbeadirectcorrelationbetweenconsumerdemand for localproductsand levelofselfͲsufficiencyamongthegeneralpopulationtoengageinsubsistenceactivitiesWe foundthatanaverage825ofthosesurveyedpreparetheir foodathomewhile174mainlyeatrestaurantͲpreparedfoods
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 19
QuestionOfthefoodyouprepareathomeapproximatelywhatpercentageisgrown
caughtandorproduced
Fromoursurveyresponsestowhatpercentageoffoodpreparedathomecamefromwhatwasgrowncaughtandorproducedby individuals themselvesonMolokai ingeneralwithin theStateofHawai`ioveralland fromoutsideofHawai`iwe found that residentsaccessed foodfromthesemultiplesourcesatanearequalratewitharangeof236to272 fromeachsourceItisinterestingtonotethat246ofthefoodpreparedintheaveragepersonrsquoshomecame frompersonal subsistence activities The figure of 272 of locally grown caught orproducedfoodsmay includebothofwhat isavailable inMolokaistoresaswellaswhatmighthave been bartered or shared by otherMolokai residents as a result of their subsistenceactivities Whenaskeddirectlywhatpercentageof food consumed comes from subsistenceactivitiesanaverageof401camefromitemsthatwerefishedhuntedgatheredraisedorgrown (to includeonersquospersonalharvestsand foodsacquiredandsharedbarteredbyothersalsoengagedinsubsistence)Thusitwouldmakesensethatcombiningthetwofiguresinthegraphaboveofpreparedfoodsgrowncaughtandorproducedbytheindividualsthemselves(246) andwhatwas acquired generally fromMolokai resources (272) either shared byothers or bought directly from the store the cumulative total being 518 one mayextrapolatefromthisdatathatthedifferencebetween518and401being117maybethe amount of locally produced foods sold in Molokairsquos stores When polled as to theimportance of subsistence activities in their lives 72 of the respondents said itwas veryimportant to them Of the13who responded that theydonotengage inany subsistenceactivitylackoftimewascitedasthegreatestreasonwhytheydidnottakepartinsubsistenceIn comparing our general data on subsistencewith the results presented in theGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReport37in1993wefoundthatsubsistencemaybeplayingan
37MatsuokaJonDaviannaMcGregorLucianoMinerbiMaliaAkutagawaGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReportMolokaiDepartmentofBusinessEconomicDevelopmentandTourism1993
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 20
even bigger role today than it did two decades ago Loss of jobs and the global economicdownturnmaybecontributingfactors
SubsistenceFactors 1993 2012Estimatedtotalpercentageoffoodthatcomesfromvarioussubsistenceactivities
28 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored38 Ͳ for Native HawaiianMolokaifamilies50 Ͳ 54 respondents out of241surveyed
40 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored
Overall importance ofsubsistence to Molokaifamilies
51Ͳveryimportant25Ͳsomewhatimportant11Ͳsomewhatunimportant32Ͳnotatallimportant
72Ͳveryimportant21Ͳsomewhatimportant1Ͳsomewhatunimportant2Ͳnotatallimportant
From this information though not as comprehensive and rigorous in its exploration ofsubsistence on Molokai as the 1993 Task Force Report we are assured that subsistencecontinuestobeanimportantpartofMolokairsquosfamiliesandoveralleconomyFiftyͲthreepercent (53)ofour respondents stated that they grow theirown food throughfarmingorgardeningWhenpolledastothekindsofsubsistenceactivitiestheytypicallyengageinrespondentsidentifiedthefollowing
HUNTING 39ofthosesurveyedhunt(axisdeerwild
piggoat)FISHINGampDIVING 57ofthosesurveyedfishordive
GATHERING 32gather(limuopihicrabpipipilĈrsquoau
harsquoukersquouke)asasubsistenceactivity
OTHER 4citedamixtureofraisinglivestock
sharingandtradingfoodasasubsistenceactivity
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 21
ThefactthatsubsistenceremainsasignificantcontributortohowMolokaifamiliesacquiretheirfoodthisinturnmayalsoaffectlocalmarketbehaviorintermsofwhatlocallyproduceditemsareplacedonstoreshelvesandwhetherMolokai farmersandproducers find itnecessary toprovideasignificantvolumeoffoodforthelocalMolokaimarketAvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProductsWewerepleasedtofindthatMolokairsquosagricultureindustryisquitediverseandhostsanumberof small family farms both on the Hawaiian Homestead in Ho`olehua and also dotting thelandscape inMana`eEastMolokai Duringour interviewsweasked farmers ranchersandaquaculturistswhatcropsandvalueͲaddedproducts theycultivatedprocessedvalueͲaddedandsoldandwhatweretheirprimarymarketsWealsocombedtheinternetandlearnedbywordofmouthofotheragribusinesses The following tableprovides for the readeranatͲaͲglancelistofgrowersonMolokaiandwhattypesoffoodandproductsareavailableonislandItalsolistsprimarylocalaswellasoffͲislandmarketsProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldMeatsampEggs
MolokaiGrassFedBeef PedroRanchPu`uOHokuRanchKualapu`uRanchPohakuloaRanch
ProcessedandsoldbySlaughterhouse(MolokaiLivestockCooperative)toMolokaiBurgerFriendlyMarketCenterKualapu`uMarketKualapu`uCookhousePu`uOHokuRanch
Venison DJCRanchLLC NotsoldSharedonlywithcustomersonformalhuntsandMolokaifamiliesforsubsistence
Lamb(freerange) KalapanaandDeeannaKeli`iho`omalu
PilotphaseProcessedatMolokaiSlaughterhouseSoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketCenterandMisakirsquos
FreeRangeEggs Davis`ohana MolokaiMinimartMana`eGoodsampGrindzotherMolokaigrocerystores(notebecamemorepopularandvisibleinstoresaftermainlandeggswererecallednationwideforbacterialcontamination)
DuckEggs WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SeafoodFishndashakutunaakuleopakapakaahionomahimahionaga
Variouscommercialfishermen5onisland
DirectCustomerSalesOffͲIslandWholesalerDistributor(forhotelsandrestaurants)
Shrimp KeawaNuiFarms(808)558Ͳ8931httpwwwkeawanuifarmscomMolokaiSeaFarms
FriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosOffͲIslandOnlineSalesforShrimpBroodstock
SeaweedLimuOgo(Gracilaria) KeawaNuiFarmMolokaiSeaFarms
MisakirsquosOffͲIsland
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 22
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldGreensampOtherVegetables
Lettuces KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(808)558Ͳ8306
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Kale WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
MustardCabbage Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BokChoy ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamMali`oFarm
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
Chinesecabbage ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistArugula WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsales
SwissChard JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomatillo JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomato ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sweetcorn ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistChinesePeas ArcersquosFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SoyBeans JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BlackBeans Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
GreenBeans ArcersquosFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
GreenOnion KuikamokuFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
AllMolokaigrocerystoresCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Radish KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Beets KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 23
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
GreensampOtherVegetablesBrocolli ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistEggplant ArcersquosFarm
Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Carrots JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SweetPotatoSweetPotatoChips
LampRFarm VariouslocalMolokaistores8tonsshippedweeklyoffͲisland
YamsYamChips(indevelopmentphase)
TuipulotuFarm
Tarondashregularandcertifiedbiodynamicdifferentvarietiesdryandwetlu`auleaf
`inaKulaniFarmsKaiamaFarmsKimMarkhamPapaoHakuFarm
FriendlyMarketCenterdirectsalestocustomersCertifiedbiodynamictarosoldoffͲislandathealthstoreoutlets
Avocado PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm558Ͳ8383httpwwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Organicginger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲIslandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Organicturmeric PapaOHakuFarm NotsoldMedicinaluseAwa Pu`uOHokuRanchKaiamaFarms DirectsalestocustomersChiliPepper Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproduceshared
withclientsintreatmentandforclientfundraising
HerbsampSpicesBasils(ItalianThai) KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm
(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanadaCommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Thyme JamieRonzello(CSA)KumuFarms CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dill KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Oregano KimMarkhamKumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
ItalianParsley KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 24
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
HerbsampSpicesChineseParsley KimMarkhamMali`oFarmWaialua
Permafarm(CSA)CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Cilantro KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Rosemary KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Spearmint KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Lavender KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Savory KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sage KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Cinnamon PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm(808)553Ͳ8383wwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Vanilla PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Cacao PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
FruitsampNutsOrange Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tangerine Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 25
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
FruitsampNutsLimes Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Papayandashconventionalandorganic
KaiamaFarmsKaleikoaFarmsHuaKalaFarmNoahKuohaKumuFarmsMali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
VariouslocalMolokaistoresexportedthroughoutHawaiianislandsWholeFoodsoutletsMainlandUSandCanadaCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Watermelon `AinaKulaniFarm DirectsalestocustomersBananaAppleBanana HuaKalaFarm`AinaKulaniFarms
KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
Kualapu`uMarketOutpostFriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Rambutan WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
JackFruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Mango Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentandsoldbythemCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Soursop WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dragonfruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Strawberry PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Lychee PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
MacadamiaNuts PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm DirectsalestovisitorsparticipatinginfarmtourMailorders
Coffee CoffeesofHawai`i(808)567Ͳ9490wwwcoffeesofhawaiicom
AllMolokaistoresonlineorders
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 26
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
ValueͲAddedProductsCilantroLimePesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaionlinesales
outletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
BasilMacadamiaNutPesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
PickledOrganicGinger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲislandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Honey(premiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyhoneycombs)
MolokaiMeliKimMarkham
KumuFarmsOutpostNaturalFoodStore
Poi ChongrsquosPoiShop AllMolokaistoresKulolo `inaKulaniFarms DirectSalesTaroChips HuaKalaFarm NotenoughvolumetosellregularlyYamChips TuipulotoFarm StillindevelopmentstageBeeswaxCandlesChapstick MolokaiMeli KumuFarmsGourmetSeaSalt PacificaHawai`iSeaSalts
HawaiiKaiCorporationhttpwwwhawaiikaicocom
Pu`uOHokuRanchKumuFarmsKamakanaCountryStoreMolokaiWinesampSpiritsBlueMonkeyFriendlyMarketCenteroutletsthroughoutHawaiiStateandUSMainlandonlinesales
Other Tileaf KimMarkham KukuiStarters PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm Giventohomesteadersfor
reforestationinHo`olehuaFlowersgingerakulekulecigar
PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm ShippedleistooffͲisland
Tropicalflowers(variety) KuleanaWorkCenterwwwmolokaiflowerscom
OnlinesalesanddirectsalesatSaturdayOpenMarketdays
SeedsSeedbank Ka`anoTheMolokaiSeedProject553Ͳ4243
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 27
MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers
Molokairsquos grocery stores and restaurants selllocallygrownharvestedandprocessed itemsAnaverageof2of locallygrownorMadeonMolokai products are sold in local grocerystores Some stores such asMisakirsquos carry ahigher percentage (15) ofMolokai produceThoseestablishmentsweinterviewedallstatedthat they want to sell everything that isMolokaimade PapayasweetpotatoChongrsquosPoicoffeeKanemitsubreadandKumuFarmspesto are the most common Molokai itemsfound in localstores Misakirsquostendstocarryagreater assortment of Molokai produce andvalueͲadded products in addition to thesecommon items Misakirsquos sells LampR sweetpotatochipsstringbeansbittermelonutongeggplant green onion lime and lemon FishalsoarepurchasedfromlocalfishermenSome stores and restaurants also purchaseMolokaigrass fedbeefprocessed through theislandrsquosslaughterhouseTheseordersarefilledonaconsistentbasisSmaller stores like Kualapu`u Market andMaunaloaGeneralStorethatdonotexperienceas much traffic as the grocery stores inKaunakakai have to concern themselves withhowquicklyanitemsellsForsomecustomersMolokaigrassfedbeefisanacquiredtasteandit may take a more conscientious eaterconsidering the health benefits of grass fedbeeftoappreciateitsflavorButiftheaveragecustomer does not appreciate these qualitiesandprefersacertaintasteofbeefthatshehasgrown accustomed to then the store risksspoilage The samegoes for fruits likemangothatripenquicklybutmaynotsellfastenough
especially sincemany families havemango trees in their own back yards For these smallstorescarryingitemsthatwillsellquicklyisimportantespeciallymeatandproducethathaveashort shelf life Kualapu`uMarket typically sellsMolokai coffee sweet potato chips poi
MOLOKAIESTABLISHMENTSSELLINGORSERVINGFOODampGROCERIES
ONMOLOKAIRESTAURANTSampFASTFOODCoffeesofHawaii 567Ͳ9655HulaShores(HotelMolokai)
553Ͳ5347
KanemitsuBakeryampRestaurant
553Ͳ5855
KualapursquouCookhouse 567Ͳ9655LittleGrassShack 553Ͳ5862MakarsquosCorner 553Ͳ8058ManarsquoeGoodznGrindz 558Ͳ8498MolokaiBurger 553Ͳ3533MolokaiDriveInn 553Ͳ5655MolokaiPizzaCafeacute 553Ͳ3288MolokaiRoastPorkHouse 553Ͳ9068MrsKrsquos 553Ͳ3201SundownDeli 553Ͳ3713LOCALGROCERYSTORESFriendlyMarketCenter 553Ͳ5595CPascuaStore 553Ͳ5443KamoisSnackNGo 553Ͳ5443KualapuuMarketLtd 567Ͳ6243MaunaloaGeneralStore 552Ͳ2346Misakis 553Ͳ5505MolokaiMiniMart 553Ͳ4447OutpostNaturalFoods 553Ͳ3377MolokaiWinesNSpirits 553Ͳ5009TheStoreHouse 553Ͳ3399KamakanaCountryStore 553Ͳ5725GASSTATIONSHayakuGasNGo 553Ͳ3444RawlinsChevronStation 553Ͳ3214ReferenceSustainableMolokaiResourceGuide2009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 28
MolokaibreadandeggsMaunaloaGeneralStoremakesitapointtoacceptproducefromthecommunitygarden runby theKaHaleMua low incomehousing They typicallygrow stringbeans tomatoeseggplantand lettuce Maunaloa residentsarealsopermitted toutilize thefacilitytopreparemusubibentoandlocalplatelunchestosellpreparedfoodsaswellastheirartandcraftsatthefrontofthestoreOther locallyproduced items that someof the storeswould like to sell inmore volume aretomatoesbananasfishanddairyIfMolokaifarmerselectnottogroworsellcertainproduceor products to the local grocery stores the storeswill sell offͲisland produce (egManoalettuce Kula tomatoes etc) Sometimes they will also order items from as far away asCaliforniaorMexicotosatisfycustomerdemandsandpreferencesTherequirementsarenotoverlystringentforthelocalfarmertosellproduceandvalueͲaddedfoodstolocalgrocerystoresForsomestoreslikeFriendlyMarketindividualsmustpossessabusinesslicenseForotherstoresthatreceivesmallquantitiesoffreshproduceatatimetheydonotrequireproofofbusinesslicenseGrocery stores showcasing locally grown food feel cheated when farmers simultaneouslypeddletheirproduceonthestreetPricing isalsoan issue forMolokaistores Theywould like tobuymore locallygrown itemshowevertheycangetproducealotcheaperfromthemainlandForexampletheaveragecostofatomatothatislocallygrownis$2lbwhilestorescanacquiretomatoesfromthemainlandfor$1lbandpassthesavingsontothecustomerFriendlyMarkethasexpressedapreferenceforbuyingproduce from farmerswhohaveapricecostandplan (egthat identifiesspecificamountsofproducethatwillbeavailableandtheircost)toensureitemconsistencyinpricingandavailabilityIdeallystoreswanttosaveonpayingshippingcoststoimportfoodfromthemainlandandoffͲislandbyprovidingpreferenceforlocallygrownfoodsConsistencyisimportantforstorestocontinuecarryingspecificitemsprovidedbylocalfarmersandproducers Consistencywas citedbyevery store and restaurantwe interviewed as thenumberonechallengethatmostfarmersfaceinworkingwiththemMisakirsquoshasfoundawayaround this issue TheypurchaseMolokai fish caught and sold to theHonolulu fishmarketthroughadistributortheresothatcustomerscanstillbenefitfromeatingMolokaicaughtfishMisakirsquosalsoprefers tobuy fromanOahudistributor thatbuys thebulkof itsproduce fromMolokai farmers In thisway by buying in bulk through a distributorMisakirsquos is assured aconsistentproductTherearestoreswhospecificallyselect for localandorganic foodsaspartoftheirmarketingstrategy Onesuchstore istheOutpostNaturalFoodsStorewhichwillselleverythingthat isMolokaimade ConsumersexpecttopayaheftiergrocerybillastheyhaveanexpectationofbuyinglocalandpreferablyorganicallygrownandproducedfoodsOtheritemsthatcannotbesourced locallyorare in lessersupplyorforwhichthere isademandfor(egapplespearsandoranges)aresourcedfromthemainlandandsoldattheOutpost
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 29
We interviewed3restaurantsKualapu`uCookhouseHotelMolokairsquosHulaShoresrestaurantandMolokaiBurger Useofandemphasisonuseof localmeatseafoodandproducevariedTheKualapu`uCookhouseestimates that itutilizes1ofMolokaigrownproduceandvalueͲadded products in its dishes as it does not have strict requirements to do so It primarilypurchasesMolokailettucethroughKualapu`uMarketHotelMolokaiuses less than20 localproduceand seafood in itsdishesbutwould ideallyprefer toutilizeat least60of locallygrownandharvested foodson theirmenu ThehotelcurrentlybuyslocallygrownlettuceeggplantandpapayafromKumuFarmsandincorporatesthesefoods intotheirmenu Freshfish isthefastestandmostpopularselling itemanddoesnot requireapricecost listwhenbuying from fishermen Patronsbuy fishdishesatmarketprice Itwascommunicated thataschefs it is important toestablish relationshipswith localfarmersandacquirehighend itemsonaconsistentbasis Whathasbeenachallengeforthechefs at the hotel is figuring outwho is growingwhat and searching these farmers out toprovidetheproducemeatandseafoodtheyneedWhatwouldeasilyservethemwouldbeabrokeror localdistributor to takeon that typeofwork Currently theHotel is consideringsettingasidesomespaceonthehotelgroundsforanherbgardentoreadilysupplysomeofthekitchenrsquosneedswhileprovidingsomekindofyouthinternshipprogramtoinstallandmaintainthegardenMolokai Burger exclusively serves 100Molokai grass fed beef for its burgers and TuesdayMexican menu The restaurant purchases 240 pounds of Molokai beef from theslaughterhouse It receives positive customer feedback its loyal customers being especiallyhealth conscious individuals and local and nativeHawaiian activistswhomake it a point tosupportestablishments thatutilize localMolokai foods MolokaiBurgeralsopurchases fromKumuFarmsonaweeklybasis8poundsoftheirvegetablegreenstoserveintheirspecialsaladand chicken salad plates Molokai sweet potatoes are also utilized for sweet potato nachochipsontheMexicanmenu Whilenot locallyproducedMolokaiBurgeralsopurchasesbunsfromalocalMolokaidistributorasawaytosupportasmanylocalbusinessesaspossible
QuestionWhatlocalfooditemswouldyouliketosellorincorporateinyourmenuthatarenotcurrentlyavailableorareinshortsupply
FriendlyMarket orangesallcitrusesmangoavocadobokchoywonboktropicalfruits inseasonfishporkprocessed through slaughterhousealldairy (milk cheese)or soybasedmilkasanalternativeand free rangeeggsWillsellalllocalitemsMisakirsquosbananasandtomatoesWillsellanythinggrownandmadeonMolokaiOutpostNaturalFoodsStorestrawberriescantaloupescucumbers tomatoespotatoesandYukon from localgrowersKualapu`uCookhouselocalfreerangechickeneggsKualapu`uMarketagreaterdiversityandselectionoflocalproducegrownbyMolokairsquosfarmersMaunaloaGeneralStoremorebananasandpapayasastheyselloutfastestHulaShoresRestaurantofHotelMolokaivenisonMolokaiBurgeraconsistentsupplyofMolokaitomatoesfreerangeeggsandfishthatarereasonablypriced
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 30
Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities
QuestionAreyoua farmerIfsohowoldareyouͶΨ ȋȌ ǡ
ͶͶǤ
ǡ ͷͶǤ
QuestiontofarmersinterviewedHowlonghaveyoubeenfarming
ʹʹ ͶͲǤ
QuestionHowmuchlandareyoufarming
ǡͶͶǢ͵ʹͳͷǢͷͳͷǦͶͲ͵ͶͲǤ ǡͲ
ǡͲƬʹͲͲƮǦǤ
QuestiontofarmerswhatdoyoufeelarethechallengesfarmersfaceonMolokaiNatureandtheElementsWindHomestead farmers must contend with high winds on a regular basis Thus initial farmplanning must include installing windbreaks to avoid crop damage from weathering Thecommunity has identified in several former planning documents such as the MolokaiEmpowermentZoneApplication(1998)massplantingofwindbreaksthroughouttheHo`olehuaareatoprotecthomesteadfarm landsasoneofthe40priorityprojects IntheendMolokaiwas successful in achieving theMolokai Enterprise Community federal designation a step
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 31
secondtoEmpowermentZonestatus Windbreaksremainedpartofthe40priorityprojectsInstallationofwindbreakshave alsobeen reiterated as a ShortRangePriorityProject in theMaui County Comprehensive EconomicDevelopment Strategy (CEDS) 201038However notmuchhasbeendonetomovethisfromaconceptualstagetoimplementation
Thesituationwasexacerbatedin2005upontheintroductionofthevirulenterythrinagallwaspthatdestroyedthevastmajorityofwiliwilitreesStatewideLarvaeimplantedintothetissueofwiliwili leaves form tumorous like growths and effectively starve the trees from receivingnutrition39Muchof thewiliwili trees thathad servedprimarilyaswindbreaksdiedwithinayearor two Thus farms thathadestablishedwiliwiliwindbreaksbecamenewlyexposed towinds With the introduction of Eurytoma by scientists a predator species that exclusivelyfeedsonerythrinagallwaspsandavoidsnativewaspsthesurvivingwiliwilihavebeenabletomakeacomeback40DroughtAnumberoffarmershavecitedcurrentdroughtconditionsasaseriousthreattofarmingOnefarmerreportedthatherentireorganicgingercropfailedduetodroughtandshewasunabletoyieldaharvestthisyearAtthetimewestartedourinterviewsinFebruary(2012)Molokaiwasexperiencingthelowestrainfallinadecadecomparableto2001droughtfiguresAdrywinterandspringseasonhavebeencausingwatershortages Arecentheavystorm inMarch (2012)brought some reliefbutwithprimarilyeroded soilsexposed to theelementsmuchofthatmuddiedwaterwashed intotheseatochokecoralsaffectnurserygrounds forfishandcoverlimu(seaweed)beds41Steadypercolationintotheaquiferisnecessarytomakea difference to the watershed and levels in the reservoir42 According to Glenn TevesExtensionAgent forUHͲCTAHRdroughtconditionsaffect insectbehavior Forexampleantsseekingwaterwillfindasubstitutebyacquiringhoneydewfromcertaininsectsthatproduceitsuchasldquoaphidsmealybugswhitefliesandscaleshellipknown tosuckplant juicesandweakenthem hellip [and] spread plant viruses on an array of crops such as melons peppers andtomatoesrdquo43 Animals will also chew through drip irrigation systems to access water in adrought andwill subsequently cause leaks andwater loss for the farmer44Cows are alsoaffectedwithahigher incidenceofmiscarriageorsmallercalfsizedueto lackofhighquality
38 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1102 AgricultureReforestationWindbreakPlantingp5039RichardsSabrinaldquoWaspwarsNewpredatorchecksHawai`irsquosgallwaspepidemicrdquoSciencelineJanuary62011httpsciencelineorg201101waspͲwars40Richards201141 Teves G ldquoEffects of Rain and Droughtrdquo Molokai Dispatch March 15 2012httpthemolokaidispatchcomeffectsͲofͲrainͲandͲdrought42Teves201243Teves201244Teves2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 32
food consumed during pregnancy45Deerwill also compete and feed on grass reserves forcattleTevesroughlyestimatesthatfarmersandranchershaveexperiencedacumulativecroplossvaluedat$1millionduetothedrought46MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)Builtinthe1950sandlsquo60stheMISwasconstructedtotransportwaterfromWaikoluValleyonthenorthshoretothefarmingareasofCentralMolokaitoprovidewaterforthesolepurposeofagriculture47WaikoluValleyprovideswatertothesystemviaa51milelongtunnelPipesand flumes convey thewater to the Kualapu`u Reservoirwhich is designed for amaximumdepthof54feetor14billiongalloncapacity48TheHawaiianHomesCommissionAct (ldquoHHCArdquo)of1920sect221(d)grantedhomesteadersldquotherighttousefreeofallchargeanyofthewateruponthe islandofMolokairdquo49Thisprovisionwasamended in1955togiveHawaiianHomesatwoͲthirdswaterallocationpreference fromtheMIS50 The Department of Agriculture whichmanages theMIS has not enforced thisprovision Presently80oftheMIS isconsumedbynonͲhomesteadersdespite23rdswaterreservation requirement for homesteaders51 It has been recently noted that homesteaderwaterusagehasincreasedbynearly20comparedtolastyear52TheMISWaterUseAdvisoryBoardspeculatedthathomesteadfamiliesareexpandingtheirfamilygardens53TheentireislandofMolokaihasbeendesignatedbytheStateCommissiononWaterResourcesManagement (CWRM or ldquoWater Commissionrdquo) a sole source aquifer and critical watermanagementarea Thesedesignationsunderscorethefactthattheentire islanddependsonone water source for its drinking water subsistence and agricultural needs and carefulmanagementisnecessarytomaintaintheaquiferRecords for the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) revealed that as of December 2011 theKualapu`ureservoirhadloweredto11feet(ascomparedto17feetayearprior)andcontinuedtodecline54Todaythereservoirhasloweredanotherfootwithstoragelevels50lessthana
45Teves201246Teves201247BaldaufNatashaHalsquoaheoKaholsquoohalahalaandDavidSakodaldquoTheMoloka`i IrrigationSystem AVision foraSustainableFuturerdquoDecember1200948BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200949BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200950BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200951BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200952ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion53ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion54ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 33
year ago55 Current rainfall is 10 of normal levels and those utilizing theMIS have beensubjecttoa30restrictioninwaterusageoverthepast3years56TheStatelegislaturerecentlysetaside$125millionforimprovementstotheMIS57Fundswillcover Anewhydropowerplantwaterflowwillproduceenergyandoffsetelectricalcosts Replacement of aboveͲground concrete flume with an underground pipeline to avoid
animalsanddebrisfromfallingintoandcontaminatingthewatersupply StructuralrepairtoMISaccessbridge Installation of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system to allow for
monitoringofwaterflowremotelyThis is a step in the right direction and hopefullywill assist in decreasingwater loss in thesystemandimprovemanagementoftheMISWeedsPestsWildAnimalsNumerousfarmersinterviewedparticularlyintheHo`olehuaHomesteadareahaveciteddeerasamajorproblem incrop failureTheorganicpapaya farmershavebeenhithardwithonefarmerhavinglosthisentirecropofpapayatreesSeedlingswereeatenandadulttreeswerealsoaffectedbydeerrubbings Anotherfarmerhashadtoadoptprotectivemeasuresforhisyoungkukuistarter treesasdeerseekingmoisture fromyoungplantswilleat them Hehasindicatedthatyoungkukuitreeshavetoreachacertainheightwheredeercannolongerbitethe leaves from the top Farmers are also experiencing brokenwater and irrigation pipesdestroyedbydeer One farmerwas issued a $700waterbillbefore discovering hisbrokenwaterpipeMuchofthisactivityhasbeenattributedtotheongoingdroughtconditionsdeerareseekingfarmsforwaterandfood It isestimatedthat$1million inagricultureprofitwaslosttodeerwithinthelastyearAnotherproblemthatfarmersencounteredafewyearsagowasaninfestationofratandmiceTheyweresonumerousthatdriversoftensawthemcrossingtheroad One farmerresolvedthisproblemonhisfarmbyadopting20cats
55ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions56ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions57ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 34
Other farmershavecitedpestsandweedsasaproblemon their farms Oneorganic farmerstatedthatshefinds itachallengebecauseuseofpesticidesandherbicidesareprohibited inorganicfarmingThere is an urgent need to keepMolokairsquos bee population healthy as they are pollinatorsimportant to theagriculture industry Threats to the localbeepopulation includepesticidesbeetlesandmitesHighOperationalCostsOfthe208surveyed61peopleconsideredhighoperationalcostsasabigchallengetofarmingonMolokaiThesecostsinclude Labor Infrastructure Toolsimplements Fuelforequipmentandvehicles Supplies such as fertilizer compost pesticides herbicides seeds irrigation supplies etc
Supplycostsareespeciallyhigherdue toadditionalcostmarkͲup forshipping items in toMolokai
Electricitycostsforrunningrefrigerationchiller Allfeesandtaxesincurredfromrunningabusiness Specialcostsfororganiccertification(est$1300peryear)HighCostofWaterSeventy(70)surveyrespondentsfeltfarming ismadedifficultbythehighcostofwater Thiswasespeciallytrueforfarmerswhoareoncountywater insteadofcheaperagriculturewaterfromtheMolokaiIrrigationSystemThesefarmersareontheEastEndoftheislandAlsoitisverydifficultforpeople inMaunaloaandKaluakoitofarmandevengardenduetothewatersystemrunbyMolokaiRanch Ratesforwaterareastronomicalhaving increasedby17858TheStatePublicUtilitiesCommissionallowedforarateincreasefortheRanchrsquosMolokaiPublicUtilitiesfrom$318per1000gallonsto$60459TheWaiolaOMolokaiIncwateralsoownedbyMolokaiRanchwas approved for a rate increase from$185 to $51560 These increasesimpactapproximately1200residentsonthewestsideoftheisland61
58BernardoRldquoMolokaiwaterusersprotestratehikerdquoHonoluluStarBulletinSeptember52008httparchivesstarbulletincom20080905newsstory08html59Bernardo200860Bernardo200861Bernardo2008
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 35
HighEquipmentCostsSixty(60) survey respondents considered high equipment costs as a challenge to farmingTractor costs can range from $21000 to $80000 depending on the size neededwhich isrelativetotheamountofacreagetobefarmedManysmallandbeginningfarmerslackaccesstocapitaltopurchasebigticketitemssuchasequipmentHighShippingCostsYoungBrothersistheprimaryshippingproviderforMolokaiSomefarmersutilizecargoplanessuchasKamakaAir for shipmentofmoreperishable items Shipping fromMolokai involvesaddedcostanddisadvantagesforMolokaiasaruralislandtryingtotransportgoodsacrosstheoceantothelargerurbancenterssuchasOahuandMauiForthoseutilizingdistributorsthatisanotheraddedcostIn thepast farmers receivedapartialbreakon shippingcosts throughYoungBrothers TheFarmBureauassisted indefrayingchargesassociatedwith theMolokai toHonoluu legwhilethefarmerwasrequiredtocoveronlythecostofshippingfromHonolulutothemainlandThishelped to level the playing field forMolokai farmerswith the rest of farmers onOahu andStatewide Within the last five yearshowever thispolicyhasbeendiscontinued causing adisadvantagetotheMolokaifarmerYoungBrotherswillbephasingoutitsldquoGrdquoVans218cubicftcontainersforshippingpricedat$180containerandwillbepalletizingeverythingItwillnolongerbeeasytodropitemsoffatthepierandshipoutFarmerswillneedtomakethetransitionandwilllikelyhavetosolicittheservicesofMakoaTruckingtopalletizetheirgoodsandtransportthemtothepierTheftOne farmer interviewed cited crop theft as a challenge There are also risks of theft ofequipmenttoolsandsupplieswithoutadequatestorageandsecuritymeasuresFireA localbeekeeping family thatproducespremiumorganic raw kiawehoneyexperienced adevastatingfirein2009thatwipedoutthemajorityoftheirhivesTheyhaveahighamountoforderstofillandarecurrentlyrecoveringfromthedamagetotheirhivesNotEnoughLandtoFarmampCompetingUsesforAgricultureLandThe Molokai Agricultural Park owned by the State of Hawai`i is located in theHo`olehuaMahanaregionadjacenttoMolokaiRanchandHawaiianHomeLandsItconsistsof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 36
22subdividedlotsspanningatotalof753acres62Thepurposeofagriculturalparksstatewideistoprovideaffordable longͲterm leasestosmallfarmers63CurrentlyallMolokaiAgPark landsare being utilized64 Thismakes it difficult for new farmerswho are nonͲhomesteaders tosecurecheaplandSeedbiotechcompaniessuchasMonsantoandMycogenhavegainedasolidfootholdontheisland Their use of prime agriculture lands and limited water resources impact the localfarming community It is problematic especially for organic farmers who risk losing theircertification if their farmsare inproximity toGMO crops It is known thata local familyofbeekeeperswereforcedtomovetheirhivesorelserisklosingtheirorganichoneycertificationLow Prices Offered for Local Produce Not Enough Demand for Goods and ProductInconsistencyOfthosesurveyed25peoplefeltthatnotenoughconsumerdemandforproducewasamajorchallenge for farmers Whileour surveyalso found that90ofour respondentswouldbuymorelocalfoodifitwasavailableMolokairsquossmallpopulationlimitshowmuchproducefarmerscanplaceinthelocalmarketManyof the farmers thatwe interviewedwere frustratedat the lowprices theyget for theproduce theygrow They find itdifficult tonegotiatewith storesonpricing For them it ischallengingtomakealivingorbeeconomicallysustainablebysellingproduceonlyonMolokaiOne certified organic and biodynamic farmer informed us that she is offered $110lb byMolokai stores forherorganicgingerbut she can sell itatamuchhigherpriceonOahuat$5lbinstoresthatshowcaseorganicfoodsWiththatamountsheisabletomakeaprofitaswellasrecoupherproductionandshippingcostsUHCTAHRAgricultureExtensionAgentGlennTevesstatesthatalotoffarmersdonotpaycloseenoughattentiontotheirpricingOftentimestheywillpricetheirproduceonthelowendThissetsanegativestandardthatmakesitmoredifficultforotherfarmerstogetareasonablepricefor their crops He recommends that farmers check regularly on produce prices andmakecomparisonsalsoonhowmuchtheysellforontheotherislandssothattheycanprovidemorecompetitivepricingthatisadvantageoustothemLackofSupportforAgricultureLawmakershavealsobecomeunsupportivetopreservingagriculturelandsAbusesaboundonagricultural landswithmultiͲmilliondollargentlemanestatesdevelopedanddefinedasldquofarm
62StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks63StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks64StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 37
dwellingsrdquo and attractive landscaping required underCCRs andAssociationRules dubbed aslegitimateldquoagriculturerdquo Theseldquofarmdwellingsrdquo increasethepriceofagriculture landforrealfarmersNationwide family farmersarebeingedgedoutby largecorporateproducersat the rateof330farmersperweek65TheUnitedStateshasanestimated5millionfewerfarmsthanithadinthe1930s66Today2millionfarmsexist intheUSwith565000 identifiedasfamilyfarms67ThereasonforthisisthatfederalgovernmentpoliciesfavorlargeͲscalecorporateagriculturePoliciessuchassubsidizingbigagriculturecreatesafalsesetͲpointontrueproductioncosts68TheAmerican taxpayerabsorbs thesehefty costs The federalgovernment spentover$177billion in agricultural subsidies from the years of 1995 to 200669 These large agricultureoperationsareabletoprovidehugevolumesoffoodforacheappricebecauseofthesubsidiesallocatedTheyeasilyoutcompeteandsqueezeoutthesmallfarmerthatreceivesnohelpfromsubsidies andmust pass to the customer the true costs of production in order to remain aviablebusinessStrongcorporatelobbyingmaintainsthisstatusquo
NeedforAdditionalEducationampTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunityOfthosesurveyed33farmersconsideredalackofcapacityeducationtobeachallengeSomefarmersaredauntedbythecostsofhighereducationandthetimetheywouldneedtoinvestineducationalongsidebalancingfamilyresponsibilitiesandfullͲtimefarmingProficiency inknowledgeandexperienceoffarmingprinciplesandtechniques isnecessaryforallfarmers Theymustunderstandfarmplanninghowtoplantmaintainandharvestcropshowtosetupirrigationmeetthebiologicalandmineralneedsoftheircropshowtomaintainsoil health how to minimize offͲfarm releases of pollutants and toxins such as chemicalfertilizersandpesticidesoperateand repair toolsandmachinerybasic carpentry skillsandpossess a true passion for farming A lot is learned through trial and error but educationcombinedwithpracticalexperience gives farmers abetter chance atmaking it These skillsalonearenottheonlyrequirementshoweverAfarmer(orparticipatingfamilymembers)mustalsobefinanciallyliterateandpossessstrongbusinessbookkeepingaccountingandmarketingskills To lease landsaccessbusinessstartup fundssuccessfullyapply for loansandreceive financing forbigequipmentpurchases the
65ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml66ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml67ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml68ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml69ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 38
farmerhastohavegoodcreditandbefinancially literate Ifhe issaddledwithdebtandbadcreditthenhewillneedtocreateandsticktoaplanforrepairinghiscreditOther skills a farmermust cultivate to successfully start an agricultureenterprise is learninghowtodomarketresearchandbusinessplanningItrsquosbettertomakemistakesonpaperfirstrather than in real life aftermuch time and investment has beenmade Once the farmenterprise isupand running then the farmerhas to contendwithkeeping financial recordscurrenteitherpersonallyortruesecuringabookkeeperoraccountant BusinessandpayrolltaxeswillneedtobepaidfeesforspecialcertificationssuchasorganicfarmingmayalsohavetobefactoredinAfarmermustbeawareofwhattogrowandproduceandhowtomarketherproducts inorder tobeprofitable Shemustbedisciplined in implementingher farmplanaccount for year round staggered plantings and harvests and crop rotations and reinvestprofitsbackintothebusinessRarelydotheseskillsexistinonepersonMostfarmersjustwanttofarmandnotdealwiththeother details of running a business As they age too farmerswill need to think about asuccession plan Ideally it should be a family enterprise with familymembers possessingdifferent skill sets and playing different roles that collectivelymake a successful agricultureenterpriseRanchingampTheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeMolokairsquos history includes large scale ranching of cattle which was once an enterpriseendeavorbyMolokaiRanch the islandrsquos largestprivate landownernow known asMolokaiProperties Limited SinceMPLrsquos closure ofmajor operations ranching is currently done bymembersof thecommunity inwhich theycultivate the remainingcattleonproperty CattleRanchersincludePohakuloaRanchKualapu`uRanchPedroRanchandPu`uOHokuRanchChallengeswithMolokaiBeef Muchof theranchingcommunitydonot finish theiranimals through theslaughterhouse
preferringtosellcattleoffisland Lessmeat isproducedon the islandwhich in turnmeans lessMolokaibeefavailable for
consumptioninrestaurantsandstores More than one individualentity does not like the tasteconsistency of the beef ndash some
suggestedthatthemeatbecuredlonger Somemembersofthecooperativefeelthecostforanimalprocessing($65animal)isunfair
since it isnotbasedonactualproductyield(egdeerorgoatmeatyields lesspoundsofmeatthancattle)
SlaughterhouseTheMolokai Livestock Cooperative which operates the only slaughterhouse facility on theislandprocessescattleandpork Pork isnotusually sold to storesdue to thepreferenceof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 39
Molokaifamiliestoutilizerearedhogsforhomeconsumption Thuspork issubjectusuallytocustomkillsonlyAsforcattleamaximumof18headperweekandaminimumof5headperweekgoes through the slaughterhousewitha cumulative totalof730animalsprocessed todatesincethefacilityopeneditsdoorsseveralyearsagoTheslaughterhouse iscurrentlynotoperatingatfullcapacity There isahistoricalcontextforsome of the challenges that the Molokai Livestock Cooperative faces today After thewholesale TB eradication of Molokai cattle in the 1980s and the closure of the oldslaughterhouseinKaunakakailocalranchersinitiallyworkedtogetanewslaughterhousebuiltwiththeirsweatequityandthroughsecuringfundingfromCountyStateandFederalsourcesUnfortunatelytheprocessofmovingthisprojectfromaconceptualphasetobrickandmortartook over a decade to complete By the time the slaughterhouse facility was completedranchershadmovedaway fromgrassͲfinishedcattleonMolokai to finishing theiranimalsonthe mainland Over time the ranchersrsquo commitment to strengthening their own localslaughterhouse as a viable economic engine had wavered Some ranches do not see aneconomic incentive to return to the formermodelofgrass finishing theircattleandpreferaquickerturnͲaroundtimeandtheconvenienceofsellingtheiranimalspreͲfinishedWhile theMolokaiLivestockCooperativersquosnew slaughterhousehasmadepositive inroads togettingMolokai grassͲfedbeef in local grocery stores and restaurants through itsworkwithcommittedranchersutilizingthefacility lackofvolumefromholdͲoutranchersalso limitstheslaughterhousersquosabilitytoexpandthemarketandfullydevelopanorganicnicheproduct Tomakeupforthisshortfalltheslaughterhousenowshipsin30headofnonͲMolokaicattle(50oftotalstock)onaregularbasisLambSheepForthepast5yearsahusbandandwifeteamhasbeenexperimentingwithranchingfreerangelambssheepon55acresof land inwestMolokai Thecouplehas80animals (60ewes20lambs) Theyharvestthe lambsat6monthsofageandhavebeentestingthequalityoftheanimalsMost recently they market tested their lambs The lambs were processed at theslaughterhouse ThemeatwassoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketandMisakirsquos CustomerfeedbackhasbeenverypositiveThelambmeatsoldoutquicklyinthestoresRightnowthelambsheep ranchers are trying to figure out pricing whether to sell directly to theslaughterhouseforprocessingmarketinganddistributionortohandlesomeofthoseaspectsontheirownDeerRanchingDeerranchingisnotawidespreadactivityinfactthereareonlytwopeopleontheislandthatraisevenisonDeerpensexist inMaunaloaandPalarsquoauwithasmuchas260animalscorralled
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 40
within high game fencing The deer ranching is part of a safari tour businesswhich allowsvisitorstoexperiencehuntinggameDeercanbeprocessed through theMolokaiSlaughterhouse if theanimal ispresentedat thefacilityat leastonehourafterthekillandaUSDACertified Inspectorparticipates inthehuntThisiscurrentlynotbeingdonebydeerranchersonMolokaiTheownersofDJCRanch Incwhich currentlyoperates adeer ranchhasdone some initialmarkettestingandresearchonthedemandandpotentialforvenisonmeatproduction Theyhave found ahugedemand from restaurants and the generalpublic for venisondue to thehealthbenefitsandsuperiortasteofMolokaiaxisdeerThereiscurrentlynosteadysourceforvenisonmeatandvalueͲaddedproductsinHawai`iDJCRanchhasstatedinitsmarketingplanthatinthefirstyeartheycouldprovidevenisononaseasonalbasisandinitiallyproducegroundvenison and sausages As herd numbers increase additional markets could potentially beopeneduptoWholeFoodsandCostco CurrentlyDJCRanchhasaUSDA licensetoslaughtervenisonandcouldutilizetheMolokaiSlaughterhouseThecompanyisFDAapprovedthroughthe USDA with its own stamp and seal formarketing The products that DJC Ranch hadconsideredmarketingwere
1 Groundvenisonforhumanconsumptionandalsodogfood2 9differentsausageswhichithasdevelopedandsuccessfullymarkettested3 Venisoncornedbeef4 Freshcuts5 Innards
ThereismuchpotentialinthisareaandhopefullyinvestmentscanbesuccessfullyacquiredtoimplementDJCRanchrsquosplanAdditionally theremaybeopportunity tocreateacollaborationbetweendeer ranchersandfarmerssufferingfromcrop lossesduetodeergrazing ifaplancouldbeundertakentodivertdeerfromcultivatedlandsandabsorbthemintoranchingoperationsAquacultureEffortshavebeenmadetorestorefishpondsandhavemetwithsomesuccessforsubsistenceuses State regulations affecting the restoration andutilizationof theseponds limituses tosubsistenceandeducationalpurposesmaking itdifficult toutilize theponds for commercialaquacultureThisisunfortunategiventhehardworkonthepartofthecommunityandfederalfunds invested inProjectLoko I`aatrainingprogramthathadservedanestimated20youngMolokai adults in drystack and fishpondwall reconstruction fishpond husbandry live rockcultivation for theaquarium industry shrimpand seaweedaquaculturewater samplingandanalysis leadershipandentrepreneurial skills Theseyoungadultswere trainedwithall thetools to be successful in aquaculture butwere not given the chance to commercially leaseMolokaipondsandestablishabusiness
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 41
PlansandfundingallocatedtoestablishafinfishhatcheryonMolokaiasearlyas1991andtostockfishpondsforcommercialproductionwerestalledandareunlikelytocometofruitionTheMolokai Ice House completed construction at the KaunakakaiWharf in 1993 It wasestablishedbya local commercial fishermenrsquoscooperativeof40 individualswho contributedapproximately 60Ͳ70 of Molokairsquos commercial fish landings The Ice House operatedsuccessfullyfornearlyadecadeprovidingicefreshfishpokeandseaweedforsaleA Native Hawaiian nonͲprofit Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou established a successful limu(seaweed)growersnetworkandlimubuyͲbackprogramwith30familieslivingalongMolokairsquossouthandcentralshores These familieswere trained incultivationof theedibleandhighlyprizedseaweedGracilariaparvisporacommonlyknownas limuogo Anestimated1000 lbsweeklywereshippedtoOahufishmarketsaswellasdistributedtotheMolokaiIceHouseandvariousstoresonislandintheformoffreshandvalueͲaddedproducts(limusalsaandnamasu)Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou served as amarketer and broker for the families In the endhowever some of themore successful growers opted to sell and distribute their harvestsindependently causing the cooperative typeof structure todismantleanddriving thepricesdownforMolokailimuogoduetocompetitionamongstthegrowersTherearetwoshrimpfarmsonMolokaiMolokaiSeaFarmsinPala`auandKeawaNuiFarmsineastMolokaiKeawaNuiFarmssuppliesSPFcertifiedPenaeusvannameishrimpbroodstockaswellasseasonalharvestsoftilapia fishand limuogo70MolokaiSeaFarmsalsospecializes indiseasefreeSPFPvannameibroodstockandservescustomersthroughouttheworld71PacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsandHawai`iKaiCorporationbothfarmseasaltfromMolokairsquosoceanwaters Thesesaltscarryessentialmineralsandtraceelements Molokaisaltproductionhasreachedaglobalmarketas farasChinaandEurope Productscanalsobe found inMolokaistoresAddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparationMolokairsquoshiddensubsistenceeconomy isastrengththatassistsfamiliestoday inachronicallydepressedeconomyThereisenoughdeergoatandwildpigonthelandandfishonthereeftomeet the peoplersquos protein requirements and provide food security for tomorrow TheHo`olehuaHomesteadcommunitywithfamilyfarmsdottingthelandscapehasenoughproduceandstarchinthegroundtofeedtheircommunityAscomparedtootherislandsMolokaiisinbettershapethanmostifnotallislandsHoweverthereisstillastrongrelianceonYoungBrotherstoshipinfoodtotheislandAtanygiventimethereisanestimated4daysoffoodstockedonMolokairsquosstoreshelvesNodisaster
70KeawaNuiFarmshttpwwwkeawanuifarmscom71MolokaiSeaFarmshttpwwwbroodstockcomHawaiian_SPF_Shrimp_Broodstockhomehtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 42
scenarioplanninghaseverbeenundertakenforhowthiscommunityshouldrespondifonedaythebargedoesnotarriveandalltransportationvenuesbyseaairandlandwereinterruptedAccordingtooneinformantMolokairsquosfoodreservesarestoredonMauibytheAmericanRedCross This iswrong Molokai isoneofthefew islandswithoutamainairportonthecoastalshores In timesofdisaster (eghurricane tsunami) therewouldbebetter accesson theislandtoreceiveassistanceRealisticallyhoweverMolokaiwouldbeofalesserprioritytoshipin food and medical supplies in a Statewide disaster scenario due to the islandrsquos smallpopulationInitialaidwouldbefocusedprimarilyonurbananddenselypopulatedareasontheneighboringislandsIntheMana`eandKaunakakaiareas(eastandcentralMolokai)whereasignificantportionofMolokairsquospopulationisconcentratedtheroadsandmajorityofhomesarelocatedonthecoastwithin the tsunami and flood zone corridor Getting assistance to these areas would beproblematic No major farming takes place in Kaunakakai and Mana`e except for homegardensandsomewetlandtarocultivationinthelushervalleysontheeastsideMonoͲcropping increases risks ofwholesale andmass crop failure Whilemost smallͲscalefarmers are doing diversified agriculture onMolokai not enough effort has beenmade topreserve thehundredsofvarietiesofsweetpotatobreadfruit taroandothercanoeplantsNot enough has been done to cultivate and preserve varieties of regionallyͲadapted openͲpollinatedseedsforhomegardensandsmallscalefarmersUHCTAHRhasthroughitsresearchdevelopedseedsadapted tocertainenvironments Moreeffortmaybeneeded toget theseseedstofarmers
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 43
V RECOMMENDATIONSMitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElementsWindAswindwillcontinuetobeanissueforfarmersespeciallyhomesteadfarmersintheHo`olehuaareaitisimportanttoestablishacomprehensiveprojecttoinstallwindbreaksthatwillhelptoopenupmorehomesteadlandforfarmingCostcanbeafactorforsmallͲscaleandbeginningfarmersThusaccessingfundingandcreatingcollaborativepartnershipswithcoreleadershipisnecessarytomovethisprojectalongOtherthingstoconsider intermsofdecidingwhattypesofwindbreaksto installwouldbetooptimizethepotentialofthewindbreakstoservemultiplefunctionsOnecommoncomplaintamongsthomesteadfarmershasbeenthedestructionofcropsfromgrazingdeerProvidingavegetativewindbreakwith tightplantings could serve as a living fence that keepsout deerSelectingalso fornitrogen fixingspecieswillalsoaddnutrientstothesoilandboost farmerrsquoscropsIdentifiedasakeyprojectintheEnvironmentSectionofMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandisprovidingwindbreaks inHo`olehuaThevision istoplantwindbreaksldquoalongthecoastalpaliaround the central plain andhellip along individual farmersrsquo lots Native trees and treeswithsecondarymarketvalue(fruittreesandhardwoods)rdquoshouldbeutilized72DroughtͲProofingReforestationThecommunity initiateddocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian Islandhas identified in itsAgricultureampAquacultureSectionthefollowingpriorities73
Recognize the limited availability of water as a primary factor in prioritizing suitableagriculturalfoodcrops
Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture foodproduction
Water is a limiting factor in farming especially in light of chronic drought conditions andcontinuousmandatorycutbacksonwateruse from theMolokai IrrigationSystem TherearewaysthatthefarmercanharvestwateraswellasminimizewaterlossPlantingwindbreakswillaidincreatingamicroclimatethatwillreduceevapotranspirationandallowforsomeshadeforcrops that require less sunlight Installing swales and terraces on contour in tandem withplantingswillslowthepathofwaterrunoffcomingontothepropertycreategoodsoakagethatwillbuildthewatertableandnaturallyfeedcropsMulchingandplantinggroundcoverspecies
72MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf73MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 44
alongsidemain crops will retainmoisture and support soil health These droughtͲproofingstrategiesworkinginconcertwillprovideagreatbenefittothefarmerA longertermstrategythatonehomestead farmersuggestedand forwhichhehasbeguntospreadamongstotherhomesteaders is conductingmassplantingsofKukui trees to createaforest forHo`olehua and capture rain He is setting the example by creating a kukui plantnurseryonhispropertyandgivingkeikiplantstootherhomesteadersAdoptionofthesetypesofstrategiesshouldalsobeconsideredbynonͲhomesteaduserswhohaveutilizedthe lionrsquosshareofMISwater ReforestationoftheslopesofMaunaloathathadbeendamagedbycattleranchingandpineapplecultivationwouldalso lessendependenceonwaterdiversions Thishasbeen identifiedasakeyprojectunder the communitydocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandalongwithcertainerosioncontrolmeasuresfortheWestEnd gulches that include installing ldquorock dikes (gabions) hedgerow plantings [and] siltationpondsrdquo74
ProtectingWaterResourceRights
TheWater Code directs the Commission to ldquoincorporate and protect adequate reserves ofwaterforcurrentandforeseeabledevelopmentanduseofHawaiianhomelandsassetforthinsection 221 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Actrdquo75 Additionally by law the HawaiianHomes Commission Act recognizes a twoͲthirdswater preference for homesteaders on theMolokai IrrigationSystem76These lawsshouldbeenforcedandtheDepartmentofHawaiianHomeLandsneedstoactivelyadvocateonbehalfofhomesteaderstoensuretheprotectionoftheir water rights The Department of Agriculture which manages the MIS must alsoresponsiblymeettheStatersquosfiduciarydutybyassuringthatwaterallocationsareincompliancewiththetwoͲthirdsprovisionforhomesteaders
WildAnimalControl
A number of farmers plagued by deer have opted to allow subsistence hunting on theirpropertyorhunt thedeer themselvesOthersare installing fencing tokeep thedeerout AlocaldeerranchersurmisedthatalotofthedeerareoriginatingfromdryMolokaiRanchlandsandmovingtowardsthehomesteadregionofHo`olehuainsearchofwaterandfoodThisdeerfarmerwouldliketoworkwithMolokaiRanchtoleaseandexpandhisoperationsontoRanchlandserect fencingandprovideadequatewater for thedeer toprevent them from invadingtheHomestead Withcollaborationamong farmersMolokaiRanchand localdeer ranchersthiscouldprovideawinͲwinsolutionforall
74MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf75HawRevStatSection174CͲ101(a)76HawaiianHomesCommissionActsect221(d)1920amended1955
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 45
IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth
Typicallyweeds are found in disturbed areas Weeds are bioͲindicators of soil health andstructureTheyservedifferentfunctionsandareoftenpioneerspeciesthatcomeintoasystemearly on to create optimal conditions for the next stages of succession into amorematuresystem Differentweedsperformdifferent functions suchasaddingnitrogen to the soil reͲmineralizingthesoilwithdeeptaprootsthatbringnutrientsbelowuptothesurfacelooseningcompacted hard pan soils to allow for aeration and room for new seedlings to grow andstabilizingfragileandexposedsoilswithrootstructuresthatfanoutmorewidelytoholdloosesoiltogetherThekeyistoselectspeciesthataremoreusefultothefarmerthanthenaturalordisturbedvegetationandovertimethesespecieswilloutcompeteweedyvarietiesDiversifyingcropsandmimickingnaturalsuccessiondoingtimestackingwithdenserplantingsofperenniallegumesgroundcoverswindbreaks fruit treesandvinesofpreferredspecieswillallow formaturation of the system create better soil health and select out nonͲfavorable weedyspeciesOne farmerwhooperatesanorganicpapaya farmdoesthe followingtopreservesoil fertilityandcontrolpests77 Utilizesa localmanufacturerfromOahuwhorecyclesusedcookingoilfatsbonesandfish
collected from restaurants foodmanufacturersand fishoutletsand turns thiswaste into100 certified organic soil amendments Tons of rawmaterialwaste now diverted fromlandfill
Usesdolomiteandcrushedcoraltoamendsoilorgypsumassubstitute Growssunnhemponrestingfieldstohelpwithnematodesandfixnitrogeninsoil Providescovercropofgrassesandweedsbetween rowsofmaturepapaya trees irrigated
withmicroͲsprinklerstokeepmoistureandlifeinthesoil Maintainsadiversefloraratherthanengaginginmonocropping Responds to cut worms (seasonal) by planting extra seedling trays to replace damaged
seedlings Sprays kumulus (organic sulfur) and baking soda to combat powderymildewmites and
thrips Ripsandairsoutoldfieldsandrestsfieldsforatleast15monthstoaddressnematodeissue Focusesongrowingthestrongesthealthiestplantstoprovidegreaterresistancetopests
77UniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesFeaturedFarmerRickTamanahaKaleikoafarmsHo`olehuaMoloka`iHĈnai`AiNewsletterJuneͲJulyͲAugust2011httpwwwctahrhawaiiedusustainagnewsarticlesV8ͲKaleikoaFarmsͲFFpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 46
AddressingHighOperationalCosts
EquipmentAccessSeveralcommunitypartnerscametogethertoaddressoneofthemajorimpedimentsforsmallfarmersonMolokai access toequipment TheMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityndashKeAupuniLƃkahipurchasedatractoraspartofaplannedequipmentrentalprogramadministeredbyUHCTAHR and the Hawaiian Homestead Association TheMolokai Rural Development ProjectpurchasedtractorimplementstofurtherassistthefarmersTheseimplementsincludedaJactoArbusAirblast Sprayerwith TractorMount to assist farmers in spraying their fieldswithoutadded labor Samp A AG 20 Spreader to allow growers to improve their soil pH and organicmatter Miller Bobcat 250 welder to aid farmers in repairing and fabricating tools andimplements aswell as serve as a training tool inwelding and farmmechanics and aGreatPlainsSubSoilerSS1300toassistfarmersinfieldpreparationwithminimalsoildisruptionWhilefarmerswillstillneedaccesstootherformsofequipmenttocutdown laborandtimetheEquipmentRentalModel isagoodone that shouldbe replicated tobenefit theMolokaifarming community overall and ameliorate farmersrsquo chances of success by bringing theirindividualcostsdownShipping
Howtotacklehighshippingcosts Consolidation Compilecargoandnegotiatewithcarriersbased on volume78 This could be handled formally through a cooperative structure orinformally through a hui of farmers The Molokai community has also recommendedcommissioning a ldquostudy to explore new alternatives for transportation links (air and sea)betweenMolokaiandotherareasandmarketsrdquo79Another alternative that Sust`ĈinableMolokai is preliminarily exploring is the feasibility ofprovidingasailingvesselequippedwithchillspacethatwouldideallybepoweredbyrenewableenergy (egwind solar) to serve as a communal shipping vessel forMolokai exports andimportsOneofourconcernsisnotonlythehighshippingcoststhatresidentsincurbutalsodealingwiththeinevitableconsequencesofglobalpeakoilandhelpingtoincreaseourislandrsquosfuelandenergysecurity
78Youn JL ldquoRootsofChange ToRichardNelsondiversification ismuchmore than justabuzzwordrdquoHawaiiBusiness Magazine February 2004 httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange79 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1105 InfrastructureTransportationAlternativesp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 47
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoodsOne of the areas where some farmers feel challenged is marketing and distributing theirproducts offͲisland While some of themwant to take advantage of better pricing on theneighbor islands the lackofknowledgeandexperience inpenetrating thosemarketscanbedauntingfortheMolokaifarmerItwasalsoexpressedtousfromvendorsandrestaurantsthatit is difficult to determine which farmer is selling what and to achieve a level of productconsistencyamong individualfarmers ForMolokaistoresandrestaurants itwouldbeeasiertodealwithabrokerdistributorormarketingteamwho isplugged intotheMolokaifarmingcommunityandcouldconsolidategoodsamongstallfarmersandachieveafairpriceforthemCoststoretainthisdistributorcouldalsobesharedamongstthefarmersThisdistributorcouldalso handlemarkets on neighboring islandsmainland and internationally and remove theheadachefromfarmerswhojustwanttofarmOriginallytheHiki`olaFarmersCooperativewassetuptosellanddistributefarmersrsquoproductsandhelptoremovethe impedimentsandpersonalchallengesfarmersface inmarketingtheirproduceandproducts independently HoweverthisprovedunsuccessfulbecauseofproductinconsistencyThismaybeanongoingchallengebutnotcompletelyinsurmountablePerhapsmorecarefulfarmplanningandcollaborationwithfarmersmaybeneededtocollectivelygrowspecific items tomaintainacertainvolumeandconsistency Issuesof seasonalityhoweverwillalwaysimpactconsistencyMarketingFarmers couldalso increase theirprofits throughappropriatebrandinga common logoandsharedwebsitefeaturingldquoGrownonMolokairdquoorldquoMadeonMolokairdquoproductlineThiswouldalsohelpprospectivevalueͲaddedfoodentrepreneurswhoarechallengedbyhighstartͲupandinsurancecoststhatcomeswithdevelopingaproductdesigningalogoandlabelandcomingupwithappropriatepackagingUnderonebrandandacommoninsurancethesecostscanbeminimizedandthevalueͲaddedproducercouldfocuschieflyoncreatingaqualityproductFarmersMarketampCommunitySupportedAgricultureMolokairsquoscurrentSaturdaymarketlocatedintheheartofKaunakakaiTownisanopenmarketwherethereareavarietyofitemssoldartscraftsvarioussundriesbakedgoodsandavarietyof vegetablesand fruits Ithasbeen suggested that theMolokaiopenmarketbe improvedupon to reflect a true farmersmarket Improvementswould includeproviding chill space toprovide other products like Molokai grass fed beef and seafood showcasing valueͲaddedMolokaiproductssellingmoreandbonafideMolokaiproduceandincreasingaccessibilityforlow income families to fresh local produce and other foods through undergoing the formalprocessandclearancetoacceptEBTfoodstamps
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 48
FarmersMarkets serve as an important venue for farmers to sell directly to customers andcreatepositiverelationshipswiththemForthosewhoprefertofarmandleavethesellingandmarketingtoothersalocaldistributorcouldfillthoseshoesSomehavesuggestedthatseveralfarmersmarketsbeestablishedwithinthevariousdistrictsofthe island (east central and west Molokai) to make local foods readily accessible to allconsumersAnother suggestionwas thatMolokai create its own local dollar or Local Exchange TradingSystem (LETS) amongst a communityor groupofpeoplewhomutually agree toextend andearn credit from each other through a series of transactions and exchanges of goods andservicesDirectbarterbetweenpartiesisnotnecessaryratheronecanearnLETScreditsfromperformingaserviceorgivingagoodandbereciprocatedatalatertimeforgoodsorservicesofequalvalue(egprovidingbabysittingservicestoearncreditsandreceiveplumbingworkinreturn)LETSallowscommunitiesgreater flexibilityandcreatesequalityamong itsmembersofferingvaluebeyondtheconventionalmonetarysystemSome farmers create their own market by operating a CSA or Community SupportedAgricultureTheWaialuaPermafarmhasbeenoperatingsuccessfullyforabout30yearsnowasaCSATheWaialuaPermafarmhasfamiliesthatregularlysubscribetotheirCSAandpurchaseweekly or biͲmonthly boxes of veggies and fruits The Waialua Permafarm provides animpressive listing of vegetable and fruits that they grow with customers choosing theirfavoritesWhateverisinseasonandpreferredbythecustomeriswhattheCSAprovidesPu`uOHokuRanchalsoprovidesveggieboxesaswellasamore recentoperation runningoutofMahanaGardensOneMolokaiCSAoperatorsuggestedtheSiskiyouSustainableCooperativeinOregonasagreatmodel that could help farmers here to consolidate their efforts and create direct farmer toconsumer relationships Some of the best practices coming from Siskiyou SustainableCooperativeinclude Acollectiveoffarmerswhowantedtoformamarketingandbusinesscooperative Their business plan included visionary goals such as a credit union for farmers a
cooperatively owned state of the art commercial kitchen and seed cleaning facilityaffordablehealthinsuranceforfarmfamiliesetc
Inthefirst2yearsthefarmersdeveloped3marketingvenuesaCSAafarmstandalongtheroadsideandacooperatively runmarketboothEventually theCooperative focusedmoreexclusivelyontheCSAasitprovedmostfinanciallysuccessful
Farmersrsquogoal istoprovidecontinualaccesstomore locallygrownandproducedfoodsandtomaketheCSAboxmoreofaldquooneͲstopshoppingrdquoexperienceformembersTodatetheCSA offers bread cheese eggs flowers beef and buffalo products coffee and honey inadditiontotheregularproduceboxes
CoͲopprovidescertifiedorganicfruitsvegetablesandspecialty itemsproducedon9smallͲscalefamilyfarmsandranches
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 49
Feeds250 families throughcooperativeCommunitySupportedAgriculture (CSA)marketingand distribution program while enhancing the economic viability of their sustainableagricultureoperations
CoͲopoffersasmallsharethatfeeds2peopleandalargesharethatfeeds3Ͳ5peopleCoͲopdropsoffthefoodboxesto7differentspotsonaweeklybasis
ProvidingproducetolowͲincomepopulationsispartofCoͲoprsquosmissionCoͲopprovidesfoodtoACCESSandfoodbanks
CoͲopalsosuccessfullyappliedtoacceptfoodstampsCoͲopunderstandsthateatingfreshhealthyfood is importantforeveryoneespeciallyforthemorevulnerablepopulations likechildrenpregnantandnursingmotherstheelderlyanddisabledThesepeoplearemostinneedofnutrientͲdensehighqualityfoods
CSAmembersalsobenefit from farmdaysofferedby thecoͲopmembersget tosee theirfoodbeing grown andmeet their farmersCoͲop also sends recipes andnewsletterswitheachboxtohelpmemberslearnnewandexcitingwaystopreparetheirvegetables
CoͲopworks toexpandmarkets for localseedproducers toprovidevarietiesofregionallyͲadaptedopenͲpollinated seeds forhomegardenersand smallͲscale farmersCoͲop leasesseed cleaning equipment from a local nonͲprofit to improve seed quality and encouragegrowers toproducemore seedas theequipment saves time Oneof thecoͲop foundingmembers started his own local seed company see websitewwwbiodynamicseedsblogspotcom
CoͲop farms utilize interns as an inexpensive labor pool while providing them withopportunitiesto learnhowtogrow foodandruna farmoperation Inaneffort toprovidequality internships someof thecoͲopmembers formedanonͲprofit toprovideeducationandsocialopportunitiesforfarminternsSeewebsitehttproguefarmcorpsorg
AchievingFinancialSustainabilityThroughMIFFStrategyTodays farmermust possess a diverse skillsͲset to be truly competitive in a globalmarketAccordingtoRichardNelsonpresidentofHawaiiBizlinkLLCanagricultureͲconsultingfirmontheBigIslandnichemarketdevelopmentisthekeytosuccessfulagribusinessinHawaiiratherthan the agricultureasacommoditymindset80 Headds [A]g iseconomicdevelopmentanditisalsotourismVisitorswanttoeattheNalogreensandthefreshfishseethepineappleplantationandvisit theaquacultureoperationsahard look [needs tobe taken in]assistingfarmers with a variety of things including development of market plans business planspackagedesignintroductiontobuyersdevelopmentoftradeshowsandmarketingvenuesforlocalproducers[E]veryfarmerhasgottogetsmarterItsnolongerjustharvestingproductandthrowing it inabinFarmershavetowearmultiplehatsnow81Aswe looktobuildinggreatercapacityinourfarmingcommunitymoreeducationandtrainingmustbeavailableforfarmerstomeettheseemergingtrendsinagriculture
80YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange81YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 50
Farmers are more likely to succeed through diversification The Multiple Income FarmingFamilies (MIFF) model is a strategy for strengthening agribusinesses through generatingmultiplerevenuestreamsOne exampleof aMultiple Income Farming Family isMolokaiMeli inoperation since 2004MolokaiMeli sellspremiumorganic rawkiawehoneyasavalueͲaddedproductThe familymarketsldquomelisticksrdquoorhoneysealed instrawsassimplesnacks Theyalsoprovidedifferentgradesofhoneypremiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyandhoneycombsthattheyadvertiseand sell through their website The family doesnrsquot stop there Their eldest child Elijahdevelopedhisownbusiness around adressing recipeheperfectedmadewithMolokaiMelihoneyTheyoungerdaughtershavealsodevelopedtheirownproductsbeeswaxcandlesandchapstickthataresoldatKumuFarmsandMolokairsquosspecialtyshopsAllfamilymemberssuitupintheirbeekeepingsuitstocareforthebeesInitiallywhentheystartedtheirbusinesstheyhadnot fullyreachedtheir financialgoal insecuringallthestartͲupcoststheyneeded Theylearnedtoadaptandadjustedtheirbusinessplan Whenfacedwithapredicamentthattheywould not receive their bees on time to start their operations smoothly they turned thischallengeintoanewbusinessopportunitybyprovidingtheislandrsquossolebeeremovalservicesThey utilized this initial stock of bees for honey production and continue to replenish theirstoresbymaintainingbeeremovalservicesValueͲAddingampGoingOrganicThecommunitysupportsorganicvalueͲaddedandsustainablefarming82 Encourageandsupportorganicandenvironmentallyfriendlyfarmingmethodstechniques SupporttheproductionofvalueͲaddedproducts SupportthefarmingofcertifiedorganicandornonͲGMOcropsAnexampleofwhereMolokaifarmershaveachievedsuccess is inproducingcertifiedorganicpapayaMolokaiistheonlyplaceintheworldwhereorganicpapayaisgrowncommerciallyAsmallairportrunway that lacks thecapacity toreceive largeplanesand internationalcarriershaskeptMolokaibiologicallypurerthantheother islands inthat ithasnotbeenexposedtothepapaya ringspotvirus likewise thebananabunchy topvirushasalsonot takena strongholdonMolokaibananaKumu Farms is a local distributor of organic sunrisestrawberry papaya In themidͲ1990sKumuFarms invested inandbuiltaforcedͲhotͲair(FHA)chemicalfreetreatmentfacilitywiththeapprovalof theUSDepartmentofAgriculture to treat itscertifiedorganicpapayaonsiteand distribute directly to its various markets throughout the State of Hawai`i the USMainland and Canada83 Thirty percent (30) of the organic papaya supply comes from
82MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf83KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 51
homesteadfarmingfamilieswhoarepartofKumuFarmsldquosatelliteprogramrdquo84ThesefarmersarepaidbyKumuFarms$075lbfororganicpapayawhichismorethandoublewhatfarmerstypicallygetforconventionalGMOpapayaat$030lb MolokaiOrganicPapayaretails inthemainlandUSat$5lbProducingcropsorganically isawaytovalueͲaddandenteranichemarket This isespeciallyusefulforsmallfarmswhocannotcompetewithlargeproducersOneofthesatellitefarmshasexpressedadesiretobegindistributingandmarketingitsorganicpapayaindependentlyofKumuFarmstorealizedirectmarketprofitsInanycaseKumuFarmsplaysavaluablerole inproviding itsownFHAchemicalfreetreatmentfacilitydoingoutreachto small farmers to assume the costs of shipping distribution and marketing For manybeginning farmers these types of opportunitiesmitigate some of the costs of running anagribusinessandgivethemaleguptogrowandeventuallyexpandtheirownenterprisesThe 2010 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process forMaui Countyidentified the main economic sectors forMauiMolokai and Lanai islands They includeAgriculture Arts and Entertainment Government Healthcare Recreation and SportsRenewableEnergyResearchampDevelopment (RampD)and theVisitor Industry MolokaiCEDSparticipantshave identifiedprioritygoalsandobjectivesundereachsector ForAgricultureampAquacultureMolokai residentselectedasapriorityobjectiveaneffective ldquoBuy Localrdquo (ldquoBuyMolokairdquocampaign)andtheestablishmentofaldquoMadeonMolokairdquobrandAdditionally a September 2009 report provided by theMaui EconomicDevelopment Board(MEDB)onldquoEntrepreneurshipandtheFutureofMolokairdquodeterminedfrommultiplesurveysofMolokairsquos business community areas for growth and opportunity for the islandrsquos economyRespondents identified asopportunities ldquouniquelyMolokai lsquonichersquoproducts (organicpapayacoffeecookiesMolokaibreadetc)rdquoandldquovalueͲaddedproducts (tarochipspackageddriedmangococonutandbanana)rdquoIncreasedproductionandmarketingofnewvalueͲaddedfoodproductsprovide longershelf life requires lessvolumeof rawproductandhaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketswishingtotrynewandexoticfoods ValueͲaddingandcreationofnicheproducts thatplay to the strengthsofwhat farmershere cangrowprovidesagreateradvantagetoMolokaiproducersandallowsthemtobemorecompetitiveinthemarket A few years ago theMolokai Rural Development Project (RDP) offered ValueͲAdded FoodProductionTrainingattheLanikehaCommercialKitchen inpartnershipwithHawaiianHomestheMolokaiCommunityServiceCouncilandKƻha`oBusinessCenterThetrainingwasgearedtoestablishingsuccessfulvalueͲadded foodbusinessesto fulfillanichemarketandaid inthediversification ofMolokairsquos agriculture industry RDP designed the training along theMIFFmodelofprovidingmultipleincomestreamsforfarmingfamiliesThelocalfarmerthroughthistrainingcouldsupplementhis income throughvalueͲaddingorconnectwithanentrepreneurwishingtoturnldquowasterdquo(discardedoffͲgradeproduce)intoopportunity
84KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 52
Currently Lanikeha holds a number of anchor tenants that regularly produce valueͲaddeditems Products thathavecomeoutofLanikeha includepoisweetpotatochipshoneyseasaltpestoproductsbakedandcatereditemsUtilizingLanikehaasaCommunityCommercialKitchen Incubator for additional valueͲadded product development and training is key todeveloping new food entrepreneurs on Molokai and strengthening the islands agricultureeconomyAgriͲTourismPriorities identified inMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian IslandrsquosAgricultureAquacultureSectionincludessupportofldquoagroͲtourismendeavorsrdquo85An area in which there is room for growth and diversification is the agritourism industryAccording to the Hawaii Agritourism Association (HATA) agritourism assists farmers withsupplementalincomebyprovidinganichemarketthatinvolvesconnectingtheconsumertothelandandthegrowersbyeducatingthemaboutagriculturalproductsandprovidingadirectandinteractiveexperienceOf theprofitsmade fromagͲtourism relatedactivitiesmost revenuesaregainedthroughonfarmsalesdirecttofarmvisitorsAdditionallymanyoperationsreceiveorders for products after visitors return home suggesting gains made through buildingrelationshipswithcustomersthroughagritourismvenuesAccording toHATAagritourism isagrowingglobal trend thatprovides farmswith income increative ways enhances diversity of visitor experiences while at the same time supportsculturalidentityTheMolokaiResponsibleTourism InitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanprovidesabasisfor identifyingacceptablehostͲvisitorexperiences inkeepingwithMolokairsquoscultureandruralpace 86 Focus group sessions interviews and surveys revealed that residents favoredsustainablecommunitytourismtheelementsofwhichinclude Operationsby localand traditionalpopulation toenhance thequalityof lifeprotectand
restoretheenvironmentalandculturalassetsandengagevisitorsontermsdefinedbythecommunity
Activitiesevolvingasasolutiontoeconomicenvironmentalsocialeducationalandcultural
growthchallenges
85MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf86McGregorDaviannaldquoMolokaiResponsibleTourismInitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanForMoloka`irdquoKe`AupuniLƃkĈhindashMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityFebruary2006httphuinethawaiirdporgmolokaiFinal20Report20Ͳ20with20coverpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 53
Advocating a fair exchange of value between the host and the hosted Preserving the
communityrsquossenseofplacethatbringsdignityandpridetothehost Featuringauthenticandgenuineactivities forguests Sharing realcultureby thepeople
whopracticeit Creatingabalancedratiobetweenthelocalpopulationandvisitorcountsothatthesenseof
placeisnotoverwhelmedbylargescaletourismSomeactionsteps identified tomeet theseprinciples includedculturalexchangeeducationaltoursbuilding thekama`ainavisitormarketworkingwithentrepreneurcohortsestablishingcommunitynetworksandcollaborativeeffortsSuccesswouldbemeasuredwithanincreaseinthe number of jobs in the visitor industry and an increase in contributions to the islandrsquoseconomyfromvisitoractivitiesandretailpurchasesSome Molokai farmers have shown interest in agriͲtourism as evidenced by a programsupportedbytheKƻha`oBusinessCentertheCountyOfficeofEconomicDevelopmentandtheMolokaiAgriculturalDevelopmentProgramafewyearsagotoprovideintroductoryagritourismworkshops and site visits to various farmsonMauiMaui farms likeAli`iKula Lavender andSurfingGoatDairyhaveservedasgreatmentorsTheseactivitieshave inspiredandpromptedMolokai farmersto lookathowtheycan improvetheirown farmingoperationsand increaserevenuethroughdiversificationPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm isoneexampleofagritourismonMolokai The familyprovides farmtoursandgivesvisitorstheldquomacadamiaexperiencerdquothroughaneducationalcomponentandanopportunity to taste and purchase their product Relationships builtwith visitors serve tocreatealoyalcustomerbaseThePurdyrsquosprovidedirectmarketingbymailtocustomerswhohavevisitedtheminthepastThismethodhasbeenquiteeffectiveforthemTherearenegativeviewsonMolokaiabout tourismorconventionalaspectsof tourism thatexploittheHawaiianhostculture One farmerwhodislikestourismstatedhoweverthathehaswelcomedhundredsofpeopleofallagestovisittourandworkonhis family farm Forhimnoproprietarysecretsarekeptjustadesiretoshareknowledgeandthefamilyrsquospassionfor farming In this sense tourism takes a differentmeaning one that ismore about aneducational exchange and an opportunity to volunteer and gain knowledge throughexperiencingaworkingfarmfirsthand
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 54
ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms
Lawsmustbeenforcedtomake it favorabletothe farmerto farm Enforcementofthe lawsthataccuratelydefineagricultureandappropriatefarmdwellingsiscriticaltothemaintenanceofHawai`irsquosinventoryofagriculturallandslestweforfeitafoodsecurefutureforHawai`i
MolokaiisoneofthefewislandsifnottheonlyHawaiianislandthatselfͲidentifiesitsdesiredandprimaryeconomy tobeagriculture rather than tourismThemajorityofour informantsrespondedtothefollowingquestioninthismanner
Question What is your Agriculture Vision for Molokai
ldquoTo truly be the agriculture breadbasket of the Staterdquo
Muchofthissentimentcanbeattributedtoourhistoriclegacyas`inaMomonaandaculturethathasneverforgottenthatthewealthofthe land isdeterminedbyhowmuchfoodcanbeproduced and howmuch can be shared This is the essence ofMolokairsquos two economiesagricultureandtraditionalsubsistence
InkeepingwithavisionforMolokaitobetheagriculturebreadbasketoftheStatefarmerssaythatchangesneed tobemadeby theStategovernment toprovideaguaranteedmarket forMolokai farmers to supply urban and densely populated islands like Oahu rather thanperpetuatingalosingpropositionforMolokairsquosfarmerswhoareforcedtocompetewithotherswhohavemoredirectaccesstothemarket
ExcerptsfromMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandmakescommunityobjectivesclearastothehighprioritygiventoprotectingtheinterestsoflocalagriculture87 Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture food
production Promoteandsupport family farmsonMolokai inorder toprotectagricultureaquaculture
resourcesfromcommercialexploitation Promoteactivitiesand incentives thatwillhelpsupport theeconomicsecurityofour farm
families
AdditionalacreageforAgriculturalParksshouldbereservedtosupporttheexpansionoflocalfamilyfarmsPracticesthatconflictwiththespiritandpoliciesidentifiedforAgParkssuchasleasingorsubͲleasingto largecorporateindustrialagricultureandbiotechcompaniesshouldbeprohibited
87MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 55
Newtrendsrelatedtoan increasingappreciationanddemandfor localandregionalproduceencourage the return of small family farms88 Family farms are important to the soul andresilienceofacommunity Where industrialagriculturecompaniestendtocauseerosionandpollution through destructive practiceswith the use ofmachinery and heavy application ofchemical fertilizersherbicides andpesticides independent small family farmshave amoreintimate relationship with the land and are keen on preserving green and open spaces inalignmentwithcommunityvalues89
Related to thedeclineofsmall family farms is theagingofAmericarsquos farmers Molokai isnodifferent Theaverageageofthefarmerswesurveyedwere54yearsoldwhilethenationalaverage is 5790 The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 70 of the nationrsquosagricultural landwill changehandswithin the next 20 yearsdue to the agingpopulationoffarmers91 Ifthenextgeneration isnot interested infarmingthere isarealthreatthatthesefarmlandswillbeconvertedtononͲagriculturepurposes92 It is imperativethentocultivateanewgenerationofbeginningfarmers
OutreachampEducationIncreasingConsumerAwareness Reviewofsurveyand interviewresponsesstimulated livelyinformalinquiryanddiscussionamongfriendsfamilyandcolleaguesOnesuchdiscussionwasabout the need to raise greater consumer awareness of different kinds of foods herbsvegetablesthatattractthemoreexperiencedpalettebut forwhichthe localpopulationmaynotbeaccustomedtooutsideoftheirowntraditionalfoodsOneobservationthatwasmadebyKumuFarmsisthatsalesarelowinthesummerandpickupagainatthearrivalofsnowbirdsin the fallandwintermonths Hearing localpeople talkabout theirappreciationofgoing toKumuFarmstopickupfreshorganicproducebutareluctancetotrysomeofthemoreexoticherbsbecauseoftheirlackofknowledgeonhowtopreparethemsuggestsadesiretoexploredifferentcuisinesbutnotenoughopportunitytolearnaboutandincorporatethesefoodsintotheir cooking Hosting different tastings and cooking classes that integrate a farm to tableapproachmayhelp to removesome thesebarriers toeatinghealthynew foods With thesetypesofactivitieswecreatemoreeducatedconsumers Severalofour informantshavealsosuggestedraisingawarenessatanearlyagetoeducatethenextgenerationofeatersthroughschoolgardenprogramsthatgivechildrenadirectexperienceandappreciationofcultivating
ͺͺUnited StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof FoodandAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml89ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml90ShuteBldquoANewGenerationofFarmersrdquoTheNewYorkTimesAugust192011httpwwwnytimescomroomfordebate20110817couldͲfarmsͲsurviveͲwithoutͲillegalͲlaborweͲneedͲaͲnewͲgenerationͲofͲamericanͲfarmers91United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml92United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 56
preparingeatingandeventuallybuyingadelightfuldiversityof locallygrownnutritiousandwholefoodsEducatingFarmers Molokaihasgreatresourcesthatassistboththeprospectiveandcurrentfarmer ingaining inͲdepthagriculturalknowledgeand skills TheUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollege (UHMC) Molokai Farm confers an Associates Degree and Certificates in variousAgricultureampNaturalResourcestopics
CertificateofAchievementandASdegrees inHorticultureand LandscapeMaintenanceandSustainableTropicalCropManagement
Certificates of Competence in Agricultural Science Nursery Production and PestManagement
CertificatesofCompletioninTurfgrassSpecialistSustainableTropicalCropProductionandLandscapeMaintenance
Associates in Technical Studies Degree in Cultural and Natural Resource ManagementMĈlama`ina
InthepasttheMolokaiRuralDevelopmentProjectsponsoredtheAgricultureCohorttrainingprogramwhichserved8 farming families (27 familymemberstotal)committedtodevelopingsustainablefamilyfarms93The UHͲCTAHR Molokai Office delivered the training The project employed experientiallearning and instructionalmethodologies as best practices for intergenerational transfer oftechnology and expertise for sustainable agriculture Participants learned marketing farmplanningproductionplanningrecordkeepingcompleterequisitetaxforms(ScheduleF)farmequipmentsafetyandoperationsiteͲselectionassessmentirrigationsetͲupsoilfertilityplantnutritionpestmanagement (weeds insectsdiseases)harvesting commoditiespostͲharvesthandling grading and qualitymanagement organic certification basic computing businesssoftware and custom agricultureͲbased software Participants received training on usingspecialagriculture softwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRMolokaiextensionagentAltonArakakiThe first software they learned was on Production Mapping With this program farmersplannedandprojected theirproductionactivities throughout theyearanddeterminedwhenandhowmuch resourceswouldbeneeded to complete activities successfully TheprogramalsoprovidedfarmersanopportunitytorealisticallyestimateproductioncashflowoftheirfarmplansThesecondsoftwarethey learnedwastheScheduleFfinancialrecordkeepingprogramthatmaintainsrecords inatemplatethatwouldeventuallycompletetheirDepartmentoftheTreasuryProfitandLossfromFarmingIRSScheduleFForm1040AttheendofthetrainingthecohortparticipantsreceivedcopiesofthesoftwareOtherfarmingsoftwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRprovedusefulforfarmentrepreneursenrolledintheprojectThesoftwareincludedPlantTissueAnalysisndashRecordingandTrackingforplantnutritionmanagementandCalibratingYourSprayer(publishedbyCTAHRhttpwwwctahrhawaiieduocfreepubspdfPRREͲ6pdf)
93AkutagawaMalialdquoAgriculturalCohortProjectFinalReportrdquoAugust302007
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 57
Farmfamiliesincreasedtheirknowledgeandexperienceincropproductionandmanagementandapplied theiracquiredskills toestablishingorexpanding their farmbusiness Thecropsproducedbythe8 family farmenterprises includedorganicpapaya(3 farms)yamDioscareaorganicwatermelon and taro greenhouse lettucepumpkin taro (lu`au leaf table taro andvalueͲaddedkuloloproduct)andcoffeeSeveral participants were successful recipients of the Molokai Agricultural DevelopmentProgram awards having enrolled in RDPrsquos Kƻha`o Business Center Entrepreneurial TrainingProgram to receive oneͲtoͲone business consultation and assistance in developing theirbusinessplans
Allcohort familiesmadeprofitandexceededbenchmarkssetbyRDP Anestimated totalof$105000wasmade in cumulative sales over the yearmore than doubling the year 2 endprojectgoalof$50000 The farmproductsweremarketedonͲisland intrastateandon themainlandOrganicpapayasweremarketedtomainlandhubsinLosAngelesSanFranciscoandPortlandFromthesehugecitiestheyweresoldandshippedtoinlandmarkets
From thiscomprehensive trainingparticipants learnedandexperiencedboth theagriculturalsciencesandartofrunningasuccessfulbusinessInthesciencecurriculumparticipantslearnedsubjectmatters insoilplantsplantdiseases insectsweedsplantnutritionmanagementofplant pests and plant nutrition In the agriͲbusiness curriculum participants learned postharvesthandlinggradingorganic certificationmarketingand farmproductionplanningandmanagement Both experiential learning and classroom instruction proved invaluable Themajorityofthesefamiliesremainsuccessfultodaymorethan5yearsaftertheprogramendedTrainingslikethisgivefarmersthenecessarytoolstorunasuccessfulagribusinessUHͲCTAHRcontinues toassistby focusingon teachingbeginning farmersasaway to cultivate thenextgenerationoffarmersandreversethenationwidetrendofanagingfarmingpopulationSust`ĈinableMolokaihasalso focusedoncomplementing thisworkbybringingpermaculture(ecologicalfarming)inpartnershipwiththePermacultureResearchInstituteUSAtointerestedlocal adults and homesteaders to farm responsibly and sustainably From herewersquove beenteachingsustainablefarmingstrategiestoanestimated100MolokaiHighSchoolstudentsandinstallingthefeaturesofaminiͲahupua`aasademonstrationandteachingtoolIt is recommended that tobuilda strong farmingcommunity in thenextgenerationwewillneedtotakeproactivestepsnowandstartpreparingnewfarmersearlyonfromgradeschoollevel with school gardens up through middle and high school as youth begin to exploreagricultureasacareerGeneralagricultureclassescanbesupplementedwithacurriculumthatincludes financial literacyentrepreneurshipbusinesshomeeconomicshealthandnutritionscience (biology ecology chemistry conservation) and engineering aspects From herestudentswill be able to understand agriculture from diverse viewpoints and disciplines anddevelopdifferentskills required foroperatingasuccessful farmenterprise Creatingadirectbridge tohighereducation throughcollegeandcareerpathway ladderprogramsavailableat
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 58
UHMCMolokaiandotheruniversityinstitutionsisidealOnefarmerwhohasastrongbusinessbackgroundandwasabookkeeperformanyyearspriorto farming recommended that youngpeople take courses inbookkeeping and accounting inadditiontoagricultureclassesPerhaps thegreatestways to impart farmingknowledge isbetween farmers SeveralofourfarmersthatweinterviewedindicatedthattheylearnbestfromeachotherandthatthereisadesiretoserveasmentorsfornewfarmerswholackexperienceThisisfeltparticularlyamongMolokairsquoshomesteadfarmersOnefarmerremarkedontheverycloseͲknitcommunityformedonthehomesteadandthatmosthavethesamemindsetthatldquonewopportunitiesforoneareopportunities for allrdquo As a group they rely on each other to share farming techniquesinformation on new equipment and promote their produce together Rarely is therecompetitionamongsthomesteadersbutadesire todemonstrate thatagriculture isa viableeconomicenginefortheislandOtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchersThereareanumberofincentiveprogramsthatassistfarmersranchersandlandownersiftheychoosetointegrateconservationandsustainablepracticesintheiroperationsThisisonewaythat Molokai producers can access critical funding and work with conservation expertsIncentive Programs through the US Department of Agriculture include the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service (NRCS) ndashMolokaiͲLanai Soil ampWater Conservation District(SWCD) which prepares local conservation and watershed management plans providesconservationeducationandpropagatesnativeplantstorestoreHawaiianecosystemsassistsfarmersand ranchers inanumberof federalFarmBillPrograms thatprovides incentives forvoluntary conservation practices to help reduce erosion protect streams and rivers restoreandestablishfishandwildlifehabitatandimproveairqualityo EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)respondstoimportantlocallyidentified
natural resource concerns Funds cover conservationplanningdesignand installation Itmayincludestrategiessuchasnoxiousweedcontrolbrushmanagementpasturehaylandplantingterracesandgroundcover
o GroundampSurfaceWaterConservation (GSWC) supports installationof irrigation related
conservation practices Strategies funded arewater catchment basinsmicroͲirrigationroofrunoffetc
o GrasslandReserveProgram(GRP)assistslandownersandoperatorsintherestorationand
protectionofgrasslandincludingrangelandandpasturelando WildlifeHabitat IncentiveProgram (WHIP) utilized for thecreationand improvementof
fish and wildlife habitat on private land Some practices funded include developingwetlandripariananduplandareas
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 59
o Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) wetland restoration enhancement or creation on
privatelando FarmampRanchlandProtectionProgram(FRPP)helpingstatetribalorlocalgovernmentto
purchasethedevelopmentrightstokeepproductivefarmandranchlandinagriculturaluseo Conservation Security Program (CSP) rewards farmers for protecting and improving the
environment Pays producerswho historically practice good stewardship on agriculturallandsandprovidesincentives
OtherprogramsadministeredthroughNRCSanditsaffiliatesincludeo AgriculturalDevelopment Program (ADP) provides funds to Resource Conservation and
DevelopmentCouncils throughout the nation to administer grants for community drivenprojectsthatpromoteagriculturaldevelopment
o Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) stimulates the development and adoption of
innovativeconservationapproachesand technologieswhile leveraging federal investmentinenvironmentalenhancementandprotectioninconjunctionwithagriculturalproduction
o CooperativeEcosystemStudiesUnit(CESU)provideopportunitiesforinterdisciplinaryand
multiͲagency research technical assistance and education Function as ldquovirtualrdquoorganizationslinkingseveralinstitutionstoincreaseaccesstoexpertiseandfacilities
ImproveRanchingPracticesampMaximizeUseampPotentialofSlaughterhouseThebroaderimpactfortheislandinhavingitsownslaughterhousethemostadvancedfacilityin theStateofHawaii is the revitalizationofMolokairsquos ranching industryWherequalityandincreased volume are paramount ranchers with the right tools may take advantage ofconsumer trends towards making healthier food choices through offering MolokaiͲgrowngrassͲfedorganicbeefasavalueͲaddednicheproduct
TherehavebeencriticismsaboutthequalityofMolokaibeef intermsoftaste Whilevisitorsandhealthconsciousindividualstendtobemorewillingtospendupto$5lbonlocalgrassfedbeeftheaverageMolokaiconsumertendstobemoreconcernedabouttasteAccordingtotheslaughterhousemanagerhighqualitypastureyieldshighqualitybeefandisapreͲrequisiteforenteringanichemarket Ranchersherearenot focusedongrass finishing theircattle HighqualitygrassgrownunderbestmanagementpracticesisneededtocreateagreatbeefproductItwill take time for the ranching industry to see the valueof adopting greatermeasures inalignmentwithorganicranchingpreceptstocaptureanichemarket
Venisonand lambshowmarketpotential Itwillbe interestingtotracktheprogressofthese
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 60
potential enterprises in the years ahead It is recommended thatMolokairsquos stateͲofͲtheͲartslaughterhousebeutilizedtoprocessanddistributemore localmeatandavarietyofanimalsforretailprocessingaswellasvalueͲaddedfooddevelopmentAdditionallythepossibilityandrequirements for processing goat through the slaughterhouse and the potentialmarket fortheseanimals shouldbe furtherexploredasaway toget feralgoats (andmoredeer)downfromthemountainasathreattouplandnativeforestsandontotheplateWemustbegintolookatwaystoturnthreatsintoopportunities
SustainableRanchingThe community has identified as a priority the support of ldquocontinued livestockͲraisingoperationsonMolokaithatusesustainablelandwatermanagementpracticestominimizetheriskoferosionandtoprotectMolokairsquoslimitedwaterresourcesrdquo94Sust`ĈinableMolokaihasbeenresearchingwaystobringthetoolsofHolisticManagementtoMolokai ranchers Theholisticmanagement framework touchesupon theways thatanimalscan play an important role in renewing the land through careful management andunderstandingthewatercyclemineralcycleenergyflowandecosystemdynamics Throughthismethodgrasslandscanbe improved tominimizenegativeeffectsofdroughtrebuildsoilandsequestercarbonaswellasprovidegoodpastureforhoovedanimalswhoareintegratedinto themanagement plan With holisticmanagement livestock actually provide a healingeffectonthelandthroughmimickingnatureandwildherdingbehaviorAnimalscanbeutilizedtoaerate the soilandaid in theplantingofgrass seedwith theirhooveswhilecontributingnutrientstothesoilfromtheirfeceswithhighdensitygrazingforshortperiodsfollowedbyarestorativeperiod Outcomesof this sustainablewayofmanagement include reduced costsand increased profits for the ranch more productive range land biologically active soilsreversal of desertification of eroded lands drought protection restorative effect on thewatershedimprovedwildlifehabitatandecosystemsandfoodsecurityRanchersaroundtheworldhavemetwithgreatsuccessthroughthismethodTherearesomeexamplesontheBigIslandofsuccessfulranchingwithHolisticManagementprinciplesWithappropriateplanningcollaboration and raising the necessary funds Sust`ĈinableMolokai would like to bring aHolisticManagementtrainingworkshoptoassisttheranchingcommunityStrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparednessOne farm business Kumu Farms has taken an active role in responding to food securityconcernsforMolokaiKumuFarmsaftertherecenttsunamiscarebegantoconsiderhowtheycouldhelpinincreasingMolokairsquosfoodsecurityandresiliencetodisastereventsKumuFarmsadoptedapolicy thatmakesMolokai firstpriority in termsof supplying the islandrsquosproduceneedsMolokaineedsaretakencareoffirstwiththesurplusexportedtotherestoftheStateandUSmainland
94MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 61
UH CTAHRwill be providing an `Ohana Gardening class for subsistence gardening Familygardens are the bestway to provide food security There is a phrase by Geoff Lawton arenowned permaculture teacher ldquoOne can solve all problems in a gardenrdquo In a gardendistributionandtransportationissuesareautomaticallyresolvedOthermeasuresthatcanbetaken to make food readily accessible to families and minimize the amount of time andresources to travel by foot is toworkwith families to plant breadfruit trees sweet potatobananaswet or dryland taroMany Hawaiian families particularly living on kuleana landsalreadyhavetheseplantsandtrees inthegroundasdirectbeneficiariesoftheirkupunawhocommonlyprovidedforthefamilyrsquosneedsrightintheirownbackyardOne farmer would like to see food forests on the mountain sides in every ahupua`aCollaborationwith large landownerscommunitygroupsand theahaki`ole leadershipwouldbeagoodstartingpointtocoordinatethistypeofworkMolokairsquos strength also lies in its diversified agriculture and family farms The use of largeacreagesof farm land forbiotech seedcropsutilized for researchpurposesonly impacts theislandrsquos food security and ability to produce food Typical industrialmonocrop culture alsoleavestheislandmorevulnerabletomasscropfailureGreaterresilienceisfoundthroughdiversificationoffoodcropsReintroducingthepracticeofseedsavingandgrowingmanyvarietiesofheirloomseedsadaptedtospecificgrowingregionsand climate regimes is away to increase food security Greater effortmust be placed increatingaseedbankpreservingandplantingexistingseedvarietiesparticularlycreatedbytheearlyHawaiians and passed down to the present generation and cultivating new varietiesadaptedtoonersquosgrowingareaRestoration ofWaikolu Valley was identified as a priority project under theMaui CountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)processTherestorationprojectwouldentailallowinghomesteaderstorestorethetaroterracesinthevalleyandreplanttaro95Molokairsquosgreat inventoryoffishpondsandmassivefringingreefsystemarealsoassetstotheislandrsquosabilitytoproducefoodCaremustbetakentorestoreuplandforeststostopsiltationandrunoffintotheoceanandfishpondsWorkmustbeundertakentorestoremorefishpondsandputthembackintoproduction
95Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter4ndashMauiCountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy2010ShortRangePriorityProjectsp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 62
ConclusionFarming is challenging onMolokai due to limited water resources high operational costsshippinghurdlesandtheabilitytogeta fairprice forproduce farmed Thesechallengesarenot insurmountable ifapproachedsystematicallyandcontinuedeffortsandcommitmentsaremade byMolokairsquos community to support local agriculture through education and creatingstructuresthatpoolresourcesandpeopletogetherThe island ismadestrongerby theassetswehavearichcultural legacyof `Ĉinamomonaapopulation thatmaintains traditional subsistence practices and upholds agriculture as theeconomic mainstay for the island lands fishponds and reefs capable of producing vastamounts of food a strongHawaiianHomestead farming community engaged in diversifiedagriculture a college and demonstration farm that offers agriculture certificate and degreeprograms local stateͲofͲtheͲart slaughterhousea community run commercialkitchen facilityforvalueͲadded foodproductionand trainingdedicatededucatorsandagricultureextensionagents from the University to help farmers in the field and an environment that ismorecooperativethancompetitiveintermsofsharingknowledgeandbestpractices
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 63
VI APPENDICES
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sustrsquoaina ble Molokai Survey Food Production amp Security
Do you care or think about where your food comes from ___yes ___no Do you prefer to buy local Molokai food products __ yes ___no __no preference Would you eat more local food if it were available __yes __no If yes what would you like to eat or buy if made grown on Molokai_______________________________________________________________________________ Do you feel you have access to locally grown food in the grocery stores and open markets ___yes ___no If no
what do you suggest to improve this situation_______________________________________________________
Are you a farmer or interested in farming ____ yes ____no If yes how old are you_________________
If yes what do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other ________________________________
What produce do you (plan to) farm_______________ ______________________________________ How much land are you farming (or is available for you) a Less than one acre b 1 ndash 5 acres c 15 - 40 acres d 40 acres or more
Do you grow your own food (farm gardening) _____ yes ______no If no what is the primary reason for not
growing your own food __Too busy __ Not interested __ Relying on others __Disabled __ Donrsquot know
how Other Reason _____________________________
Approximately what percentage of the food you eat is Prepared at home ______ Purchased from a restaurant ______ (total should equal 100)
Of the food you prepare at home approximately what percentage is grown caught andor produced (total should equal 100)
a By you andor your family ______ b On Molokai_______ c In Hawaii ________ d Outside Hawaii________
Would you grow food for sale if there were a viable market (guaranteed customer) (or more food if you already grow)
__Yes __No What subsistence activities do you do If none why (no interest no time donrsquot know how)
aHunting b FishingDiving c Gathering (what___________________) Other ______________ None because _______________________
To practice subsistence on Molokai we need our natural resources to be in good conditionprotected and we need access Which one is a bigger concern for you ___Conditionprotection of our natural resources ___Access to natural areasresources ___Both ndash equally
Overall how important is subsistence to your family ___Very Important ___Somewhat important
___Somewhat Unimportant ___Not Important at all
About what percent of your familyrsquos food comes from subsistence activities (fishing hunting gathering raising
animals cultivation) ________
AppendixA-FoodProduc0onampSecuritySurvey
Food Production ndash Informant Interviews ndash Farmers
Sustainable Molokai is creating an online database where we are inputting information about the islandrsquos food production We want to share what you are growing as well as include your manarsquoo on the status of Molokairsquos food supply Once this information is available to the public the island community would have a picture of what is going on in terms of food security and how we can all get together to fill in the gaps and meet needs
How old are you how long have you been farming
What produce do you farm or are interested in farming How much land is available for you
What has been your best cash crop
Has farming your specific productproduce been successful
What do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other___________________________
Do you sell or plan to sell food mostly on island What is your vision for an agricultural future for this island
AppendixB-InterviewQues0onsforFarmers
Food Security Interview Questions for Businesses
Sustainable Molokai is working on a database project which is collecting information about Molokairsquos food production We are surveying the community and would like to talk story with the islandrsquos grocery stores
Out of a 100 how much percentage of what you sell out of the store is locally grownproducedmade
If itrsquos not Molokai made where does the produce come that is being sold out of the store
What Molokai madegrown products do you sell out of the store
What are the requirements for local food to be sold out of your store (eg business license)
What is the most popularsuccessful or fastest selling local product sold
What do you consider to be the challenges that farmers face on Molokai
What would you like to sell that is Molokai made
Do you have any suggestions to potential farmers food businesses on Molokai What to sell when to sell etc
AppendixC-InterviewQues0onsforBusinesses
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 5
grassroots leaders)then life isbreathed intothedataand ithasthepowertotransform livesforthebetterThefirstsustainabilitytopicwehavebeguntosurveyourpopulationonisinFoodProductionToaidus in thisendeavorwesearchedexisting literatureonagriculturegenerallyaswellascombed through references toMolokaiͲspecificagriculture Thisbaselineworkhelpedus todetermine gaps in the data and refine our interview and survey questions The followingbackground information isprovidedtohelp layafoundationandcontextualbackdropforourstudy
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 6
II BACKGROUND
AStatewideOutlook
Agriculture isamajorcontributortoHawai`irsquoseconomyand isessential forproviding foodtoresidentsaswellasgeneratingrevenuethrougharobustexportmarket1Agriculturegenerates$29billion toHawai`irsquosannualeconomyandproduces42000 jobs2However there ismuchroomfor improvement intermsofprovidingenoughfoodforthe islandsaswellas increasingrevenuesfortheState
From Plantation Agriculture to Biotech Seed Crops Towards the end of the 20th centurymonocropplantationagriculture(sugarpineapple) lost itseconomicedgedueto lowerwageforeign competition3 Industrialized corporate agriculture in Hawai`i has shifted to biotechcropsnamelygeneticallymodifiedseedcornresearch4
WhilebiotechseedcropshaveprovenmosteconomicallylucrativeforHawai`iagriculturewithaprofitvalueof$177million in the2008Ͳ2009growingseason5allocatingpreciousacreageand limitedwaterresources toGMOseedcropresearchwould in the longͲtermcompromisethe Statersquos overall food security and limit the Statersquos ability to provide locally healthy andnutritiousfoodsIndustrialnonͲsustainablefarmingpracticesthatincludeheavyapplicationofsynthetic fertilizers and pesticides further degrade the ecological health and viability ofHawai`irsquosprimeagriculturallandsforpresentandfuturegenerations
AgroecologyHawai`irsquosgeographic isolationasan islandarchipelago leaves itmostvulnerableto food and fuel shortages natural disasters drought and rising sea levels associatedwithglobal climate change Measures to increase resilience and adaptability include adoptingagroecological approaches ldquoapply[ing] ecological science to the design of agricultural1State of Hawai`i Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism Office of Planning Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)ExecutiveSummaryii20102HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday3Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp4Ͳ5 ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50million Likewise thepineapple industryproduced954000 tonsof fruit in1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74millionͶHawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp5ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50millionLikewisethepineappleindustryproduced954000tonsoffruitin1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74million5ldquoTheHawaiiDepartmentofAgricultureestimatesthevalueofseedcorngrowingat$169millioninthe200809growingseasonmorethandoublethevaluefromthe200506ItrepresentedaboutoneͲthirdthevalueofallcropsgrowninthestatein200809rdquo5Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp30Ͳ31
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 7
systemsrdquo6Thismethodology includespracticesthatenhancethe life inthesoilthatprovidesnutritiousorganic food integratedpestmanagement throughguildingwithbeneficialplantsandtreesandattractingnaturalpredatorinsectsandanimalstoprotectcropsandselectingforbiodiversitytominimizecroplosses
Organic Farming Renewed interest in sustainable agricultural practices have arisen from aburgeoning organic industry and standards for organic certification that stress ecologicallybased farming and exclusion of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and geneticallymodifiedorganisms7TheUSorganicindustrynetted$178billioninretailsalesin2007approximately25intotalnationalfoodsales8Worldwidevalueoforganicproducestoodat$30billionasof2005witha14annualincreasesince20009Acreagededicatedtoorganicagriculturehasincreased20annuallysince2001with78millionacresinproductionworldwideasof200610Hawai`irsquos growth hasmirrored global and national trendswith State sales of organic cropsincreasing60between2005and2007from$5millionto$8million11Organic foods have becomemoremainstream with outlets including regular supermarketsrather than just the typical small natural food outposts12Whole FoodsMarket Inc has inrecentyearsestablishedapresenceinHawai`iWithitsreputationforbuyingfromsmalllocalfarmers the presence ofWhole Foods serves as an incentive for Hawai`i farmers to groworganicfood13Thereareanestimated200certifiedorganicproducers intheStateoperatingon a median of 5Ͳ13 acres of land14 The Big Island holds the most acreage for organicproductionat58followedbyMaui(22)Kaua`i(11)Molokai(7)andOahu(2)15TheindustrywillcontinuetoexpandwithincreasingconsumerpreferencefororganicfoodsBuyLocalEatLocalCommonthemesaroundagricultureemergedfromfocusgroupmeetingsconductedaspartofHawai`irsquos2010StatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS) These included support for diversified agriculture and increasing food security bysupportingFarmersMarketsandldquoBuyLocalEatLocalrdquo initiatives16TheHawai`iFarmBureauFederation StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculture andUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UHͲCTAHR) have sponsored these type ofcampaignsademphasizethefollowing
6UnitedNationsHumanRightsOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRightsEcoͲFarmingcandoublefoodproductionin10yearssaysnewUNreportMarch82011httpwwwohchrorgENNewsEventsPagesDisplayNewsaspxNewsID=10819ampLangID=E7RadovichTheodoreJLindaJCoxandJamesRHollyerldquoOverviewofOrganicFoodCropSystemsinHawai`irdquoCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesSustainableAgricultureNov2009SAͲ38RadovichCoxandHollyer20099RadovichCoxandHollyer200910RadovichCoxandHollyer200911RadovichCoxandHollyer200912RadovichCoxandHollyer200913RadovichCoxandHollyer200914RadovichCoxandHollyer200915RadovichCoxandHollyer200916Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)2010ExecutiveSummaryii
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 8
1 Enjoyexceptionaltasteandfreshnesspremiumtastemaximumfreshnessproducepicked
andeatenclosertoitsheightofripenesspackedwithnutrients2 Strengthen your local economy and community buying local food keeps your dollars
circulatinginyourcommunityBuildingrelationshipswiththefarmerswhogrowyourfoodstrengthensyourtiestothecommunityandtheland
3 Helppreserveopen space by supporting local farmersbuying local foodhelpspreservegreenopenspaceinyourcommunity
Part of this campaign also acknowledges lessening the Statersquos ecological footprint anddependenceonfossilfuelsfromheavyimportsfromthemainlandthathavemoreldquofoodmilesrdquoassociatedwiththemascomparedtolocallypurchasedfoodDiversifiedAgriculture Hawai`irsquosagriculture industrycapitalizesonthe islandsrsquotropicalyearͲroundgrowingclimateanduniquefeaturesthatallowfornicheindustries17Moresmallfarmshave gained a foothold in the diversified agriculture sector through cultivation of specialtycropssuchastropical fruitsmacadamianutscoffee flowersand freshproducesoldaroundtheglobe18TheldquoGrowninHawai`irdquobrandingisrecognizedaroundtheworldasaguaranteeofhighqualitydelicacies19Hawai`iRegionalCuisinehasalsobecomeknownforitsutilizationofthe freshest seafoodveggiesand tropical fruits inaunique fusionofEastWestand islandflavors20
In2008farmproductionindiversifiedagricultureproduced12200jobsthroughouttheState21Proactive measures to revitalize Hawaiirsquos agriculture industry through diversification hasbroughtrevenuesthatarecomparabletotheStatersquosearlyheydayswhensugarandpineapplewereking In2002HawaiirsquosAgriculturalFarmRevenuecrossed$5359million22Diversifiedagricultureaccountsfor69ofannualrevenueswithpineapple(19)andunprocessedcanesugar(12)trailingbehind23
AgriͲTourism Agriculture is also proving important to tourism Hawai`irsquos top economicengine24VisitorinterestinecoͲtoursagriͲtoursandculturallyauthenticexperiencesisontherise25 In2006agritourismbrought in$388million in revenueas reportedby112Hawai`iͲ
17Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp1218HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday19HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday20HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday21Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp2922ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200823ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200824HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday25HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 9
based farmsan increaseof14 from2003 figures ($339million)26The leadingcategoryofrevenuereceived fromagriͲtourswas$121million inonͲfarmdirectsalestovisitors27Otheractivitiesyieldingprofit includedbedandbreakfastamenitiesprovidingmeeting spacesandvenuesforeducationandentertainmentandoutdoorrecreation28
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent
FromancienttimesMolokaiwaswellknownas`Ĉinamomona(theldquofatrdquoorabundantland)foritswealthasanislandthatproducedfoodinsurplusfromitsverdantahupua`aandnumerousfishponds As on all Hawaiian islands Molokairsquos people and the natural resources weremanagedundertheahupua`asystemTheahupua`awasaunitoflandtypicallywedgeͲshapedrunning frommauka tomakai (mountain tosea)and following thenaturalboundariesof thewatershedThesystemwascomprisedofwaoakua(sacredplaceofthegods)uplandforeststhatgatheredtherainsTheareawassubjecttolimiteduses(egforkiamanubirdcatcherstogatherfeathersforcloakshelmetsandkahiliforthekahunakĈlaiwa`atoharvestkoaforcanoebuilding)and forceremonialpurposes Themountain forestswerepreserved intacttoformandprotectthewatershedandcarrynutrientslowerdowntheahupua`aintowaokanaka(thepeoplersquosdomain)Herethepeoplewerefreetogatheravarietyofplantsfordailyneedshardwood ofthe kauila tocarve ihe(spears) andmake toolsandimplementsolonĈ tocreate strongcordage forfishnets andfish linesmedicinalherbs `ie`iefor lashinghouse postsand canoesand maile forleiThefertileplains and fields were known as the kula lands a place rich in agriculture These landscontainedancientfeatsofwaterengineeringcontouredterracingoffieldsplantedintarothatslowedthepathofthewaterandallowedformaximumsoakageThewatercollectedandfed
26GeislerMalindaldquoagritourismprofilerdquoAgMRCagriculturalmarketingresourcecenterUpdatedJanuary2012httpwwwagmrcorgcommodities__productsagritourismagritourismͲprofile27Geisler201228Geisler2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 10
numerousspringsbelow`Auwai(irrigationditches)transportedwaterfromkahawai(streams)tomultiple lo`i(taropatches)andreturnedthewateroncemoreto itssourceTarobanana`ulu(breadfruit)tileafkƃ(sugarcane)wereallcultivatedinthekularegionFaunaharvestedfrom streams included `o`opu (goby) `opae (shrimp) and hihiwai (snail) Grasslandswereconverted to agricultural fields of `uala (sweet potato) Other kinds of plants and treescultivated here included kukui (candlenut) `ohe (bamboo) and lauhala (pandanus) At thebottomofthevalleyspringscarryingnutrientsfromaboveflowedalongtheshorelineandseaHere loko i`a (fishponds)were constructed to farm fish Thesewalled fishponds form semiͲcirclesalongtheshorelineandaredesignedasmicroͲenvironmentsforcertainbrackishwaterand herbivorous fish likemullet and awa (milkfish) that feed on abundantmats of algaetherebyproducingfoodforthepeoplewithouthavingtoapplyexcessivefishingpressurealongthereefandopenoceanExistingwithintheahupua`awasastrictcodeofconduct(kapusystem)amongstthepeopleofthe land (hoa`Ĉina) as delegated and enforced by the ali`i (chiefs) and their konohiki (landagents)forthecarefulmanagementofthenaturalresourcesThehoa`Ĉinapossessedrightsofgathering and usage of the natural resourceswithin their ahupua`a of residencewith theunderstandingthattheyalsohadkuleana(responsibility)tomĈlama(carefor)thelandandseaandharvestappropriatelyfornomorethantheirneeds Theyengaged inpo`alimacollectiveworkdayswherethepeoplepooledtheir labortoengage inpublicworks improvementssuchas constructing additional lo`i and `auwai and building fishponds From the conscientiousmanagementof the landwatersand seaand themaintenanceofgenealogicaland spiritualrelationshipstothenaturalworldtheresourceswerebroughttoastateofabundanceTheahupua`asystemsustainedthepeopleforcenturiesUponCaptainCookrsquosarrivaltotheHawaiianislandsin1778heestimatedthepopulationtobebetween 20000 to 3600029 Introduced diseases for which the people had no immunitydecimatedthepopulationthroughouttheislandsBy1836Molokairsquospopulationhaddwindledtoanestimated8700andwasfurtherreducedto2307peoplebythetimeacensuswastakenneartheturnofthecenturyin189630Kamehamehabroughtabout theunificationofall the islandsunderoneKingdomofHawai`iWesterninfluencesandtheteachingsofChristianmissionariesbroughtaboutdecisionsamongtheali`itoabolishthekapusystem(1819)privatizeanddeconstructtheahupua`a(Maheleof1848)Whilethechiefsreceivedtheirapportionmentoflandsmanyhoa`Ĉinaoutofignorancetrust intheirchiefstocare fortheirwellͲbeingandgovern them justlyor for fearofreprisalfailed to register land claims to small kuleana parcels that would have kept them with acomfortablepieceoflandtomaintaintheir`ohana(family)withhale(home)andgardenplotsHawai`irsquosentry into the internationalmarket shifted the laborof themaka`Ĉinana (commonpeople) away from agriculture and towardsdeforestationof theupland forests to fulfill the
29MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml30MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 11
kingdomrsquos sandalwood tradewithChina Otherenterprises includedwhalingandplantationagriculture that brought immigrants from around theworld toHawai`irsquos shores and alteredwatershedsthroughthediversionofwatersfrom lushwindwardvalleystodry leewardplainsforthemassproductionofsugarcaneandpineappleWithoutwatertoirrigatetheirtarofieldsmanywere forced toabandon the lo`iandmake for thecityManyMolokai families left theisland insearchofwork inthemorecommercialcenters locatedonMauiandOahu31ThosewhostayedbehindmaintainedtheirconnectiontotraditionalpathwaysandsubsistencelivingEarlyunsuccessfulagriculture trialsonMolokai included sugar coffee sisalwhitepotatoescottoncorngrapesbeansbarleyoatswheatandalfalfa32Thesecropsfailedduetoheavywindsandinsects33TheareawiththegreatestpopulationconcentrationwaseastMolokaiTheeasternmostvalleyof Halawa Valley was rich in lo`i produced taro commercially and supported a thrivingcommunityuntiltwotsunamiin1946and1967devastatedthevalleyThecommercialcentersmovedtoPuko`oandthenKamalowhichheldanaturalharborforimportandexportofgoodsTheCooke family acquired the arid central andwestMolokaiplains aboutoneͲthirdof theisland These landsarenowownedbyMolokaiPropertiesLtdcommonlyknownasMolokaiRanchToattractcommercetoitslandholdingstheRanchdredgedaharborinKaunakakaiandconstructedawharf TodayKaunakakai servesas themaincenterofbusinesswithKamaloWharfhaving fallen intodisrepairandmuchof theareaemptiedof familiesTheRanchalsostrategically purchased lands thatwould give them riparian and correlative rights tomajorstreams and aquifer water in centralMolokai They diverted water to their westernmostpropertiesusedforcattleranchingMuch of their lands in Kualapu`u and Maunaloa were utilized by Dole and Del Montecompanies forpineapplecultivation34Thepineapple industryservedas theeconomicenginefortheislanduntilitphasedoutin1987duetocheaperlaborabroadTodaymanyofMolokaiRanchrsquoslandholdingsthatgrewpineapplearenowleasedforbiotechcornresearchandcoffeeproductionTheHawaiianHomesCommissionActameasuretorehabilitateNativeHawaiiansof50bloodquantumormorebyreturningthemtothe landtobuildhomesandfarmwaspassedbytheUS federal government in 1920Molokai served as the staging ground for the programrsquossuccess or failure Hawaiian Home lands were designated in the areas of Kapa`akeaKalama`ula Pala`au andHo`olehua andmore recentlyUalapu`e NativeHawaiian familiesfromneighboringislandscametoMolokaitobuildtheirhomesandmakethelandproductiveTheir early successes aided in the establishment ofmore homesteads on the other islandsWiththeinfluxofadditionalHawaiianfamiliesandJapaneseandFilipinoimmigrantstoworkinthepineapplefieldsMolokairsquospopulationhadincreasedto442735InrecentyearsMolokairsquos31MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml32MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml33MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml34MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml35MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 12
population has grown to include snowbirds and retirees from theUSmainland aswell asthose seeking amore quiet and rural lifestyle Today the population ofMolokai stands at7345
In 1987Molokairsquos livestock industrywas crippled by the StateDepartment of AgriculturersquosmandatetoeradicateallcattleontheislandduetothethreatofbovinetuberculosisAnotherheavyblowwasdealtattheclosureoftheoldslaughterhouse inKaunakakai Muchplanningfrom the grassroots level upwas undertaken to resolve this problem Commitments frommultiplecountystateandfederalpartnersinͲkindcontributionsbyvolunteermembersoftheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeandcountlessvolunteerhoursandservicesofferedbyvariouslocal businesses and individual residents led to the establishment of a new slaughterhousefacilitylocatedinHo`olehua
Erecting this stateͲofͲtheͲart facility represented a vehicle to facilitate the restoration ofMolokairsquos ranching industry and the ability for the island toproduce and sell itsownmeatRanchersandhomesteadfarmersnowhadavenuetoprocesstheiranimalsInadditiontothemoreestablishedranchesanestimated150Molokai familiesraise livestock largely forhomeconsumption With the adventof thenew slaughterhouse therearenowopportunities forthese small scale farmers to expand into commercial livestock production Stores andrestaurantsneednot import all theirmeat fromoffͲisland as theynowhave access to localmeatMoniesgeneratedcouldbenefitthecommunitydirectlyThe introduction of hooved animals toMolokai has devastated the natural ecology of theislandCattleranchingferaldeerandgoathaveerodedthelandHeavyrainstransporttonsofsilteachyearontoMolokairsquosreefsandfishpondsIntroducedmangrovehavealsodestroyedasignificant percentage of Molokairsquos fishponds Mangroves encroach and break throughfishpond walls trap sediments and choke off underwater springs such that the watercirculationandecologyarenolongerviableforfishproductionDespite thesehardshipsand setbacksover theyearsagriculture remains the cornerstoneofthe islandrsquoseconomyMolokairsquos ruralcharacter lends toacloseͲknit communitywithpeoplewhoperpetuate strong cultural values traditional subsistence and selfͲreliance Thepeopleembrace local autonomy and are very involved in local governing processes AgriculturenonprofitssmallbusinessenterprisesandlocalmomandpopstoresarethefoundationofthelongͲtermeconomyonislandMuchofthesocialculturalandserviceorientedprogramsarealsogeneratedfromthegrassroots locallevelthroughtheworkofchurchgroupsnonprofitsandunincorporatedhuiDuringtheFocusMauiNuiproceedings in2003MauiMolokaiandLana`iresidentsgatheredtostrategicallyplanafutureforMauiCountyThe120MolokaiparticipantsoutlinedchallengestheyfacedasacommunityandprovidedstrategiesandactionplanstoaddressthemMolokairesidents identified top five community priorities which included inter alia creating jobs(409) strengthening the economy (296) growingmore food locally (217) protectingandpromotingruralidentity(191)andsupportingsmallbusinessdevelopment(130)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 13
TheMaui CountyWorkforce Investment Board (WIB) Local Plan provides an Assessment ofLaborMarketTrendstodevelopaComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategyovera10yearspanOneofWIBsgoalsistofocusondiversifyingtheeconomyincludingtheagriculturalsectorandldquonicheareasrdquoTheplanrecognizestheneedforexpansioninvalueͲaddedopportunitieswhichemphasize the uniqueness ofMaui Nui The increased production andmarketing of newagricultureproductshaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketsTheplanalso identifiesentrepreneurshipasan importantgrowtharealdquoThedevelopmentofentrepreneurshipskills is importanttothesuccessofMaui [Countyrsquos]smallbusinesses Datacollected by the Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism and otherorganizationssuggestmoreandmoreresidentsaretakingtoselfͲemploymentForMolokaiasignificant number of new business startͲupswithin the past decade have been agriculturalenterprises(36total)particularlyfromtheHawaiianHomesteadareainHo`olehua36TheMolokai Education Centers Business Plan (2007) acknowledges the islands diversifiedagricultureindustryasamajorcontributortoMolokaiseconomywithroomforfuturegrowthAreas for future growth include valueͲadded food product development as a nichemarketMECsBusinessPlanaddsthatagriculturalcourseofferingsatthecollegeandrelevanttrainingwillplayasignificantroleinpreparingtheworkforceforadiversifiedeconomyWhile community and countyplanningobjectives clearly identify agriculture asaneconomicmainstay forMolokaiacomprehensiveprofileofMolokairsquosagriculture industryhasnotbeenfullyanalyzedOne of the objectives of this Needs Assessment is to determinewhereMolokai fits in theoverall Statewide picture for agriculture Has Molokai experienced similar successes andchallenges that farmers on the other islands face What are the strengths and assets ofMolokairsquos agricultural community aswell asneeds challenges andopportunities What isworkingandwhatisnrsquotWhataretheperceptionsoflocalconsumersWhatisthedemandforlocalMolokai grownproducemeat and seafood Howmany are farming What isbeingfarmedandwhereWhatarethelimitingfactorstofarmingonMolokaiIstherecommunitysupportforlocalfarmersDostoresandrestaurantsonMolokaihavestrongrelationshipswithlocal farmers and make priority for their produce and valueͲadded items How can westrengthenagricultureonMolokaiHowfoodsecureisMolokaiThesearethequestionsthatwesetouttoanswerthroughtheneedsassessment
36AkutagawaMalialdquoKƻha`oBusinessCenterndashEntrepreneurialTrainingampSupportFinalReportrdquoMarch312009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 14
III METHODS
Weadoptedthefollowingmethodsandstrategies An islandwidesurveyonfoodproductionandsecuritystartedfromFebruary27toMarch
272012(SeeAppendixforSurveyFormandResultsAnalysisSummary) Twohundredeight (208)surveyswerecompletedbytheadultmembers (overtheageof
18)ofthegeneralMolokaipopulationbringingoursamplepopulationat39Molokairsquosadultpopulationisat5401outofatotalislandpopulationof7345
Target SampleSizeADULTPOPULATION(Individualsover18
yearsofage)
208
Surveysweremadeavailableatvariouscommunity resourcecentersaswellasonlinevia
ourwebsiteEmailalertsandFacebook invitationsweremade for the tech savvy GivenMolokairsquos rural character and varying levels of knowledge and exposure of the generalpopulation to technology themost effectivemethod for data collection proved to bethroughdirectphysical inquiriesRespondentsweremost receptive toour surveyswhenofferedatourmultiplesurveytablesplaced inpublicareasparticularlystrategic locationsof commerce such as sidewalks fronting grocery stores and during various communityevents
Atotalof36 interviewswereconductedwithagricultureexpertsandeducators (3)small
andmediumͲscalefarmersandCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)operatorsgrowingdiversifiedandorganiccrops(14)deerandcattleranchers(3)fishermenandaquacultureproducers (3) localgroceryandhealth foodstores (5)meatprocessorsandvalueͲaddedfoodproducers(4)hotelandrestaurants(3)andother informants(1)(SeeAppendixforInterviewQuestionsandResultsAnalysis)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 15
Keyinterviewinformantsincluded
AgricultureExpertsampEducators
GlennTevesMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureampHumanResources(UHͲCTAHR)ph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJenniferHawkinsMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUHͲCTAHRph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJamesBoswellCertifedOrganicInspectorandAgricultureInstructorUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollegendashMolokaiFarmph(808)567Ͳ6577boswelljhawaiiedu
FarmersndashDiversifiedampOrganicCropsCastleAdolphoHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerof`inaKulaniFarmsHo`olehuaKimoKaiamaHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKaiamaFarmsHo`olehuaRickTamanahaofKaleikoaFarmsHawaiianHomesteadFamilyFarmHo`olehuaKalaniHanHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKuikamokuFarmsHo`olehuaTuddiPurdyHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm(808)567Ͳ6601wwwmolokaiͲalohacommacnutsJaneTevesHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofHuaKalaFarmHo`olehuaLynnDeCoiteHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofLampRFarmHo`olehuandashMahana(808)567Ͳ9234wwwlandrfarmscomKu`uleiArceofArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamShariLynofMali`oFarmandExecutiveDirectorofKaHalePomaika`iKamaloandUalapu`eEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8107httpwwwlocalharvestorgmalioͲfarmͲorganicallyͲgrowingͲonͲmolokaiͲM11205EllenSpruanceOwnerofPapaoHakuFarmMapulehuandKumimiEastMolokaiJamieRonzelloCSAOperatorMahanaGardensJoeKennedyPermaculturistMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanaEmanuelaVinciguerraMarketingDirectorofKumuFarmsMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanawwwkumufarmscom
RanchersEdmundPedroOwnerofPedroRanchEastMolokaiJanRoneyManagerofPu`uOHokuRanchEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8109wwwpuuohokucomfarmDesmundManabaOwnerofDJCRanchIncHo`olehuandashMahana
FishermanAquacultureProducerDedrickManabaFishermanKaunakakaiSteveChaikinOwnerofMolokaiSeaFarmPala`au(808)553Ͳ3547wwwbroodstockcomMyronAkutagawaandShermanNapoleonJrKeKua`ĈinaHanaunaHouPuko`oEastMolokai
MeatProcessorValueͲAddedProducersJackSpruanceDirectorofMolokaiLivestockCooperative(MolokaiSlaughterhouse)Ho`olehuaBrendaKaneshiroBeekeeperandOwnerofMolokaiMeliKamaloEastMolokai(800)434Ͳ2550NancyGoveSaltMasterandOwnerofPacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ8484wwwpacificahawaiicomChrisMebileChongrsquosPoiShopKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ4313
GroceryStoresCrystalIgusaandStaffFriendlyMarketCenterKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5595KevinMisakiofMisakirsquosGroceryKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5505DennisTurnerOwnerofOutpostNaturalFoodsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ3377SonyaYuenOwnerofKualapu`uMarketKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ6243NaniPeleManagerofMaunaloaGeneralStoreMaunaloa(808)552Ͳ2346
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 16
HotelampRestaurants
TinaPriceManagerofKualapu`uCookhouseKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ9655GenePikeExecutiveChefatHulaShoresRestaurantHotelMolokaiKamiloloa(808)553Ͳ5347httpwwwhotelmolokaicomKerrieFeltCoͲOwnerofMolokaiBurger(808)553Ͳ3533wwwmolokaiburgercom
OtherInformantsByronEspaniolaAhaMokuRepresentativeforKaluakoiMaunaloa
WewereunsuccessfulinsecuringaninterviewwithMonsantoasthelargestemployerand
agricultureoperationonMolokai Our repeated inquiries remainedunanswered TherewereadditionalMolokaigrowersranchersaquacultureoperators fishermenstoresandrestaurantsthatwewantedto interviewbut inthe interestofgeneratingthisreport inatimelymannerwewereunabletofullymeetthisobjective
Findings were also supplemented through research of existing literature of global
statewideandMolokaiͲspecificagriculturefactsandtrendsAreviewofcurrentandpriorcommunityͲbased planning economic education and training initiatives in support ofagriculturewerealsoexaminedThesearereferencedthroughoutthedocument
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 17
IV KEYFINDINGS
Thissectionhasbeenorganizedintothefollowingcategories LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProducts MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgriculture
Producers Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengths
NeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFoodAccesstoLocallyGrownFoodWeaskedMolokairesidentsiftheyfeltaccesswasavailabletolocallygrown food in the localgrocery storesandopenmarkets78of those surveyed felttheyhaveaccesswhile13felttheydidnotAwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood
Doyoucareorthinkaboutwhereyourfoodcomesfrom
DoyouprefertobuymorelocalMolokaifoodproducts
Wouldyoueatmorelocalfoodifitwereavailable
98ofthosesurveyedwouldeatmorelocalfoodifitwasavailablewhile1wouldnot
90ofthosesurveyedprefertobuylocalMolokaifoodproductswhile2donot
94 of the sample populationcarethink about where theirfood comes from while 5 donot
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 18
QuestionWhatwouldyouliketoeatorbuyifitwasmadeorgrownonMolokai
TheMolokaipopulationwantstoeatasmuch Molokai made products aspossible Fresh vegetables and fruitsranked the highest Specificallymentioned items were kalo (taro)sweet potato brussel sprouts bittermelon cabbage olives pumpkinasparagus corn lettuce tomatoesbroccoli cucumber eggplant squashzucchini beans carrots onion garlicginger spinach melons watermelonspears strawberries and persimmonsMeat products included requests for
fishchickenporkandbeefValueaddedproductrequestsincludedhamburgersausagetofupoibutterand jamRequestswerealsomade fordairyproducts likemilkeggscheeseandgoatcheeseWhile 90 of those surveyed stated theywould buymore local food if itwas available itappearsthatsomerespondents(25people)feltthattherewasnrsquotenoughdemandonislandforlocalproduceandthatlikelyposedachallengetoMolokaifarmersWequeriedMolokairesidentsonwhattheywouldliketoseeintermsofimprovingagricultureonMolokaiandincreasingtheiraccessascustomerstolocalfoodsTheseweresomeoftheirresponses
ldquomoresupportforlocalfarmersrdquoldquo(createa)betterfarmersmarketrdquoldquobybuyinglocalrdquoldquothatstoresbuyandsellmorelocalproducerdquoldquocoͲopͲonedistributorrdquoldquolabelgmoandorganicproductssoweknowrdquo
SubsistenceWealso surveyed theMolokaipopulation todetermine someof theirpracticesaroundfoodpreparationandwhatpercentageoftheirfoodcamefromdifferentsources AswehadsurveyedMolokairsquosfarmingcommunityandanalyzedthebehavioroftheislandrsquosmaingrocerystoresonwhatitemstheyselectedtosellwewantedtoknowiftheremightbeadirectcorrelationbetweenconsumerdemand for localproductsand levelofselfͲsufficiencyamongthegeneralpopulationtoengageinsubsistenceactivitiesWe foundthatanaverage825ofthosesurveyedpreparetheir foodathomewhile174mainlyeatrestaurantͲpreparedfoods
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 19
QuestionOfthefoodyouprepareathomeapproximatelywhatpercentageisgrown
caughtandorproduced
Fromoursurveyresponsestowhatpercentageoffoodpreparedathomecamefromwhatwasgrowncaughtandorproducedby individuals themselvesonMolokai ingeneralwithin theStateofHawai`ioveralland fromoutsideofHawai`iwe found that residentsaccessed foodfromthesemultiplesourcesatanearequalratewitharangeof236to272 fromeachsourceItisinterestingtonotethat246ofthefoodpreparedintheaveragepersonrsquoshomecame frompersonal subsistence activities The figure of 272 of locally grown caught orproducedfoodsmay includebothofwhat isavailable inMolokaistoresaswellaswhatmighthave been bartered or shared by otherMolokai residents as a result of their subsistenceactivities Whenaskeddirectlywhatpercentageof food consumed comes from subsistenceactivitiesanaverageof401camefromitemsthatwerefishedhuntedgatheredraisedorgrown (to includeonersquospersonalharvestsand foodsacquiredandsharedbarteredbyothersalsoengagedinsubsistence)Thusitwouldmakesensethatcombiningthetwofiguresinthegraphaboveofpreparedfoodsgrowncaughtandorproducedbytheindividualsthemselves(246) andwhatwas acquired generally fromMolokai resources (272) either shared byothers or bought directly from the store the cumulative total being 518 one mayextrapolatefromthisdatathatthedifferencebetween518and401being117maybethe amount of locally produced foods sold in Molokairsquos stores When polled as to theimportance of subsistence activities in their lives 72 of the respondents said itwas veryimportant to them Of the13who responded that theydonotengage inany subsistenceactivitylackoftimewascitedasthegreatestreasonwhytheydidnottakepartinsubsistenceIn comparing our general data on subsistencewith the results presented in theGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReport37in1993wefoundthatsubsistencemaybeplayingan
37MatsuokaJonDaviannaMcGregorLucianoMinerbiMaliaAkutagawaGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReportMolokaiDepartmentofBusinessEconomicDevelopmentandTourism1993
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 20
even bigger role today than it did two decades ago Loss of jobs and the global economicdownturnmaybecontributingfactors
SubsistenceFactors 1993 2012Estimatedtotalpercentageoffoodthatcomesfromvarioussubsistenceactivities
28 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored38 Ͳ for Native HawaiianMolokaifamilies50 Ͳ 54 respondents out of241surveyed
40 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored
Overall importance ofsubsistence to Molokaifamilies
51Ͳveryimportant25Ͳsomewhatimportant11Ͳsomewhatunimportant32Ͳnotatallimportant
72Ͳveryimportant21Ͳsomewhatimportant1Ͳsomewhatunimportant2Ͳnotatallimportant
From this information though not as comprehensive and rigorous in its exploration ofsubsistence on Molokai as the 1993 Task Force Report we are assured that subsistencecontinuestobeanimportantpartofMolokairsquosfamiliesandoveralleconomyFiftyͲthreepercent (53)ofour respondents stated that they grow theirown food throughfarmingorgardeningWhenpolledastothekindsofsubsistenceactivitiestheytypicallyengageinrespondentsidentifiedthefollowing
HUNTING 39ofthosesurveyedhunt(axisdeerwild
piggoat)FISHINGampDIVING 57ofthosesurveyedfishordive
GATHERING 32gather(limuopihicrabpipipilĈrsquoau
harsquoukersquouke)asasubsistenceactivity
OTHER 4citedamixtureofraisinglivestock
sharingandtradingfoodasasubsistenceactivity
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 21
ThefactthatsubsistenceremainsasignificantcontributortohowMolokaifamiliesacquiretheirfoodthisinturnmayalsoaffectlocalmarketbehaviorintermsofwhatlocallyproduceditemsareplacedonstoreshelvesandwhetherMolokai farmersandproducers find itnecessary toprovideasignificantvolumeoffoodforthelocalMolokaimarketAvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProductsWewerepleasedtofindthatMolokairsquosagricultureindustryisquitediverseandhostsanumberof small family farms both on the Hawaiian Homestead in Ho`olehua and also dotting thelandscape inMana`eEastMolokai Duringour interviewsweasked farmers ranchersandaquaculturistswhatcropsandvalueͲaddedproducts theycultivatedprocessedvalueͲaddedandsoldandwhatweretheirprimarymarketsWealsocombedtheinternetandlearnedbywordofmouthofotheragribusinesses The following tableprovides for the readeranatͲaͲglancelistofgrowersonMolokaiandwhattypesoffoodandproductsareavailableonislandItalsolistsprimarylocalaswellasoffͲislandmarketsProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldMeatsampEggs
MolokaiGrassFedBeef PedroRanchPu`uOHokuRanchKualapu`uRanchPohakuloaRanch
ProcessedandsoldbySlaughterhouse(MolokaiLivestockCooperative)toMolokaiBurgerFriendlyMarketCenterKualapu`uMarketKualapu`uCookhousePu`uOHokuRanch
Venison DJCRanchLLC NotsoldSharedonlywithcustomersonformalhuntsandMolokaifamiliesforsubsistence
Lamb(freerange) KalapanaandDeeannaKeli`iho`omalu
PilotphaseProcessedatMolokaiSlaughterhouseSoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketCenterandMisakirsquos
FreeRangeEggs Davis`ohana MolokaiMinimartMana`eGoodsampGrindzotherMolokaigrocerystores(notebecamemorepopularandvisibleinstoresaftermainlandeggswererecallednationwideforbacterialcontamination)
DuckEggs WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SeafoodFishndashakutunaakuleopakapakaahionomahimahionaga
Variouscommercialfishermen5onisland
DirectCustomerSalesOffͲIslandWholesalerDistributor(forhotelsandrestaurants)
Shrimp KeawaNuiFarms(808)558Ͳ8931httpwwwkeawanuifarmscomMolokaiSeaFarms
FriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosOffͲIslandOnlineSalesforShrimpBroodstock
SeaweedLimuOgo(Gracilaria) KeawaNuiFarmMolokaiSeaFarms
MisakirsquosOffͲIsland
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 22
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldGreensampOtherVegetables
Lettuces KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(808)558Ͳ8306
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Kale WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
MustardCabbage Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BokChoy ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamMali`oFarm
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
Chinesecabbage ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistArugula WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsales
SwissChard JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomatillo JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomato ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sweetcorn ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistChinesePeas ArcersquosFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SoyBeans JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BlackBeans Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
GreenBeans ArcersquosFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
GreenOnion KuikamokuFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
AllMolokaigrocerystoresCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Radish KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Beets KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 23
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
GreensampOtherVegetablesBrocolli ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistEggplant ArcersquosFarm
Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Carrots JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SweetPotatoSweetPotatoChips
LampRFarm VariouslocalMolokaistores8tonsshippedweeklyoffͲisland
YamsYamChips(indevelopmentphase)
TuipulotuFarm
Tarondashregularandcertifiedbiodynamicdifferentvarietiesdryandwetlu`auleaf
`inaKulaniFarmsKaiamaFarmsKimMarkhamPapaoHakuFarm
FriendlyMarketCenterdirectsalestocustomersCertifiedbiodynamictarosoldoffͲislandathealthstoreoutlets
Avocado PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm558Ͳ8383httpwwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Organicginger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲIslandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Organicturmeric PapaOHakuFarm NotsoldMedicinaluseAwa Pu`uOHokuRanchKaiamaFarms DirectsalestocustomersChiliPepper Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproduceshared
withclientsintreatmentandforclientfundraising
HerbsampSpicesBasils(ItalianThai) KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm
(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanadaCommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Thyme JamieRonzello(CSA)KumuFarms CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dill KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Oregano KimMarkhamKumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
ItalianParsley KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 24
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
HerbsampSpicesChineseParsley KimMarkhamMali`oFarmWaialua
Permafarm(CSA)CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Cilantro KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Rosemary KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Spearmint KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Lavender KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Savory KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sage KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Cinnamon PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm(808)553Ͳ8383wwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Vanilla PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Cacao PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
FruitsampNutsOrange Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tangerine Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 25
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
FruitsampNutsLimes Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Papayandashconventionalandorganic
KaiamaFarmsKaleikoaFarmsHuaKalaFarmNoahKuohaKumuFarmsMali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
VariouslocalMolokaistoresexportedthroughoutHawaiianislandsWholeFoodsoutletsMainlandUSandCanadaCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Watermelon `AinaKulaniFarm DirectsalestocustomersBananaAppleBanana HuaKalaFarm`AinaKulaniFarms
KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
Kualapu`uMarketOutpostFriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Rambutan WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
JackFruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Mango Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentandsoldbythemCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Soursop WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dragonfruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Strawberry PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Lychee PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
MacadamiaNuts PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm DirectsalestovisitorsparticipatinginfarmtourMailorders
Coffee CoffeesofHawai`i(808)567Ͳ9490wwwcoffeesofhawaiicom
AllMolokaistoresonlineorders
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 26
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
ValueͲAddedProductsCilantroLimePesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaionlinesales
outletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
BasilMacadamiaNutPesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
PickledOrganicGinger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲislandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Honey(premiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyhoneycombs)
MolokaiMeliKimMarkham
KumuFarmsOutpostNaturalFoodStore
Poi ChongrsquosPoiShop AllMolokaistoresKulolo `inaKulaniFarms DirectSalesTaroChips HuaKalaFarm NotenoughvolumetosellregularlyYamChips TuipulotoFarm StillindevelopmentstageBeeswaxCandlesChapstick MolokaiMeli KumuFarmsGourmetSeaSalt PacificaHawai`iSeaSalts
HawaiiKaiCorporationhttpwwwhawaiikaicocom
Pu`uOHokuRanchKumuFarmsKamakanaCountryStoreMolokaiWinesampSpiritsBlueMonkeyFriendlyMarketCenteroutletsthroughoutHawaiiStateandUSMainlandonlinesales
Other Tileaf KimMarkham KukuiStarters PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm Giventohomesteadersfor
reforestationinHo`olehuaFlowersgingerakulekulecigar
PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm ShippedleistooffͲisland
Tropicalflowers(variety) KuleanaWorkCenterwwwmolokaiflowerscom
OnlinesalesanddirectsalesatSaturdayOpenMarketdays
SeedsSeedbank Ka`anoTheMolokaiSeedProject553Ͳ4243
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 27
MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers
Molokairsquos grocery stores and restaurants selllocallygrownharvestedandprocessed itemsAnaverageof2of locallygrownorMadeonMolokai products are sold in local grocerystores Some stores such asMisakirsquos carry ahigher percentage (15) ofMolokai produceThoseestablishmentsweinterviewedallstatedthat they want to sell everything that isMolokaimade PapayasweetpotatoChongrsquosPoicoffeeKanemitsubreadandKumuFarmspesto are the most common Molokai itemsfound in localstores Misakirsquostendstocarryagreater assortment of Molokai produce andvalueͲadded products in addition to thesecommon items Misakirsquos sells LampR sweetpotatochipsstringbeansbittermelonutongeggplant green onion lime and lemon FishalsoarepurchasedfromlocalfishermenSome stores and restaurants also purchaseMolokaigrass fedbeefprocessed through theislandrsquosslaughterhouseTheseordersarefilledonaconsistentbasisSmaller stores like Kualapu`u Market andMaunaloaGeneralStorethatdonotexperienceas much traffic as the grocery stores inKaunakakai have to concern themselves withhowquicklyanitemsellsForsomecustomersMolokaigrassfedbeefisanacquiredtasteandit may take a more conscientious eaterconsidering the health benefits of grass fedbeeftoappreciateitsflavorButiftheaveragecustomer does not appreciate these qualitiesandprefersacertaintasteofbeefthatshehasgrown accustomed to then the store risksspoilage The samegoes for fruits likemangothatripenquicklybutmaynotsellfastenough
especially sincemany families havemango trees in their own back yards For these smallstorescarryingitemsthatwillsellquicklyisimportantespeciallymeatandproducethathaveashort shelf life Kualapu`uMarket typically sellsMolokai coffee sweet potato chips poi
MOLOKAIESTABLISHMENTSSELLINGORSERVINGFOODampGROCERIES
ONMOLOKAIRESTAURANTSampFASTFOODCoffeesofHawaii 567Ͳ9655HulaShores(HotelMolokai)
553Ͳ5347
KanemitsuBakeryampRestaurant
553Ͳ5855
KualapursquouCookhouse 567Ͳ9655LittleGrassShack 553Ͳ5862MakarsquosCorner 553Ͳ8058ManarsquoeGoodznGrindz 558Ͳ8498MolokaiBurger 553Ͳ3533MolokaiDriveInn 553Ͳ5655MolokaiPizzaCafeacute 553Ͳ3288MolokaiRoastPorkHouse 553Ͳ9068MrsKrsquos 553Ͳ3201SundownDeli 553Ͳ3713LOCALGROCERYSTORESFriendlyMarketCenter 553Ͳ5595CPascuaStore 553Ͳ5443KamoisSnackNGo 553Ͳ5443KualapuuMarketLtd 567Ͳ6243MaunaloaGeneralStore 552Ͳ2346Misakis 553Ͳ5505MolokaiMiniMart 553Ͳ4447OutpostNaturalFoods 553Ͳ3377MolokaiWinesNSpirits 553Ͳ5009TheStoreHouse 553Ͳ3399KamakanaCountryStore 553Ͳ5725GASSTATIONSHayakuGasNGo 553Ͳ3444RawlinsChevronStation 553Ͳ3214ReferenceSustainableMolokaiResourceGuide2009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 28
MolokaibreadandeggsMaunaloaGeneralStoremakesitapointtoacceptproducefromthecommunitygarden runby theKaHaleMua low incomehousing They typicallygrow stringbeans tomatoeseggplantand lettuce Maunaloa residentsarealsopermitted toutilize thefacilitytopreparemusubibentoandlocalplatelunchestosellpreparedfoodsaswellastheirartandcraftsatthefrontofthestoreOther locallyproduced items that someof the storeswould like to sell inmore volume aretomatoesbananasfishanddairyIfMolokaifarmerselectnottogroworsellcertainproduceor products to the local grocery stores the storeswill sell offͲisland produce (egManoalettuce Kula tomatoes etc) Sometimes they will also order items from as far away asCaliforniaorMexicotosatisfycustomerdemandsandpreferencesTherequirementsarenotoverlystringentforthelocalfarmertosellproduceandvalueͲaddedfoodstolocalgrocerystoresForsomestoreslikeFriendlyMarketindividualsmustpossessabusinesslicenseForotherstoresthatreceivesmallquantitiesoffreshproduceatatimetheydonotrequireproofofbusinesslicenseGrocery stores showcasing locally grown food feel cheated when farmers simultaneouslypeddletheirproduceonthestreetPricing isalsoan issue forMolokaistores Theywould like tobuymore locallygrown itemshowevertheycangetproducealotcheaperfromthemainlandForexampletheaveragecostofatomatothatislocallygrownis$2lbwhilestorescanacquiretomatoesfromthemainlandfor$1lbandpassthesavingsontothecustomerFriendlyMarkethasexpressedapreferenceforbuyingproduce from farmerswhohaveapricecostandplan (egthat identifiesspecificamountsofproducethatwillbeavailableandtheircost)toensureitemconsistencyinpricingandavailabilityIdeallystoreswanttosaveonpayingshippingcoststoimportfoodfromthemainlandandoffͲislandbyprovidingpreferenceforlocallygrownfoodsConsistencyisimportantforstorestocontinuecarryingspecificitemsprovidedbylocalfarmersandproducers Consistencywas citedbyevery store and restaurantwe interviewed as thenumberonechallengethatmostfarmersfaceinworkingwiththemMisakirsquoshasfoundawayaround this issue TheypurchaseMolokai fish caught and sold to theHonolulu fishmarketthroughadistributortheresothatcustomerscanstillbenefitfromeatingMolokaicaughtfishMisakirsquosalsoprefers tobuy fromanOahudistributor thatbuys thebulkof itsproduce fromMolokai farmers In thisway by buying in bulk through a distributorMisakirsquos is assured aconsistentproductTherearestoreswhospecificallyselect for localandorganic foodsaspartoftheirmarketingstrategy Onesuchstore istheOutpostNaturalFoodsStorewhichwillselleverythingthat isMolokaimade ConsumersexpecttopayaheftiergrocerybillastheyhaveanexpectationofbuyinglocalandpreferablyorganicallygrownandproducedfoodsOtheritemsthatcannotbesourced locallyorare in lessersupplyorforwhichthere isademandfor(egapplespearsandoranges)aresourcedfromthemainlandandsoldattheOutpost
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 29
We interviewed3restaurantsKualapu`uCookhouseHotelMolokairsquosHulaShoresrestaurantandMolokaiBurger Useofandemphasisonuseof localmeatseafoodandproducevariedTheKualapu`uCookhouseestimates that itutilizes1ofMolokaigrownproduceandvalueͲadded products in its dishes as it does not have strict requirements to do so It primarilypurchasesMolokailettucethroughKualapu`uMarketHotelMolokaiuses less than20 localproduceand seafood in itsdishesbutwould ideallyprefer toutilizeat least60of locallygrownandharvested foodson theirmenu ThehotelcurrentlybuyslocallygrownlettuceeggplantandpapayafromKumuFarmsandincorporatesthesefoods intotheirmenu Freshfish isthefastestandmostpopularselling itemanddoesnot requireapricecost listwhenbuying from fishermen Patronsbuy fishdishesatmarketprice Itwascommunicated thataschefs it is important toestablish relationshipswith localfarmersandacquirehighend itemsonaconsistentbasis Whathasbeenachallengeforthechefs at the hotel is figuring outwho is growingwhat and searching these farmers out toprovidetheproducemeatandseafoodtheyneedWhatwouldeasilyservethemwouldbeabrokeror localdistributor to takeon that typeofwork Currently theHotel is consideringsettingasidesomespaceonthehotelgroundsforanherbgardentoreadilysupplysomeofthekitchenrsquosneedswhileprovidingsomekindofyouthinternshipprogramtoinstallandmaintainthegardenMolokai Burger exclusively serves 100Molokai grass fed beef for its burgers and TuesdayMexican menu The restaurant purchases 240 pounds of Molokai beef from theslaughterhouse It receives positive customer feedback its loyal customers being especiallyhealth conscious individuals and local and nativeHawaiian activistswhomake it a point tosupportestablishments thatutilize localMolokai foods MolokaiBurgeralsopurchases fromKumuFarmsonaweeklybasis8poundsoftheirvegetablegreenstoserveintheirspecialsaladand chicken salad plates Molokai sweet potatoes are also utilized for sweet potato nachochipsontheMexicanmenu Whilenot locallyproducedMolokaiBurgeralsopurchasesbunsfromalocalMolokaidistributorasawaytosupportasmanylocalbusinessesaspossible
QuestionWhatlocalfooditemswouldyouliketosellorincorporateinyourmenuthatarenotcurrentlyavailableorareinshortsupply
FriendlyMarket orangesallcitrusesmangoavocadobokchoywonboktropicalfruits inseasonfishporkprocessed through slaughterhousealldairy (milk cheese)or soybasedmilkasanalternativeand free rangeeggsWillsellalllocalitemsMisakirsquosbananasandtomatoesWillsellanythinggrownandmadeonMolokaiOutpostNaturalFoodsStorestrawberriescantaloupescucumbers tomatoespotatoesandYukon from localgrowersKualapu`uCookhouselocalfreerangechickeneggsKualapu`uMarketagreaterdiversityandselectionoflocalproducegrownbyMolokairsquosfarmersMaunaloaGeneralStoremorebananasandpapayasastheyselloutfastestHulaShoresRestaurantofHotelMolokaivenisonMolokaiBurgeraconsistentsupplyofMolokaitomatoesfreerangeeggsandfishthatarereasonablypriced
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 30
Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities
QuestionAreyoua farmerIfsohowoldareyouͶΨ ȋȌ ǡ
ͶͶǤ
ǡ ͷͶǤ
QuestiontofarmersinterviewedHowlonghaveyoubeenfarming
ʹʹ ͶͲǤ
QuestionHowmuchlandareyoufarming
ǡͶͶǢ͵ʹͳͷǢͷͳͷǦͶͲ͵ͶͲǤ ǡͲ
ǡͲƬʹͲͲƮǦǤ
QuestiontofarmerswhatdoyoufeelarethechallengesfarmersfaceonMolokaiNatureandtheElementsWindHomestead farmers must contend with high winds on a regular basis Thus initial farmplanning must include installing windbreaks to avoid crop damage from weathering Thecommunity has identified in several former planning documents such as the MolokaiEmpowermentZoneApplication(1998)massplantingofwindbreaksthroughouttheHo`olehuaareatoprotecthomesteadfarm landsasoneofthe40priorityprojects IntheendMolokaiwas successful in achieving theMolokai Enterprise Community federal designation a step
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 31
secondtoEmpowermentZonestatus Windbreaksremainedpartofthe40priorityprojectsInstallationofwindbreakshave alsobeen reiterated as a ShortRangePriorityProject in theMaui County Comprehensive EconomicDevelopment Strategy (CEDS) 201038However notmuchhasbeendonetomovethisfromaconceptualstagetoimplementation
Thesituationwasexacerbatedin2005upontheintroductionofthevirulenterythrinagallwaspthatdestroyedthevastmajorityofwiliwilitreesStatewideLarvaeimplantedintothetissueofwiliwili leaves form tumorous like growths and effectively starve the trees from receivingnutrition39Muchof thewiliwili trees thathad servedprimarilyaswindbreaksdiedwithinayearor two Thus farms thathadestablishedwiliwiliwindbreaksbecamenewlyexposed towinds With the introduction of Eurytoma by scientists a predator species that exclusivelyfeedsonerythrinagallwaspsandavoidsnativewaspsthesurvivingwiliwilihavebeenabletomakeacomeback40DroughtAnumberoffarmershavecitedcurrentdroughtconditionsasaseriousthreattofarmingOnefarmerreportedthatherentireorganicgingercropfailedduetodroughtandshewasunabletoyieldaharvestthisyearAtthetimewestartedourinterviewsinFebruary(2012)Molokaiwasexperiencingthelowestrainfallinadecadecomparableto2001droughtfiguresAdrywinterandspringseasonhavebeencausingwatershortages Arecentheavystorm inMarch (2012)brought some reliefbutwithprimarilyeroded soilsexposed to theelementsmuchofthatmuddiedwaterwashed intotheseatochokecoralsaffectnurserygrounds forfishandcoverlimu(seaweed)beds41Steadypercolationintotheaquiferisnecessarytomakea difference to the watershed and levels in the reservoir42 According to Glenn TevesExtensionAgent forUHͲCTAHRdroughtconditionsaffect insectbehavior Forexampleantsseekingwaterwillfindasubstitutebyacquiringhoneydewfromcertaininsectsthatproduceitsuchasldquoaphidsmealybugswhitefliesandscaleshellipknown tosuckplant juicesandweakenthem hellip [and] spread plant viruses on an array of crops such as melons peppers andtomatoesrdquo43 Animals will also chew through drip irrigation systems to access water in adrought andwill subsequently cause leaks andwater loss for the farmer44Cows are alsoaffectedwithahigher incidenceofmiscarriageorsmallercalfsizedueto lackofhighquality
38 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1102 AgricultureReforestationWindbreakPlantingp5039RichardsSabrinaldquoWaspwarsNewpredatorchecksHawai`irsquosgallwaspepidemicrdquoSciencelineJanuary62011httpsciencelineorg201101waspͲwars40Richards201141 Teves G ldquoEffects of Rain and Droughtrdquo Molokai Dispatch March 15 2012httpthemolokaidispatchcomeffectsͲofͲrainͲandͲdrought42Teves201243Teves201244Teves2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 32
food consumed during pregnancy45Deerwill also compete and feed on grass reserves forcattleTevesroughlyestimatesthatfarmersandranchershaveexperiencedacumulativecroplossvaluedat$1millionduetothedrought46MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)Builtinthe1950sandlsquo60stheMISwasconstructedtotransportwaterfromWaikoluValleyonthenorthshoretothefarmingareasofCentralMolokaitoprovidewaterforthesolepurposeofagriculture47WaikoluValleyprovideswatertothesystemviaa51milelongtunnelPipesand flumes convey thewater to the Kualapu`u Reservoirwhich is designed for amaximumdepthof54feetor14billiongalloncapacity48TheHawaiianHomesCommissionAct (ldquoHHCArdquo)of1920sect221(d)grantedhomesteadersldquotherighttousefreeofallchargeanyofthewateruponthe islandofMolokairdquo49Thisprovisionwasamended in1955togiveHawaiianHomesatwoͲthirdswaterallocationpreference fromtheMIS50 The Department of Agriculture whichmanages theMIS has not enforced thisprovision Presently80oftheMIS isconsumedbynonͲhomesteadersdespite23rdswaterreservation requirement for homesteaders51 It has been recently noted that homesteaderwaterusagehasincreasedbynearly20comparedtolastyear52TheMISWaterUseAdvisoryBoardspeculatedthathomesteadfamiliesareexpandingtheirfamilygardens53TheentireislandofMolokaihasbeendesignatedbytheStateCommissiononWaterResourcesManagement (CWRM or ldquoWater Commissionrdquo) a sole source aquifer and critical watermanagementarea Thesedesignationsunderscorethefactthattheentire islanddependsonone water source for its drinking water subsistence and agricultural needs and carefulmanagementisnecessarytomaintaintheaquiferRecords for the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) revealed that as of December 2011 theKualapu`ureservoirhadloweredto11feet(ascomparedto17feetayearprior)andcontinuedtodecline54Todaythereservoirhasloweredanotherfootwithstoragelevels50lessthana
45Teves201246Teves201247BaldaufNatashaHalsquoaheoKaholsquoohalahalaandDavidSakodaldquoTheMoloka`i IrrigationSystem AVision foraSustainableFuturerdquoDecember1200948BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200949BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200950BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200951BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200952ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion53ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion54ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 33
year ago55 Current rainfall is 10 of normal levels and those utilizing theMIS have beensubjecttoa30restrictioninwaterusageoverthepast3years56TheStatelegislaturerecentlysetaside$125millionforimprovementstotheMIS57Fundswillcover Anewhydropowerplantwaterflowwillproduceenergyandoffsetelectricalcosts Replacement of aboveͲground concrete flume with an underground pipeline to avoid
animalsanddebrisfromfallingintoandcontaminatingthewatersupply StructuralrepairtoMISaccessbridge Installation of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system to allow for
monitoringofwaterflowremotelyThis is a step in the right direction and hopefullywill assist in decreasingwater loss in thesystemandimprovemanagementoftheMISWeedsPestsWildAnimalsNumerousfarmersinterviewedparticularlyintheHo`olehuaHomesteadareahaveciteddeerasamajorproblem incrop failureTheorganicpapaya farmershavebeenhithardwithonefarmerhavinglosthisentirecropofpapayatreesSeedlingswereeatenandadulttreeswerealsoaffectedbydeerrubbings Anotherfarmerhashadtoadoptprotectivemeasuresforhisyoungkukuistarter treesasdeerseekingmoisture fromyoungplantswilleat them Hehasindicatedthatyoungkukuitreeshavetoreachacertainheightwheredeercannolongerbitethe leaves from the top Farmers are also experiencing brokenwater and irrigation pipesdestroyedbydeer One farmerwas issued a $700waterbillbefore discovering hisbrokenwaterpipeMuchofthisactivityhasbeenattributedtotheongoingdroughtconditionsdeerareseekingfarmsforwaterandfood It isestimatedthat$1million inagricultureprofitwaslosttodeerwithinthelastyearAnotherproblemthatfarmersencounteredafewyearsagowasaninfestationofratandmiceTheyweresonumerousthatdriversoftensawthemcrossingtheroad One farmerresolvedthisproblemonhisfarmbyadopting20cats
55ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions56ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions57ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 34
Other farmershavecitedpestsandweedsasaproblemon their farms Oneorganic farmerstatedthatshefinds itachallengebecauseuseofpesticidesandherbicidesareprohibited inorganicfarmingThere is an urgent need to keepMolokairsquos bee population healthy as they are pollinatorsimportant to theagriculture industry Threats to the localbeepopulation includepesticidesbeetlesandmitesHighOperationalCostsOfthe208surveyed61peopleconsideredhighoperationalcostsasabigchallengetofarmingonMolokaiThesecostsinclude Labor Infrastructure Toolsimplements Fuelforequipmentandvehicles Supplies such as fertilizer compost pesticides herbicides seeds irrigation supplies etc
Supplycostsareespeciallyhigherdue toadditionalcostmarkͲup forshipping items in toMolokai
Electricitycostsforrunningrefrigerationchiller Allfeesandtaxesincurredfromrunningabusiness Specialcostsfororganiccertification(est$1300peryear)HighCostofWaterSeventy(70)surveyrespondentsfeltfarming ismadedifficultbythehighcostofwater Thiswasespeciallytrueforfarmerswhoareoncountywater insteadofcheaperagriculturewaterfromtheMolokaiIrrigationSystemThesefarmersareontheEastEndoftheislandAlsoitisverydifficultforpeople inMaunaloaandKaluakoitofarmandevengardenduetothewatersystemrunbyMolokaiRanch Ratesforwaterareastronomicalhaving increasedby17858TheStatePublicUtilitiesCommissionallowedforarateincreasefortheRanchrsquosMolokaiPublicUtilitiesfrom$318per1000gallonsto$60459TheWaiolaOMolokaiIncwateralsoownedbyMolokaiRanchwas approved for a rate increase from$185 to $51560 These increasesimpactapproximately1200residentsonthewestsideoftheisland61
58BernardoRldquoMolokaiwaterusersprotestratehikerdquoHonoluluStarBulletinSeptember52008httparchivesstarbulletincom20080905newsstory08html59Bernardo200860Bernardo200861Bernardo2008
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 35
HighEquipmentCostsSixty(60) survey respondents considered high equipment costs as a challenge to farmingTractor costs can range from $21000 to $80000 depending on the size neededwhich isrelativetotheamountofacreagetobefarmedManysmallandbeginningfarmerslackaccesstocapitaltopurchasebigticketitemssuchasequipmentHighShippingCostsYoungBrothersistheprimaryshippingproviderforMolokaiSomefarmersutilizecargoplanessuchasKamakaAir for shipmentofmoreperishable items Shipping fromMolokai involvesaddedcostanddisadvantagesforMolokaiasaruralislandtryingtotransportgoodsacrosstheoceantothelargerurbancenterssuchasOahuandMauiForthoseutilizingdistributorsthatisanotheraddedcostIn thepast farmers receivedapartialbreakon shippingcosts throughYoungBrothers TheFarmBureauassisted indefrayingchargesassociatedwith theMolokai toHonoluu legwhilethefarmerwasrequiredtocoveronlythecostofshippingfromHonolulutothemainlandThishelped to level the playing field forMolokai farmerswith the rest of farmers onOahu andStatewide Within the last five yearshowever thispolicyhasbeendiscontinued causing adisadvantagetotheMolokaifarmerYoungBrotherswillbephasingoutitsldquoGrdquoVans218cubicftcontainersforshippingpricedat$180containerandwillbepalletizingeverythingItwillnolongerbeeasytodropitemsoffatthepierandshipoutFarmerswillneedtomakethetransitionandwilllikelyhavetosolicittheservicesofMakoaTruckingtopalletizetheirgoodsandtransportthemtothepierTheftOne farmer interviewed cited crop theft as a challenge There are also risks of theft ofequipmenttoolsandsupplieswithoutadequatestorageandsecuritymeasuresFireA localbeekeeping family thatproducespremiumorganic raw kiawehoneyexperienced adevastatingfirein2009thatwipedoutthemajorityoftheirhivesTheyhaveahighamountoforderstofillandarecurrentlyrecoveringfromthedamagetotheirhivesNotEnoughLandtoFarmampCompetingUsesforAgricultureLandThe Molokai Agricultural Park owned by the State of Hawai`i is located in theHo`olehuaMahanaregionadjacenttoMolokaiRanchandHawaiianHomeLandsItconsistsof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 36
22subdividedlotsspanningatotalof753acres62Thepurposeofagriculturalparksstatewideistoprovideaffordable longͲterm leasestosmallfarmers63CurrentlyallMolokaiAgPark landsare being utilized64 Thismakes it difficult for new farmerswho are nonͲhomesteaders tosecurecheaplandSeedbiotechcompaniessuchasMonsantoandMycogenhavegainedasolidfootholdontheisland Their use of prime agriculture lands and limited water resources impact the localfarming community It is problematic especially for organic farmers who risk losing theircertification if their farmsare inproximity toGMO crops It is known thata local familyofbeekeeperswereforcedtomovetheirhivesorelserisklosingtheirorganichoneycertificationLow Prices Offered for Local Produce Not Enough Demand for Goods and ProductInconsistencyOfthosesurveyed25peoplefeltthatnotenoughconsumerdemandforproducewasamajorchallenge for farmers Whileour surveyalso found that90ofour respondentswouldbuymorelocalfoodifitwasavailableMolokairsquossmallpopulationlimitshowmuchproducefarmerscanplaceinthelocalmarketManyof the farmers thatwe interviewedwere frustratedat the lowprices theyget for theproduce theygrow They find itdifficult tonegotiatewith storesonpricing For them it ischallengingtomakealivingorbeeconomicallysustainablebysellingproduceonlyonMolokaiOne certified organic and biodynamic farmer informed us that she is offered $110lb byMolokai stores forherorganicgingerbut she can sell itatamuchhigherpriceonOahuat$5lbinstoresthatshowcaseorganicfoodsWiththatamountsheisabletomakeaprofitaswellasrecoupherproductionandshippingcostsUHCTAHRAgricultureExtensionAgentGlennTevesstatesthatalotoffarmersdonotpaycloseenoughattentiontotheirpricingOftentimestheywillpricetheirproduceonthelowendThissetsanegativestandardthatmakesitmoredifficultforotherfarmerstogetareasonablepricefor their crops He recommends that farmers check regularly on produce prices andmakecomparisonsalsoonhowmuchtheysellforontheotherislandssothattheycanprovidemorecompetitivepricingthatisadvantageoustothemLackofSupportforAgricultureLawmakershavealsobecomeunsupportivetopreservingagriculturelandsAbusesaboundonagricultural landswithmultiͲmilliondollargentlemanestatesdevelopedanddefinedasldquofarm
62StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks63StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks64StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 37
dwellingsrdquo and attractive landscaping required underCCRs andAssociationRules dubbed aslegitimateldquoagriculturerdquo Theseldquofarmdwellingsrdquo increasethepriceofagriculture landforrealfarmersNationwide family farmersarebeingedgedoutby largecorporateproducersat the rateof330farmersperweek65TheUnitedStateshasanestimated5millionfewerfarmsthanithadinthe1930s66Today2millionfarmsexist intheUSwith565000 identifiedasfamilyfarms67ThereasonforthisisthatfederalgovernmentpoliciesfavorlargeͲscalecorporateagriculturePoliciessuchassubsidizingbigagriculturecreatesafalsesetͲpointontrueproductioncosts68TheAmerican taxpayerabsorbs thesehefty costs The federalgovernment spentover$177billion in agricultural subsidies from the years of 1995 to 200669 These large agricultureoperationsareabletoprovidehugevolumesoffoodforacheappricebecauseofthesubsidiesallocatedTheyeasilyoutcompeteandsqueezeoutthesmallfarmerthatreceivesnohelpfromsubsidies andmust pass to the customer the true costs of production in order to remain aviablebusinessStrongcorporatelobbyingmaintainsthisstatusquo
NeedforAdditionalEducationampTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunityOfthosesurveyed33farmersconsideredalackofcapacityeducationtobeachallengeSomefarmersaredauntedbythecostsofhighereducationandthetimetheywouldneedtoinvestineducationalongsidebalancingfamilyresponsibilitiesandfullͲtimefarmingProficiency inknowledgeandexperienceoffarmingprinciplesandtechniques isnecessaryforallfarmers Theymustunderstandfarmplanninghowtoplantmaintainandharvestcropshowtosetupirrigationmeetthebiologicalandmineralneedsoftheircropshowtomaintainsoil health how to minimize offͲfarm releases of pollutants and toxins such as chemicalfertilizersandpesticidesoperateand repair toolsandmachinerybasic carpentry skillsandpossess a true passion for farming A lot is learned through trial and error but educationcombinedwithpracticalexperience gives farmers abetter chance atmaking it These skillsalonearenottheonlyrequirementshoweverAfarmer(orparticipatingfamilymembers)mustalsobefinanciallyliterateandpossessstrongbusinessbookkeepingaccountingandmarketingskills To lease landsaccessbusinessstartup fundssuccessfullyapply for loansandreceive financing forbigequipmentpurchases the
65ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml66ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml67ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml68ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml69ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 38
farmerhastohavegoodcreditandbefinancially literate Ifhe issaddledwithdebtandbadcreditthenhewillneedtocreateandsticktoaplanforrepairinghiscreditOther skills a farmermust cultivate to successfully start an agricultureenterprise is learninghowtodomarketresearchandbusinessplanningItrsquosbettertomakemistakesonpaperfirstrather than in real life aftermuch time and investment has beenmade Once the farmenterprise isupand running then the farmerhas to contendwithkeeping financial recordscurrenteitherpersonallyortruesecuringabookkeeperoraccountant BusinessandpayrolltaxeswillneedtobepaidfeesforspecialcertificationssuchasorganicfarmingmayalsohavetobefactoredinAfarmermustbeawareofwhattogrowandproduceandhowtomarketherproducts inorder tobeprofitable Shemustbedisciplined in implementingher farmplanaccount for year round staggered plantings and harvests and crop rotations and reinvestprofitsbackintothebusinessRarelydotheseskillsexistinonepersonMostfarmersjustwanttofarmandnotdealwiththeother details of running a business As they age too farmerswill need to think about asuccession plan Ideally it should be a family enterprise with familymembers possessingdifferent skill sets and playing different roles that collectivelymake a successful agricultureenterpriseRanchingampTheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeMolokairsquos history includes large scale ranching of cattle which was once an enterpriseendeavorbyMolokaiRanch the islandrsquos largestprivate landownernow known asMolokaiProperties Limited SinceMPLrsquos closure ofmajor operations ranching is currently done bymembersof thecommunity inwhich theycultivate the remainingcattleonproperty CattleRanchersincludePohakuloaRanchKualapu`uRanchPedroRanchandPu`uOHokuRanchChallengeswithMolokaiBeef Muchof theranchingcommunitydonot finish theiranimals through theslaughterhouse
preferringtosellcattleoffisland Lessmeat isproducedon the islandwhich in turnmeans lessMolokaibeefavailable for
consumptioninrestaurantsandstores More than one individualentity does not like the tasteconsistency of the beef ndash some
suggestedthatthemeatbecuredlonger Somemembersofthecooperativefeelthecostforanimalprocessing($65animal)isunfair
since it isnotbasedonactualproductyield(egdeerorgoatmeatyields lesspoundsofmeatthancattle)
SlaughterhouseTheMolokai Livestock Cooperative which operates the only slaughterhouse facility on theislandprocessescattleandpork Pork isnotusually sold to storesdue to thepreferenceof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 39
Molokaifamiliestoutilizerearedhogsforhomeconsumption Thuspork issubjectusuallytocustomkillsonlyAsforcattleamaximumof18headperweekandaminimumof5headperweekgoes through the slaughterhousewitha cumulative totalof730animalsprocessed todatesincethefacilityopeneditsdoorsseveralyearsagoTheslaughterhouse iscurrentlynotoperatingatfullcapacity There isahistoricalcontextforsome of the challenges that the Molokai Livestock Cooperative faces today After thewholesale TB eradication of Molokai cattle in the 1980s and the closure of the oldslaughterhouseinKaunakakailocalranchersinitiallyworkedtogetanewslaughterhousebuiltwiththeirsweatequityandthroughsecuringfundingfromCountyStateandFederalsourcesUnfortunatelytheprocessofmovingthisprojectfromaconceptualphasetobrickandmortartook over a decade to complete By the time the slaughterhouse facility was completedranchershadmovedaway fromgrassͲfinishedcattleonMolokai to finishing theiranimalsonthe mainland Over time the ranchersrsquo commitment to strengthening their own localslaughterhouse as a viable economic engine had wavered Some ranches do not see aneconomic incentive to return to the formermodelofgrass finishing theircattleandpreferaquickerturnͲaroundtimeandtheconvenienceofsellingtheiranimalspreͲfinishedWhile theMolokaiLivestockCooperativersquosnew slaughterhousehasmadepositive inroads togettingMolokai grassͲfedbeef in local grocery stores and restaurants through itsworkwithcommittedranchersutilizingthefacility lackofvolumefromholdͲoutranchersalso limitstheslaughterhousersquosabilitytoexpandthemarketandfullydevelopanorganicnicheproduct Tomakeupforthisshortfalltheslaughterhousenowshipsin30headofnonͲMolokaicattle(50oftotalstock)onaregularbasisLambSheepForthepast5yearsahusbandandwifeteamhasbeenexperimentingwithranchingfreerangelambssheepon55acresof land inwestMolokai Thecouplehas80animals (60ewes20lambs) Theyharvestthe lambsat6monthsofageandhavebeentestingthequalityoftheanimalsMost recently they market tested their lambs The lambs were processed at theslaughterhouse ThemeatwassoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketandMisakirsquos CustomerfeedbackhasbeenverypositiveThelambmeatsoldoutquicklyinthestoresRightnowthelambsheep ranchers are trying to figure out pricing whether to sell directly to theslaughterhouseforprocessingmarketinganddistributionortohandlesomeofthoseaspectsontheirownDeerRanchingDeerranchingisnotawidespreadactivityinfactthereareonlytwopeopleontheislandthatraisevenisonDeerpensexist inMaunaloaandPalarsquoauwithasmuchas260animalscorralled
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 40
within high game fencing The deer ranching is part of a safari tour businesswhich allowsvisitorstoexperiencehuntinggameDeercanbeprocessed through theMolokaiSlaughterhouse if theanimal ispresentedat thefacilityat leastonehourafterthekillandaUSDACertified Inspectorparticipates inthehuntThisiscurrentlynotbeingdonebydeerranchersonMolokaiTheownersofDJCRanch Incwhich currentlyoperates adeer ranchhasdone some initialmarkettestingandresearchonthedemandandpotentialforvenisonmeatproduction Theyhave found ahugedemand from restaurants and the generalpublic for venisondue to thehealthbenefitsandsuperiortasteofMolokaiaxisdeerThereiscurrentlynosteadysourceforvenisonmeatandvalueͲaddedproductsinHawai`iDJCRanchhasstatedinitsmarketingplanthatinthefirstyeartheycouldprovidevenisononaseasonalbasisandinitiallyproducegroundvenison and sausages As herd numbers increase additional markets could potentially beopeneduptoWholeFoodsandCostco CurrentlyDJCRanchhasaUSDA licensetoslaughtervenisonandcouldutilizetheMolokaiSlaughterhouseThecompanyisFDAapprovedthroughthe USDA with its own stamp and seal formarketing The products that DJC Ranch hadconsideredmarketingwere
1 Groundvenisonforhumanconsumptionandalsodogfood2 9differentsausageswhichithasdevelopedandsuccessfullymarkettested3 Venisoncornedbeef4 Freshcuts5 Innards
ThereismuchpotentialinthisareaandhopefullyinvestmentscanbesuccessfullyacquiredtoimplementDJCRanchrsquosplanAdditionally theremaybeopportunity tocreateacollaborationbetweendeer ranchersandfarmerssufferingfromcrop lossesduetodeergrazing ifaplancouldbeundertakentodivertdeerfromcultivatedlandsandabsorbthemintoranchingoperationsAquacultureEffortshavebeenmadetorestorefishpondsandhavemetwithsomesuccessforsubsistenceuses State regulations affecting the restoration andutilizationof theseponds limituses tosubsistenceandeducationalpurposesmaking itdifficult toutilize theponds for commercialaquacultureThisisunfortunategiventhehardworkonthepartofthecommunityandfederalfunds invested inProjectLoko I`aatrainingprogramthathadservedanestimated20youngMolokai adults in drystack and fishpondwall reconstruction fishpond husbandry live rockcultivation for theaquarium industry shrimpand seaweedaquaculturewater samplingandanalysis leadershipandentrepreneurial skills Theseyoungadultswere trainedwithall thetools to be successful in aquaculture butwere not given the chance to commercially leaseMolokaipondsandestablishabusiness
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 41
PlansandfundingallocatedtoestablishafinfishhatcheryonMolokaiasearlyas1991andtostockfishpondsforcommercialproductionwerestalledandareunlikelytocometofruitionTheMolokai Ice House completed construction at the KaunakakaiWharf in 1993 It wasestablishedbya local commercial fishermenrsquoscooperativeof40 individualswho contributedapproximately 60Ͳ70 of Molokairsquos commercial fish landings The Ice House operatedsuccessfullyfornearlyadecadeprovidingicefreshfishpokeandseaweedforsaleA Native Hawaiian nonͲprofit Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou established a successful limu(seaweed)growersnetworkandlimubuyͲbackprogramwith30familieslivingalongMolokairsquossouthandcentralshores These familieswere trained incultivationof theedibleandhighlyprizedseaweedGracilariaparvisporacommonlyknownas limuogo Anestimated1000 lbsweeklywereshippedtoOahufishmarketsaswellasdistributedtotheMolokaiIceHouseandvariousstoresonislandintheformoffreshandvalueͲaddedproducts(limusalsaandnamasu)Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou served as amarketer and broker for the families In the endhowever some of themore successful growers opted to sell and distribute their harvestsindependently causing the cooperative typeof structure todismantleanddriving thepricesdownforMolokailimuogoduetocompetitionamongstthegrowersTherearetwoshrimpfarmsonMolokaiMolokaiSeaFarmsinPala`auandKeawaNuiFarmsineastMolokaiKeawaNuiFarmssuppliesSPFcertifiedPenaeusvannameishrimpbroodstockaswellasseasonalharvestsoftilapia fishand limuogo70MolokaiSeaFarmsalsospecializes indiseasefreeSPFPvannameibroodstockandservescustomersthroughouttheworld71PacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsandHawai`iKaiCorporationbothfarmseasaltfromMolokairsquosoceanwaters Thesesaltscarryessentialmineralsandtraceelements Molokaisaltproductionhasreachedaglobalmarketas farasChinaandEurope Productscanalsobe found inMolokaistoresAddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparationMolokairsquoshiddensubsistenceeconomy isastrengththatassistsfamiliestoday inachronicallydepressedeconomyThereisenoughdeergoatandwildpigonthelandandfishonthereeftomeet the peoplersquos protein requirements and provide food security for tomorrow TheHo`olehuaHomesteadcommunitywithfamilyfarmsdottingthelandscapehasenoughproduceandstarchinthegroundtofeedtheircommunityAscomparedtootherislandsMolokaiisinbettershapethanmostifnotallislandsHoweverthereisstillastrongrelianceonYoungBrotherstoshipinfoodtotheislandAtanygiventimethereisanestimated4daysoffoodstockedonMolokairsquosstoreshelvesNodisaster
70KeawaNuiFarmshttpwwwkeawanuifarmscom71MolokaiSeaFarmshttpwwwbroodstockcomHawaiian_SPF_Shrimp_Broodstockhomehtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 42
scenarioplanninghaseverbeenundertakenforhowthiscommunityshouldrespondifonedaythebargedoesnotarriveandalltransportationvenuesbyseaairandlandwereinterruptedAccordingtooneinformantMolokairsquosfoodreservesarestoredonMauibytheAmericanRedCross This iswrong Molokai isoneofthefew islandswithoutamainairportonthecoastalshores In timesofdisaster (eghurricane tsunami) therewouldbebetter accesson theislandtoreceiveassistanceRealisticallyhoweverMolokaiwouldbeofalesserprioritytoshipin food and medical supplies in a Statewide disaster scenario due to the islandrsquos smallpopulationInitialaidwouldbefocusedprimarilyonurbananddenselypopulatedareasontheneighboringislandsIntheMana`eandKaunakakaiareas(eastandcentralMolokai)whereasignificantportionofMolokairsquospopulationisconcentratedtheroadsandmajorityofhomesarelocatedonthecoastwithin the tsunami and flood zone corridor Getting assistance to these areas would beproblematic No major farming takes place in Kaunakakai and Mana`e except for homegardensandsomewetlandtarocultivationinthelushervalleysontheeastsideMonoͲcropping increases risks ofwholesale andmass crop failure Whilemost smallͲscalefarmers are doing diversified agriculture onMolokai not enough effort has beenmade topreserve thehundredsofvarietiesofsweetpotatobreadfruit taroandothercanoeplantsNot enough has been done to cultivate and preserve varieties of regionallyͲadapted openͲpollinatedseedsforhomegardensandsmallscalefarmersUHCTAHRhasthroughitsresearchdevelopedseedsadapted tocertainenvironments Moreeffortmaybeneeded toget theseseedstofarmers
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 43
V RECOMMENDATIONSMitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElementsWindAswindwillcontinuetobeanissueforfarmersespeciallyhomesteadfarmersintheHo`olehuaareaitisimportanttoestablishacomprehensiveprojecttoinstallwindbreaksthatwillhelptoopenupmorehomesteadlandforfarmingCostcanbeafactorforsmallͲscaleandbeginningfarmersThusaccessingfundingandcreatingcollaborativepartnershipswithcoreleadershipisnecessarytomovethisprojectalongOtherthingstoconsider intermsofdecidingwhattypesofwindbreaksto installwouldbetooptimizethepotentialofthewindbreakstoservemultiplefunctionsOnecommoncomplaintamongsthomesteadfarmershasbeenthedestructionofcropsfromgrazingdeerProvidingavegetativewindbreakwith tightplantings could serve as a living fence that keepsout deerSelectingalso fornitrogen fixingspecieswillalsoaddnutrientstothesoilandboost farmerrsquoscropsIdentifiedasakeyprojectintheEnvironmentSectionofMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandisprovidingwindbreaks inHo`olehuaThevision istoplantwindbreaksldquoalongthecoastalpaliaround the central plain andhellip along individual farmersrsquo lots Native trees and treeswithsecondarymarketvalue(fruittreesandhardwoods)rdquoshouldbeutilized72DroughtͲProofingReforestationThecommunity initiateddocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian Islandhas identified in itsAgricultureampAquacultureSectionthefollowingpriorities73
Recognize the limited availability of water as a primary factor in prioritizing suitableagriculturalfoodcrops
Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture foodproduction
Water is a limiting factor in farming especially in light of chronic drought conditions andcontinuousmandatorycutbacksonwateruse from theMolokai IrrigationSystem TherearewaysthatthefarmercanharvestwateraswellasminimizewaterlossPlantingwindbreakswillaidincreatingamicroclimatethatwillreduceevapotranspirationandallowforsomeshadeforcrops that require less sunlight Installing swales and terraces on contour in tandem withplantingswillslowthepathofwaterrunoffcomingontothepropertycreategoodsoakagethatwillbuildthewatertableandnaturallyfeedcropsMulchingandplantinggroundcoverspecies
72MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf73MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 44
alongsidemain crops will retainmoisture and support soil health These droughtͲproofingstrategiesworkinginconcertwillprovideagreatbenefittothefarmerA longertermstrategythatonehomestead farmersuggestedand forwhichhehasbeguntospreadamongstotherhomesteaders is conductingmassplantingsofKukui trees to createaforest forHo`olehua and capture rain He is setting the example by creating a kukui plantnurseryonhispropertyandgivingkeikiplantstootherhomesteadersAdoptionofthesetypesofstrategiesshouldalsobeconsideredbynonͲhomesteaduserswhohaveutilizedthe lionrsquosshareofMISwater ReforestationoftheslopesofMaunaloathathadbeendamagedbycattleranchingandpineapplecultivationwouldalso lessendependenceonwaterdiversions Thishasbeen identifiedasakeyprojectunder the communitydocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandalongwithcertainerosioncontrolmeasuresfortheWestEnd gulches that include installing ldquorock dikes (gabions) hedgerow plantings [and] siltationpondsrdquo74
ProtectingWaterResourceRights
TheWater Code directs the Commission to ldquoincorporate and protect adequate reserves ofwaterforcurrentandforeseeabledevelopmentanduseofHawaiianhomelandsassetforthinsection 221 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Actrdquo75 Additionally by law the HawaiianHomes Commission Act recognizes a twoͲthirdswater preference for homesteaders on theMolokai IrrigationSystem76These lawsshouldbeenforcedandtheDepartmentofHawaiianHomeLandsneedstoactivelyadvocateonbehalfofhomesteaderstoensuretheprotectionoftheir water rights The Department of Agriculture which manages the MIS must alsoresponsiblymeettheStatersquosfiduciarydutybyassuringthatwaterallocationsareincompliancewiththetwoͲthirdsprovisionforhomesteaders
WildAnimalControl
A number of farmers plagued by deer have opted to allow subsistence hunting on theirpropertyorhunt thedeer themselvesOthersare installing fencing tokeep thedeerout AlocaldeerranchersurmisedthatalotofthedeerareoriginatingfromdryMolokaiRanchlandsandmovingtowardsthehomesteadregionofHo`olehuainsearchofwaterandfoodThisdeerfarmerwouldliketoworkwithMolokaiRanchtoleaseandexpandhisoperationsontoRanchlandserect fencingandprovideadequatewater for thedeer toprevent them from invadingtheHomestead Withcollaborationamong farmersMolokaiRanchand localdeer ranchersthiscouldprovideawinͲwinsolutionforall
74MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf75HawRevStatSection174CͲ101(a)76HawaiianHomesCommissionActsect221(d)1920amended1955
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 45
IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth
Typicallyweeds are found in disturbed areas Weeds are bioͲindicators of soil health andstructureTheyservedifferentfunctionsandareoftenpioneerspeciesthatcomeintoasystemearly on to create optimal conditions for the next stages of succession into amorematuresystem Differentweedsperformdifferent functions suchasaddingnitrogen to the soil reͲmineralizingthesoilwithdeeptaprootsthatbringnutrientsbelowuptothesurfacelooseningcompacted hard pan soils to allow for aeration and room for new seedlings to grow andstabilizingfragileandexposedsoilswithrootstructuresthatfanoutmorewidelytoholdloosesoiltogetherThekeyistoselectspeciesthataremoreusefultothefarmerthanthenaturalordisturbedvegetationandovertimethesespecieswilloutcompeteweedyvarietiesDiversifyingcropsandmimickingnaturalsuccessiondoingtimestackingwithdenserplantingsofperenniallegumesgroundcoverswindbreaks fruit treesandvinesofpreferredspecieswillallow formaturation of the system create better soil health and select out nonͲfavorable weedyspeciesOne farmerwhooperatesanorganicpapaya farmdoesthe followingtopreservesoil fertilityandcontrolpests77 Utilizesa localmanufacturerfromOahuwhorecyclesusedcookingoilfatsbonesandfish
collected from restaurants foodmanufacturersand fishoutletsand turns thiswaste into100 certified organic soil amendments Tons of rawmaterialwaste now diverted fromlandfill
Usesdolomiteandcrushedcoraltoamendsoilorgypsumassubstitute Growssunnhemponrestingfieldstohelpwithnematodesandfixnitrogeninsoil Providescovercropofgrassesandweedsbetween rowsofmaturepapaya trees irrigated
withmicroͲsprinklerstokeepmoistureandlifeinthesoil Maintainsadiversefloraratherthanengaginginmonocropping Responds to cut worms (seasonal) by planting extra seedling trays to replace damaged
seedlings Sprays kumulus (organic sulfur) and baking soda to combat powderymildewmites and
thrips Ripsandairsoutoldfieldsandrestsfieldsforatleast15monthstoaddressnematodeissue Focusesongrowingthestrongesthealthiestplantstoprovidegreaterresistancetopests
77UniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesFeaturedFarmerRickTamanahaKaleikoafarmsHo`olehuaMoloka`iHĈnai`AiNewsletterJuneͲJulyͲAugust2011httpwwwctahrhawaiiedusustainagnewsarticlesV8ͲKaleikoaFarmsͲFFpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 46
AddressingHighOperationalCosts
EquipmentAccessSeveralcommunitypartnerscametogethertoaddressoneofthemajorimpedimentsforsmallfarmersonMolokai access toequipment TheMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityndashKeAupuniLƃkahipurchasedatractoraspartofaplannedequipmentrentalprogramadministeredbyUHCTAHR and the Hawaiian Homestead Association TheMolokai Rural Development ProjectpurchasedtractorimplementstofurtherassistthefarmersTheseimplementsincludedaJactoArbusAirblast Sprayerwith TractorMount to assist farmers in spraying their fieldswithoutadded labor Samp A AG 20 Spreader to allow growers to improve their soil pH and organicmatter Miller Bobcat 250 welder to aid farmers in repairing and fabricating tools andimplements aswell as serve as a training tool inwelding and farmmechanics and aGreatPlainsSubSoilerSS1300toassistfarmersinfieldpreparationwithminimalsoildisruptionWhilefarmerswillstillneedaccesstootherformsofequipmenttocutdown laborandtimetheEquipmentRentalModel isagoodone that shouldbe replicated tobenefit theMolokaifarming community overall and ameliorate farmersrsquo chances of success by bringing theirindividualcostsdownShipping
Howtotacklehighshippingcosts Consolidation Compilecargoandnegotiatewithcarriersbased on volume78 This could be handled formally through a cooperative structure orinformally through a hui of farmers The Molokai community has also recommendedcommissioning a ldquostudy to explore new alternatives for transportation links (air and sea)betweenMolokaiandotherareasandmarketsrdquo79Another alternative that Sust`ĈinableMolokai is preliminarily exploring is the feasibility ofprovidingasailingvesselequippedwithchillspacethatwouldideallybepoweredbyrenewableenergy (egwind solar) to serve as a communal shipping vessel forMolokai exports andimportsOneofourconcernsisnotonlythehighshippingcoststhatresidentsincurbutalsodealingwiththeinevitableconsequencesofglobalpeakoilandhelpingtoincreaseourislandrsquosfuelandenergysecurity
78Youn JL ldquoRootsofChange ToRichardNelsondiversification ismuchmore than justabuzzwordrdquoHawaiiBusiness Magazine February 2004 httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange79 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1105 InfrastructureTransportationAlternativesp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 47
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoodsOne of the areas where some farmers feel challenged is marketing and distributing theirproducts offͲisland While some of themwant to take advantage of better pricing on theneighbor islands the lackofknowledgeandexperience inpenetrating thosemarketscanbedauntingfortheMolokaifarmerItwasalsoexpressedtousfromvendorsandrestaurantsthatit is difficult to determine which farmer is selling what and to achieve a level of productconsistencyamong individualfarmers ForMolokaistoresandrestaurants itwouldbeeasiertodealwithabrokerdistributorormarketingteamwho isplugged intotheMolokaifarmingcommunityandcouldconsolidategoodsamongstallfarmersandachieveafairpriceforthemCoststoretainthisdistributorcouldalsobesharedamongstthefarmersThisdistributorcouldalso handlemarkets on neighboring islandsmainland and internationally and remove theheadachefromfarmerswhojustwanttofarmOriginallytheHiki`olaFarmersCooperativewassetuptosellanddistributefarmersrsquoproductsandhelptoremovethe impedimentsandpersonalchallengesfarmersface inmarketingtheirproduceandproducts independently HoweverthisprovedunsuccessfulbecauseofproductinconsistencyThismaybeanongoingchallengebutnotcompletelyinsurmountablePerhapsmorecarefulfarmplanningandcollaborationwithfarmersmaybeneededtocollectivelygrowspecific items tomaintainacertainvolumeandconsistency Issuesof seasonalityhoweverwillalwaysimpactconsistencyMarketingFarmers couldalso increase theirprofits throughappropriatebrandinga common logoandsharedwebsitefeaturingldquoGrownonMolokairdquoorldquoMadeonMolokairdquoproductlineThiswouldalsohelpprospectivevalueͲaddedfoodentrepreneurswhoarechallengedbyhighstartͲupandinsurancecoststhatcomeswithdevelopingaproductdesigningalogoandlabelandcomingupwithappropriatepackagingUnderonebrandandacommoninsurancethesecostscanbeminimizedandthevalueͲaddedproducercouldfocuschieflyoncreatingaqualityproductFarmersMarketampCommunitySupportedAgricultureMolokairsquoscurrentSaturdaymarketlocatedintheheartofKaunakakaiTownisanopenmarketwherethereareavarietyofitemssoldartscraftsvarioussundriesbakedgoodsandavarietyof vegetablesand fruits Ithasbeen suggested that theMolokaiopenmarketbe improvedupon to reflect a true farmersmarket Improvementswould includeproviding chill space toprovide other products like Molokai grass fed beef and seafood showcasing valueͲaddedMolokaiproductssellingmoreandbonafideMolokaiproduceandincreasingaccessibilityforlow income families to fresh local produce and other foods through undergoing the formalprocessandclearancetoacceptEBTfoodstamps
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 48
FarmersMarkets serve as an important venue for farmers to sell directly to customers andcreatepositiverelationshipswiththemForthosewhoprefertofarmandleavethesellingandmarketingtoothersalocaldistributorcouldfillthoseshoesSomehavesuggestedthatseveralfarmersmarketsbeestablishedwithinthevariousdistrictsofthe island (east central and west Molokai) to make local foods readily accessible to allconsumersAnother suggestionwas thatMolokai create its own local dollar or Local Exchange TradingSystem (LETS) amongst a communityor groupofpeoplewhomutually agree toextend andearn credit from each other through a series of transactions and exchanges of goods andservicesDirectbarterbetweenpartiesisnotnecessaryratheronecanearnLETScreditsfromperformingaserviceorgivingagoodandbereciprocatedatalatertimeforgoodsorservicesofequalvalue(egprovidingbabysittingservicestoearncreditsandreceiveplumbingworkinreturn)LETSallowscommunitiesgreater flexibilityandcreatesequalityamong itsmembersofferingvaluebeyondtheconventionalmonetarysystemSome farmers create their own market by operating a CSA or Community SupportedAgricultureTheWaialuaPermafarmhasbeenoperatingsuccessfullyforabout30yearsnowasaCSATheWaialuaPermafarmhasfamiliesthatregularlysubscribetotheirCSAandpurchaseweekly or biͲmonthly boxes of veggies and fruits The Waialua Permafarm provides animpressive listing of vegetable and fruits that they grow with customers choosing theirfavoritesWhateverisinseasonandpreferredbythecustomeriswhattheCSAprovidesPu`uOHokuRanchalsoprovidesveggieboxesaswellasamore recentoperation runningoutofMahanaGardensOneMolokaiCSAoperatorsuggestedtheSiskiyouSustainableCooperativeinOregonasagreatmodel that could help farmers here to consolidate their efforts and create direct farmer toconsumer relationships Some of the best practices coming from Siskiyou SustainableCooperativeinclude Acollectiveoffarmerswhowantedtoformamarketingandbusinesscooperative Their business plan included visionary goals such as a credit union for farmers a
cooperatively owned state of the art commercial kitchen and seed cleaning facilityaffordablehealthinsuranceforfarmfamiliesetc
Inthefirst2yearsthefarmersdeveloped3marketingvenuesaCSAafarmstandalongtheroadsideandacooperatively runmarketboothEventually theCooperative focusedmoreexclusivelyontheCSAasitprovedmostfinanciallysuccessful
Farmersrsquogoal istoprovidecontinualaccesstomore locallygrownandproducedfoodsandtomaketheCSAboxmoreofaldquooneͲstopshoppingrdquoexperienceformembersTodatetheCSA offers bread cheese eggs flowers beef and buffalo products coffee and honey inadditiontotheregularproduceboxes
CoͲopprovidescertifiedorganicfruitsvegetablesandspecialty itemsproducedon9smallͲscalefamilyfarmsandranches
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 49
Feeds250 families throughcooperativeCommunitySupportedAgriculture (CSA)marketingand distribution program while enhancing the economic viability of their sustainableagricultureoperations
CoͲopoffersasmallsharethatfeeds2peopleandalargesharethatfeeds3Ͳ5peopleCoͲopdropsoffthefoodboxesto7differentspotsonaweeklybasis
ProvidingproducetolowͲincomepopulationsispartofCoͲoprsquosmissionCoͲopprovidesfoodtoACCESSandfoodbanks
CoͲopalsosuccessfullyappliedtoacceptfoodstampsCoͲopunderstandsthateatingfreshhealthyfood is importantforeveryoneespeciallyforthemorevulnerablepopulations likechildrenpregnantandnursingmotherstheelderlyanddisabledThesepeoplearemostinneedofnutrientͲdensehighqualityfoods
CSAmembersalsobenefit from farmdaysofferedby thecoͲopmembersget tosee theirfoodbeing grown andmeet their farmersCoͲop also sends recipes andnewsletterswitheachboxtohelpmemberslearnnewandexcitingwaystopreparetheirvegetables
CoͲopworks toexpandmarkets for localseedproducers toprovidevarietiesofregionallyͲadaptedopenͲpollinated seeds forhomegardenersand smallͲscale farmersCoͲop leasesseed cleaning equipment from a local nonͲprofit to improve seed quality and encouragegrowers toproducemore seedas theequipment saves time Oneof thecoͲop foundingmembers started his own local seed company see websitewwwbiodynamicseedsblogspotcom
CoͲop farms utilize interns as an inexpensive labor pool while providing them withopportunitiesto learnhowtogrow foodandruna farmoperation Inaneffort toprovidequality internships someof thecoͲopmembers formedanonͲprofit toprovideeducationandsocialopportunitiesforfarminternsSeewebsitehttproguefarmcorpsorg
AchievingFinancialSustainabilityThroughMIFFStrategyTodays farmermust possess a diverse skillsͲset to be truly competitive in a globalmarketAccordingtoRichardNelsonpresidentofHawaiiBizlinkLLCanagricultureͲconsultingfirmontheBigIslandnichemarketdevelopmentisthekeytosuccessfulagribusinessinHawaiiratherthan the agricultureasacommoditymindset80 Headds [A]g iseconomicdevelopmentanditisalsotourismVisitorswanttoeattheNalogreensandthefreshfishseethepineappleplantationandvisit theaquacultureoperationsahard look [needs tobe taken in]assistingfarmers with a variety of things including development of market plans business planspackagedesignintroductiontobuyersdevelopmentoftradeshowsandmarketingvenuesforlocalproducers[E]veryfarmerhasgottogetsmarterItsnolongerjustharvestingproductandthrowing it inabinFarmershavetowearmultiplehatsnow81Aswe looktobuildinggreatercapacityinourfarmingcommunitymoreeducationandtrainingmustbeavailableforfarmerstomeettheseemergingtrendsinagriculture
80YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange81YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 50
Farmers are more likely to succeed through diversification The Multiple Income FarmingFamilies (MIFF) model is a strategy for strengthening agribusinesses through generatingmultiplerevenuestreamsOne exampleof aMultiple Income Farming Family isMolokaiMeli inoperation since 2004MolokaiMeli sellspremiumorganic rawkiawehoneyasavalueͲaddedproductThe familymarketsldquomelisticksrdquoorhoneysealed instrawsassimplesnacks Theyalsoprovidedifferentgradesofhoneypremiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyandhoneycombsthattheyadvertiseand sell through their website The family doesnrsquot stop there Their eldest child Elijahdevelopedhisownbusiness around adressing recipeheperfectedmadewithMolokaiMelihoneyTheyoungerdaughtershavealsodevelopedtheirownproductsbeeswaxcandlesandchapstickthataresoldatKumuFarmsandMolokairsquosspecialtyshopsAllfamilymemberssuitupintheirbeekeepingsuitstocareforthebeesInitiallywhentheystartedtheirbusinesstheyhadnot fullyreachedtheir financialgoal insecuringallthestartͲupcoststheyneeded Theylearnedtoadaptandadjustedtheirbusinessplan Whenfacedwithapredicamentthattheywould not receive their bees on time to start their operations smoothly they turned thischallengeintoanewbusinessopportunitybyprovidingtheislandrsquossolebeeremovalservicesThey utilized this initial stock of bees for honey production and continue to replenish theirstoresbymaintainingbeeremovalservicesValueͲAddingampGoingOrganicThecommunitysupportsorganicvalueͲaddedandsustainablefarming82 Encourageandsupportorganicandenvironmentallyfriendlyfarmingmethodstechniques SupporttheproductionofvalueͲaddedproducts SupportthefarmingofcertifiedorganicandornonͲGMOcropsAnexampleofwhereMolokaifarmershaveachievedsuccess is inproducingcertifiedorganicpapayaMolokaiistheonlyplaceintheworldwhereorganicpapayaisgrowncommerciallyAsmallairportrunway that lacks thecapacity toreceive largeplanesand internationalcarriershaskeptMolokaibiologicallypurerthantheother islands inthat ithasnotbeenexposedtothepapaya ringspotvirus likewise thebananabunchy topvirushasalsonot takena strongholdonMolokaibananaKumu Farms is a local distributor of organic sunrisestrawberry papaya In themidͲ1990sKumuFarms invested inandbuiltaforcedͲhotͲair(FHA)chemicalfreetreatmentfacilitywiththeapprovalof theUSDepartmentofAgriculture to treat itscertifiedorganicpapayaonsiteand distribute directly to its various markets throughout the State of Hawai`i the USMainland and Canada83 Thirty percent (30) of the organic papaya supply comes from
82MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf83KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 51
homesteadfarmingfamilieswhoarepartofKumuFarmsldquosatelliteprogramrdquo84ThesefarmersarepaidbyKumuFarms$075lbfororganicpapayawhichismorethandoublewhatfarmerstypicallygetforconventionalGMOpapayaat$030lb MolokaiOrganicPapayaretails inthemainlandUSat$5lbProducingcropsorganically isawaytovalueͲaddandenteranichemarket This isespeciallyusefulforsmallfarmswhocannotcompetewithlargeproducersOneofthesatellitefarmshasexpressedadesiretobegindistributingandmarketingitsorganicpapayaindependentlyofKumuFarmstorealizedirectmarketprofitsInanycaseKumuFarmsplaysavaluablerole inproviding itsownFHAchemicalfreetreatmentfacilitydoingoutreachto small farmers to assume the costs of shipping distribution and marketing For manybeginning farmers these types of opportunitiesmitigate some of the costs of running anagribusinessandgivethemaleguptogrowandeventuallyexpandtheirownenterprisesThe 2010 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process forMaui Countyidentified the main economic sectors forMauiMolokai and Lanai islands They includeAgriculture Arts and Entertainment Government Healthcare Recreation and SportsRenewableEnergyResearchampDevelopment (RampD)and theVisitor Industry MolokaiCEDSparticipantshave identifiedprioritygoalsandobjectivesundereachsector ForAgricultureampAquacultureMolokai residentselectedasapriorityobjectiveaneffective ldquoBuy Localrdquo (ldquoBuyMolokairdquocampaign)andtheestablishmentofaldquoMadeonMolokairdquobrandAdditionally a September 2009 report provided by theMaui EconomicDevelopment Board(MEDB)onldquoEntrepreneurshipandtheFutureofMolokairdquodeterminedfrommultiplesurveysofMolokairsquos business community areas for growth and opportunity for the islandrsquos economyRespondents identified asopportunities ldquouniquelyMolokai lsquonichersquoproducts (organicpapayacoffeecookiesMolokaibreadetc)rdquoandldquovalueͲaddedproducts (tarochipspackageddriedmangococonutandbanana)rdquoIncreasedproductionandmarketingofnewvalueͲaddedfoodproductsprovide longershelf life requires lessvolumeof rawproductandhaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketswishingtotrynewandexoticfoods ValueͲaddingandcreationofnicheproducts thatplay to the strengthsofwhat farmershere cangrowprovidesagreateradvantagetoMolokaiproducersandallowsthemtobemorecompetitiveinthemarket A few years ago theMolokai Rural Development Project (RDP) offered ValueͲAdded FoodProductionTrainingattheLanikehaCommercialKitchen inpartnershipwithHawaiianHomestheMolokaiCommunityServiceCouncilandKƻha`oBusinessCenterThetrainingwasgearedtoestablishingsuccessfulvalueͲadded foodbusinessesto fulfillanichemarketandaid inthediversification ofMolokairsquos agriculture industry RDP designed the training along theMIFFmodelofprovidingmultipleincomestreamsforfarmingfamiliesThelocalfarmerthroughthistrainingcouldsupplementhis income throughvalueͲaddingorconnectwithanentrepreneurwishingtoturnldquowasterdquo(discardedoffͲgradeproduce)intoopportunity
84KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 52
Currently Lanikeha holds a number of anchor tenants that regularly produce valueͲaddeditems Products thathavecomeoutofLanikeha includepoisweetpotatochipshoneyseasaltpestoproductsbakedandcatereditemsUtilizingLanikehaasaCommunityCommercialKitchen Incubator for additional valueͲadded product development and training is key todeveloping new food entrepreneurs on Molokai and strengthening the islands agricultureeconomyAgriͲTourismPriorities identified inMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian IslandrsquosAgricultureAquacultureSectionincludessupportofldquoagroͲtourismendeavorsrdquo85An area in which there is room for growth and diversification is the agritourism industryAccording to the Hawaii Agritourism Association (HATA) agritourism assists farmers withsupplementalincomebyprovidinganichemarketthatinvolvesconnectingtheconsumertothelandandthegrowersbyeducatingthemaboutagriculturalproductsandprovidingadirectandinteractiveexperienceOf theprofitsmade fromagͲtourism relatedactivitiesmost revenuesaregainedthroughonfarmsalesdirecttofarmvisitorsAdditionallymanyoperationsreceiveorders for products after visitors return home suggesting gains made through buildingrelationshipswithcustomersthroughagritourismvenuesAccording toHATAagritourism isagrowingglobal trend thatprovides farmswith income increative ways enhances diversity of visitor experiences while at the same time supportsculturalidentityTheMolokaiResponsibleTourism InitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanprovidesabasisfor identifyingacceptablehostͲvisitorexperiences inkeepingwithMolokairsquoscultureandruralpace 86 Focus group sessions interviews and surveys revealed that residents favoredsustainablecommunitytourismtheelementsofwhichinclude Operationsby localand traditionalpopulation toenhance thequalityof lifeprotectand
restoretheenvironmentalandculturalassetsandengagevisitorsontermsdefinedbythecommunity
Activitiesevolvingasasolutiontoeconomicenvironmentalsocialeducationalandcultural
growthchallenges
85MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf86McGregorDaviannaldquoMolokaiResponsibleTourismInitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanForMoloka`irdquoKe`AupuniLƃkĈhindashMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityFebruary2006httphuinethawaiirdporgmolokaiFinal20Report20Ͳ20with20coverpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 53
Advocating a fair exchange of value between the host and the hosted Preserving the
communityrsquossenseofplacethatbringsdignityandpridetothehost Featuringauthenticandgenuineactivities forguests Sharing realcultureby thepeople
whopracticeit Creatingabalancedratiobetweenthelocalpopulationandvisitorcountsothatthesenseof
placeisnotoverwhelmedbylargescaletourismSomeactionsteps identified tomeet theseprinciples includedculturalexchangeeducationaltoursbuilding thekama`ainavisitormarketworkingwithentrepreneurcohortsestablishingcommunitynetworksandcollaborativeeffortsSuccesswouldbemeasuredwithanincreaseinthe number of jobs in the visitor industry and an increase in contributions to the islandrsquoseconomyfromvisitoractivitiesandretailpurchasesSome Molokai farmers have shown interest in agriͲtourism as evidenced by a programsupportedbytheKƻha`oBusinessCentertheCountyOfficeofEconomicDevelopmentandtheMolokaiAgriculturalDevelopmentProgramafewyearsagotoprovideintroductoryagritourismworkshops and site visits to various farmsonMauiMaui farms likeAli`iKula Lavender andSurfingGoatDairyhaveservedasgreatmentorsTheseactivitieshave inspiredandpromptedMolokai farmersto lookathowtheycan improvetheirown farmingoperationsand increaserevenuethroughdiversificationPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm isoneexampleofagritourismonMolokai The familyprovides farmtoursandgivesvisitorstheldquomacadamiaexperiencerdquothroughaneducationalcomponentandanopportunity to taste and purchase their product Relationships builtwith visitors serve tocreatealoyalcustomerbaseThePurdyrsquosprovidedirectmarketingbymailtocustomerswhohavevisitedtheminthepastThismethodhasbeenquiteeffectiveforthemTherearenegativeviewsonMolokaiabout tourismorconventionalaspectsof tourism thatexploittheHawaiianhostculture One farmerwhodislikestourismstatedhoweverthathehaswelcomedhundredsofpeopleofallagestovisittourandworkonhis family farm Forhimnoproprietarysecretsarekeptjustadesiretoshareknowledgeandthefamilyrsquospassionfor farming In this sense tourism takes a differentmeaning one that ismore about aneducational exchange and an opportunity to volunteer and gain knowledge throughexperiencingaworkingfarmfirsthand
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 54
ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms
Lawsmustbeenforcedtomake it favorabletothe farmerto farm Enforcementofthe lawsthataccuratelydefineagricultureandappropriatefarmdwellingsiscriticaltothemaintenanceofHawai`irsquosinventoryofagriculturallandslestweforfeitafoodsecurefutureforHawai`i
MolokaiisoneofthefewislandsifnottheonlyHawaiianislandthatselfͲidentifiesitsdesiredandprimaryeconomy tobeagriculture rather than tourismThemajorityofour informantsrespondedtothefollowingquestioninthismanner
Question What is your Agriculture Vision for Molokai
ldquoTo truly be the agriculture breadbasket of the Staterdquo
Muchofthissentimentcanbeattributedtoourhistoriclegacyas`inaMomonaandaculturethathasneverforgottenthatthewealthofthe land isdeterminedbyhowmuchfoodcanbeproduced and howmuch can be shared This is the essence ofMolokairsquos two economiesagricultureandtraditionalsubsistence
InkeepingwithavisionforMolokaitobetheagriculturebreadbasketoftheStatefarmerssaythatchangesneed tobemadeby theStategovernment toprovideaguaranteedmarket forMolokai farmers to supply urban and densely populated islands like Oahu rather thanperpetuatingalosingpropositionforMolokairsquosfarmerswhoareforcedtocompetewithotherswhohavemoredirectaccesstothemarket
ExcerptsfromMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandmakescommunityobjectivesclearastothehighprioritygiventoprotectingtheinterestsoflocalagriculture87 Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture food
production Promoteandsupport family farmsonMolokai inorder toprotectagricultureaquaculture
resourcesfromcommercialexploitation Promoteactivitiesand incentives thatwillhelpsupport theeconomicsecurityofour farm
families
AdditionalacreageforAgriculturalParksshouldbereservedtosupporttheexpansionoflocalfamilyfarmsPracticesthatconflictwiththespiritandpoliciesidentifiedforAgParkssuchasleasingorsubͲleasingto largecorporateindustrialagricultureandbiotechcompaniesshouldbeprohibited
87MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 55
Newtrendsrelatedtoan increasingappreciationanddemandfor localandregionalproduceencourage the return of small family farms88 Family farms are important to the soul andresilienceofacommunity Where industrialagriculturecompaniestendtocauseerosionandpollution through destructive practiceswith the use ofmachinery and heavy application ofchemical fertilizersherbicides andpesticides independent small family farmshave amoreintimate relationship with the land and are keen on preserving green and open spaces inalignmentwithcommunityvalues89
Related to thedeclineofsmall family farms is theagingofAmericarsquos farmers Molokai isnodifferent Theaverageageofthefarmerswesurveyedwere54yearsoldwhilethenationalaverage is 5790 The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 70 of the nationrsquosagricultural landwill changehandswithin the next 20 yearsdue to the agingpopulationoffarmers91 Ifthenextgeneration isnot interested infarmingthere isarealthreatthatthesefarmlandswillbeconvertedtononͲagriculturepurposes92 It is imperativethentocultivateanewgenerationofbeginningfarmers
OutreachampEducationIncreasingConsumerAwareness Reviewofsurveyand interviewresponsesstimulated livelyinformalinquiryanddiscussionamongfriendsfamilyandcolleaguesOnesuchdiscussionwasabout the need to raise greater consumer awareness of different kinds of foods herbsvegetablesthatattractthemoreexperiencedpalettebut forwhichthe localpopulationmaynotbeaccustomedtooutsideoftheirowntraditionalfoodsOneobservationthatwasmadebyKumuFarmsisthatsalesarelowinthesummerandpickupagainatthearrivalofsnowbirdsin the fallandwintermonths Hearing localpeople talkabout theirappreciationofgoing toKumuFarmstopickupfreshorganicproducebutareluctancetotrysomeofthemoreexoticherbsbecauseoftheirlackofknowledgeonhowtopreparethemsuggestsadesiretoexploredifferentcuisinesbutnotenoughopportunitytolearnaboutandincorporatethesefoodsintotheir cooking Hosting different tastings and cooking classes that integrate a farm to tableapproachmayhelp to removesome thesebarriers toeatinghealthynew foods With thesetypesofactivitieswecreatemoreeducatedconsumers Severalofour informantshavealsosuggestedraisingawarenessatanearlyagetoeducatethenextgenerationofeatersthroughschoolgardenprogramsthatgivechildrenadirectexperienceandappreciationofcultivating
ͺͺUnited StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof FoodandAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml89ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml90ShuteBldquoANewGenerationofFarmersrdquoTheNewYorkTimesAugust192011httpwwwnytimescomroomfordebate20110817couldͲfarmsͲsurviveͲwithoutͲillegalͲlaborweͲneedͲaͲnewͲgenerationͲofͲamericanͲfarmers91United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml92United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 56
preparingeatingandeventuallybuyingadelightfuldiversityof locallygrownnutritiousandwholefoodsEducatingFarmers Molokaihasgreatresourcesthatassistboththeprospectiveandcurrentfarmer ingaining inͲdepthagriculturalknowledgeand skills TheUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollege (UHMC) Molokai Farm confers an Associates Degree and Certificates in variousAgricultureampNaturalResourcestopics
CertificateofAchievementandASdegrees inHorticultureand LandscapeMaintenanceandSustainableTropicalCropManagement
Certificates of Competence in Agricultural Science Nursery Production and PestManagement
CertificatesofCompletioninTurfgrassSpecialistSustainableTropicalCropProductionandLandscapeMaintenance
Associates in Technical Studies Degree in Cultural and Natural Resource ManagementMĈlama`ina
InthepasttheMolokaiRuralDevelopmentProjectsponsoredtheAgricultureCohorttrainingprogramwhichserved8 farming families (27 familymemberstotal)committedtodevelopingsustainablefamilyfarms93The UHͲCTAHR Molokai Office delivered the training The project employed experientiallearning and instructionalmethodologies as best practices for intergenerational transfer oftechnology and expertise for sustainable agriculture Participants learned marketing farmplanningproductionplanningrecordkeepingcompleterequisitetaxforms(ScheduleF)farmequipmentsafetyandoperationsiteͲselectionassessmentirrigationsetͲupsoilfertilityplantnutritionpestmanagement (weeds insectsdiseases)harvesting commoditiespostͲharvesthandling grading and qualitymanagement organic certification basic computing businesssoftware and custom agricultureͲbased software Participants received training on usingspecialagriculture softwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRMolokaiextensionagentAltonArakakiThe first software they learned was on Production Mapping With this program farmersplannedandprojected theirproductionactivities throughout theyearanddeterminedwhenandhowmuch resourceswouldbeneeded to complete activities successfully TheprogramalsoprovidedfarmersanopportunitytorealisticallyestimateproductioncashflowoftheirfarmplansThesecondsoftwarethey learnedwastheScheduleFfinancialrecordkeepingprogramthatmaintainsrecords inatemplatethatwouldeventuallycompletetheirDepartmentoftheTreasuryProfitandLossfromFarmingIRSScheduleFForm1040AttheendofthetrainingthecohortparticipantsreceivedcopiesofthesoftwareOtherfarmingsoftwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRprovedusefulforfarmentrepreneursenrolledintheprojectThesoftwareincludedPlantTissueAnalysisndashRecordingandTrackingforplantnutritionmanagementandCalibratingYourSprayer(publishedbyCTAHRhttpwwwctahrhawaiieduocfreepubspdfPRREͲ6pdf)
93AkutagawaMalialdquoAgriculturalCohortProjectFinalReportrdquoAugust302007
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 57
Farmfamiliesincreasedtheirknowledgeandexperienceincropproductionandmanagementandapplied theiracquiredskills toestablishingorexpanding their farmbusiness Thecropsproducedbythe8 family farmenterprises includedorganicpapaya(3 farms)yamDioscareaorganicwatermelon and taro greenhouse lettucepumpkin taro (lu`au leaf table taro andvalueͲaddedkuloloproduct)andcoffeeSeveral participants were successful recipients of the Molokai Agricultural DevelopmentProgram awards having enrolled in RDPrsquos Kƻha`o Business Center Entrepreneurial TrainingProgram to receive oneͲtoͲone business consultation and assistance in developing theirbusinessplans
Allcohort familiesmadeprofitandexceededbenchmarkssetbyRDP Anestimated totalof$105000wasmade in cumulative sales over the yearmore than doubling the year 2 endprojectgoalof$50000 The farmproductsweremarketedonͲisland intrastateandon themainlandOrganicpapayasweremarketedtomainlandhubsinLosAngelesSanFranciscoandPortlandFromthesehugecitiestheyweresoldandshippedtoinlandmarkets
From thiscomprehensive trainingparticipants learnedandexperiencedboth theagriculturalsciencesandartofrunningasuccessfulbusinessInthesciencecurriculumparticipantslearnedsubjectmatters insoilplantsplantdiseases insectsweedsplantnutritionmanagementofplant pests and plant nutrition In the agriͲbusiness curriculum participants learned postharvesthandlinggradingorganic certificationmarketingand farmproductionplanningandmanagement Both experiential learning and classroom instruction proved invaluable Themajorityofthesefamiliesremainsuccessfultodaymorethan5yearsaftertheprogramendedTrainingslikethisgivefarmersthenecessarytoolstorunasuccessfulagribusinessUHͲCTAHRcontinues toassistby focusingon teachingbeginning farmersasaway to cultivate thenextgenerationoffarmersandreversethenationwidetrendofanagingfarmingpopulationSust`ĈinableMolokaihasalso focusedoncomplementing thisworkbybringingpermaculture(ecologicalfarming)inpartnershipwiththePermacultureResearchInstituteUSAtointerestedlocal adults and homesteaders to farm responsibly and sustainably From herewersquove beenteachingsustainablefarmingstrategiestoanestimated100MolokaiHighSchoolstudentsandinstallingthefeaturesofaminiͲahupua`aasademonstrationandteachingtoolIt is recommended that tobuilda strong farmingcommunity in thenextgenerationwewillneedtotakeproactivestepsnowandstartpreparingnewfarmersearlyonfromgradeschoollevel with school gardens up through middle and high school as youth begin to exploreagricultureasacareerGeneralagricultureclassescanbesupplementedwithacurriculumthatincludes financial literacyentrepreneurshipbusinesshomeeconomicshealthandnutritionscience (biology ecology chemistry conservation) and engineering aspects From herestudentswill be able to understand agriculture from diverse viewpoints and disciplines anddevelopdifferentskills required foroperatingasuccessful farmenterprise Creatingadirectbridge tohighereducation throughcollegeandcareerpathway ladderprogramsavailableat
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 58
UHMCMolokaiandotheruniversityinstitutionsisidealOnefarmerwhohasastrongbusinessbackgroundandwasabookkeeperformanyyearspriorto farming recommended that youngpeople take courses inbookkeeping and accounting inadditiontoagricultureclassesPerhaps thegreatestways to impart farmingknowledge isbetween farmers SeveralofourfarmersthatweinterviewedindicatedthattheylearnbestfromeachotherandthatthereisadesiretoserveasmentorsfornewfarmerswholackexperienceThisisfeltparticularlyamongMolokairsquoshomesteadfarmersOnefarmerremarkedontheverycloseͲknitcommunityformedonthehomesteadandthatmosthavethesamemindsetthatldquonewopportunitiesforoneareopportunities for allrdquo As a group they rely on each other to share farming techniquesinformation on new equipment and promote their produce together Rarely is therecompetitionamongsthomesteadersbutadesire todemonstrate thatagriculture isa viableeconomicenginefortheislandOtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchersThereareanumberofincentiveprogramsthatassistfarmersranchersandlandownersiftheychoosetointegrateconservationandsustainablepracticesintheiroperationsThisisonewaythat Molokai producers can access critical funding and work with conservation expertsIncentive Programs through the US Department of Agriculture include the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service (NRCS) ndashMolokaiͲLanai Soil ampWater Conservation District(SWCD) which prepares local conservation and watershed management plans providesconservationeducationandpropagatesnativeplantstorestoreHawaiianecosystemsassistsfarmersand ranchers inanumberof federalFarmBillPrograms thatprovides incentives forvoluntary conservation practices to help reduce erosion protect streams and rivers restoreandestablishfishandwildlifehabitatandimproveairqualityo EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)respondstoimportantlocallyidentified
natural resource concerns Funds cover conservationplanningdesignand installation Itmayincludestrategiessuchasnoxiousweedcontrolbrushmanagementpasturehaylandplantingterracesandgroundcover
o GroundampSurfaceWaterConservation (GSWC) supports installationof irrigation related
conservation practices Strategies funded arewater catchment basinsmicroͲirrigationroofrunoffetc
o GrasslandReserveProgram(GRP)assistslandownersandoperatorsintherestorationand
protectionofgrasslandincludingrangelandandpasturelando WildlifeHabitat IncentiveProgram (WHIP) utilized for thecreationand improvementof
fish and wildlife habitat on private land Some practices funded include developingwetlandripariananduplandareas
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 59
o Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) wetland restoration enhancement or creation on
privatelando FarmampRanchlandProtectionProgram(FRPP)helpingstatetribalorlocalgovernmentto
purchasethedevelopmentrightstokeepproductivefarmandranchlandinagriculturaluseo Conservation Security Program (CSP) rewards farmers for protecting and improving the
environment Pays producerswho historically practice good stewardship on agriculturallandsandprovidesincentives
OtherprogramsadministeredthroughNRCSanditsaffiliatesincludeo AgriculturalDevelopment Program (ADP) provides funds to Resource Conservation and
DevelopmentCouncils throughout the nation to administer grants for community drivenprojectsthatpromoteagriculturaldevelopment
o Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) stimulates the development and adoption of
innovativeconservationapproachesand technologieswhile leveraging federal investmentinenvironmentalenhancementandprotectioninconjunctionwithagriculturalproduction
o CooperativeEcosystemStudiesUnit(CESU)provideopportunitiesforinterdisciplinaryand
multiͲagency research technical assistance and education Function as ldquovirtualrdquoorganizationslinkingseveralinstitutionstoincreaseaccesstoexpertiseandfacilities
ImproveRanchingPracticesampMaximizeUseampPotentialofSlaughterhouseThebroaderimpactfortheislandinhavingitsownslaughterhousethemostadvancedfacilityin theStateofHawaii is the revitalizationofMolokairsquos ranching industryWherequalityandincreased volume are paramount ranchers with the right tools may take advantage ofconsumer trends towards making healthier food choices through offering MolokaiͲgrowngrassͲfedorganicbeefasavalueͲaddednicheproduct
TherehavebeencriticismsaboutthequalityofMolokaibeef intermsoftaste Whilevisitorsandhealthconsciousindividualstendtobemorewillingtospendupto$5lbonlocalgrassfedbeeftheaverageMolokaiconsumertendstobemoreconcernedabouttasteAccordingtotheslaughterhousemanagerhighqualitypastureyieldshighqualitybeefandisapreͲrequisiteforenteringanichemarket Ranchersherearenot focusedongrass finishing theircattle HighqualitygrassgrownunderbestmanagementpracticesisneededtocreateagreatbeefproductItwill take time for the ranching industry to see the valueof adopting greatermeasures inalignmentwithorganicranchingpreceptstocaptureanichemarket
Venisonand lambshowmarketpotential Itwillbe interestingtotracktheprogressofthese
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 60
potential enterprises in the years ahead It is recommended thatMolokairsquos stateͲofͲtheͲartslaughterhousebeutilizedtoprocessanddistributemore localmeatandavarietyofanimalsforretailprocessingaswellasvalueͲaddedfooddevelopmentAdditionallythepossibilityandrequirements for processing goat through the slaughterhouse and the potentialmarket fortheseanimals shouldbe furtherexploredasaway toget feralgoats (andmoredeer)downfromthemountainasathreattouplandnativeforestsandontotheplateWemustbegintolookatwaystoturnthreatsintoopportunities
SustainableRanchingThe community has identified as a priority the support of ldquocontinued livestockͲraisingoperationsonMolokaithatusesustainablelandwatermanagementpracticestominimizetheriskoferosionandtoprotectMolokairsquoslimitedwaterresourcesrdquo94Sust`ĈinableMolokaihasbeenresearchingwaystobringthetoolsofHolisticManagementtoMolokai ranchers Theholisticmanagement framework touchesupon theways thatanimalscan play an important role in renewing the land through careful management andunderstandingthewatercyclemineralcycleenergyflowandecosystemdynamics Throughthismethodgrasslandscanbe improved tominimizenegativeeffectsofdroughtrebuildsoilandsequestercarbonaswellasprovidegoodpastureforhoovedanimalswhoareintegratedinto themanagement plan With holisticmanagement livestock actually provide a healingeffectonthelandthroughmimickingnatureandwildherdingbehaviorAnimalscanbeutilizedtoaerate the soilandaid in theplantingofgrass seedwith theirhooveswhilecontributingnutrientstothesoilfromtheirfeceswithhighdensitygrazingforshortperiodsfollowedbyarestorativeperiod Outcomesof this sustainablewayofmanagement include reduced costsand increased profits for the ranch more productive range land biologically active soilsreversal of desertification of eroded lands drought protection restorative effect on thewatershedimprovedwildlifehabitatandecosystemsandfoodsecurityRanchersaroundtheworldhavemetwithgreatsuccessthroughthismethodTherearesomeexamplesontheBigIslandofsuccessfulranchingwithHolisticManagementprinciplesWithappropriateplanningcollaboration and raising the necessary funds Sust`ĈinableMolokai would like to bring aHolisticManagementtrainingworkshoptoassisttheranchingcommunityStrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparednessOne farm business Kumu Farms has taken an active role in responding to food securityconcernsforMolokaiKumuFarmsaftertherecenttsunamiscarebegantoconsiderhowtheycouldhelpinincreasingMolokairsquosfoodsecurityandresiliencetodisastereventsKumuFarmsadoptedapolicy thatmakesMolokai firstpriority in termsof supplying the islandrsquosproduceneedsMolokaineedsaretakencareoffirstwiththesurplusexportedtotherestoftheStateandUSmainland
94MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 61
UH CTAHRwill be providing an `Ohana Gardening class for subsistence gardening Familygardens are the bestway to provide food security There is a phrase by Geoff Lawton arenowned permaculture teacher ldquoOne can solve all problems in a gardenrdquo In a gardendistributionandtransportationissuesareautomaticallyresolvedOthermeasuresthatcanbetaken to make food readily accessible to families and minimize the amount of time andresources to travel by foot is toworkwith families to plant breadfruit trees sweet potatobananaswet or dryland taroMany Hawaiian families particularly living on kuleana landsalreadyhavetheseplantsandtrees inthegroundasdirectbeneficiariesoftheirkupunawhocommonlyprovidedforthefamilyrsquosneedsrightintheirownbackyardOne farmer would like to see food forests on the mountain sides in every ahupua`aCollaborationwith large landownerscommunitygroupsand theahaki`ole leadershipwouldbeagoodstartingpointtocoordinatethistypeofworkMolokairsquos strength also lies in its diversified agriculture and family farms The use of largeacreagesof farm land forbiotech seedcropsutilized for researchpurposesonly impacts theislandrsquos food security and ability to produce food Typical industrialmonocrop culture alsoleavestheislandmorevulnerabletomasscropfailureGreaterresilienceisfoundthroughdiversificationoffoodcropsReintroducingthepracticeofseedsavingandgrowingmanyvarietiesofheirloomseedsadaptedtospecificgrowingregionsand climate regimes is away to increase food security Greater effortmust be placed increatingaseedbankpreservingandplantingexistingseedvarietiesparticularlycreatedbytheearlyHawaiians and passed down to the present generation and cultivating new varietiesadaptedtoonersquosgrowingareaRestoration ofWaikolu Valley was identified as a priority project under theMaui CountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)processTherestorationprojectwouldentailallowinghomesteaderstorestorethetaroterracesinthevalleyandreplanttaro95Molokairsquosgreat inventoryoffishpondsandmassivefringingreefsystemarealsoassetstotheislandrsquosabilitytoproducefoodCaremustbetakentorestoreuplandforeststostopsiltationandrunoffintotheoceanandfishpondsWorkmustbeundertakentorestoremorefishpondsandputthembackintoproduction
95Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter4ndashMauiCountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy2010ShortRangePriorityProjectsp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 62
ConclusionFarming is challenging onMolokai due to limited water resources high operational costsshippinghurdlesandtheabilitytogeta fairprice forproduce farmed Thesechallengesarenot insurmountable ifapproachedsystematicallyandcontinuedeffortsandcommitmentsaremade byMolokairsquos community to support local agriculture through education and creatingstructuresthatpoolresourcesandpeopletogetherThe island ismadestrongerby theassetswehavearichcultural legacyof `Ĉinamomonaapopulation thatmaintains traditional subsistence practices and upholds agriculture as theeconomic mainstay for the island lands fishponds and reefs capable of producing vastamounts of food a strongHawaiianHomestead farming community engaged in diversifiedagriculture a college and demonstration farm that offers agriculture certificate and degreeprograms local stateͲofͲtheͲart slaughterhousea community run commercialkitchen facilityforvalueͲadded foodproductionand trainingdedicatededucatorsandagricultureextensionagents from the University to help farmers in the field and an environment that ismorecooperativethancompetitiveintermsofsharingknowledgeandbestpractices
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 63
VI APPENDICES
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sustrsquoaina ble Molokai Survey Food Production amp Security
Do you care or think about where your food comes from ___yes ___no Do you prefer to buy local Molokai food products __ yes ___no __no preference Would you eat more local food if it were available __yes __no If yes what would you like to eat or buy if made grown on Molokai_______________________________________________________________________________ Do you feel you have access to locally grown food in the grocery stores and open markets ___yes ___no If no
what do you suggest to improve this situation_______________________________________________________
Are you a farmer or interested in farming ____ yes ____no If yes how old are you_________________
If yes what do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other ________________________________
What produce do you (plan to) farm_______________ ______________________________________ How much land are you farming (or is available for you) a Less than one acre b 1 ndash 5 acres c 15 - 40 acres d 40 acres or more
Do you grow your own food (farm gardening) _____ yes ______no If no what is the primary reason for not
growing your own food __Too busy __ Not interested __ Relying on others __Disabled __ Donrsquot know
how Other Reason _____________________________
Approximately what percentage of the food you eat is Prepared at home ______ Purchased from a restaurant ______ (total should equal 100)
Of the food you prepare at home approximately what percentage is grown caught andor produced (total should equal 100)
a By you andor your family ______ b On Molokai_______ c In Hawaii ________ d Outside Hawaii________
Would you grow food for sale if there were a viable market (guaranteed customer) (or more food if you already grow)
__Yes __No What subsistence activities do you do If none why (no interest no time donrsquot know how)
aHunting b FishingDiving c Gathering (what___________________) Other ______________ None because _______________________
To practice subsistence on Molokai we need our natural resources to be in good conditionprotected and we need access Which one is a bigger concern for you ___Conditionprotection of our natural resources ___Access to natural areasresources ___Both ndash equally
Overall how important is subsistence to your family ___Very Important ___Somewhat important
___Somewhat Unimportant ___Not Important at all
About what percent of your familyrsquos food comes from subsistence activities (fishing hunting gathering raising
animals cultivation) ________
AppendixA-FoodProduc0onampSecuritySurvey
Food Production ndash Informant Interviews ndash Farmers
Sustainable Molokai is creating an online database where we are inputting information about the islandrsquos food production We want to share what you are growing as well as include your manarsquoo on the status of Molokairsquos food supply Once this information is available to the public the island community would have a picture of what is going on in terms of food security and how we can all get together to fill in the gaps and meet needs
How old are you how long have you been farming
What produce do you farm or are interested in farming How much land is available for you
What has been your best cash crop
Has farming your specific productproduce been successful
What do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other___________________________
Do you sell or plan to sell food mostly on island What is your vision for an agricultural future for this island
AppendixB-InterviewQues0onsforFarmers
Food Security Interview Questions for Businesses
Sustainable Molokai is working on a database project which is collecting information about Molokairsquos food production We are surveying the community and would like to talk story with the islandrsquos grocery stores
Out of a 100 how much percentage of what you sell out of the store is locally grownproducedmade
If itrsquos not Molokai made where does the produce come that is being sold out of the store
What Molokai madegrown products do you sell out of the store
What are the requirements for local food to be sold out of your store (eg business license)
What is the most popularsuccessful or fastest selling local product sold
What do you consider to be the challenges that farmers face on Molokai
What would you like to sell that is Molokai made
Do you have any suggestions to potential farmers food businesses on Molokai What to sell when to sell etc
AppendixC-InterviewQues0onsforBusinesses
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 6
II BACKGROUND
AStatewideOutlook
Agriculture isamajorcontributortoHawai`irsquoseconomyand isessential forproviding foodtoresidentsaswellasgeneratingrevenuethrougharobustexportmarket1Agriculturegenerates$29billion toHawai`irsquosannualeconomyandproduces42000 jobs2However there ismuchroomfor improvement intermsofprovidingenoughfoodforthe islandsaswellas increasingrevenuesfortheState
From Plantation Agriculture to Biotech Seed Crops Towards the end of the 20th centurymonocropplantationagriculture(sugarpineapple) lost itseconomicedgedueto lowerwageforeign competition3 Industrialized corporate agriculture in Hawai`i has shifted to biotechcropsnamelygeneticallymodifiedseedcornresearch4
WhilebiotechseedcropshaveprovenmosteconomicallylucrativeforHawai`iagriculturewithaprofitvalueof$177million in the2008Ͳ2009growingseason5allocatingpreciousacreageand limitedwaterresources toGMOseedcropresearchwould in the longͲtermcompromisethe Statersquos overall food security and limit the Statersquos ability to provide locally healthy andnutritiousfoodsIndustrialnonͲsustainablefarmingpracticesthatincludeheavyapplicationofsynthetic fertilizers and pesticides further degrade the ecological health and viability ofHawai`irsquosprimeagriculturallandsforpresentandfuturegenerations
AgroecologyHawai`irsquosgeographic isolationasan islandarchipelago leaves itmostvulnerableto food and fuel shortages natural disasters drought and rising sea levels associatedwithglobal climate change Measures to increase resilience and adaptability include adoptingagroecological approaches ldquoapply[ing] ecological science to the design of agricultural1State of Hawai`i Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism Office of Planning Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)ExecutiveSummaryii20102HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday3Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp4Ͳ5 ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50million Likewise thepineapple industryproduced954000 tonsof fruit in1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74millionͶHawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp5ldquo[I]n1970Hawaiiproducedabout105milliontonsofrawsugarvaluedatabout$451millionadjustedto2006ͲvalueddollarsBy2006sugarproductionhadfallento16milliontonswithavalueofabout$50millionLikewisethepineappleindustryproduced954000tonsoffruitin1970worthabout$161millionwhenconvertedto2006dollarsBy2006productionhadfallento185000tonswithavalueof$74million5ldquoTheHawaiiDepartmentofAgricultureestimatesthevalueofseedcorngrowingat$169millioninthe200809growingseasonmorethandoublethevaluefromthe200506ItrepresentedaboutoneͲthirdthevalueofallcropsgrowninthestatein200809rdquo5Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp30Ͳ31
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 7
systemsrdquo6Thismethodology includespracticesthatenhancethe life inthesoilthatprovidesnutritiousorganic food integratedpestmanagement throughguildingwithbeneficialplantsandtreesandattractingnaturalpredatorinsectsandanimalstoprotectcropsandselectingforbiodiversitytominimizecroplosses
Organic Farming Renewed interest in sustainable agricultural practices have arisen from aburgeoning organic industry and standards for organic certification that stress ecologicallybased farming and exclusion of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and geneticallymodifiedorganisms7TheUSorganicindustrynetted$178billioninretailsalesin2007approximately25intotalnationalfoodsales8Worldwidevalueoforganicproducestoodat$30billionasof2005witha14annualincreasesince20009Acreagededicatedtoorganicagriculturehasincreased20annuallysince2001with78millionacresinproductionworldwideasof200610Hawai`irsquos growth hasmirrored global and national trendswith State sales of organic cropsincreasing60between2005and2007from$5millionto$8million11Organic foods have becomemoremainstream with outlets including regular supermarketsrather than just the typical small natural food outposts12Whole FoodsMarket Inc has inrecentyearsestablishedapresenceinHawai`iWithitsreputationforbuyingfromsmalllocalfarmers the presence ofWhole Foods serves as an incentive for Hawai`i farmers to groworganicfood13Thereareanestimated200certifiedorganicproducers intheStateoperatingon a median of 5Ͳ13 acres of land14 The Big Island holds the most acreage for organicproductionat58followedbyMaui(22)Kaua`i(11)Molokai(7)andOahu(2)15TheindustrywillcontinuetoexpandwithincreasingconsumerpreferencefororganicfoodsBuyLocalEatLocalCommonthemesaroundagricultureemergedfromfocusgroupmeetingsconductedaspartofHawai`irsquos2010StatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS) These included support for diversified agriculture and increasing food security bysupportingFarmersMarketsandldquoBuyLocalEatLocalrdquo initiatives16TheHawai`iFarmBureauFederation StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculture andUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UHͲCTAHR) have sponsored these type ofcampaignsademphasizethefollowing
6UnitedNationsHumanRightsOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRightsEcoͲFarmingcandoublefoodproductionin10yearssaysnewUNreportMarch82011httpwwwohchrorgENNewsEventsPagesDisplayNewsaspxNewsID=10819ampLangID=E7RadovichTheodoreJLindaJCoxandJamesRHollyerldquoOverviewofOrganicFoodCropSystemsinHawai`irdquoCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesSustainableAgricultureNov2009SAͲ38RadovichCoxandHollyer20099RadovichCoxandHollyer200910RadovichCoxandHollyer200911RadovichCoxandHollyer200912RadovichCoxandHollyer200913RadovichCoxandHollyer200914RadovichCoxandHollyer200915RadovichCoxandHollyer200916Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)2010ExecutiveSummaryii
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 8
1 Enjoyexceptionaltasteandfreshnesspremiumtastemaximumfreshnessproducepicked
andeatenclosertoitsheightofripenesspackedwithnutrients2 Strengthen your local economy and community buying local food keeps your dollars
circulatinginyourcommunityBuildingrelationshipswiththefarmerswhogrowyourfoodstrengthensyourtiestothecommunityandtheland
3 Helppreserveopen space by supporting local farmersbuying local foodhelpspreservegreenopenspaceinyourcommunity
Part of this campaign also acknowledges lessening the Statersquos ecological footprint anddependenceonfossilfuelsfromheavyimportsfromthemainlandthathavemoreldquofoodmilesrdquoassociatedwiththemascomparedtolocallypurchasedfoodDiversifiedAgriculture Hawai`irsquosagriculture industrycapitalizesonthe islandsrsquotropicalyearͲroundgrowingclimateanduniquefeaturesthatallowfornicheindustries17Moresmallfarmshave gained a foothold in the diversified agriculture sector through cultivation of specialtycropssuchastropical fruitsmacadamianutscoffee flowersand freshproducesoldaroundtheglobe18TheldquoGrowninHawai`irdquobrandingisrecognizedaroundtheworldasaguaranteeofhighqualitydelicacies19Hawai`iRegionalCuisinehasalsobecomeknownforitsutilizationofthe freshest seafoodveggiesand tropical fruits inaunique fusionofEastWestand islandflavors20
In2008farmproductionindiversifiedagricultureproduced12200jobsthroughouttheState21Proactive measures to revitalize Hawaiirsquos agriculture industry through diversification hasbroughtrevenuesthatarecomparabletotheStatersquosearlyheydayswhensugarandpineapplewereking In2002HawaiirsquosAgriculturalFarmRevenuecrossed$5359million22Diversifiedagricultureaccountsfor69ofannualrevenueswithpineapple(19)andunprocessedcanesugar(12)trailingbehind23
AgriͲTourism Agriculture is also proving important to tourism Hawai`irsquos top economicengine24VisitorinterestinecoͲtoursagriͲtoursandculturallyauthenticexperiencesisontherise25 In2006agritourismbrought in$388million in revenueas reportedby112Hawai`iͲ
17Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp1218HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday19HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday20HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday21Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp2922ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200823ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200824HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday25HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 9
based farmsan increaseof14 from2003 figures ($339million)26The leadingcategoryofrevenuereceived fromagriͲtourswas$121million inonͲfarmdirectsalestovisitors27Otheractivitiesyieldingprofit includedbedandbreakfastamenitiesprovidingmeeting spacesandvenuesforeducationandentertainmentandoutdoorrecreation28
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent
FromancienttimesMolokaiwaswellknownas`Ĉinamomona(theldquofatrdquoorabundantland)foritswealthasanislandthatproducedfoodinsurplusfromitsverdantahupua`aandnumerousfishponds As on all Hawaiian islands Molokairsquos people and the natural resources weremanagedundertheahupua`asystemTheahupua`awasaunitoflandtypicallywedgeͲshapedrunning frommauka tomakai (mountain tosea)and following thenaturalboundariesof thewatershedThesystemwascomprisedofwaoakua(sacredplaceofthegods)uplandforeststhatgatheredtherainsTheareawassubjecttolimiteduses(egforkiamanubirdcatcherstogatherfeathersforcloakshelmetsandkahiliforthekahunakĈlaiwa`atoharvestkoaforcanoebuilding)and forceremonialpurposes Themountain forestswerepreserved intacttoformandprotectthewatershedandcarrynutrientslowerdowntheahupua`aintowaokanaka(thepeoplersquosdomain)Herethepeoplewerefreetogatheravarietyofplantsfordailyneedshardwood ofthe kauila tocarve ihe(spears) andmake toolsandimplementsolonĈ tocreate strongcordage forfishnets andfish linesmedicinalherbs `ie`iefor lashinghouse postsand canoesand maile forleiThefertileplains and fields were known as the kula lands a place rich in agriculture These landscontainedancientfeatsofwaterengineeringcontouredterracingoffieldsplantedintarothatslowedthepathofthewaterandallowedformaximumsoakageThewatercollectedandfed
26GeislerMalindaldquoagritourismprofilerdquoAgMRCagriculturalmarketingresourcecenterUpdatedJanuary2012httpwwwagmrcorgcommodities__productsagritourismagritourismͲprofile27Geisler201228Geisler2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 10
numerousspringsbelow`Auwai(irrigationditches)transportedwaterfromkahawai(streams)tomultiple lo`i(taropatches)andreturnedthewateroncemoreto itssourceTarobanana`ulu(breadfruit)tileafkƃ(sugarcane)wereallcultivatedinthekularegionFaunaharvestedfrom streams included `o`opu (goby) `opae (shrimp) and hihiwai (snail) Grasslandswereconverted to agricultural fields of `uala (sweet potato) Other kinds of plants and treescultivated here included kukui (candlenut) `ohe (bamboo) and lauhala (pandanus) At thebottomofthevalleyspringscarryingnutrientsfromaboveflowedalongtheshorelineandseaHere loko i`a (fishponds)were constructed to farm fish Thesewalled fishponds form semiͲcirclesalongtheshorelineandaredesignedasmicroͲenvironmentsforcertainbrackishwaterand herbivorous fish likemullet and awa (milkfish) that feed on abundantmats of algaetherebyproducingfoodforthepeoplewithouthavingtoapplyexcessivefishingpressurealongthereefandopenoceanExistingwithintheahupua`awasastrictcodeofconduct(kapusystem)amongstthepeopleofthe land (hoa`Ĉina) as delegated and enforced by the ali`i (chiefs) and their konohiki (landagents)forthecarefulmanagementofthenaturalresourcesThehoa`Ĉinapossessedrightsofgathering and usage of the natural resourceswithin their ahupua`a of residencewith theunderstandingthattheyalsohadkuleana(responsibility)tomĈlama(carefor)thelandandseaandharvestappropriatelyfornomorethantheirneeds Theyengaged inpo`alimacollectiveworkdayswherethepeoplepooledtheir labortoengage inpublicworks improvementssuchas constructing additional lo`i and `auwai and building fishponds From the conscientiousmanagementof the landwatersand seaand themaintenanceofgenealogicaland spiritualrelationshipstothenaturalworldtheresourceswerebroughttoastateofabundanceTheahupua`asystemsustainedthepeopleforcenturiesUponCaptainCookrsquosarrivaltotheHawaiianislandsin1778heestimatedthepopulationtobebetween 20000 to 3600029 Introduced diseases for which the people had no immunitydecimatedthepopulationthroughouttheislandsBy1836Molokairsquospopulationhaddwindledtoanestimated8700andwasfurtherreducedto2307peoplebythetimeacensuswastakenneartheturnofthecenturyin189630Kamehamehabroughtabout theunificationofall the islandsunderoneKingdomofHawai`iWesterninfluencesandtheteachingsofChristianmissionariesbroughtaboutdecisionsamongtheali`itoabolishthekapusystem(1819)privatizeanddeconstructtheahupua`a(Maheleof1848)Whilethechiefsreceivedtheirapportionmentoflandsmanyhoa`Ĉinaoutofignorancetrust intheirchiefstocare fortheirwellͲbeingandgovern them justlyor for fearofreprisalfailed to register land claims to small kuleana parcels that would have kept them with acomfortablepieceoflandtomaintaintheir`ohana(family)withhale(home)andgardenplotsHawai`irsquosentry into the internationalmarket shifted the laborof themaka`Ĉinana (commonpeople) away from agriculture and towardsdeforestationof theupland forests to fulfill the
29MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml30MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 11
kingdomrsquos sandalwood tradewithChina Otherenterprises includedwhalingandplantationagriculture that brought immigrants from around theworld toHawai`irsquos shores and alteredwatershedsthroughthediversionofwatersfrom lushwindwardvalleystodry leewardplainsforthemassproductionofsugarcaneandpineappleWithoutwatertoirrigatetheirtarofieldsmanywere forced toabandon the lo`iandmake for thecityManyMolokai families left theisland insearchofwork inthemorecommercialcenters locatedonMauiandOahu31ThosewhostayedbehindmaintainedtheirconnectiontotraditionalpathwaysandsubsistencelivingEarlyunsuccessfulagriculture trialsonMolokai included sugar coffee sisalwhitepotatoescottoncorngrapesbeansbarleyoatswheatandalfalfa32Thesecropsfailedduetoheavywindsandinsects33TheareawiththegreatestpopulationconcentrationwaseastMolokaiTheeasternmostvalleyof Halawa Valley was rich in lo`i produced taro commercially and supported a thrivingcommunityuntiltwotsunamiin1946and1967devastatedthevalleyThecommercialcentersmovedtoPuko`oandthenKamalowhichheldanaturalharborforimportandexportofgoodsTheCooke family acquired the arid central andwestMolokaiplains aboutoneͲthirdof theisland These landsarenowownedbyMolokaiPropertiesLtdcommonlyknownasMolokaiRanchToattractcommercetoitslandholdingstheRanchdredgedaharborinKaunakakaiandconstructedawharf TodayKaunakakai servesas themaincenterofbusinesswithKamaloWharfhaving fallen intodisrepairandmuchof theareaemptiedof familiesTheRanchalsostrategically purchased lands thatwould give them riparian and correlative rights tomajorstreams and aquifer water in centralMolokai They diverted water to their westernmostpropertiesusedforcattleranchingMuch of their lands in Kualapu`u and Maunaloa were utilized by Dole and Del Montecompanies forpineapplecultivation34Thepineapple industryservedas theeconomicenginefortheislanduntilitphasedoutin1987duetocheaperlaborabroadTodaymanyofMolokaiRanchrsquoslandholdingsthatgrewpineapplearenowleasedforbiotechcornresearchandcoffeeproductionTheHawaiianHomesCommissionActameasuretorehabilitateNativeHawaiiansof50bloodquantumormorebyreturningthemtothe landtobuildhomesandfarmwaspassedbytheUS federal government in 1920Molokai served as the staging ground for the programrsquossuccess or failure Hawaiian Home lands were designated in the areas of Kapa`akeaKalama`ula Pala`au andHo`olehua andmore recentlyUalapu`e NativeHawaiian familiesfromneighboringislandscametoMolokaitobuildtheirhomesandmakethelandproductiveTheir early successes aided in the establishment ofmore homesteads on the other islandsWiththeinfluxofadditionalHawaiianfamiliesandJapaneseandFilipinoimmigrantstoworkinthepineapplefieldsMolokairsquospopulationhadincreasedto442735InrecentyearsMolokairsquos31MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml32MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml33MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml34MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml35MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 12
population has grown to include snowbirds and retirees from theUSmainland aswell asthose seeking amore quiet and rural lifestyle Today the population ofMolokai stands at7345
In 1987Molokairsquos livestock industrywas crippled by the StateDepartment of AgriculturersquosmandatetoeradicateallcattleontheislandduetothethreatofbovinetuberculosisAnotherheavyblowwasdealtattheclosureoftheoldslaughterhouse inKaunakakai Muchplanningfrom the grassroots level upwas undertaken to resolve this problem Commitments frommultiplecountystateandfederalpartnersinͲkindcontributionsbyvolunteermembersoftheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeandcountlessvolunteerhoursandservicesofferedbyvariouslocal businesses and individual residents led to the establishment of a new slaughterhousefacilitylocatedinHo`olehua
Erecting this stateͲofͲtheͲart facility represented a vehicle to facilitate the restoration ofMolokairsquos ranching industry and the ability for the island toproduce and sell itsownmeatRanchersandhomesteadfarmersnowhadavenuetoprocesstheiranimalsInadditiontothemoreestablishedranchesanestimated150Molokai familiesraise livestock largely forhomeconsumption With the adventof thenew slaughterhouse therearenowopportunities forthese small scale farmers to expand into commercial livestock production Stores andrestaurantsneednot import all theirmeat fromoffͲisland as theynowhave access to localmeatMoniesgeneratedcouldbenefitthecommunitydirectlyThe introduction of hooved animals toMolokai has devastated the natural ecology of theislandCattleranchingferaldeerandgoathaveerodedthelandHeavyrainstransporttonsofsilteachyearontoMolokairsquosreefsandfishpondsIntroducedmangrovehavealsodestroyedasignificant percentage of Molokairsquos fishponds Mangroves encroach and break throughfishpond walls trap sediments and choke off underwater springs such that the watercirculationandecologyarenolongerviableforfishproductionDespite thesehardshipsand setbacksover theyearsagriculture remains the cornerstoneofthe islandrsquoseconomyMolokairsquos ruralcharacter lends toacloseͲknit communitywithpeoplewhoperpetuate strong cultural values traditional subsistence and selfͲreliance Thepeopleembrace local autonomy and are very involved in local governing processes AgriculturenonprofitssmallbusinessenterprisesandlocalmomandpopstoresarethefoundationofthelongͲtermeconomyonislandMuchofthesocialculturalandserviceorientedprogramsarealsogeneratedfromthegrassroots locallevelthroughtheworkofchurchgroupsnonprofitsandunincorporatedhuiDuringtheFocusMauiNuiproceedings in2003MauiMolokaiandLana`iresidentsgatheredtostrategicallyplanafutureforMauiCountyThe120MolokaiparticipantsoutlinedchallengestheyfacedasacommunityandprovidedstrategiesandactionplanstoaddressthemMolokairesidents identified top five community priorities which included inter alia creating jobs(409) strengthening the economy (296) growingmore food locally (217) protectingandpromotingruralidentity(191)andsupportingsmallbusinessdevelopment(130)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 13
TheMaui CountyWorkforce Investment Board (WIB) Local Plan provides an Assessment ofLaborMarketTrendstodevelopaComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategyovera10yearspanOneofWIBsgoalsistofocusondiversifyingtheeconomyincludingtheagriculturalsectorandldquonicheareasrdquoTheplanrecognizestheneedforexpansioninvalueͲaddedopportunitieswhichemphasize the uniqueness ofMaui Nui The increased production andmarketing of newagricultureproductshaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketsTheplanalso identifiesentrepreneurshipasan importantgrowtharealdquoThedevelopmentofentrepreneurshipskills is importanttothesuccessofMaui [Countyrsquos]smallbusinesses Datacollected by the Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism and otherorganizationssuggestmoreandmoreresidentsaretakingtoselfͲemploymentForMolokaiasignificant number of new business startͲupswithin the past decade have been agriculturalenterprises(36total)particularlyfromtheHawaiianHomesteadareainHo`olehua36TheMolokai Education Centers Business Plan (2007) acknowledges the islands diversifiedagricultureindustryasamajorcontributortoMolokaiseconomywithroomforfuturegrowthAreas for future growth include valueͲadded food product development as a nichemarketMECsBusinessPlanaddsthatagriculturalcourseofferingsatthecollegeandrelevanttrainingwillplayasignificantroleinpreparingtheworkforceforadiversifiedeconomyWhile community and countyplanningobjectives clearly identify agriculture asaneconomicmainstay forMolokaiacomprehensiveprofileofMolokairsquosagriculture industryhasnotbeenfullyanalyzedOne of the objectives of this Needs Assessment is to determinewhereMolokai fits in theoverall Statewide picture for agriculture Has Molokai experienced similar successes andchallenges that farmers on the other islands face What are the strengths and assets ofMolokairsquos agricultural community aswell asneeds challenges andopportunities What isworkingandwhatisnrsquotWhataretheperceptionsoflocalconsumersWhatisthedemandforlocalMolokai grownproducemeat and seafood Howmany are farming What isbeingfarmedandwhereWhatarethelimitingfactorstofarmingonMolokaiIstherecommunitysupportforlocalfarmersDostoresandrestaurantsonMolokaihavestrongrelationshipswithlocal farmers and make priority for their produce and valueͲadded items How can westrengthenagricultureonMolokaiHowfoodsecureisMolokaiThesearethequestionsthatwesetouttoanswerthroughtheneedsassessment
36AkutagawaMalialdquoKƻha`oBusinessCenterndashEntrepreneurialTrainingampSupportFinalReportrdquoMarch312009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 14
III METHODS
Weadoptedthefollowingmethodsandstrategies An islandwidesurveyonfoodproductionandsecuritystartedfromFebruary27toMarch
272012(SeeAppendixforSurveyFormandResultsAnalysisSummary) Twohundredeight (208)surveyswerecompletedbytheadultmembers (overtheageof
18)ofthegeneralMolokaipopulationbringingoursamplepopulationat39Molokairsquosadultpopulationisat5401outofatotalislandpopulationof7345
Target SampleSizeADULTPOPULATION(Individualsover18
yearsofage)
208
Surveysweremadeavailableatvariouscommunity resourcecentersaswellasonlinevia
ourwebsiteEmailalertsandFacebook invitationsweremade for the tech savvy GivenMolokairsquos rural character and varying levels of knowledge and exposure of the generalpopulation to technology themost effectivemethod for data collection proved to bethroughdirectphysical inquiriesRespondentsweremost receptive toour surveyswhenofferedatourmultiplesurveytablesplaced inpublicareasparticularlystrategic locationsof commerce such as sidewalks fronting grocery stores and during various communityevents
Atotalof36 interviewswereconductedwithagricultureexpertsandeducators (3)small
andmediumͲscalefarmersandCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)operatorsgrowingdiversifiedandorganiccrops(14)deerandcattleranchers(3)fishermenandaquacultureproducers (3) localgroceryandhealth foodstores (5)meatprocessorsandvalueͲaddedfoodproducers(4)hotelandrestaurants(3)andother informants(1)(SeeAppendixforInterviewQuestionsandResultsAnalysis)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 15
Keyinterviewinformantsincluded
AgricultureExpertsampEducators
GlennTevesMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureampHumanResources(UHͲCTAHR)ph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJenniferHawkinsMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUHͲCTAHRph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJamesBoswellCertifedOrganicInspectorandAgricultureInstructorUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollegendashMolokaiFarmph(808)567Ͳ6577boswelljhawaiiedu
FarmersndashDiversifiedampOrganicCropsCastleAdolphoHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerof`inaKulaniFarmsHo`olehuaKimoKaiamaHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKaiamaFarmsHo`olehuaRickTamanahaofKaleikoaFarmsHawaiianHomesteadFamilyFarmHo`olehuaKalaniHanHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKuikamokuFarmsHo`olehuaTuddiPurdyHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm(808)567Ͳ6601wwwmolokaiͲalohacommacnutsJaneTevesHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofHuaKalaFarmHo`olehuaLynnDeCoiteHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofLampRFarmHo`olehuandashMahana(808)567Ͳ9234wwwlandrfarmscomKu`uleiArceofArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamShariLynofMali`oFarmandExecutiveDirectorofKaHalePomaika`iKamaloandUalapu`eEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8107httpwwwlocalharvestorgmalioͲfarmͲorganicallyͲgrowingͲonͲmolokaiͲM11205EllenSpruanceOwnerofPapaoHakuFarmMapulehuandKumimiEastMolokaiJamieRonzelloCSAOperatorMahanaGardensJoeKennedyPermaculturistMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanaEmanuelaVinciguerraMarketingDirectorofKumuFarmsMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanawwwkumufarmscom
RanchersEdmundPedroOwnerofPedroRanchEastMolokaiJanRoneyManagerofPu`uOHokuRanchEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8109wwwpuuohokucomfarmDesmundManabaOwnerofDJCRanchIncHo`olehuandashMahana
FishermanAquacultureProducerDedrickManabaFishermanKaunakakaiSteveChaikinOwnerofMolokaiSeaFarmPala`au(808)553Ͳ3547wwwbroodstockcomMyronAkutagawaandShermanNapoleonJrKeKua`ĈinaHanaunaHouPuko`oEastMolokai
MeatProcessorValueͲAddedProducersJackSpruanceDirectorofMolokaiLivestockCooperative(MolokaiSlaughterhouse)Ho`olehuaBrendaKaneshiroBeekeeperandOwnerofMolokaiMeliKamaloEastMolokai(800)434Ͳ2550NancyGoveSaltMasterandOwnerofPacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ8484wwwpacificahawaiicomChrisMebileChongrsquosPoiShopKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ4313
GroceryStoresCrystalIgusaandStaffFriendlyMarketCenterKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5595KevinMisakiofMisakirsquosGroceryKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5505DennisTurnerOwnerofOutpostNaturalFoodsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ3377SonyaYuenOwnerofKualapu`uMarketKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ6243NaniPeleManagerofMaunaloaGeneralStoreMaunaloa(808)552Ͳ2346
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 16
HotelampRestaurants
TinaPriceManagerofKualapu`uCookhouseKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ9655GenePikeExecutiveChefatHulaShoresRestaurantHotelMolokaiKamiloloa(808)553Ͳ5347httpwwwhotelmolokaicomKerrieFeltCoͲOwnerofMolokaiBurger(808)553Ͳ3533wwwmolokaiburgercom
OtherInformantsByronEspaniolaAhaMokuRepresentativeforKaluakoiMaunaloa
WewereunsuccessfulinsecuringaninterviewwithMonsantoasthelargestemployerand
agricultureoperationonMolokai Our repeated inquiries remainedunanswered TherewereadditionalMolokaigrowersranchersaquacultureoperators fishermenstoresandrestaurantsthatwewantedto interviewbut inthe interestofgeneratingthisreport inatimelymannerwewereunabletofullymeetthisobjective
Findings were also supplemented through research of existing literature of global
statewideandMolokaiͲspecificagriculturefactsandtrendsAreviewofcurrentandpriorcommunityͲbased planning economic education and training initiatives in support ofagriculturewerealsoexaminedThesearereferencedthroughoutthedocument
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 17
IV KEYFINDINGS
Thissectionhasbeenorganizedintothefollowingcategories LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProducts MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgriculture
Producers Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengths
NeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFoodAccesstoLocallyGrownFoodWeaskedMolokairesidentsiftheyfeltaccesswasavailabletolocallygrown food in the localgrocery storesandopenmarkets78of those surveyed felttheyhaveaccesswhile13felttheydidnotAwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood
Doyoucareorthinkaboutwhereyourfoodcomesfrom
DoyouprefertobuymorelocalMolokaifoodproducts
Wouldyoueatmorelocalfoodifitwereavailable
98ofthosesurveyedwouldeatmorelocalfoodifitwasavailablewhile1wouldnot
90ofthosesurveyedprefertobuylocalMolokaifoodproductswhile2donot
94 of the sample populationcarethink about where theirfood comes from while 5 donot
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 18
QuestionWhatwouldyouliketoeatorbuyifitwasmadeorgrownonMolokai
TheMolokaipopulationwantstoeatasmuch Molokai made products aspossible Fresh vegetables and fruitsranked the highest Specificallymentioned items were kalo (taro)sweet potato brussel sprouts bittermelon cabbage olives pumpkinasparagus corn lettuce tomatoesbroccoli cucumber eggplant squashzucchini beans carrots onion garlicginger spinach melons watermelonspears strawberries and persimmonsMeat products included requests for
fishchickenporkandbeefValueaddedproductrequestsincludedhamburgersausagetofupoibutterand jamRequestswerealsomade fordairyproducts likemilkeggscheeseandgoatcheeseWhile 90 of those surveyed stated theywould buymore local food if itwas available itappearsthatsomerespondents(25people)feltthattherewasnrsquotenoughdemandonislandforlocalproduceandthatlikelyposedachallengetoMolokaifarmersWequeriedMolokairesidentsonwhattheywouldliketoseeintermsofimprovingagricultureonMolokaiandincreasingtheiraccessascustomerstolocalfoodsTheseweresomeoftheirresponses
ldquomoresupportforlocalfarmersrdquoldquo(createa)betterfarmersmarketrdquoldquobybuyinglocalrdquoldquothatstoresbuyandsellmorelocalproducerdquoldquocoͲopͲonedistributorrdquoldquolabelgmoandorganicproductssoweknowrdquo
SubsistenceWealso surveyed theMolokaipopulation todetermine someof theirpracticesaroundfoodpreparationandwhatpercentageoftheirfoodcamefromdifferentsources AswehadsurveyedMolokairsquosfarmingcommunityandanalyzedthebehavioroftheislandrsquosmaingrocerystoresonwhatitemstheyselectedtosellwewantedtoknowiftheremightbeadirectcorrelationbetweenconsumerdemand for localproductsand levelofselfͲsufficiencyamongthegeneralpopulationtoengageinsubsistenceactivitiesWe foundthatanaverage825ofthosesurveyedpreparetheir foodathomewhile174mainlyeatrestaurantͲpreparedfoods
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 19
QuestionOfthefoodyouprepareathomeapproximatelywhatpercentageisgrown
caughtandorproduced
Fromoursurveyresponsestowhatpercentageoffoodpreparedathomecamefromwhatwasgrowncaughtandorproducedby individuals themselvesonMolokai ingeneralwithin theStateofHawai`ioveralland fromoutsideofHawai`iwe found that residentsaccessed foodfromthesemultiplesourcesatanearequalratewitharangeof236to272 fromeachsourceItisinterestingtonotethat246ofthefoodpreparedintheaveragepersonrsquoshomecame frompersonal subsistence activities The figure of 272 of locally grown caught orproducedfoodsmay includebothofwhat isavailable inMolokaistoresaswellaswhatmighthave been bartered or shared by otherMolokai residents as a result of their subsistenceactivities Whenaskeddirectlywhatpercentageof food consumed comes from subsistenceactivitiesanaverageof401camefromitemsthatwerefishedhuntedgatheredraisedorgrown (to includeonersquospersonalharvestsand foodsacquiredandsharedbarteredbyothersalsoengagedinsubsistence)Thusitwouldmakesensethatcombiningthetwofiguresinthegraphaboveofpreparedfoodsgrowncaughtandorproducedbytheindividualsthemselves(246) andwhatwas acquired generally fromMolokai resources (272) either shared byothers or bought directly from the store the cumulative total being 518 one mayextrapolatefromthisdatathatthedifferencebetween518and401being117maybethe amount of locally produced foods sold in Molokairsquos stores When polled as to theimportance of subsistence activities in their lives 72 of the respondents said itwas veryimportant to them Of the13who responded that theydonotengage inany subsistenceactivitylackoftimewascitedasthegreatestreasonwhytheydidnottakepartinsubsistenceIn comparing our general data on subsistencewith the results presented in theGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReport37in1993wefoundthatsubsistencemaybeplayingan
37MatsuokaJonDaviannaMcGregorLucianoMinerbiMaliaAkutagawaGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReportMolokaiDepartmentofBusinessEconomicDevelopmentandTourism1993
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 20
even bigger role today than it did two decades ago Loss of jobs and the global economicdownturnmaybecontributingfactors
SubsistenceFactors 1993 2012Estimatedtotalpercentageoffoodthatcomesfromvarioussubsistenceactivities
28 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored38 Ͳ for Native HawaiianMolokaifamilies50 Ͳ 54 respondents out of241surveyed
40 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored
Overall importance ofsubsistence to Molokaifamilies
51Ͳveryimportant25Ͳsomewhatimportant11Ͳsomewhatunimportant32Ͳnotatallimportant
72Ͳveryimportant21Ͳsomewhatimportant1Ͳsomewhatunimportant2Ͳnotatallimportant
From this information though not as comprehensive and rigorous in its exploration ofsubsistence on Molokai as the 1993 Task Force Report we are assured that subsistencecontinuestobeanimportantpartofMolokairsquosfamiliesandoveralleconomyFiftyͲthreepercent (53)ofour respondents stated that they grow theirown food throughfarmingorgardeningWhenpolledastothekindsofsubsistenceactivitiestheytypicallyengageinrespondentsidentifiedthefollowing
HUNTING 39ofthosesurveyedhunt(axisdeerwild
piggoat)FISHINGampDIVING 57ofthosesurveyedfishordive
GATHERING 32gather(limuopihicrabpipipilĈrsquoau
harsquoukersquouke)asasubsistenceactivity
OTHER 4citedamixtureofraisinglivestock
sharingandtradingfoodasasubsistenceactivity
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 21
ThefactthatsubsistenceremainsasignificantcontributortohowMolokaifamiliesacquiretheirfoodthisinturnmayalsoaffectlocalmarketbehaviorintermsofwhatlocallyproduceditemsareplacedonstoreshelvesandwhetherMolokai farmersandproducers find itnecessary toprovideasignificantvolumeoffoodforthelocalMolokaimarketAvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProductsWewerepleasedtofindthatMolokairsquosagricultureindustryisquitediverseandhostsanumberof small family farms both on the Hawaiian Homestead in Ho`olehua and also dotting thelandscape inMana`eEastMolokai Duringour interviewsweasked farmers ranchersandaquaculturistswhatcropsandvalueͲaddedproducts theycultivatedprocessedvalueͲaddedandsoldandwhatweretheirprimarymarketsWealsocombedtheinternetandlearnedbywordofmouthofotheragribusinesses The following tableprovides for the readeranatͲaͲglancelistofgrowersonMolokaiandwhattypesoffoodandproductsareavailableonislandItalsolistsprimarylocalaswellasoffͲislandmarketsProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldMeatsampEggs
MolokaiGrassFedBeef PedroRanchPu`uOHokuRanchKualapu`uRanchPohakuloaRanch
ProcessedandsoldbySlaughterhouse(MolokaiLivestockCooperative)toMolokaiBurgerFriendlyMarketCenterKualapu`uMarketKualapu`uCookhousePu`uOHokuRanch
Venison DJCRanchLLC NotsoldSharedonlywithcustomersonformalhuntsandMolokaifamiliesforsubsistence
Lamb(freerange) KalapanaandDeeannaKeli`iho`omalu
PilotphaseProcessedatMolokaiSlaughterhouseSoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketCenterandMisakirsquos
FreeRangeEggs Davis`ohana MolokaiMinimartMana`eGoodsampGrindzotherMolokaigrocerystores(notebecamemorepopularandvisibleinstoresaftermainlandeggswererecallednationwideforbacterialcontamination)
DuckEggs WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SeafoodFishndashakutunaakuleopakapakaahionomahimahionaga
Variouscommercialfishermen5onisland
DirectCustomerSalesOffͲIslandWholesalerDistributor(forhotelsandrestaurants)
Shrimp KeawaNuiFarms(808)558Ͳ8931httpwwwkeawanuifarmscomMolokaiSeaFarms
FriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosOffͲIslandOnlineSalesforShrimpBroodstock
SeaweedLimuOgo(Gracilaria) KeawaNuiFarmMolokaiSeaFarms
MisakirsquosOffͲIsland
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 22
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldGreensampOtherVegetables
Lettuces KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(808)558Ͳ8306
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Kale WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
MustardCabbage Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BokChoy ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamMali`oFarm
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
Chinesecabbage ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistArugula WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsales
SwissChard JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomatillo JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomato ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sweetcorn ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistChinesePeas ArcersquosFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SoyBeans JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BlackBeans Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
GreenBeans ArcersquosFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
GreenOnion KuikamokuFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
AllMolokaigrocerystoresCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Radish KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Beets KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 23
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
GreensampOtherVegetablesBrocolli ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistEggplant ArcersquosFarm
Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Carrots JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SweetPotatoSweetPotatoChips
LampRFarm VariouslocalMolokaistores8tonsshippedweeklyoffͲisland
YamsYamChips(indevelopmentphase)
TuipulotuFarm
Tarondashregularandcertifiedbiodynamicdifferentvarietiesdryandwetlu`auleaf
`inaKulaniFarmsKaiamaFarmsKimMarkhamPapaoHakuFarm
FriendlyMarketCenterdirectsalestocustomersCertifiedbiodynamictarosoldoffͲislandathealthstoreoutlets
Avocado PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm558Ͳ8383httpwwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Organicginger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲIslandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Organicturmeric PapaOHakuFarm NotsoldMedicinaluseAwa Pu`uOHokuRanchKaiamaFarms DirectsalestocustomersChiliPepper Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproduceshared
withclientsintreatmentandforclientfundraising
HerbsampSpicesBasils(ItalianThai) KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm
(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanadaCommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Thyme JamieRonzello(CSA)KumuFarms CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dill KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Oregano KimMarkhamKumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
ItalianParsley KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 24
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
HerbsampSpicesChineseParsley KimMarkhamMali`oFarmWaialua
Permafarm(CSA)CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Cilantro KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Rosemary KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Spearmint KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Lavender KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Savory KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sage KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Cinnamon PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm(808)553Ͳ8383wwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Vanilla PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Cacao PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
FruitsampNutsOrange Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tangerine Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 25
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
FruitsampNutsLimes Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Papayandashconventionalandorganic
KaiamaFarmsKaleikoaFarmsHuaKalaFarmNoahKuohaKumuFarmsMali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
VariouslocalMolokaistoresexportedthroughoutHawaiianislandsWholeFoodsoutletsMainlandUSandCanadaCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Watermelon `AinaKulaniFarm DirectsalestocustomersBananaAppleBanana HuaKalaFarm`AinaKulaniFarms
KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
Kualapu`uMarketOutpostFriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Rambutan WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
JackFruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Mango Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentandsoldbythemCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Soursop WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dragonfruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Strawberry PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Lychee PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
MacadamiaNuts PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm DirectsalestovisitorsparticipatinginfarmtourMailorders
Coffee CoffeesofHawai`i(808)567Ͳ9490wwwcoffeesofhawaiicom
AllMolokaistoresonlineorders
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 26
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
ValueͲAddedProductsCilantroLimePesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaionlinesales
outletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
BasilMacadamiaNutPesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
PickledOrganicGinger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲislandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Honey(premiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyhoneycombs)
MolokaiMeliKimMarkham
KumuFarmsOutpostNaturalFoodStore
Poi ChongrsquosPoiShop AllMolokaistoresKulolo `inaKulaniFarms DirectSalesTaroChips HuaKalaFarm NotenoughvolumetosellregularlyYamChips TuipulotoFarm StillindevelopmentstageBeeswaxCandlesChapstick MolokaiMeli KumuFarmsGourmetSeaSalt PacificaHawai`iSeaSalts
HawaiiKaiCorporationhttpwwwhawaiikaicocom
Pu`uOHokuRanchKumuFarmsKamakanaCountryStoreMolokaiWinesampSpiritsBlueMonkeyFriendlyMarketCenteroutletsthroughoutHawaiiStateandUSMainlandonlinesales
Other Tileaf KimMarkham KukuiStarters PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm Giventohomesteadersfor
reforestationinHo`olehuaFlowersgingerakulekulecigar
PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm ShippedleistooffͲisland
Tropicalflowers(variety) KuleanaWorkCenterwwwmolokaiflowerscom
OnlinesalesanddirectsalesatSaturdayOpenMarketdays
SeedsSeedbank Ka`anoTheMolokaiSeedProject553Ͳ4243
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 27
MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers
Molokairsquos grocery stores and restaurants selllocallygrownharvestedandprocessed itemsAnaverageof2of locallygrownorMadeonMolokai products are sold in local grocerystores Some stores such asMisakirsquos carry ahigher percentage (15) ofMolokai produceThoseestablishmentsweinterviewedallstatedthat they want to sell everything that isMolokaimade PapayasweetpotatoChongrsquosPoicoffeeKanemitsubreadandKumuFarmspesto are the most common Molokai itemsfound in localstores Misakirsquostendstocarryagreater assortment of Molokai produce andvalueͲadded products in addition to thesecommon items Misakirsquos sells LampR sweetpotatochipsstringbeansbittermelonutongeggplant green onion lime and lemon FishalsoarepurchasedfromlocalfishermenSome stores and restaurants also purchaseMolokaigrass fedbeefprocessed through theislandrsquosslaughterhouseTheseordersarefilledonaconsistentbasisSmaller stores like Kualapu`u Market andMaunaloaGeneralStorethatdonotexperienceas much traffic as the grocery stores inKaunakakai have to concern themselves withhowquicklyanitemsellsForsomecustomersMolokaigrassfedbeefisanacquiredtasteandit may take a more conscientious eaterconsidering the health benefits of grass fedbeeftoappreciateitsflavorButiftheaveragecustomer does not appreciate these qualitiesandprefersacertaintasteofbeefthatshehasgrown accustomed to then the store risksspoilage The samegoes for fruits likemangothatripenquicklybutmaynotsellfastenough
especially sincemany families havemango trees in their own back yards For these smallstorescarryingitemsthatwillsellquicklyisimportantespeciallymeatandproducethathaveashort shelf life Kualapu`uMarket typically sellsMolokai coffee sweet potato chips poi
MOLOKAIESTABLISHMENTSSELLINGORSERVINGFOODampGROCERIES
ONMOLOKAIRESTAURANTSampFASTFOODCoffeesofHawaii 567Ͳ9655HulaShores(HotelMolokai)
553Ͳ5347
KanemitsuBakeryampRestaurant
553Ͳ5855
KualapursquouCookhouse 567Ͳ9655LittleGrassShack 553Ͳ5862MakarsquosCorner 553Ͳ8058ManarsquoeGoodznGrindz 558Ͳ8498MolokaiBurger 553Ͳ3533MolokaiDriveInn 553Ͳ5655MolokaiPizzaCafeacute 553Ͳ3288MolokaiRoastPorkHouse 553Ͳ9068MrsKrsquos 553Ͳ3201SundownDeli 553Ͳ3713LOCALGROCERYSTORESFriendlyMarketCenter 553Ͳ5595CPascuaStore 553Ͳ5443KamoisSnackNGo 553Ͳ5443KualapuuMarketLtd 567Ͳ6243MaunaloaGeneralStore 552Ͳ2346Misakis 553Ͳ5505MolokaiMiniMart 553Ͳ4447OutpostNaturalFoods 553Ͳ3377MolokaiWinesNSpirits 553Ͳ5009TheStoreHouse 553Ͳ3399KamakanaCountryStore 553Ͳ5725GASSTATIONSHayakuGasNGo 553Ͳ3444RawlinsChevronStation 553Ͳ3214ReferenceSustainableMolokaiResourceGuide2009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 28
MolokaibreadandeggsMaunaloaGeneralStoremakesitapointtoacceptproducefromthecommunitygarden runby theKaHaleMua low incomehousing They typicallygrow stringbeans tomatoeseggplantand lettuce Maunaloa residentsarealsopermitted toutilize thefacilitytopreparemusubibentoandlocalplatelunchestosellpreparedfoodsaswellastheirartandcraftsatthefrontofthestoreOther locallyproduced items that someof the storeswould like to sell inmore volume aretomatoesbananasfishanddairyIfMolokaifarmerselectnottogroworsellcertainproduceor products to the local grocery stores the storeswill sell offͲisland produce (egManoalettuce Kula tomatoes etc) Sometimes they will also order items from as far away asCaliforniaorMexicotosatisfycustomerdemandsandpreferencesTherequirementsarenotoverlystringentforthelocalfarmertosellproduceandvalueͲaddedfoodstolocalgrocerystoresForsomestoreslikeFriendlyMarketindividualsmustpossessabusinesslicenseForotherstoresthatreceivesmallquantitiesoffreshproduceatatimetheydonotrequireproofofbusinesslicenseGrocery stores showcasing locally grown food feel cheated when farmers simultaneouslypeddletheirproduceonthestreetPricing isalsoan issue forMolokaistores Theywould like tobuymore locallygrown itemshowevertheycangetproducealotcheaperfromthemainlandForexampletheaveragecostofatomatothatislocallygrownis$2lbwhilestorescanacquiretomatoesfromthemainlandfor$1lbandpassthesavingsontothecustomerFriendlyMarkethasexpressedapreferenceforbuyingproduce from farmerswhohaveapricecostandplan (egthat identifiesspecificamountsofproducethatwillbeavailableandtheircost)toensureitemconsistencyinpricingandavailabilityIdeallystoreswanttosaveonpayingshippingcoststoimportfoodfromthemainlandandoffͲislandbyprovidingpreferenceforlocallygrownfoodsConsistencyisimportantforstorestocontinuecarryingspecificitemsprovidedbylocalfarmersandproducers Consistencywas citedbyevery store and restaurantwe interviewed as thenumberonechallengethatmostfarmersfaceinworkingwiththemMisakirsquoshasfoundawayaround this issue TheypurchaseMolokai fish caught and sold to theHonolulu fishmarketthroughadistributortheresothatcustomerscanstillbenefitfromeatingMolokaicaughtfishMisakirsquosalsoprefers tobuy fromanOahudistributor thatbuys thebulkof itsproduce fromMolokai farmers In thisway by buying in bulk through a distributorMisakirsquos is assured aconsistentproductTherearestoreswhospecificallyselect for localandorganic foodsaspartoftheirmarketingstrategy Onesuchstore istheOutpostNaturalFoodsStorewhichwillselleverythingthat isMolokaimade ConsumersexpecttopayaheftiergrocerybillastheyhaveanexpectationofbuyinglocalandpreferablyorganicallygrownandproducedfoodsOtheritemsthatcannotbesourced locallyorare in lessersupplyorforwhichthere isademandfor(egapplespearsandoranges)aresourcedfromthemainlandandsoldattheOutpost
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 29
We interviewed3restaurantsKualapu`uCookhouseHotelMolokairsquosHulaShoresrestaurantandMolokaiBurger Useofandemphasisonuseof localmeatseafoodandproducevariedTheKualapu`uCookhouseestimates that itutilizes1ofMolokaigrownproduceandvalueͲadded products in its dishes as it does not have strict requirements to do so It primarilypurchasesMolokailettucethroughKualapu`uMarketHotelMolokaiuses less than20 localproduceand seafood in itsdishesbutwould ideallyprefer toutilizeat least60of locallygrownandharvested foodson theirmenu ThehotelcurrentlybuyslocallygrownlettuceeggplantandpapayafromKumuFarmsandincorporatesthesefoods intotheirmenu Freshfish isthefastestandmostpopularselling itemanddoesnot requireapricecost listwhenbuying from fishermen Patronsbuy fishdishesatmarketprice Itwascommunicated thataschefs it is important toestablish relationshipswith localfarmersandacquirehighend itemsonaconsistentbasis Whathasbeenachallengeforthechefs at the hotel is figuring outwho is growingwhat and searching these farmers out toprovidetheproducemeatandseafoodtheyneedWhatwouldeasilyservethemwouldbeabrokeror localdistributor to takeon that typeofwork Currently theHotel is consideringsettingasidesomespaceonthehotelgroundsforanherbgardentoreadilysupplysomeofthekitchenrsquosneedswhileprovidingsomekindofyouthinternshipprogramtoinstallandmaintainthegardenMolokai Burger exclusively serves 100Molokai grass fed beef for its burgers and TuesdayMexican menu The restaurant purchases 240 pounds of Molokai beef from theslaughterhouse It receives positive customer feedback its loyal customers being especiallyhealth conscious individuals and local and nativeHawaiian activistswhomake it a point tosupportestablishments thatutilize localMolokai foods MolokaiBurgeralsopurchases fromKumuFarmsonaweeklybasis8poundsoftheirvegetablegreenstoserveintheirspecialsaladand chicken salad plates Molokai sweet potatoes are also utilized for sweet potato nachochipsontheMexicanmenu Whilenot locallyproducedMolokaiBurgeralsopurchasesbunsfromalocalMolokaidistributorasawaytosupportasmanylocalbusinessesaspossible
QuestionWhatlocalfooditemswouldyouliketosellorincorporateinyourmenuthatarenotcurrentlyavailableorareinshortsupply
FriendlyMarket orangesallcitrusesmangoavocadobokchoywonboktropicalfruits inseasonfishporkprocessed through slaughterhousealldairy (milk cheese)or soybasedmilkasanalternativeand free rangeeggsWillsellalllocalitemsMisakirsquosbananasandtomatoesWillsellanythinggrownandmadeonMolokaiOutpostNaturalFoodsStorestrawberriescantaloupescucumbers tomatoespotatoesandYukon from localgrowersKualapu`uCookhouselocalfreerangechickeneggsKualapu`uMarketagreaterdiversityandselectionoflocalproducegrownbyMolokairsquosfarmersMaunaloaGeneralStoremorebananasandpapayasastheyselloutfastestHulaShoresRestaurantofHotelMolokaivenisonMolokaiBurgeraconsistentsupplyofMolokaitomatoesfreerangeeggsandfishthatarereasonablypriced
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 30
Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities
QuestionAreyoua farmerIfsohowoldareyouͶΨ ȋȌ ǡ
ͶͶǤ
ǡ ͷͶǤ
QuestiontofarmersinterviewedHowlonghaveyoubeenfarming
ʹʹ ͶͲǤ
QuestionHowmuchlandareyoufarming
ǡͶͶǢ͵ʹͳͷǢͷͳͷǦͶͲ͵ͶͲǤ ǡͲ
ǡͲƬʹͲͲƮǦǤ
QuestiontofarmerswhatdoyoufeelarethechallengesfarmersfaceonMolokaiNatureandtheElementsWindHomestead farmers must contend with high winds on a regular basis Thus initial farmplanning must include installing windbreaks to avoid crop damage from weathering Thecommunity has identified in several former planning documents such as the MolokaiEmpowermentZoneApplication(1998)massplantingofwindbreaksthroughouttheHo`olehuaareatoprotecthomesteadfarm landsasoneofthe40priorityprojects IntheendMolokaiwas successful in achieving theMolokai Enterprise Community federal designation a step
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 31
secondtoEmpowermentZonestatus Windbreaksremainedpartofthe40priorityprojectsInstallationofwindbreakshave alsobeen reiterated as a ShortRangePriorityProject in theMaui County Comprehensive EconomicDevelopment Strategy (CEDS) 201038However notmuchhasbeendonetomovethisfromaconceptualstagetoimplementation
Thesituationwasexacerbatedin2005upontheintroductionofthevirulenterythrinagallwaspthatdestroyedthevastmajorityofwiliwilitreesStatewideLarvaeimplantedintothetissueofwiliwili leaves form tumorous like growths and effectively starve the trees from receivingnutrition39Muchof thewiliwili trees thathad servedprimarilyaswindbreaksdiedwithinayearor two Thus farms thathadestablishedwiliwiliwindbreaksbecamenewlyexposed towinds With the introduction of Eurytoma by scientists a predator species that exclusivelyfeedsonerythrinagallwaspsandavoidsnativewaspsthesurvivingwiliwilihavebeenabletomakeacomeback40DroughtAnumberoffarmershavecitedcurrentdroughtconditionsasaseriousthreattofarmingOnefarmerreportedthatherentireorganicgingercropfailedduetodroughtandshewasunabletoyieldaharvestthisyearAtthetimewestartedourinterviewsinFebruary(2012)Molokaiwasexperiencingthelowestrainfallinadecadecomparableto2001droughtfiguresAdrywinterandspringseasonhavebeencausingwatershortages Arecentheavystorm inMarch (2012)brought some reliefbutwithprimarilyeroded soilsexposed to theelementsmuchofthatmuddiedwaterwashed intotheseatochokecoralsaffectnurserygrounds forfishandcoverlimu(seaweed)beds41Steadypercolationintotheaquiferisnecessarytomakea difference to the watershed and levels in the reservoir42 According to Glenn TevesExtensionAgent forUHͲCTAHRdroughtconditionsaffect insectbehavior Forexampleantsseekingwaterwillfindasubstitutebyacquiringhoneydewfromcertaininsectsthatproduceitsuchasldquoaphidsmealybugswhitefliesandscaleshellipknown tosuckplant juicesandweakenthem hellip [and] spread plant viruses on an array of crops such as melons peppers andtomatoesrdquo43 Animals will also chew through drip irrigation systems to access water in adrought andwill subsequently cause leaks andwater loss for the farmer44Cows are alsoaffectedwithahigher incidenceofmiscarriageorsmallercalfsizedueto lackofhighquality
38 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1102 AgricultureReforestationWindbreakPlantingp5039RichardsSabrinaldquoWaspwarsNewpredatorchecksHawai`irsquosgallwaspepidemicrdquoSciencelineJanuary62011httpsciencelineorg201101waspͲwars40Richards201141 Teves G ldquoEffects of Rain and Droughtrdquo Molokai Dispatch March 15 2012httpthemolokaidispatchcomeffectsͲofͲrainͲandͲdrought42Teves201243Teves201244Teves2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 32
food consumed during pregnancy45Deerwill also compete and feed on grass reserves forcattleTevesroughlyestimatesthatfarmersandranchershaveexperiencedacumulativecroplossvaluedat$1millionduetothedrought46MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)Builtinthe1950sandlsquo60stheMISwasconstructedtotransportwaterfromWaikoluValleyonthenorthshoretothefarmingareasofCentralMolokaitoprovidewaterforthesolepurposeofagriculture47WaikoluValleyprovideswatertothesystemviaa51milelongtunnelPipesand flumes convey thewater to the Kualapu`u Reservoirwhich is designed for amaximumdepthof54feetor14billiongalloncapacity48TheHawaiianHomesCommissionAct (ldquoHHCArdquo)of1920sect221(d)grantedhomesteadersldquotherighttousefreeofallchargeanyofthewateruponthe islandofMolokairdquo49Thisprovisionwasamended in1955togiveHawaiianHomesatwoͲthirdswaterallocationpreference fromtheMIS50 The Department of Agriculture whichmanages theMIS has not enforced thisprovision Presently80oftheMIS isconsumedbynonͲhomesteadersdespite23rdswaterreservation requirement for homesteaders51 It has been recently noted that homesteaderwaterusagehasincreasedbynearly20comparedtolastyear52TheMISWaterUseAdvisoryBoardspeculatedthathomesteadfamiliesareexpandingtheirfamilygardens53TheentireislandofMolokaihasbeendesignatedbytheStateCommissiononWaterResourcesManagement (CWRM or ldquoWater Commissionrdquo) a sole source aquifer and critical watermanagementarea Thesedesignationsunderscorethefactthattheentire islanddependsonone water source for its drinking water subsistence and agricultural needs and carefulmanagementisnecessarytomaintaintheaquiferRecords for the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) revealed that as of December 2011 theKualapu`ureservoirhadloweredto11feet(ascomparedto17feetayearprior)andcontinuedtodecline54Todaythereservoirhasloweredanotherfootwithstoragelevels50lessthana
45Teves201246Teves201247BaldaufNatashaHalsquoaheoKaholsquoohalahalaandDavidSakodaldquoTheMoloka`i IrrigationSystem AVision foraSustainableFuturerdquoDecember1200948BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200949BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200950BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200951BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200952ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion53ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion54ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 33
year ago55 Current rainfall is 10 of normal levels and those utilizing theMIS have beensubjecttoa30restrictioninwaterusageoverthepast3years56TheStatelegislaturerecentlysetaside$125millionforimprovementstotheMIS57Fundswillcover Anewhydropowerplantwaterflowwillproduceenergyandoffsetelectricalcosts Replacement of aboveͲground concrete flume with an underground pipeline to avoid
animalsanddebrisfromfallingintoandcontaminatingthewatersupply StructuralrepairtoMISaccessbridge Installation of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system to allow for
monitoringofwaterflowremotelyThis is a step in the right direction and hopefullywill assist in decreasingwater loss in thesystemandimprovemanagementoftheMISWeedsPestsWildAnimalsNumerousfarmersinterviewedparticularlyintheHo`olehuaHomesteadareahaveciteddeerasamajorproblem incrop failureTheorganicpapaya farmershavebeenhithardwithonefarmerhavinglosthisentirecropofpapayatreesSeedlingswereeatenandadulttreeswerealsoaffectedbydeerrubbings Anotherfarmerhashadtoadoptprotectivemeasuresforhisyoungkukuistarter treesasdeerseekingmoisture fromyoungplantswilleat them Hehasindicatedthatyoungkukuitreeshavetoreachacertainheightwheredeercannolongerbitethe leaves from the top Farmers are also experiencing brokenwater and irrigation pipesdestroyedbydeer One farmerwas issued a $700waterbillbefore discovering hisbrokenwaterpipeMuchofthisactivityhasbeenattributedtotheongoingdroughtconditionsdeerareseekingfarmsforwaterandfood It isestimatedthat$1million inagricultureprofitwaslosttodeerwithinthelastyearAnotherproblemthatfarmersencounteredafewyearsagowasaninfestationofratandmiceTheyweresonumerousthatdriversoftensawthemcrossingtheroad One farmerresolvedthisproblemonhisfarmbyadopting20cats
55ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions56ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions57ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 34
Other farmershavecitedpestsandweedsasaproblemon their farms Oneorganic farmerstatedthatshefinds itachallengebecauseuseofpesticidesandherbicidesareprohibited inorganicfarmingThere is an urgent need to keepMolokairsquos bee population healthy as they are pollinatorsimportant to theagriculture industry Threats to the localbeepopulation includepesticidesbeetlesandmitesHighOperationalCostsOfthe208surveyed61peopleconsideredhighoperationalcostsasabigchallengetofarmingonMolokaiThesecostsinclude Labor Infrastructure Toolsimplements Fuelforequipmentandvehicles Supplies such as fertilizer compost pesticides herbicides seeds irrigation supplies etc
Supplycostsareespeciallyhigherdue toadditionalcostmarkͲup forshipping items in toMolokai
Electricitycostsforrunningrefrigerationchiller Allfeesandtaxesincurredfromrunningabusiness Specialcostsfororganiccertification(est$1300peryear)HighCostofWaterSeventy(70)surveyrespondentsfeltfarming ismadedifficultbythehighcostofwater Thiswasespeciallytrueforfarmerswhoareoncountywater insteadofcheaperagriculturewaterfromtheMolokaiIrrigationSystemThesefarmersareontheEastEndoftheislandAlsoitisverydifficultforpeople inMaunaloaandKaluakoitofarmandevengardenduetothewatersystemrunbyMolokaiRanch Ratesforwaterareastronomicalhaving increasedby17858TheStatePublicUtilitiesCommissionallowedforarateincreasefortheRanchrsquosMolokaiPublicUtilitiesfrom$318per1000gallonsto$60459TheWaiolaOMolokaiIncwateralsoownedbyMolokaiRanchwas approved for a rate increase from$185 to $51560 These increasesimpactapproximately1200residentsonthewestsideoftheisland61
58BernardoRldquoMolokaiwaterusersprotestratehikerdquoHonoluluStarBulletinSeptember52008httparchivesstarbulletincom20080905newsstory08html59Bernardo200860Bernardo200861Bernardo2008
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 35
HighEquipmentCostsSixty(60) survey respondents considered high equipment costs as a challenge to farmingTractor costs can range from $21000 to $80000 depending on the size neededwhich isrelativetotheamountofacreagetobefarmedManysmallandbeginningfarmerslackaccesstocapitaltopurchasebigticketitemssuchasequipmentHighShippingCostsYoungBrothersistheprimaryshippingproviderforMolokaiSomefarmersutilizecargoplanessuchasKamakaAir for shipmentofmoreperishable items Shipping fromMolokai involvesaddedcostanddisadvantagesforMolokaiasaruralislandtryingtotransportgoodsacrosstheoceantothelargerurbancenterssuchasOahuandMauiForthoseutilizingdistributorsthatisanotheraddedcostIn thepast farmers receivedapartialbreakon shippingcosts throughYoungBrothers TheFarmBureauassisted indefrayingchargesassociatedwith theMolokai toHonoluu legwhilethefarmerwasrequiredtocoveronlythecostofshippingfromHonolulutothemainlandThishelped to level the playing field forMolokai farmerswith the rest of farmers onOahu andStatewide Within the last five yearshowever thispolicyhasbeendiscontinued causing adisadvantagetotheMolokaifarmerYoungBrotherswillbephasingoutitsldquoGrdquoVans218cubicftcontainersforshippingpricedat$180containerandwillbepalletizingeverythingItwillnolongerbeeasytodropitemsoffatthepierandshipoutFarmerswillneedtomakethetransitionandwilllikelyhavetosolicittheservicesofMakoaTruckingtopalletizetheirgoodsandtransportthemtothepierTheftOne farmer interviewed cited crop theft as a challenge There are also risks of theft ofequipmenttoolsandsupplieswithoutadequatestorageandsecuritymeasuresFireA localbeekeeping family thatproducespremiumorganic raw kiawehoneyexperienced adevastatingfirein2009thatwipedoutthemajorityoftheirhivesTheyhaveahighamountoforderstofillandarecurrentlyrecoveringfromthedamagetotheirhivesNotEnoughLandtoFarmampCompetingUsesforAgricultureLandThe Molokai Agricultural Park owned by the State of Hawai`i is located in theHo`olehuaMahanaregionadjacenttoMolokaiRanchandHawaiianHomeLandsItconsistsof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 36
22subdividedlotsspanningatotalof753acres62Thepurposeofagriculturalparksstatewideistoprovideaffordable longͲterm leasestosmallfarmers63CurrentlyallMolokaiAgPark landsare being utilized64 Thismakes it difficult for new farmerswho are nonͲhomesteaders tosecurecheaplandSeedbiotechcompaniessuchasMonsantoandMycogenhavegainedasolidfootholdontheisland Their use of prime agriculture lands and limited water resources impact the localfarming community It is problematic especially for organic farmers who risk losing theircertification if their farmsare inproximity toGMO crops It is known thata local familyofbeekeeperswereforcedtomovetheirhivesorelserisklosingtheirorganichoneycertificationLow Prices Offered for Local Produce Not Enough Demand for Goods and ProductInconsistencyOfthosesurveyed25peoplefeltthatnotenoughconsumerdemandforproducewasamajorchallenge for farmers Whileour surveyalso found that90ofour respondentswouldbuymorelocalfoodifitwasavailableMolokairsquossmallpopulationlimitshowmuchproducefarmerscanplaceinthelocalmarketManyof the farmers thatwe interviewedwere frustratedat the lowprices theyget for theproduce theygrow They find itdifficult tonegotiatewith storesonpricing For them it ischallengingtomakealivingorbeeconomicallysustainablebysellingproduceonlyonMolokaiOne certified organic and biodynamic farmer informed us that she is offered $110lb byMolokai stores forherorganicgingerbut she can sell itatamuchhigherpriceonOahuat$5lbinstoresthatshowcaseorganicfoodsWiththatamountsheisabletomakeaprofitaswellasrecoupherproductionandshippingcostsUHCTAHRAgricultureExtensionAgentGlennTevesstatesthatalotoffarmersdonotpaycloseenoughattentiontotheirpricingOftentimestheywillpricetheirproduceonthelowendThissetsanegativestandardthatmakesitmoredifficultforotherfarmerstogetareasonablepricefor their crops He recommends that farmers check regularly on produce prices andmakecomparisonsalsoonhowmuchtheysellforontheotherislandssothattheycanprovidemorecompetitivepricingthatisadvantageoustothemLackofSupportforAgricultureLawmakershavealsobecomeunsupportivetopreservingagriculturelandsAbusesaboundonagricultural landswithmultiͲmilliondollargentlemanestatesdevelopedanddefinedasldquofarm
62StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks63StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks64StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 37
dwellingsrdquo and attractive landscaping required underCCRs andAssociationRules dubbed aslegitimateldquoagriculturerdquo Theseldquofarmdwellingsrdquo increasethepriceofagriculture landforrealfarmersNationwide family farmersarebeingedgedoutby largecorporateproducersat the rateof330farmersperweek65TheUnitedStateshasanestimated5millionfewerfarmsthanithadinthe1930s66Today2millionfarmsexist intheUSwith565000 identifiedasfamilyfarms67ThereasonforthisisthatfederalgovernmentpoliciesfavorlargeͲscalecorporateagriculturePoliciessuchassubsidizingbigagriculturecreatesafalsesetͲpointontrueproductioncosts68TheAmerican taxpayerabsorbs thesehefty costs The federalgovernment spentover$177billion in agricultural subsidies from the years of 1995 to 200669 These large agricultureoperationsareabletoprovidehugevolumesoffoodforacheappricebecauseofthesubsidiesallocatedTheyeasilyoutcompeteandsqueezeoutthesmallfarmerthatreceivesnohelpfromsubsidies andmust pass to the customer the true costs of production in order to remain aviablebusinessStrongcorporatelobbyingmaintainsthisstatusquo
NeedforAdditionalEducationampTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunityOfthosesurveyed33farmersconsideredalackofcapacityeducationtobeachallengeSomefarmersaredauntedbythecostsofhighereducationandthetimetheywouldneedtoinvestineducationalongsidebalancingfamilyresponsibilitiesandfullͲtimefarmingProficiency inknowledgeandexperienceoffarmingprinciplesandtechniques isnecessaryforallfarmers Theymustunderstandfarmplanninghowtoplantmaintainandharvestcropshowtosetupirrigationmeetthebiologicalandmineralneedsoftheircropshowtomaintainsoil health how to minimize offͲfarm releases of pollutants and toxins such as chemicalfertilizersandpesticidesoperateand repair toolsandmachinerybasic carpentry skillsandpossess a true passion for farming A lot is learned through trial and error but educationcombinedwithpracticalexperience gives farmers abetter chance atmaking it These skillsalonearenottheonlyrequirementshoweverAfarmer(orparticipatingfamilymembers)mustalsobefinanciallyliterateandpossessstrongbusinessbookkeepingaccountingandmarketingskills To lease landsaccessbusinessstartup fundssuccessfullyapply for loansandreceive financing forbigequipmentpurchases the
65ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml66ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml67ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml68ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml69ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 38
farmerhastohavegoodcreditandbefinancially literate Ifhe issaddledwithdebtandbadcreditthenhewillneedtocreateandsticktoaplanforrepairinghiscreditOther skills a farmermust cultivate to successfully start an agricultureenterprise is learninghowtodomarketresearchandbusinessplanningItrsquosbettertomakemistakesonpaperfirstrather than in real life aftermuch time and investment has beenmade Once the farmenterprise isupand running then the farmerhas to contendwithkeeping financial recordscurrenteitherpersonallyortruesecuringabookkeeperoraccountant BusinessandpayrolltaxeswillneedtobepaidfeesforspecialcertificationssuchasorganicfarmingmayalsohavetobefactoredinAfarmermustbeawareofwhattogrowandproduceandhowtomarketherproducts inorder tobeprofitable Shemustbedisciplined in implementingher farmplanaccount for year round staggered plantings and harvests and crop rotations and reinvestprofitsbackintothebusinessRarelydotheseskillsexistinonepersonMostfarmersjustwanttofarmandnotdealwiththeother details of running a business As they age too farmerswill need to think about asuccession plan Ideally it should be a family enterprise with familymembers possessingdifferent skill sets and playing different roles that collectivelymake a successful agricultureenterpriseRanchingampTheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeMolokairsquos history includes large scale ranching of cattle which was once an enterpriseendeavorbyMolokaiRanch the islandrsquos largestprivate landownernow known asMolokaiProperties Limited SinceMPLrsquos closure ofmajor operations ranching is currently done bymembersof thecommunity inwhich theycultivate the remainingcattleonproperty CattleRanchersincludePohakuloaRanchKualapu`uRanchPedroRanchandPu`uOHokuRanchChallengeswithMolokaiBeef Muchof theranchingcommunitydonot finish theiranimals through theslaughterhouse
preferringtosellcattleoffisland Lessmeat isproducedon the islandwhich in turnmeans lessMolokaibeefavailable for
consumptioninrestaurantsandstores More than one individualentity does not like the tasteconsistency of the beef ndash some
suggestedthatthemeatbecuredlonger Somemembersofthecooperativefeelthecostforanimalprocessing($65animal)isunfair
since it isnotbasedonactualproductyield(egdeerorgoatmeatyields lesspoundsofmeatthancattle)
SlaughterhouseTheMolokai Livestock Cooperative which operates the only slaughterhouse facility on theislandprocessescattleandpork Pork isnotusually sold to storesdue to thepreferenceof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 39
Molokaifamiliestoutilizerearedhogsforhomeconsumption Thuspork issubjectusuallytocustomkillsonlyAsforcattleamaximumof18headperweekandaminimumof5headperweekgoes through the slaughterhousewitha cumulative totalof730animalsprocessed todatesincethefacilityopeneditsdoorsseveralyearsagoTheslaughterhouse iscurrentlynotoperatingatfullcapacity There isahistoricalcontextforsome of the challenges that the Molokai Livestock Cooperative faces today After thewholesale TB eradication of Molokai cattle in the 1980s and the closure of the oldslaughterhouseinKaunakakailocalranchersinitiallyworkedtogetanewslaughterhousebuiltwiththeirsweatequityandthroughsecuringfundingfromCountyStateandFederalsourcesUnfortunatelytheprocessofmovingthisprojectfromaconceptualphasetobrickandmortartook over a decade to complete By the time the slaughterhouse facility was completedranchershadmovedaway fromgrassͲfinishedcattleonMolokai to finishing theiranimalsonthe mainland Over time the ranchersrsquo commitment to strengthening their own localslaughterhouse as a viable economic engine had wavered Some ranches do not see aneconomic incentive to return to the formermodelofgrass finishing theircattleandpreferaquickerturnͲaroundtimeandtheconvenienceofsellingtheiranimalspreͲfinishedWhile theMolokaiLivestockCooperativersquosnew slaughterhousehasmadepositive inroads togettingMolokai grassͲfedbeef in local grocery stores and restaurants through itsworkwithcommittedranchersutilizingthefacility lackofvolumefromholdͲoutranchersalso limitstheslaughterhousersquosabilitytoexpandthemarketandfullydevelopanorganicnicheproduct Tomakeupforthisshortfalltheslaughterhousenowshipsin30headofnonͲMolokaicattle(50oftotalstock)onaregularbasisLambSheepForthepast5yearsahusbandandwifeteamhasbeenexperimentingwithranchingfreerangelambssheepon55acresof land inwestMolokai Thecouplehas80animals (60ewes20lambs) Theyharvestthe lambsat6monthsofageandhavebeentestingthequalityoftheanimalsMost recently they market tested their lambs The lambs were processed at theslaughterhouse ThemeatwassoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketandMisakirsquos CustomerfeedbackhasbeenverypositiveThelambmeatsoldoutquicklyinthestoresRightnowthelambsheep ranchers are trying to figure out pricing whether to sell directly to theslaughterhouseforprocessingmarketinganddistributionortohandlesomeofthoseaspectsontheirownDeerRanchingDeerranchingisnotawidespreadactivityinfactthereareonlytwopeopleontheislandthatraisevenisonDeerpensexist inMaunaloaandPalarsquoauwithasmuchas260animalscorralled
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 40
within high game fencing The deer ranching is part of a safari tour businesswhich allowsvisitorstoexperiencehuntinggameDeercanbeprocessed through theMolokaiSlaughterhouse if theanimal ispresentedat thefacilityat leastonehourafterthekillandaUSDACertified Inspectorparticipates inthehuntThisiscurrentlynotbeingdonebydeerranchersonMolokaiTheownersofDJCRanch Incwhich currentlyoperates adeer ranchhasdone some initialmarkettestingandresearchonthedemandandpotentialforvenisonmeatproduction Theyhave found ahugedemand from restaurants and the generalpublic for venisondue to thehealthbenefitsandsuperiortasteofMolokaiaxisdeerThereiscurrentlynosteadysourceforvenisonmeatandvalueͲaddedproductsinHawai`iDJCRanchhasstatedinitsmarketingplanthatinthefirstyeartheycouldprovidevenisononaseasonalbasisandinitiallyproducegroundvenison and sausages As herd numbers increase additional markets could potentially beopeneduptoWholeFoodsandCostco CurrentlyDJCRanchhasaUSDA licensetoslaughtervenisonandcouldutilizetheMolokaiSlaughterhouseThecompanyisFDAapprovedthroughthe USDA with its own stamp and seal formarketing The products that DJC Ranch hadconsideredmarketingwere
1 Groundvenisonforhumanconsumptionandalsodogfood2 9differentsausageswhichithasdevelopedandsuccessfullymarkettested3 Venisoncornedbeef4 Freshcuts5 Innards
ThereismuchpotentialinthisareaandhopefullyinvestmentscanbesuccessfullyacquiredtoimplementDJCRanchrsquosplanAdditionally theremaybeopportunity tocreateacollaborationbetweendeer ranchersandfarmerssufferingfromcrop lossesduetodeergrazing ifaplancouldbeundertakentodivertdeerfromcultivatedlandsandabsorbthemintoranchingoperationsAquacultureEffortshavebeenmadetorestorefishpondsandhavemetwithsomesuccessforsubsistenceuses State regulations affecting the restoration andutilizationof theseponds limituses tosubsistenceandeducationalpurposesmaking itdifficult toutilize theponds for commercialaquacultureThisisunfortunategiventhehardworkonthepartofthecommunityandfederalfunds invested inProjectLoko I`aatrainingprogramthathadservedanestimated20youngMolokai adults in drystack and fishpondwall reconstruction fishpond husbandry live rockcultivation for theaquarium industry shrimpand seaweedaquaculturewater samplingandanalysis leadershipandentrepreneurial skills Theseyoungadultswere trainedwithall thetools to be successful in aquaculture butwere not given the chance to commercially leaseMolokaipondsandestablishabusiness
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 41
PlansandfundingallocatedtoestablishafinfishhatcheryonMolokaiasearlyas1991andtostockfishpondsforcommercialproductionwerestalledandareunlikelytocometofruitionTheMolokai Ice House completed construction at the KaunakakaiWharf in 1993 It wasestablishedbya local commercial fishermenrsquoscooperativeof40 individualswho contributedapproximately 60Ͳ70 of Molokairsquos commercial fish landings The Ice House operatedsuccessfullyfornearlyadecadeprovidingicefreshfishpokeandseaweedforsaleA Native Hawaiian nonͲprofit Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou established a successful limu(seaweed)growersnetworkandlimubuyͲbackprogramwith30familieslivingalongMolokairsquossouthandcentralshores These familieswere trained incultivationof theedibleandhighlyprizedseaweedGracilariaparvisporacommonlyknownas limuogo Anestimated1000 lbsweeklywereshippedtoOahufishmarketsaswellasdistributedtotheMolokaiIceHouseandvariousstoresonislandintheformoffreshandvalueͲaddedproducts(limusalsaandnamasu)Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou served as amarketer and broker for the families In the endhowever some of themore successful growers opted to sell and distribute their harvestsindependently causing the cooperative typeof structure todismantleanddriving thepricesdownforMolokailimuogoduetocompetitionamongstthegrowersTherearetwoshrimpfarmsonMolokaiMolokaiSeaFarmsinPala`auandKeawaNuiFarmsineastMolokaiKeawaNuiFarmssuppliesSPFcertifiedPenaeusvannameishrimpbroodstockaswellasseasonalharvestsoftilapia fishand limuogo70MolokaiSeaFarmsalsospecializes indiseasefreeSPFPvannameibroodstockandservescustomersthroughouttheworld71PacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsandHawai`iKaiCorporationbothfarmseasaltfromMolokairsquosoceanwaters Thesesaltscarryessentialmineralsandtraceelements Molokaisaltproductionhasreachedaglobalmarketas farasChinaandEurope Productscanalsobe found inMolokaistoresAddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparationMolokairsquoshiddensubsistenceeconomy isastrengththatassistsfamiliestoday inachronicallydepressedeconomyThereisenoughdeergoatandwildpigonthelandandfishonthereeftomeet the peoplersquos protein requirements and provide food security for tomorrow TheHo`olehuaHomesteadcommunitywithfamilyfarmsdottingthelandscapehasenoughproduceandstarchinthegroundtofeedtheircommunityAscomparedtootherislandsMolokaiisinbettershapethanmostifnotallislandsHoweverthereisstillastrongrelianceonYoungBrotherstoshipinfoodtotheislandAtanygiventimethereisanestimated4daysoffoodstockedonMolokairsquosstoreshelvesNodisaster
70KeawaNuiFarmshttpwwwkeawanuifarmscom71MolokaiSeaFarmshttpwwwbroodstockcomHawaiian_SPF_Shrimp_Broodstockhomehtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 42
scenarioplanninghaseverbeenundertakenforhowthiscommunityshouldrespondifonedaythebargedoesnotarriveandalltransportationvenuesbyseaairandlandwereinterruptedAccordingtooneinformantMolokairsquosfoodreservesarestoredonMauibytheAmericanRedCross This iswrong Molokai isoneofthefew islandswithoutamainairportonthecoastalshores In timesofdisaster (eghurricane tsunami) therewouldbebetter accesson theislandtoreceiveassistanceRealisticallyhoweverMolokaiwouldbeofalesserprioritytoshipin food and medical supplies in a Statewide disaster scenario due to the islandrsquos smallpopulationInitialaidwouldbefocusedprimarilyonurbananddenselypopulatedareasontheneighboringislandsIntheMana`eandKaunakakaiareas(eastandcentralMolokai)whereasignificantportionofMolokairsquospopulationisconcentratedtheroadsandmajorityofhomesarelocatedonthecoastwithin the tsunami and flood zone corridor Getting assistance to these areas would beproblematic No major farming takes place in Kaunakakai and Mana`e except for homegardensandsomewetlandtarocultivationinthelushervalleysontheeastsideMonoͲcropping increases risks ofwholesale andmass crop failure Whilemost smallͲscalefarmers are doing diversified agriculture onMolokai not enough effort has beenmade topreserve thehundredsofvarietiesofsweetpotatobreadfruit taroandothercanoeplantsNot enough has been done to cultivate and preserve varieties of regionallyͲadapted openͲpollinatedseedsforhomegardensandsmallscalefarmersUHCTAHRhasthroughitsresearchdevelopedseedsadapted tocertainenvironments Moreeffortmaybeneeded toget theseseedstofarmers
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 43
V RECOMMENDATIONSMitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElementsWindAswindwillcontinuetobeanissueforfarmersespeciallyhomesteadfarmersintheHo`olehuaareaitisimportanttoestablishacomprehensiveprojecttoinstallwindbreaksthatwillhelptoopenupmorehomesteadlandforfarmingCostcanbeafactorforsmallͲscaleandbeginningfarmersThusaccessingfundingandcreatingcollaborativepartnershipswithcoreleadershipisnecessarytomovethisprojectalongOtherthingstoconsider intermsofdecidingwhattypesofwindbreaksto installwouldbetooptimizethepotentialofthewindbreakstoservemultiplefunctionsOnecommoncomplaintamongsthomesteadfarmershasbeenthedestructionofcropsfromgrazingdeerProvidingavegetativewindbreakwith tightplantings could serve as a living fence that keepsout deerSelectingalso fornitrogen fixingspecieswillalsoaddnutrientstothesoilandboost farmerrsquoscropsIdentifiedasakeyprojectintheEnvironmentSectionofMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandisprovidingwindbreaks inHo`olehuaThevision istoplantwindbreaksldquoalongthecoastalpaliaround the central plain andhellip along individual farmersrsquo lots Native trees and treeswithsecondarymarketvalue(fruittreesandhardwoods)rdquoshouldbeutilized72DroughtͲProofingReforestationThecommunity initiateddocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian Islandhas identified in itsAgricultureampAquacultureSectionthefollowingpriorities73
Recognize the limited availability of water as a primary factor in prioritizing suitableagriculturalfoodcrops
Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture foodproduction
Water is a limiting factor in farming especially in light of chronic drought conditions andcontinuousmandatorycutbacksonwateruse from theMolokai IrrigationSystem TherearewaysthatthefarmercanharvestwateraswellasminimizewaterlossPlantingwindbreakswillaidincreatingamicroclimatethatwillreduceevapotranspirationandallowforsomeshadeforcrops that require less sunlight Installing swales and terraces on contour in tandem withplantingswillslowthepathofwaterrunoffcomingontothepropertycreategoodsoakagethatwillbuildthewatertableandnaturallyfeedcropsMulchingandplantinggroundcoverspecies
72MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf73MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 44
alongsidemain crops will retainmoisture and support soil health These droughtͲproofingstrategiesworkinginconcertwillprovideagreatbenefittothefarmerA longertermstrategythatonehomestead farmersuggestedand forwhichhehasbeguntospreadamongstotherhomesteaders is conductingmassplantingsofKukui trees to createaforest forHo`olehua and capture rain He is setting the example by creating a kukui plantnurseryonhispropertyandgivingkeikiplantstootherhomesteadersAdoptionofthesetypesofstrategiesshouldalsobeconsideredbynonͲhomesteaduserswhohaveutilizedthe lionrsquosshareofMISwater ReforestationoftheslopesofMaunaloathathadbeendamagedbycattleranchingandpineapplecultivationwouldalso lessendependenceonwaterdiversions Thishasbeen identifiedasakeyprojectunder the communitydocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandalongwithcertainerosioncontrolmeasuresfortheWestEnd gulches that include installing ldquorock dikes (gabions) hedgerow plantings [and] siltationpondsrdquo74
ProtectingWaterResourceRights
TheWater Code directs the Commission to ldquoincorporate and protect adequate reserves ofwaterforcurrentandforeseeabledevelopmentanduseofHawaiianhomelandsassetforthinsection 221 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Actrdquo75 Additionally by law the HawaiianHomes Commission Act recognizes a twoͲthirdswater preference for homesteaders on theMolokai IrrigationSystem76These lawsshouldbeenforcedandtheDepartmentofHawaiianHomeLandsneedstoactivelyadvocateonbehalfofhomesteaderstoensuretheprotectionoftheir water rights The Department of Agriculture which manages the MIS must alsoresponsiblymeettheStatersquosfiduciarydutybyassuringthatwaterallocationsareincompliancewiththetwoͲthirdsprovisionforhomesteaders
WildAnimalControl
A number of farmers plagued by deer have opted to allow subsistence hunting on theirpropertyorhunt thedeer themselvesOthersare installing fencing tokeep thedeerout AlocaldeerranchersurmisedthatalotofthedeerareoriginatingfromdryMolokaiRanchlandsandmovingtowardsthehomesteadregionofHo`olehuainsearchofwaterandfoodThisdeerfarmerwouldliketoworkwithMolokaiRanchtoleaseandexpandhisoperationsontoRanchlandserect fencingandprovideadequatewater for thedeer toprevent them from invadingtheHomestead Withcollaborationamong farmersMolokaiRanchand localdeer ranchersthiscouldprovideawinͲwinsolutionforall
74MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf75HawRevStatSection174CͲ101(a)76HawaiianHomesCommissionActsect221(d)1920amended1955
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 45
IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth
Typicallyweeds are found in disturbed areas Weeds are bioͲindicators of soil health andstructureTheyservedifferentfunctionsandareoftenpioneerspeciesthatcomeintoasystemearly on to create optimal conditions for the next stages of succession into amorematuresystem Differentweedsperformdifferent functions suchasaddingnitrogen to the soil reͲmineralizingthesoilwithdeeptaprootsthatbringnutrientsbelowuptothesurfacelooseningcompacted hard pan soils to allow for aeration and room for new seedlings to grow andstabilizingfragileandexposedsoilswithrootstructuresthatfanoutmorewidelytoholdloosesoiltogetherThekeyistoselectspeciesthataremoreusefultothefarmerthanthenaturalordisturbedvegetationandovertimethesespecieswilloutcompeteweedyvarietiesDiversifyingcropsandmimickingnaturalsuccessiondoingtimestackingwithdenserplantingsofperenniallegumesgroundcoverswindbreaks fruit treesandvinesofpreferredspecieswillallow formaturation of the system create better soil health and select out nonͲfavorable weedyspeciesOne farmerwhooperatesanorganicpapaya farmdoesthe followingtopreservesoil fertilityandcontrolpests77 Utilizesa localmanufacturerfromOahuwhorecyclesusedcookingoilfatsbonesandfish
collected from restaurants foodmanufacturersand fishoutletsand turns thiswaste into100 certified organic soil amendments Tons of rawmaterialwaste now diverted fromlandfill
Usesdolomiteandcrushedcoraltoamendsoilorgypsumassubstitute Growssunnhemponrestingfieldstohelpwithnematodesandfixnitrogeninsoil Providescovercropofgrassesandweedsbetween rowsofmaturepapaya trees irrigated
withmicroͲsprinklerstokeepmoistureandlifeinthesoil Maintainsadiversefloraratherthanengaginginmonocropping Responds to cut worms (seasonal) by planting extra seedling trays to replace damaged
seedlings Sprays kumulus (organic sulfur) and baking soda to combat powderymildewmites and
thrips Ripsandairsoutoldfieldsandrestsfieldsforatleast15monthstoaddressnematodeissue Focusesongrowingthestrongesthealthiestplantstoprovidegreaterresistancetopests
77UniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesFeaturedFarmerRickTamanahaKaleikoafarmsHo`olehuaMoloka`iHĈnai`AiNewsletterJuneͲJulyͲAugust2011httpwwwctahrhawaiiedusustainagnewsarticlesV8ͲKaleikoaFarmsͲFFpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 46
AddressingHighOperationalCosts
EquipmentAccessSeveralcommunitypartnerscametogethertoaddressoneofthemajorimpedimentsforsmallfarmersonMolokai access toequipment TheMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityndashKeAupuniLƃkahipurchasedatractoraspartofaplannedequipmentrentalprogramadministeredbyUHCTAHR and the Hawaiian Homestead Association TheMolokai Rural Development ProjectpurchasedtractorimplementstofurtherassistthefarmersTheseimplementsincludedaJactoArbusAirblast Sprayerwith TractorMount to assist farmers in spraying their fieldswithoutadded labor Samp A AG 20 Spreader to allow growers to improve their soil pH and organicmatter Miller Bobcat 250 welder to aid farmers in repairing and fabricating tools andimplements aswell as serve as a training tool inwelding and farmmechanics and aGreatPlainsSubSoilerSS1300toassistfarmersinfieldpreparationwithminimalsoildisruptionWhilefarmerswillstillneedaccesstootherformsofequipmenttocutdown laborandtimetheEquipmentRentalModel isagoodone that shouldbe replicated tobenefit theMolokaifarming community overall and ameliorate farmersrsquo chances of success by bringing theirindividualcostsdownShipping
Howtotacklehighshippingcosts Consolidation Compilecargoandnegotiatewithcarriersbased on volume78 This could be handled formally through a cooperative structure orinformally through a hui of farmers The Molokai community has also recommendedcommissioning a ldquostudy to explore new alternatives for transportation links (air and sea)betweenMolokaiandotherareasandmarketsrdquo79Another alternative that Sust`ĈinableMolokai is preliminarily exploring is the feasibility ofprovidingasailingvesselequippedwithchillspacethatwouldideallybepoweredbyrenewableenergy (egwind solar) to serve as a communal shipping vessel forMolokai exports andimportsOneofourconcernsisnotonlythehighshippingcoststhatresidentsincurbutalsodealingwiththeinevitableconsequencesofglobalpeakoilandhelpingtoincreaseourislandrsquosfuelandenergysecurity
78Youn JL ldquoRootsofChange ToRichardNelsondiversification ismuchmore than justabuzzwordrdquoHawaiiBusiness Magazine February 2004 httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange79 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1105 InfrastructureTransportationAlternativesp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 47
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoodsOne of the areas where some farmers feel challenged is marketing and distributing theirproducts offͲisland While some of themwant to take advantage of better pricing on theneighbor islands the lackofknowledgeandexperience inpenetrating thosemarketscanbedauntingfortheMolokaifarmerItwasalsoexpressedtousfromvendorsandrestaurantsthatit is difficult to determine which farmer is selling what and to achieve a level of productconsistencyamong individualfarmers ForMolokaistoresandrestaurants itwouldbeeasiertodealwithabrokerdistributorormarketingteamwho isplugged intotheMolokaifarmingcommunityandcouldconsolidategoodsamongstallfarmersandachieveafairpriceforthemCoststoretainthisdistributorcouldalsobesharedamongstthefarmersThisdistributorcouldalso handlemarkets on neighboring islandsmainland and internationally and remove theheadachefromfarmerswhojustwanttofarmOriginallytheHiki`olaFarmersCooperativewassetuptosellanddistributefarmersrsquoproductsandhelptoremovethe impedimentsandpersonalchallengesfarmersface inmarketingtheirproduceandproducts independently HoweverthisprovedunsuccessfulbecauseofproductinconsistencyThismaybeanongoingchallengebutnotcompletelyinsurmountablePerhapsmorecarefulfarmplanningandcollaborationwithfarmersmaybeneededtocollectivelygrowspecific items tomaintainacertainvolumeandconsistency Issuesof seasonalityhoweverwillalwaysimpactconsistencyMarketingFarmers couldalso increase theirprofits throughappropriatebrandinga common logoandsharedwebsitefeaturingldquoGrownonMolokairdquoorldquoMadeonMolokairdquoproductlineThiswouldalsohelpprospectivevalueͲaddedfoodentrepreneurswhoarechallengedbyhighstartͲupandinsurancecoststhatcomeswithdevelopingaproductdesigningalogoandlabelandcomingupwithappropriatepackagingUnderonebrandandacommoninsurancethesecostscanbeminimizedandthevalueͲaddedproducercouldfocuschieflyoncreatingaqualityproductFarmersMarketampCommunitySupportedAgricultureMolokairsquoscurrentSaturdaymarketlocatedintheheartofKaunakakaiTownisanopenmarketwherethereareavarietyofitemssoldartscraftsvarioussundriesbakedgoodsandavarietyof vegetablesand fruits Ithasbeen suggested that theMolokaiopenmarketbe improvedupon to reflect a true farmersmarket Improvementswould includeproviding chill space toprovide other products like Molokai grass fed beef and seafood showcasing valueͲaddedMolokaiproductssellingmoreandbonafideMolokaiproduceandincreasingaccessibilityforlow income families to fresh local produce and other foods through undergoing the formalprocessandclearancetoacceptEBTfoodstamps
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 48
FarmersMarkets serve as an important venue for farmers to sell directly to customers andcreatepositiverelationshipswiththemForthosewhoprefertofarmandleavethesellingandmarketingtoothersalocaldistributorcouldfillthoseshoesSomehavesuggestedthatseveralfarmersmarketsbeestablishedwithinthevariousdistrictsofthe island (east central and west Molokai) to make local foods readily accessible to allconsumersAnother suggestionwas thatMolokai create its own local dollar or Local Exchange TradingSystem (LETS) amongst a communityor groupofpeoplewhomutually agree toextend andearn credit from each other through a series of transactions and exchanges of goods andservicesDirectbarterbetweenpartiesisnotnecessaryratheronecanearnLETScreditsfromperformingaserviceorgivingagoodandbereciprocatedatalatertimeforgoodsorservicesofequalvalue(egprovidingbabysittingservicestoearncreditsandreceiveplumbingworkinreturn)LETSallowscommunitiesgreater flexibilityandcreatesequalityamong itsmembersofferingvaluebeyondtheconventionalmonetarysystemSome farmers create their own market by operating a CSA or Community SupportedAgricultureTheWaialuaPermafarmhasbeenoperatingsuccessfullyforabout30yearsnowasaCSATheWaialuaPermafarmhasfamiliesthatregularlysubscribetotheirCSAandpurchaseweekly or biͲmonthly boxes of veggies and fruits The Waialua Permafarm provides animpressive listing of vegetable and fruits that they grow with customers choosing theirfavoritesWhateverisinseasonandpreferredbythecustomeriswhattheCSAprovidesPu`uOHokuRanchalsoprovidesveggieboxesaswellasamore recentoperation runningoutofMahanaGardensOneMolokaiCSAoperatorsuggestedtheSiskiyouSustainableCooperativeinOregonasagreatmodel that could help farmers here to consolidate their efforts and create direct farmer toconsumer relationships Some of the best practices coming from Siskiyou SustainableCooperativeinclude Acollectiveoffarmerswhowantedtoformamarketingandbusinesscooperative Their business plan included visionary goals such as a credit union for farmers a
cooperatively owned state of the art commercial kitchen and seed cleaning facilityaffordablehealthinsuranceforfarmfamiliesetc
Inthefirst2yearsthefarmersdeveloped3marketingvenuesaCSAafarmstandalongtheroadsideandacooperatively runmarketboothEventually theCooperative focusedmoreexclusivelyontheCSAasitprovedmostfinanciallysuccessful
Farmersrsquogoal istoprovidecontinualaccesstomore locallygrownandproducedfoodsandtomaketheCSAboxmoreofaldquooneͲstopshoppingrdquoexperienceformembersTodatetheCSA offers bread cheese eggs flowers beef and buffalo products coffee and honey inadditiontotheregularproduceboxes
CoͲopprovidescertifiedorganicfruitsvegetablesandspecialty itemsproducedon9smallͲscalefamilyfarmsandranches
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 49
Feeds250 families throughcooperativeCommunitySupportedAgriculture (CSA)marketingand distribution program while enhancing the economic viability of their sustainableagricultureoperations
CoͲopoffersasmallsharethatfeeds2peopleandalargesharethatfeeds3Ͳ5peopleCoͲopdropsoffthefoodboxesto7differentspotsonaweeklybasis
ProvidingproducetolowͲincomepopulationsispartofCoͲoprsquosmissionCoͲopprovidesfoodtoACCESSandfoodbanks
CoͲopalsosuccessfullyappliedtoacceptfoodstampsCoͲopunderstandsthateatingfreshhealthyfood is importantforeveryoneespeciallyforthemorevulnerablepopulations likechildrenpregnantandnursingmotherstheelderlyanddisabledThesepeoplearemostinneedofnutrientͲdensehighqualityfoods
CSAmembersalsobenefit from farmdaysofferedby thecoͲopmembersget tosee theirfoodbeing grown andmeet their farmersCoͲop also sends recipes andnewsletterswitheachboxtohelpmemberslearnnewandexcitingwaystopreparetheirvegetables
CoͲopworks toexpandmarkets for localseedproducers toprovidevarietiesofregionallyͲadaptedopenͲpollinated seeds forhomegardenersand smallͲscale farmersCoͲop leasesseed cleaning equipment from a local nonͲprofit to improve seed quality and encouragegrowers toproducemore seedas theequipment saves time Oneof thecoͲop foundingmembers started his own local seed company see websitewwwbiodynamicseedsblogspotcom
CoͲop farms utilize interns as an inexpensive labor pool while providing them withopportunitiesto learnhowtogrow foodandruna farmoperation Inaneffort toprovidequality internships someof thecoͲopmembers formedanonͲprofit toprovideeducationandsocialopportunitiesforfarminternsSeewebsitehttproguefarmcorpsorg
AchievingFinancialSustainabilityThroughMIFFStrategyTodays farmermust possess a diverse skillsͲset to be truly competitive in a globalmarketAccordingtoRichardNelsonpresidentofHawaiiBizlinkLLCanagricultureͲconsultingfirmontheBigIslandnichemarketdevelopmentisthekeytosuccessfulagribusinessinHawaiiratherthan the agricultureasacommoditymindset80 Headds [A]g iseconomicdevelopmentanditisalsotourismVisitorswanttoeattheNalogreensandthefreshfishseethepineappleplantationandvisit theaquacultureoperationsahard look [needs tobe taken in]assistingfarmers with a variety of things including development of market plans business planspackagedesignintroductiontobuyersdevelopmentoftradeshowsandmarketingvenuesforlocalproducers[E]veryfarmerhasgottogetsmarterItsnolongerjustharvestingproductandthrowing it inabinFarmershavetowearmultiplehatsnow81Aswe looktobuildinggreatercapacityinourfarmingcommunitymoreeducationandtrainingmustbeavailableforfarmerstomeettheseemergingtrendsinagriculture
80YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange81YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 50
Farmers are more likely to succeed through diversification The Multiple Income FarmingFamilies (MIFF) model is a strategy for strengthening agribusinesses through generatingmultiplerevenuestreamsOne exampleof aMultiple Income Farming Family isMolokaiMeli inoperation since 2004MolokaiMeli sellspremiumorganic rawkiawehoneyasavalueͲaddedproductThe familymarketsldquomelisticksrdquoorhoneysealed instrawsassimplesnacks Theyalsoprovidedifferentgradesofhoneypremiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyandhoneycombsthattheyadvertiseand sell through their website The family doesnrsquot stop there Their eldest child Elijahdevelopedhisownbusiness around adressing recipeheperfectedmadewithMolokaiMelihoneyTheyoungerdaughtershavealsodevelopedtheirownproductsbeeswaxcandlesandchapstickthataresoldatKumuFarmsandMolokairsquosspecialtyshopsAllfamilymemberssuitupintheirbeekeepingsuitstocareforthebeesInitiallywhentheystartedtheirbusinesstheyhadnot fullyreachedtheir financialgoal insecuringallthestartͲupcoststheyneeded Theylearnedtoadaptandadjustedtheirbusinessplan Whenfacedwithapredicamentthattheywould not receive their bees on time to start their operations smoothly they turned thischallengeintoanewbusinessopportunitybyprovidingtheislandrsquossolebeeremovalservicesThey utilized this initial stock of bees for honey production and continue to replenish theirstoresbymaintainingbeeremovalservicesValueͲAddingampGoingOrganicThecommunitysupportsorganicvalueͲaddedandsustainablefarming82 Encourageandsupportorganicandenvironmentallyfriendlyfarmingmethodstechniques SupporttheproductionofvalueͲaddedproducts SupportthefarmingofcertifiedorganicandornonͲGMOcropsAnexampleofwhereMolokaifarmershaveachievedsuccess is inproducingcertifiedorganicpapayaMolokaiistheonlyplaceintheworldwhereorganicpapayaisgrowncommerciallyAsmallairportrunway that lacks thecapacity toreceive largeplanesand internationalcarriershaskeptMolokaibiologicallypurerthantheother islands inthat ithasnotbeenexposedtothepapaya ringspotvirus likewise thebananabunchy topvirushasalsonot takena strongholdonMolokaibananaKumu Farms is a local distributor of organic sunrisestrawberry papaya In themidͲ1990sKumuFarms invested inandbuiltaforcedͲhotͲair(FHA)chemicalfreetreatmentfacilitywiththeapprovalof theUSDepartmentofAgriculture to treat itscertifiedorganicpapayaonsiteand distribute directly to its various markets throughout the State of Hawai`i the USMainland and Canada83 Thirty percent (30) of the organic papaya supply comes from
82MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf83KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 51
homesteadfarmingfamilieswhoarepartofKumuFarmsldquosatelliteprogramrdquo84ThesefarmersarepaidbyKumuFarms$075lbfororganicpapayawhichismorethandoublewhatfarmerstypicallygetforconventionalGMOpapayaat$030lb MolokaiOrganicPapayaretails inthemainlandUSat$5lbProducingcropsorganically isawaytovalueͲaddandenteranichemarket This isespeciallyusefulforsmallfarmswhocannotcompetewithlargeproducersOneofthesatellitefarmshasexpressedadesiretobegindistributingandmarketingitsorganicpapayaindependentlyofKumuFarmstorealizedirectmarketprofitsInanycaseKumuFarmsplaysavaluablerole inproviding itsownFHAchemicalfreetreatmentfacilitydoingoutreachto small farmers to assume the costs of shipping distribution and marketing For manybeginning farmers these types of opportunitiesmitigate some of the costs of running anagribusinessandgivethemaleguptogrowandeventuallyexpandtheirownenterprisesThe 2010 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process forMaui Countyidentified the main economic sectors forMauiMolokai and Lanai islands They includeAgriculture Arts and Entertainment Government Healthcare Recreation and SportsRenewableEnergyResearchampDevelopment (RampD)and theVisitor Industry MolokaiCEDSparticipantshave identifiedprioritygoalsandobjectivesundereachsector ForAgricultureampAquacultureMolokai residentselectedasapriorityobjectiveaneffective ldquoBuy Localrdquo (ldquoBuyMolokairdquocampaign)andtheestablishmentofaldquoMadeonMolokairdquobrandAdditionally a September 2009 report provided by theMaui EconomicDevelopment Board(MEDB)onldquoEntrepreneurshipandtheFutureofMolokairdquodeterminedfrommultiplesurveysofMolokairsquos business community areas for growth and opportunity for the islandrsquos economyRespondents identified asopportunities ldquouniquelyMolokai lsquonichersquoproducts (organicpapayacoffeecookiesMolokaibreadetc)rdquoandldquovalueͲaddedproducts (tarochipspackageddriedmangococonutandbanana)rdquoIncreasedproductionandmarketingofnewvalueͲaddedfoodproductsprovide longershelf life requires lessvolumeof rawproductandhaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketswishingtotrynewandexoticfoods ValueͲaddingandcreationofnicheproducts thatplay to the strengthsofwhat farmershere cangrowprovidesagreateradvantagetoMolokaiproducersandallowsthemtobemorecompetitiveinthemarket A few years ago theMolokai Rural Development Project (RDP) offered ValueͲAdded FoodProductionTrainingattheLanikehaCommercialKitchen inpartnershipwithHawaiianHomestheMolokaiCommunityServiceCouncilandKƻha`oBusinessCenterThetrainingwasgearedtoestablishingsuccessfulvalueͲadded foodbusinessesto fulfillanichemarketandaid inthediversification ofMolokairsquos agriculture industry RDP designed the training along theMIFFmodelofprovidingmultipleincomestreamsforfarmingfamiliesThelocalfarmerthroughthistrainingcouldsupplementhis income throughvalueͲaddingorconnectwithanentrepreneurwishingtoturnldquowasterdquo(discardedoffͲgradeproduce)intoopportunity
84KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 52
Currently Lanikeha holds a number of anchor tenants that regularly produce valueͲaddeditems Products thathavecomeoutofLanikeha includepoisweetpotatochipshoneyseasaltpestoproductsbakedandcatereditemsUtilizingLanikehaasaCommunityCommercialKitchen Incubator for additional valueͲadded product development and training is key todeveloping new food entrepreneurs on Molokai and strengthening the islands agricultureeconomyAgriͲTourismPriorities identified inMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian IslandrsquosAgricultureAquacultureSectionincludessupportofldquoagroͲtourismendeavorsrdquo85An area in which there is room for growth and diversification is the agritourism industryAccording to the Hawaii Agritourism Association (HATA) agritourism assists farmers withsupplementalincomebyprovidinganichemarketthatinvolvesconnectingtheconsumertothelandandthegrowersbyeducatingthemaboutagriculturalproductsandprovidingadirectandinteractiveexperienceOf theprofitsmade fromagͲtourism relatedactivitiesmost revenuesaregainedthroughonfarmsalesdirecttofarmvisitorsAdditionallymanyoperationsreceiveorders for products after visitors return home suggesting gains made through buildingrelationshipswithcustomersthroughagritourismvenuesAccording toHATAagritourism isagrowingglobal trend thatprovides farmswith income increative ways enhances diversity of visitor experiences while at the same time supportsculturalidentityTheMolokaiResponsibleTourism InitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanprovidesabasisfor identifyingacceptablehostͲvisitorexperiences inkeepingwithMolokairsquoscultureandruralpace 86 Focus group sessions interviews and surveys revealed that residents favoredsustainablecommunitytourismtheelementsofwhichinclude Operationsby localand traditionalpopulation toenhance thequalityof lifeprotectand
restoretheenvironmentalandculturalassetsandengagevisitorsontermsdefinedbythecommunity
Activitiesevolvingasasolutiontoeconomicenvironmentalsocialeducationalandcultural
growthchallenges
85MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf86McGregorDaviannaldquoMolokaiResponsibleTourismInitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanForMoloka`irdquoKe`AupuniLƃkĈhindashMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityFebruary2006httphuinethawaiirdporgmolokaiFinal20Report20Ͳ20with20coverpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 53
Advocating a fair exchange of value between the host and the hosted Preserving the
communityrsquossenseofplacethatbringsdignityandpridetothehost Featuringauthenticandgenuineactivities forguests Sharing realcultureby thepeople
whopracticeit Creatingabalancedratiobetweenthelocalpopulationandvisitorcountsothatthesenseof
placeisnotoverwhelmedbylargescaletourismSomeactionsteps identified tomeet theseprinciples includedculturalexchangeeducationaltoursbuilding thekama`ainavisitormarketworkingwithentrepreneurcohortsestablishingcommunitynetworksandcollaborativeeffortsSuccesswouldbemeasuredwithanincreaseinthe number of jobs in the visitor industry and an increase in contributions to the islandrsquoseconomyfromvisitoractivitiesandretailpurchasesSome Molokai farmers have shown interest in agriͲtourism as evidenced by a programsupportedbytheKƻha`oBusinessCentertheCountyOfficeofEconomicDevelopmentandtheMolokaiAgriculturalDevelopmentProgramafewyearsagotoprovideintroductoryagritourismworkshops and site visits to various farmsonMauiMaui farms likeAli`iKula Lavender andSurfingGoatDairyhaveservedasgreatmentorsTheseactivitieshave inspiredandpromptedMolokai farmersto lookathowtheycan improvetheirown farmingoperationsand increaserevenuethroughdiversificationPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm isoneexampleofagritourismonMolokai The familyprovides farmtoursandgivesvisitorstheldquomacadamiaexperiencerdquothroughaneducationalcomponentandanopportunity to taste and purchase their product Relationships builtwith visitors serve tocreatealoyalcustomerbaseThePurdyrsquosprovidedirectmarketingbymailtocustomerswhohavevisitedtheminthepastThismethodhasbeenquiteeffectiveforthemTherearenegativeviewsonMolokaiabout tourismorconventionalaspectsof tourism thatexploittheHawaiianhostculture One farmerwhodislikestourismstatedhoweverthathehaswelcomedhundredsofpeopleofallagestovisittourandworkonhis family farm Forhimnoproprietarysecretsarekeptjustadesiretoshareknowledgeandthefamilyrsquospassionfor farming In this sense tourism takes a differentmeaning one that ismore about aneducational exchange and an opportunity to volunteer and gain knowledge throughexperiencingaworkingfarmfirsthand
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 54
ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms
Lawsmustbeenforcedtomake it favorabletothe farmerto farm Enforcementofthe lawsthataccuratelydefineagricultureandappropriatefarmdwellingsiscriticaltothemaintenanceofHawai`irsquosinventoryofagriculturallandslestweforfeitafoodsecurefutureforHawai`i
MolokaiisoneofthefewislandsifnottheonlyHawaiianislandthatselfͲidentifiesitsdesiredandprimaryeconomy tobeagriculture rather than tourismThemajorityofour informantsrespondedtothefollowingquestioninthismanner
Question What is your Agriculture Vision for Molokai
ldquoTo truly be the agriculture breadbasket of the Staterdquo
Muchofthissentimentcanbeattributedtoourhistoriclegacyas`inaMomonaandaculturethathasneverforgottenthatthewealthofthe land isdeterminedbyhowmuchfoodcanbeproduced and howmuch can be shared This is the essence ofMolokairsquos two economiesagricultureandtraditionalsubsistence
InkeepingwithavisionforMolokaitobetheagriculturebreadbasketoftheStatefarmerssaythatchangesneed tobemadeby theStategovernment toprovideaguaranteedmarket forMolokai farmers to supply urban and densely populated islands like Oahu rather thanperpetuatingalosingpropositionforMolokairsquosfarmerswhoareforcedtocompetewithotherswhohavemoredirectaccesstothemarket
ExcerptsfromMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandmakescommunityobjectivesclearastothehighprioritygiventoprotectingtheinterestsoflocalagriculture87 Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture food
production Promoteandsupport family farmsonMolokai inorder toprotectagricultureaquaculture
resourcesfromcommercialexploitation Promoteactivitiesand incentives thatwillhelpsupport theeconomicsecurityofour farm
families
AdditionalacreageforAgriculturalParksshouldbereservedtosupporttheexpansionoflocalfamilyfarmsPracticesthatconflictwiththespiritandpoliciesidentifiedforAgParkssuchasleasingorsubͲleasingto largecorporateindustrialagricultureandbiotechcompaniesshouldbeprohibited
87MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 55
Newtrendsrelatedtoan increasingappreciationanddemandfor localandregionalproduceencourage the return of small family farms88 Family farms are important to the soul andresilienceofacommunity Where industrialagriculturecompaniestendtocauseerosionandpollution through destructive practiceswith the use ofmachinery and heavy application ofchemical fertilizersherbicides andpesticides independent small family farmshave amoreintimate relationship with the land and are keen on preserving green and open spaces inalignmentwithcommunityvalues89
Related to thedeclineofsmall family farms is theagingofAmericarsquos farmers Molokai isnodifferent Theaverageageofthefarmerswesurveyedwere54yearsoldwhilethenationalaverage is 5790 The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 70 of the nationrsquosagricultural landwill changehandswithin the next 20 yearsdue to the agingpopulationoffarmers91 Ifthenextgeneration isnot interested infarmingthere isarealthreatthatthesefarmlandswillbeconvertedtononͲagriculturepurposes92 It is imperativethentocultivateanewgenerationofbeginningfarmers
OutreachampEducationIncreasingConsumerAwareness Reviewofsurveyand interviewresponsesstimulated livelyinformalinquiryanddiscussionamongfriendsfamilyandcolleaguesOnesuchdiscussionwasabout the need to raise greater consumer awareness of different kinds of foods herbsvegetablesthatattractthemoreexperiencedpalettebut forwhichthe localpopulationmaynotbeaccustomedtooutsideoftheirowntraditionalfoodsOneobservationthatwasmadebyKumuFarmsisthatsalesarelowinthesummerandpickupagainatthearrivalofsnowbirdsin the fallandwintermonths Hearing localpeople talkabout theirappreciationofgoing toKumuFarmstopickupfreshorganicproducebutareluctancetotrysomeofthemoreexoticherbsbecauseoftheirlackofknowledgeonhowtopreparethemsuggestsadesiretoexploredifferentcuisinesbutnotenoughopportunitytolearnaboutandincorporatethesefoodsintotheir cooking Hosting different tastings and cooking classes that integrate a farm to tableapproachmayhelp to removesome thesebarriers toeatinghealthynew foods With thesetypesofactivitieswecreatemoreeducatedconsumers Severalofour informantshavealsosuggestedraisingawarenessatanearlyagetoeducatethenextgenerationofeatersthroughschoolgardenprogramsthatgivechildrenadirectexperienceandappreciationofcultivating
ͺͺUnited StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof FoodandAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml89ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml90ShuteBldquoANewGenerationofFarmersrdquoTheNewYorkTimesAugust192011httpwwwnytimescomroomfordebate20110817couldͲfarmsͲsurviveͲwithoutͲillegalͲlaborweͲneedͲaͲnewͲgenerationͲofͲamericanͲfarmers91United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml92United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 56
preparingeatingandeventuallybuyingadelightfuldiversityof locallygrownnutritiousandwholefoodsEducatingFarmers Molokaihasgreatresourcesthatassistboththeprospectiveandcurrentfarmer ingaining inͲdepthagriculturalknowledgeand skills TheUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollege (UHMC) Molokai Farm confers an Associates Degree and Certificates in variousAgricultureampNaturalResourcestopics
CertificateofAchievementandASdegrees inHorticultureand LandscapeMaintenanceandSustainableTropicalCropManagement
Certificates of Competence in Agricultural Science Nursery Production and PestManagement
CertificatesofCompletioninTurfgrassSpecialistSustainableTropicalCropProductionandLandscapeMaintenance
Associates in Technical Studies Degree in Cultural and Natural Resource ManagementMĈlama`ina
InthepasttheMolokaiRuralDevelopmentProjectsponsoredtheAgricultureCohorttrainingprogramwhichserved8 farming families (27 familymemberstotal)committedtodevelopingsustainablefamilyfarms93The UHͲCTAHR Molokai Office delivered the training The project employed experientiallearning and instructionalmethodologies as best practices for intergenerational transfer oftechnology and expertise for sustainable agriculture Participants learned marketing farmplanningproductionplanningrecordkeepingcompleterequisitetaxforms(ScheduleF)farmequipmentsafetyandoperationsiteͲselectionassessmentirrigationsetͲupsoilfertilityplantnutritionpestmanagement (weeds insectsdiseases)harvesting commoditiespostͲharvesthandling grading and qualitymanagement organic certification basic computing businesssoftware and custom agricultureͲbased software Participants received training on usingspecialagriculture softwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRMolokaiextensionagentAltonArakakiThe first software they learned was on Production Mapping With this program farmersplannedandprojected theirproductionactivities throughout theyearanddeterminedwhenandhowmuch resourceswouldbeneeded to complete activities successfully TheprogramalsoprovidedfarmersanopportunitytorealisticallyestimateproductioncashflowoftheirfarmplansThesecondsoftwarethey learnedwastheScheduleFfinancialrecordkeepingprogramthatmaintainsrecords inatemplatethatwouldeventuallycompletetheirDepartmentoftheTreasuryProfitandLossfromFarmingIRSScheduleFForm1040AttheendofthetrainingthecohortparticipantsreceivedcopiesofthesoftwareOtherfarmingsoftwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRprovedusefulforfarmentrepreneursenrolledintheprojectThesoftwareincludedPlantTissueAnalysisndashRecordingandTrackingforplantnutritionmanagementandCalibratingYourSprayer(publishedbyCTAHRhttpwwwctahrhawaiieduocfreepubspdfPRREͲ6pdf)
93AkutagawaMalialdquoAgriculturalCohortProjectFinalReportrdquoAugust302007
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 57
Farmfamiliesincreasedtheirknowledgeandexperienceincropproductionandmanagementandapplied theiracquiredskills toestablishingorexpanding their farmbusiness Thecropsproducedbythe8 family farmenterprises includedorganicpapaya(3 farms)yamDioscareaorganicwatermelon and taro greenhouse lettucepumpkin taro (lu`au leaf table taro andvalueͲaddedkuloloproduct)andcoffeeSeveral participants were successful recipients of the Molokai Agricultural DevelopmentProgram awards having enrolled in RDPrsquos Kƻha`o Business Center Entrepreneurial TrainingProgram to receive oneͲtoͲone business consultation and assistance in developing theirbusinessplans
Allcohort familiesmadeprofitandexceededbenchmarkssetbyRDP Anestimated totalof$105000wasmade in cumulative sales over the yearmore than doubling the year 2 endprojectgoalof$50000 The farmproductsweremarketedonͲisland intrastateandon themainlandOrganicpapayasweremarketedtomainlandhubsinLosAngelesSanFranciscoandPortlandFromthesehugecitiestheyweresoldandshippedtoinlandmarkets
From thiscomprehensive trainingparticipants learnedandexperiencedboth theagriculturalsciencesandartofrunningasuccessfulbusinessInthesciencecurriculumparticipantslearnedsubjectmatters insoilplantsplantdiseases insectsweedsplantnutritionmanagementofplant pests and plant nutrition In the agriͲbusiness curriculum participants learned postharvesthandlinggradingorganic certificationmarketingand farmproductionplanningandmanagement Both experiential learning and classroom instruction proved invaluable Themajorityofthesefamiliesremainsuccessfultodaymorethan5yearsaftertheprogramendedTrainingslikethisgivefarmersthenecessarytoolstorunasuccessfulagribusinessUHͲCTAHRcontinues toassistby focusingon teachingbeginning farmersasaway to cultivate thenextgenerationoffarmersandreversethenationwidetrendofanagingfarmingpopulationSust`ĈinableMolokaihasalso focusedoncomplementing thisworkbybringingpermaculture(ecologicalfarming)inpartnershipwiththePermacultureResearchInstituteUSAtointerestedlocal adults and homesteaders to farm responsibly and sustainably From herewersquove beenteachingsustainablefarmingstrategiestoanestimated100MolokaiHighSchoolstudentsandinstallingthefeaturesofaminiͲahupua`aasademonstrationandteachingtoolIt is recommended that tobuilda strong farmingcommunity in thenextgenerationwewillneedtotakeproactivestepsnowandstartpreparingnewfarmersearlyonfromgradeschoollevel with school gardens up through middle and high school as youth begin to exploreagricultureasacareerGeneralagricultureclassescanbesupplementedwithacurriculumthatincludes financial literacyentrepreneurshipbusinesshomeeconomicshealthandnutritionscience (biology ecology chemistry conservation) and engineering aspects From herestudentswill be able to understand agriculture from diverse viewpoints and disciplines anddevelopdifferentskills required foroperatingasuccessful farmenterprise Creatingadirectbridge tohighereducation throughcollegeandcareerpathway ladderprogramsavailableat
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 58
UHMCMolokaiandotheruniversityinstitutionsisidealOnefarmerwhohasastrongbusinessbackgroundandwasabookkeeperformanyyearspriorto farming recommended that youngpeople take courses inbookkeeping and accounting inadditiontoagricultureclassesPerhaps thegreatestways to impart farmingknowledge isbetween farmers SeveralofourfarmersthatweinterviewedindicatedthattheylearnbestfromeachotherandthatthereisadesiretoserveasmentorsfornewfarmerswholackexperienceThisisfeltparticularlyamongMolokairsquoshomesteadfarmersOnefarmerremarkedontheverycloseͲknitcommunityformedonthehomesteadandthatmosthavethesamemindsetthatldquonewopportunitiesforoneareopportunities for allrdquo As a group they rely on each other to share farming techniquesinformation on new equipment and promote their produce together Rarely is therecompetitionamongsthomesteadersbutadesire todemonstrate thatagriculture isa viableeconomicenginefortheislandOtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchersThereareanumberofincentiveprogramsthatassistfarmersranchersandlandownersiftheychoosetointegrateconservationandsustainablepracticesintheiroperationsThisisonewaythat Molokai producers can access critical funding and work with conservation expertsIncentive Programs through the US Department of Agriculture include the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service (NRCS) ndashMolokaiͲLanai Soil ampWater Conservation District(SWCD) which prepares local conservation and watershed management plans providesconservationeducationandpropagatesnativeplantstorestoreHawaiianecosystemsassistsfarmersand ranchers inanumberof federalFarmBillPrograms thatprovides incentives forvoluntary conservation practices to help reduce erosion protect streams and rivers restoreandestablishfishandwildlifehabitatandimproveairqualityo EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)respondstoimportantlocallyidentified
natural resource concerns Funds cover conservationplanningdesignand installation Itmayincludestrategiessuchasnoxiousweedcontrolbrushmanagementpasturehaylandplantingterracesandgroundcover
o GroundampSurfaceWaterConservation (GSWC) supports installationof irrigation related
conservation practices Strategies funded arewater catchment basinsmicroͲirrigationroofrunoffetc
o GrasslandReserveProgram(GRP)assistslandownersandoperatorsintherestorationand
protectionofgrasslandincludingrangelandandpasturelando WildlifeHabitat IncentiveProgram (WHIP) utilized for thecreationand improvementof
fish and wildlife habitat on private land Some practices funded include developingwetlandripariananduplandareas
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 59
o Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) wetland restoration enhancement or creation on
privatelando FarmampRanchlandProtectionProgram(FRPP)helpingstatetribalorlocalgovernmentto
purchasethedevelopmentrightstokeepproductivefarmandranchlandinagriculturaluseo Conservation Security Program (CSP) rewards farmers for protecting and improving the
environment Pays producerswho historically practice good stewardship on agriculturallandsandprovidesincentives
OtherprogramsadministeredthroughNRCSanditsaffiliatesincludeo AgriculturalDevelopment Program (ADP) provides funds to Resource Conservation and
DevelopmentCouncils throughout the nation to administer grants for community drivenprojectsthatpromoteagriculturaldevelopment
o Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) stimulates the development and adoption of
innovativeconservationapproachesand technologieswhile leveraging federal investmentinenvironmentalenhancementandprotectioninconjunctionwithagriculturalproduction
o CooperativeEcosystemStudiesUnit(CESU)provideopportunitiesforinterdisciplinaryand
multiͲagency research technical assistance and education Function as ldquovirtualrdquoorganizationslinkingseveralinstitutionstoincreaseaccesstoexpertiseandfacilities
ImproveRanchingPracticesampMaximizeUseampPotentialofSlaughterhouseThebroaderimpactfortheislandinhavingitsownslaughterhousethemostadvancedfacilityin theStateofHawaii is the revitalizationofMolokairsquos ranching industryWherequalityandincreased volume are paramount ranchers with the right tools may take advantage ofconsumer trends towards making healthier food choices through offering MolokaiͲgrowngrassͲfedorganicbeefasavalueͲaddednicheproduct
TherehavebeencriticismsaboutthequalityofMolokaibeef intermsoftaste Whilevisitorsandhealthconsciousindividualstendtobemorewillingtospendupto$5lbonlocalgrassfedbeeftheaverageMolokaiconsumertendstobemoreconcernedabouttasteAccordingtotheslaughterhousemanagerhighqualitypastureyieldshighqualitybeefandisapreͲrequisiteforenteringanichemarket Ranchersherearenot focusedongrass finishing theircattle HighqualitygrassgrownunderbestmanagementpracticesisneededtocreateagreatbeefproductItwill take time for the ranching industry to see the valueof adopting greatermeasures inalignmentwithorganicranchingpreceptstocaptureanichemarket
Venisonand lambshowmarketpotential Itwillbe interestingtotracktheprogressofthese
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 60
potential enterprises in the years ahead It is recommended thatMolokairsquos stateͲofͲtheͲartslaughterhousebeutilizedtoprocessanddistributemore localmeatandavarietyofanimalsforretailprocessingaswellasvalueͲaddedfooddevelopmentAdditionallythepossibilityandrequirements for processing goat through the slaughterhouse and the potentialmarket fortheseanimals shouldbe furtherexploredasaway toget feralgoats (andmoredeer)downfromthemountainasathreattouplandnativeforestsandontotheplateWemustbegintolookatwaystoturnthreatsintoopportunities
SustainableRanchingThe community has identified as a priority the support of ldquocontinued livestockͲraisingoperationsonMolokaithatusesustainablelandwatermanagementpracticestominimizetheriskoferosionandtoprotectMolokairsquoslimitedwaterresourcesrdquo94Sust`ĈinableMolokaihasbeenresearchingwaystobringthetoolsofHolisticManagementtoMolokai ranchers Theholisticmanagement framework touchesupon theways thatanimalscan play an important role in renewing the land through careful management andunderstandingthewatercyclemineralcycleenergyflowandecosystemdynamics Throughthismethodgrasslandscanbe improved tominimizenegativeeffectsofdroughtrebuildsoilandsequestercarbonaswellasprovidegoodpastureforhoovedanimalswhoareintegratedinto themanagement plan With holisticmanagement livestock actually provide a healingeffectonthelandthroughmimickingnatureandwildherdingbehaviorAnimalscanbeutilizedtoaerate the soilandaid in theplantingofgrass seedwith theirhooveswhilecontributingnutrientstothesoilfromtheirfeceswithhighdensitygrazingforshortperiodsfollowedbyarestorativeperiod Outcomesof this sustainablewayofmanagement include reduced costsand increased profits for the ranch more productive range land biologically active soilsreversal of desertification of eroded lands drought protection restorative effect on thewatershedimprovedwildlifehabitatandecosystemsandfoodsecurityRanchersaroundtheworldhavemetwithgreatsuccessthroughthismethodTherearesomeexamplesontheBigIslandofsuccessfulranchingwithHolisticManagementprinciplesWithappropriateplanningcollaboration and raising the necessary funds Sust`ĈinableMolokai would like to bring aHolisticManagementtrainingworkshoptoassisttheranchingcommunityStrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparednessOne farm business Kumu Farms has taken an active role in responding to food securityconcernsforMolokaiKumuFarmsaftertherecenttsunamiscarebegantoconsiderhowtheycouldhelpinincreasingMolokairsquosfoodsecurityandresiliencetodisastereventsKumuFarmsadoptedapolicy thatmakesMolokai firstpriority in termsof supplying the islandrsquosproduceneedsMolokaineedsaretakencareoffirstwiththesurplusexportedtotherestoftheStateandUSmainland
94MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 61
UH CTAHRwill be providing an `Ohana Gardening class for subsistence gardening Familygardens are the bestway to provide food security There is a phrase by Geoff Lawton arenowned permaculture teacher ldquoOne can solve all problems in a gardenrdquo In a gardendistributionandtransportationissuesareautomaticallyresolvedOthermeasuresthatcanbetaken to make food readily accessible to families and minimize the amount of time andresources to travel by foot is toworkwith families to plant breadfruit trees sweet potatobananaswet or dryland taroMany Hawaiian families particularly living on kuleana landsalreadyhavetheseplantsandtrees inthegroundasdirectbeneficiariesoftheirkupunawhocommonlyprovidedforthefamilyrsquosneedsrightintheirownbackyardOne farmer would like to see food forests on the mountain sides in every ahupua`aCollaborationwith large landownerscommunitygroupsand theahaki`ole leadershipwouldbeagoodstartingpointtocoordinatethistypeofworkMolokairsquos strength also lies in its diversified agriculture and family farms The use of largeacreagesof farm land forbiotech seedcropsutilized for researchpurposesonly impacts theislandrsquos food security and ability to produce food Typical industrialmonocrop culture alsoleavestheislandmorevulnerabletomasscropfailureGreaterresilienceisfoundthroughdiversificationoffoodcropsReintroducingthepracticeofseedsavingandgrowingmanyvarietiesofheirloomseedsadaptedtospecificgrowingregionsand climate regimes is away to increase food security Greater effortmust be placed increatingaseedbankpreservingandplantingexistingseedvarietiesparticularlycreatedbytheearlyHawaiians and passed down to the present generation and cultivating new varietiesadaptedtoonersquosgrowingareaRestoration ofWaikolu Valley was identified as a priority project under theMaui CountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)processTherestorationprojectwouldentailallowinghomesteaderstorestorethetaroterracesinthevalleyandreplanttaro95Molokairsquosgreat inventoryoffishpondsandmassivefringingreefsystemarealsoassetstotheislandrsquosabilitytoproducefoodCaremustbetakentorestoreuplandforeststostopsiltationandrunoffintotheoceanandfishpondsWorkmustbeundertakentorestoremorefishpondsandputthembackintoproduction
95Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter4ndashMauiCountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy2010ShortRangePriorityProjectsp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 62
ConclusionFarming is challenging onMolokai due to limited water resources high operational costsshippinghurdlesandtheabilitytogeta fairprice forproduce farmed Thesechallengesarenot insurmountable ifapproachedsystematicallyandcontinuedeffortsandcommitmentsaremade byMolokairsquos community to support local agriculture through education and creatingstructuresthatpoolresourcesandpeopletogetherThe island ismadestrongerby theassetswehavearichcultural legacyof `Ĉinamomonaapopulation thatmaintains traditional subsistence practices and upholds agriculture as theeconomic mainstay for the island lands fishponds and reefs capable of producing vastamounts of food a strongHawaiianHomestead farming community engaged in diversifiedagriculture a college and demonstration farm that offers agriculture certificate and degreeprograms local stateͲofͲtheͲart slaughterhousea community run commercialkitchen facilityforvalueͲadded foodproductionand trainingdedicatededucatorsandagricultureextensionagents from the University to help farmers in the field and an environment that ismorecooperativethancompetitiveintermsofsharingknowledgeandbestpractices
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 63
VI APPENDICES
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sustrsquoaina ble Molokai Survey Food Production amp Security
Do you care or think about where your food comes from ___yes ___no Do you prefer to buy local Molokai food products __ yes ___no __no preference Would you eat more local food if it were available __yes __no If yes what would you like to eat or buy if made grown on Molokai_______________________________________________________________________________ Do you feel you have access to locally grown food in the grocery stores and open markets ___yes ___no If no
what do you suggest to improve this situation_______________________________________________________
Are you a farmer or interested in farming ____ yes ____no If yes how old are you_________________
If yes what do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other ________________________________
What produce do you (plan to) farm_______________ ______________________________________ How much land are you farming (or is available for you) a Less than one acre b 1 ndash 5 acres c 15 - 40 acres d 40 acres or more
Do you grow your own food (farm gardening) _____ yes ______no If no what is the primary reason for not
growing your own food __Too busy __ Not interested __ Relying on others __Disabled __ Donrsquot know
how Other Reason _____________________________
Approximately what percentage of the food you eat is Prepared at home ______ Purchased from a restaurant ______ (total should equal 100)
Of the food you prepare at home approximately what percentage is grown caught andor produced (total should equal 100)
a By you andor your family ______ b On Molokai_______ c In Hawaii ________ d Outside Hawaii________
Would you grow food for sale if there were a viable market (guaranteed customer) (or more food if you already grow)
__Yes __No What subsistence activities do you do If none why (no interest no time donrsquot know how)
aHunting b FishingDiving c Gathering (what___________________) Other ______________ None because _______________________
To practice subsistence on Molokai we need our natural resources to be in good conditionprotected and we need access Which one is a bigger concern for you ___Conditionprotection of our natural resources ___Access to natural areasresources ___Both ndash equally
Overall how important is subsistence to your family ___Very Important ___Somewhat important
___Somewhat Unimportant ___Not Important at all
About what percent of your familyrsquos food comes from subsistence activities (fishing hunting gathering raising
animals cultivation) ________
AppendixA-FoodProduc0onampSecuritySurvey
Food Production ndash Informant Interviews ndash Farmers
Sustainable Molokai is creating an online database where we are inputting information about the islandrsquos food production We want to share what you are growing as well as include your manarsquoo on the status of Molokairsquos food supply Once this information is available to the public the island community would have a picture of what is going on in terms of food security and how we can all get together to fill in the gaps and meet needs
How old are you how long have you been farming
What produce do you farm or are interested in farming How much land is available for you
What has been your best cash crop
Has farming your specific productproduce been successful
What do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other___________________________
Do you sell or plan to sell food mostly on island What is your vision for an agricultural future for this island
AppendixB-InterviewQues0onsforFarmers
Food Security Interview Questions for Businesses
Sustainable Molokai is working on a database project which is collecting information about Molokairsquos food production We are surveying the community and would like to talk story with the islandrsquos grocery stores
Out of a 100 how much percentage of what you sell out of the store is locally grownproducedmade
If itrsquos not Molokai made where does the produce come that is being sold out of the store
What Molokai madegrown products do you sell out of the store
What are the requirements for local food to be sold out of your store (eg business license)
What is the most popularsuccessful or fastest selling local product sold
What do you consider to be the challenges that farmers face on Molokai
What would you like to sell that is Molokai made
Do you have any suggestions to potential farmers food businesses on Molokai What to sell when to sell etc
AppendixC-InterviewQues0onsforBusinesses
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 7
systemsrdquo6Thismethodology includespracticesthatenhancethe life inthesoilthatprovidesnutritiousorganic food integratedpestmanagement throughguildingwithbeneficialplantsandtreesandattractingnaturalpredatorinsectsandanimalstoprotectcropsandselectingforbiodiversitytominimizecroplosses
Organic Farming Renewed interest in sustainable agricultural practices have arisen from aburgeoning organic industry and standards for organic certification that stress ecologicallybased farming and exclusion of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and geneticallymodifiedorganisms7TheUSorganicindustrynetted$178billioninretailsalesin2007approximately25intotalnationalfoodsales8Worldwidevalueoforganicproducestoodat$30billionasof2005witha14annualincreasesince20009Acreagededicatedtoorganicagriculturehasincreased20annuallysince2001with78millionacresinproductionworldwideasof200610Hawai`irsquos growth hasmirrored global and national trendswith State sales of organic cropsincreasing60between2005and2007from$5millionto$8million11Organic foods have becomemoremainstream with outlets including regular supermarketsrather than just the typical small natural food outposts12Whole FoodsMarket Inc has inrecentyearsestablishedapresenceinHawai`iWithitsreputationforbuyingfromsmalllocalfarmers the presence ofWhole Foods serves as an incentive for Hawai`i farmers to groworganicfood13Thereareanestimated200certifiedorganicproducers intheStateoperatingon a median of 5Ͳ13 acres of land14 The Big Island holds the most acreage for organicproductionat58followedbyMaui(22)Kaua`i(11)Molokai(7)andOahu(2)15TheindustrywillcontinuetoexpandwithincreasingconsumerpreferencefororganicfoodsBuyLocalEatLocalCommonthemesaroundagricultureemergedfromfocusgroupmeetingsconductedaspartofHawai`irsquos2010StatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS) These included support for diversified agriculture and increasing food security bysupportingFarmersMarketsandldquoBuyLocalEatLocalrdquo initiatives16TheHawai`iFarmBureauFederation StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculture andUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UHͲCTAHR) have sponsored these type ofcampaignsademphasizethefollowing
6UnitedNationsHumanRightsOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRightsEcoͲFarmingcandoublefoodproductionin10yearssaysnewUNreportMarch82011httpwwwohchrorgENNewsEventsPagesDisplayNewsaspxNewsID=10819ampLangID=E7RadovichTheodoreJLindaJCoxandJamesRHollyerldquoOverviewofOrganicFoodCropSystemsinHawai`irdquoCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesSustainableAgricultureNov2009SAͲ38RadovichCoxandHollyer20099RadovichCoxandHollyer200910RadovichCoxandHollyer200911RadovichCoxandHollyer200912RadovichCoxandHollyer200913RadovichCoxandHollyer200914RadovichCoxandHollyer200915RadovichCoxandHollyer200916Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)2010ExecutiveSummaryii
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 8
1 Enjoyexceptionaltasteandfreshnesspremiumtastemaximumfreshnessproducepicked
andeatenclosertoitsheightofripenesspackedwithnutrients2 Strengthen your local economy and community buying local food keeps your dollars
circulatinginyourcommunityBuildingrelationshipswiththefarmerswhogrowyourfoodstrengthensyourtiestothecommunityandtheland
3 Helppreserveopen space by supporting local farmersbuying local foodhelpspreservegreenopenspaceinyourcommunity
Part of this campaign also acknowledges lessening the Statersquos ecological footprint anddependenceonfossilfuelsfromheavyimportsfromthemainlandthathavemoreldquofoodmilesrdquoassociatedwiththemascomparedtolocallypurchasedfoodDiversifiedAgriculture Hawai`irsquosagriculture industrycapitalizesonthe islandsrsquotropicalyearͲroundgrowingclimateanduniquefeaturesthatallowfornicheindustries17Moresmallfarmshave gained a foothold in the diversified agriculture sector through cultivation of specialtycropssuchastropical fruitsmacadamianutscoffee flowersand freshproducesoldaroundtheglobe18TheldquoGrowninHawai`irdquobrandingisrecognizedaroundtheworldasaguaranteeofhighqualitydelicacies19Hawai`iRegionalCuisinehasalsobecomeknownforitsutilizationofthe freshest seafoodveggiesand tropical fruits inaunique fusionofEastWestand islandflavors20
In2008farmproductionindiversifiedagricultureproduced12200jobsthroughouttheState21Proactive measures to revitalize Hawaiirsquos agriculture industry through diversification hasbroughtrevenuesthatarecomparabletotheStatersquosearlyheydayswhensugarandpineapplewereking In2002HawaiirsquosAgriculturalFarmRevenuecrossed$5359million22Diversifiedagricultureaccountsfor69ofannualrevenueswithpineapple(19)andunprocessedcanesugar(12)trailingbehind23
AgriͲTourism Agriculture is also proving important to tourism Hawai`irsquos top economicengine24VisitorinterestinecoͲtoursagriͲtoursandculturallyauthenticexperiencesisontherise25 In2006agritourismbrought in$388million in revenueas reportedby112Hawai`iͲ
17Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp1218HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday19HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday20HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday21Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp2922ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200823ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200824HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday25HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 9
based farmsan increaseof14 from2003 figures ($339million)26The leadingcategoryofrevenuereceived fromagriͲtourswas$121million inonͲfarmdirectsalestovisitors27Otheractivitiesyieldingprofit includedbedandbreakfastamenitiesprovidingmeeting spacesandvenuesforeducationandentertainmentandoutdoorrecreation28
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent
FromancienttimesMolokaiwaswellknownas`Ĉinamomona(theldquofatrdquoorabundantland)foritswealthasanislandthatproducedfoodinsurplusfromitsverdantahupua`aandnumerousfishponds As on all Hawaiian islands Molokairsquos people and the natural resources weremanagedundertheahupua`asystemTheahupua`awasaunitoflandtypicallywedgeͲshapedrunning frommauka tomakai (mountain tosea)and following thenaturalboundariesof thewatershedThesystemwascomprisedofwaoakua(sacredplaceofthegods)uplandforeststhatgatheredtherainsTheareawassubjecttolimiteduses(egforkiamanubirdcatcherstogatherfeathersforcloakshelmetsandkahiliforthekahunakĈlaiwa`atoharvestkoaforcanoebuilding)and forceremonialpurposes Themountain forestswerepreserved intacttoformandprotectthewatershedandcarrynutrientslowerdowntheahupua`aintowaokanaka(thepeoplersquosdomain)Herethepeoplewerefreetogatheravarietyofplantsfordailyneedshardwood ofthe kauila tocarve ihe(spears) andmake toolsandimplementsolonĈ tocreate strongcordage forfishnets andfish linesmedicinalherbs `ie`iefor lashinghouse postsand canoesand maile forleiThefertileplains and fields were known as the kula lands a place rich in agriculture These landscontainedancientfeatsofwaterengineeringcontouredterracingoffieldsplantedintarothatslowedthepathofthewaterandallowedformaximumsoakageThewatercollectedandfed
26GeislerMalindaldquoagritourismprofilerdquoAgMRCagriculturalmarketingresourcecenterUpdatedJanuary2012httpwwwagmrcorgcommodities__productsagritourismagritourismͲprofile27Geisler201228Geisler2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 10
numerousspringsbelow`Auwai(irrigationditches)transportedwaterfromkahawai(streams)tomultiple lo`i(taropatches)andreturnedthewateroncemoreto itssourceTarobanana`ulu(breadfruit)tileafkƃ(sugarcane)wereallcultivatedinthekularegionFaunaharvestedfrom streams included `o`opu (goby) `opae (shrimp) and hihiwai (snail) Grasslandswereconverted to agricultural fields of `uala (sweet potato) Other kinds of plants and treescultivated here included kukui (candlenut) `ohe (bamboo) and lauhala (pandanus) At thebottomofthevalleyspringscarryingnutrientsfromaboveflowedalongtheshorelineandseaHere loko i`a (fishponds)were constructed to farm fish Thesewalled fishponds form semiͲcirclesalongtheshorelineandaredesignedasmicroͲenvironmentsforcertainbrackishwaterand herbivorous fish likemullet and awa (milkfish) that feed on abundantmats of algaetherebyproducingfoodforthepeoplewithouthavingtoapplyexcessivefishingpressurealongthereefandopenoceanExistingwithintheahupua`awasastrictcodeofconduct(kapusystem)amongstthepeopleofthe land (hoa`Ĉina) as delegated and enforced by the ali`i (chiefs) and their konohiki (landagents)forthecarefulmanagementofthenaturalresourcesThehoa`Ĉinapossessedrightsofgathering and usage of the natural resourceswithin their ahupua`a of residencewith theunderstandingthattheyalsohadkuleana(responsibility)tomĈlama(carefor)thelandandseaandharvestappropriatelyfornomorethantheirneeds Theyengaged inpo`alimacollectiveworkdayswherethepeoplepooledtheir labortoengage inpublicworks improvementssuchas constructing additional lo`i and `auwai and building fishponds From the conscientiousmanagementof the landwatersand seaand themaintenanceofgenealogicaland spiritualrelationshipstothenaturalworldtheresourceswerebroughttoastateofabundanceTheahupua`asystemsustainedthepeopleforcenturiesUponCaptainCookrsquosarrivaltotheHawaiianislandsin1778heestimatedthepopulationtobebetween 20000 to 3600029 Introduced diseases for which the people had no immunitydecimatedthepopulationthroughouttheislandsBy1836Molokairsquospopulationhaddwindledtoanestimated8700andwasfurtherreducedto2307peoplebythetimeacensuswastakenneartheturnofthecenturyin189630Kamehamehabroughtabout theunificationofall the islandsunderoneKingdomofHawai`iWesterninfluencesandtheteachingsofChristianmissionariesbroughtaboutdecisionsamongtheali`itoabolishthekapusystem(1819)privatizeanddeconstructtheahupua`a(Maheleof1848)Whilethechiefsreceivedtheirapportionmentoflandsmanyhoa`Ĉinaoutofignorancetrust intheirchiefstocare fortheirwellͲbeingandgovern them justlyor for fearofreprisalfailed to register land claims to small kuleana parcels that would have kept them with acomfortablepieceoflandtomaintaintheir`ohana(family)withhale(home)andgardenplotsHawai`irsquosentry into the internationalmarket shifted the laborof themaka`Ĉinana (commonpeople) away from agriculture and towardsdeforestationof theupland forests to fulfill the
29MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml30MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 11
kingdomrsquos sandalwood tradewithChina Otherenterprises includedwhalingandplantationagriculture that brought immigrants from around theworld toHawai`irsquos shores and alteredwatershedsthroughthediversionofwatersfrom lushwindwardvalleystodry leewardplainsforthemassproductionofsugarcaneandpineappleWithoutwatertoirrigatetheirtarofieldsmanywere forced toabandon the lo`iandmake for thecityManyMolokai families left theisland insearchofwork inthemorecommercialcenters locatedonMauiandOahu31ThosewhostayedbehindmaintainedtheirconnectiontotraditionalpathwaysandsubsistencelivingEarlyunsuccessfulagriculture trialsonMolokai included sugar coffee sisalwhitepotatoescottoncorngrapesbeansbarleyoatswheatandalfalfa32Thesecropsfailedduetoheavywindsandinsects33TheareawiththegreatestpopulationconcentrationwaseastMolokaiTheeasternmostvalleyof Halawa Valley was rich in lo`i produced taro commercially and supported a thrivingcommunityuntiltwotsunamiin1946and1967devastatedthevalleyThecommercialcentersmovedtoPuko`oandthenKamalowhichheldanaturalharborforimportandexportofgoodsTheCooke family acquired the arid central andwestMolokaiplains aboutoneͲthirdof theisland These landsarenowownedbyMolokaiPropertiesLtdcommonlyknownasMolokaiRanchToattractcommercetoitslandholdingstheRanchdredgedaharborinKaunakakaiandconstructedawharf TodayKaunakakai servesas themaincenterofbusinesswithKamaloWharfhaving fallen intodisrepairandmuchof theareaemptiedof familiesTheRanchalsostrategically purchased lands thatwould give them riparian and correlative rights tomajorstreams and aquifer water in centralMolokai They diverted water to their westernmostpropertiesusedforcattleranchingMuch of their lands in Kualapu`u and Maunaloa were utilized by Dole and Del Montecompanies forpineapplecultivation34Thepineapple industryservedas theeconomicenginefortheislanduntilitphasedoutin1987duetocheaperlaborabroadTodaymanyofMolokaiRanchrsquoslandholdingsthatgrewpineapplearenowleasedforbiotechcornresearchandcoffeeproductionTheHawaiianHomesCommissionActameasuretorehabilitateNativeHawaiiansof50bloodquantumormorebyreturningthemtothe landtobuildhomesandfarmwaspassedbytheUS federal government in 1920Molokai served as the staging ground for the programrsquossuccess or failure Hawaiian Home lands were designated in the areas of Kapa`akeaKalama`ula Pala`au andHo`olehua andmore recentlyUalapu`e NativeHawaiian familiesfromneighboringislandscametoMolokaitobuildtheirhomesandmakethelandproductiveTheir early successes aided in the establishment ofmore homesteads on the other islandsWiththeinfluxofadditionalHawaiianfamiliesandJapaneseandFilipinoimmigrantstoworkinthepineapplefieldsMolokairsquospopulationhadincreasedto442735InrecentyearsMolokairsquos31MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml32MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml33MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml34MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml35MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 12
population has grown to include snowbirds and retirees from theUSmainland aswell asthose seeking amore quiet and rural lifestyle Today the population ofMolokai stands at7345
In 1987Molokairsquos livestock industrywas crippled by the StateDepartment of AgriculturersquosmandatetoeradicateallcattleontheislandduetothethreatofbovinetuberculosisAnotherheavyblowwasdealtattheclosureoftheoldslaughterhouse inKaunakakai Muchplanningfrom the grassroots level upwas undertaken to resolve this problem Commitments frommultiplecountystateandfederalpartnersinͲkindcontributionsbyvolunteermembersoftheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeandcountlessvolunteerhoursandservicesofferedbyvariouslocal businesses and individual residents led to the establishment of a new slaughterhousefacilitylocatedinHo`olehua
Erecting this stateͲofͲtheͲart facility represented a vehicle to facilitate the restoration ofMolokairsquos ranching industry and the ability for the island toproduce and sell itsownmeatRanchersandhomesteadfarmersnowhadavenuetoprocesstheiranimalsInadditiontothemoreestablishedranchesanestimated150Molokai familiesraise livestock largely forhomeconsumption With the adventof thenew slaughterhouse therearenowopportunities forthese small scale farmers to expand into commercial livestock production Stores andrestaurantsneednot import all theirmeat fromoffͲisland as theynowhave access to localmeatMoniesgeneratedcouldbenefitthecommunitydirectlyThe introduction of hooved animals toMolokai has devastated the natural ecology of theislandCattleranchingferaldeerandgoathaveerodedthelandHeavyrainstransporttonsofsilteachyearontoMolokairsquosreefsandfishpondsIntroducedmangrovehavealsodestroyedasignificant percentage of Molokairsquos fishponds Mangroves encroach and break throughfishpond walls trap sediments and choke off underwater springs such that the watercirculationandecologyarenolongerviableforfishproductionDespite thesehardshipsand setbacksover theyearsagriculture remains the cornerstoneofthe islandrsquoseconomyMolokairsquos ruralcharacter lends toacloseͲknit communitywithpeoplewhoperpetuate strong cultural values traditional subsistence and selfͲreliance Thepeopleembrace local autonomy and are very involved in local governing processes AgriculturenonprofitssmallbusinessenterprisesandlocalmomandpopstoresarethefoundationofthelongͲtermeconomyonislandMuchofthesocialculturalandserviceorientedprogramsarealsogeneratedfromthegrassroots locallevelthroughtheworkofchurchgroupsnonprofitsandunincorporatedhuiDuringtheFocusMauiNuiproceedings in2003MauiMolokaiandLana`iresidentsgatheredtostrategicallyplanafutureforMauiCountyThe120MolokaiparticipantsoutlinedchallengestheyfacedasacommunityandprovidedstrategiesandactionplanstoaddressthemMolokairesidents identified top five community priorities which included inter alia creating jobs(409) strengthening the economy (296) growingmore food locally (217) protectingandpromotingruralidentity(191)andsupportingsmallbusinessdevelopment(130)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 13
TheMaui CountyWorkforce Investment Board (WIB) Local Plan provides an Assessment ofLaborMarketTrendstodevelopaComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategyovera10yearspanOneofWIBsgoalsistofocusondiversifyingtheeconomyincludingtheagriculturalsectorandldquonicheareasrdquoTheplanrecognizestheneedforexpansioninvalueͲaddedopportunitieswhichemphasize the uniqueness ofMaui Nui The increased production andmarketing of newagricultureproductshaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketsTheplanalso identifiesentrepreneurshipasan importantgrowtharealdquoThedevelopmentofentrepreneurshipskills is importanttothesuccessofMaui [Countyrsquos]smallbusinesses Datacollected by the Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism and otherorganizationssuggestmoreandmoreresidentsaretakingtoselfͲemploymentForMolokaiasignificant number of new business startͲupswithin the past decade have been agriculturalenterprises(36total)particularlyfromtheHawaiianHomesteadareainHo`olehua36TheMolokai Education Centers Business Plan (2007) acknowledges the islands diversifiedagricultureindustryasamajorcontributortoMolokaiseconomywithroomforfuturegrowthAreas for future growth include valueͲadded food product development as a nichemarketMECsBusinessPlanaddsthatagriculturalcourseofferingsatthecollegeandrelevanttrainingwillplayasignificantroleinpreparingtheworkforceforadiversifiedeconomyWhile community and countyplanningobjectives clearly identify agriculture asaneconomicmainstay forMolokaiacomprehensiveprofileofMolokairsquosagriculture industryhasnotbeenfullyanalyzedOne of the objectives of this Needs Assessment is to determinewhereMolokai fits in theoverall Statewide picture for agriculture Has Molokai experienced similar successes andchallenges that farmers on the other islands face What are the strengths and assets ofMolokairsquos agricultural community aswell asneeds challenges andopportunities What isworkingandwhatisnrsquotWhataretheperceptionsoflocalconsumersWhatisthedemandforlocalMolokai grownproducemeat and seafood Howmany are farming What isbeingfarmedandwhereWhatarethelimitingfactorstofarmingonMolokaiIstherecommunitysupportforlocalfarmersDostoresandrestaurantsonMolokaihavestrongrelationshipswithlocal farmers and make priority for their produce and valueͲadded items How can westrengthenagricultureonMolokaiHowfoodsecureisMolokaiThesearethequestionsthatwesetouttoanswerthroughtheneedsassessment
36AkutagawaMalialdquoKƻha`oBusinessCenterndashEntrepreneurialTrainingampSupportFinalReportrdquoMarch312009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 14
III METHODS
Weadoptedthefollowingmethodsandstrategies An islandwidesurveyonfoodproductionandsecuritystartedfromFebruary27toMarch
272012(SeeAppendixforSurveyFormandResultsAnalysisSummary) Twohundredeight (208)surveyswerecompletedbytheadultmembers (overtheageof
18)ofthegeneralMolokaipopulationbringingoursamplepopulationat39Molokairsquosadultpopulationisat5401outofatotalislandpopulationof7345
Target SampleSizeADULTPOPULATION(Individualsover18
yearsofage)
208
Surveysweremadeavailableatvariouscommunity resourcecentersaswellasonlinevia
ourwebsiteEmailalertsandFacebook invitationsweremade for the tech savvy GivenMolokairsquos rural character and varying levels of knowledge and exposure of the generalpopulation to technology themost effectivemethod for data collection proved to bethroughdirectphysical inquiriesRespondentsweremost receptive toour surveyswhenofferedatourmultiplesurveytablesplaced inpublicareasparticularlystrategic locationsof commerce such as sidewalks fronting grocery stores and during various communityevents
Atotalof36 interviewswereconductedwithagricultureexpertsandeducators (3)small
andmediumͲscalefarmersandCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)operatorsgrowingdiversifiedandorganiccrops(14)deerandcattleranchers(3)fishermenandaquacultureproducers (3) localgroceryandhealth foodstores (5)meatprocessorsandvalueͲaddedfoodproducers(4)hotelandrestaurants(3)andother informants(1)(SeeAppendixforInterviewQuestionsandResultsAnalysis)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 15
Keyinterviewinformantsincluded
AgricultureExpertsampEducators
GlennTevesMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureampHumanResources(UHͲCTAHR)ph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJenniferHawkinsMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUHͲCTAHRph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJamesBoswellCertifedOrganicInspectorandAgricultureInstructorUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollegendashMolokaiFarmph(808)567Ͳ6577boswelljhawaiiedu
FarmersndashDiversifiedampOrganicCropsCastleAdolphoHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerof`inaKulaniFarmsHo`olehuaKimoKaiamaHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKaiamaFarmsHo`olehuaRickTamanahaofKaleikoaFarmsHawaiianHomesteadFamilyFarmHo`olehuaKalaniHanHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKuikamokuFarmsHo`olehuaTuddiPurdyHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm(808)567Ͳ6601wwwmolokaiͲalohacommacnutsJaneTevesHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofHuaKalaFarmHo`olehuaLynnDeCoiteHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofLampRFarmHo`olehuandashMahana(808)567Ͳ9234wwwlandrfarmscomKu`uleiArceofArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamShariLynofMali`oFarmandExecutiveDirectorofKaHalePomaika`iKamaloandUalapu`eEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8107httpwwwlocalharvestorgmalioͲfarmͲorganicallyͲgrowingͲonͲmolokaiͲM11205EllenSpruanceOwnerofPapaoHakuFarmMapulehuandKumimiEastMolokaiJamieRonzelloCSAOperatorMahanaGardensJoeKennedyPermaculturistMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanaEmanuelaVinciguerraMarketingDirectorofKumuFarmsMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanawwwkumufarmscom
RanchersEdmundPedroOwnerofPedroRanchEastMolokaiJanRoneyManagerofPu`uOHokuRanchEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8109wwwpuuohokucomfarmDesmundManabaOwnerofDJCRanchIncHo`olehuandashMahana
FishermanAquacultureProducerDedrickManabaFishermanKaunakakaiSteveChaikinOwnerofMolokaiSeaFarmPala`au(808)553Ͳ3547wwwbroodstockcomMyronAkutagawaandShermanNapoleonJrKeKua`ĈinaHanaunaHouPuko`oEastMolokai
MeatProcessorValueͲAddedProducersJackSpruanceDirectorofMolokaiLivestockCooperative(MolokaiSlaughterhouse)Ho`olehuaBrendaKaneshiroBeekeeperandOwnerofMolokaiMeliKamaloEastMolokai(800)434Ͳ2550NancyGoveSaltMasterandOwnerofPacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ8484wwwpacificahawaiicomChrisMebileChongrsquosPoiShopKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ4313
GroceryStoresCrystalIgusaandStaffFriendlyMarketCenterKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5595KevinMisakiofMisakirsquosGroceryKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5505DennisTurnerOwnerofOutpostNaturalFoodsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ3377SonyaYuenOwnerofKualapu`uMarketKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ6243NaniPeleManagerofMaunaloaGeneralStoreMaunaloa(808)552Ͳ2346
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 16
HotelampRestaurants
TinaPriceManagerofKualapu`uCookhouseKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ9655GenePikeExecutiveChefatHulaShoresRestaurantHotelMolokaiKamiloloa(808)553Ͳ5347httpwwwhotelmolokaicomKerrieFeltCoͲOwnerofMolokaiBurger(808)553Ͳ3533wwwmolokaiburgercom
OtherInformantsByronEspaniolaAhaMokuRepresentativeforKaluakoiMaunaloa
WewereunsuccessfulinsecuringaninterviewwithMonsantoasthelargestemployerand
agricultureoperationonMolokai Our repeated inquiries remainedunanswered TherewereadditionalMolokaigrowersranchersaquacultureoperators fishermenstoresandrestaurantsthatwewantedto interviewbut inthe interestofgeneratingthisreport inatimelymannerwewereunabletofullymeetthisobjective
Findings were also supplemented through research of existing literature of global
statewideandMolokaiͲspecificagriculturefactsandtrendsAreviewofcurrentandpriorcommunityͲbased planning economic education and training initiatives in support ofagriculturewerealsoexaminedThesearereferencedthroughoutthedocument
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 17
IV KEYFINDINGS
Thissectionhasbeenorganizedintothefollowingcategories LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProducts MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgriculture
Producers Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengths
NeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFoodAccesstoLocallyGrownFoodWeaskedMolokairesidentsiftheyfeltaccesswasavailabletolocallygrown food in the localgrocery storesandopenmarkets78of those surveyed felttheyhaveaccesswhile13felttheydidnotAwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood
Doyoucareorthinkaboutwhereyourfoodcomesfrom
DoyouprefertobuymorelocalMolokaifoodproducts
Wouldyoueatmorelocalfoodifitwereavailable
98ofthosesurveyedwouldeatmorelocalfoodifitwasavailablewhile1wouldnot
90ofthosesurveyedprefertobuylocalMolokaifoodproductswhile2donot
94 of the sample populationcarethink about where theirfood comes from while 5 donot
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 18
QuestionWhatwouldyouliketoeatorbuyifitwasmadeorgrownonMolokai
TheMolokaipopulationwantstoeatasmuch Molokai made products aspossible Fresh vegetables and fruitsranked the highest Specificallymentioned items were kalo (taro)sweet potato brussel sprouts bittermelon cabbage olives pumpkinasparagus corn lettuce tomatoesbroccoli cucumber eggplant squashzucchini beans carrots onion garlicginger spinach melons watermelonspears strawberries and persimmonsMeat products included requests for
fishchickenporkandbeefValueaddedproductrequestsincludedhamburgersausagetofupoibutterand jamRequestswerealsomade fordairyproducts likemilkeggscheeseandgoatcheeseWhile 90 of those surveyed stated theywould buymore local food if itwas available itappearsthatsomerespondents(25people)feltthattherewasnrsquotenoughdemandonislandforlocalproduceandthatlikelyposedachallengetoMolokaifarmersWequeriedMolokairesidentsonwhattheywouldliketoseeintermsofimprovingagricultureonMolokaiandincreasingtheiraccessascustomerstolocalfoodsTheseweresomeoftheirresponses
ldquomoresupportforlocalfarmersrdquoldquo(createa)betterfarmersmarketrdquoldquobybuyinglocalrdquoldquothatstoresbuyandsellmorelocalproducerdquoldquocoͲopͲonedistributorrdquoldquolabelgmoandorganicproductssoweknowrdquo
SubsistenceWealso surveyed theMolokaipopulation todetermine someof theirpracticesaroundfoodpreparationandwhatpercentageoftheirfoodcamefromdifferentsources AswehadsurveyedMolokairsquosfarmingcommunityandanalyzedthebehavioroftheislandrsquosmaingrocerystoresonwhatitemstheyselectedtosellwewantedtoknowiftheremightbeadirectcorrelationbetweenconsumerdemand for localproductsand levelofselfͲsufficiencyamongthegeneralpopulationtoengageinsubsistenceactivitiesWe foundthatanaverage825ofthosesurveyedpreparetheir foodathomewhile174mainlyeatrestaurantͲpreparedfoods
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 19
QuestionOfthefoodyouprepareathomeapproximatelywhatpercentageisgrown
caughtandorproduced
Fromoursurveyresponsestowhatpercentageoffoodpreparedathomecamefromwhatwasgrowncaughtandorproducedby individuals themselvesonMolokai ingeneralwithin theStateofHawai`ioveralland fromoutsideofHawai`iwe found that residentsaccessed foodfromthesemultiplesourcesatanearequalratewitharangeof236to272 fromeachsourceItisinterestingtonotethat246ofthefoodpreparedintheaveragepersonrsquoshomecame frompersonal subsistence activities The figure of 272 of locally grown caught orproducedfoodsmay includebothofwhat isavailable inMolokaistoresaswellaswhatmighthave been bartered or shared by otherMolokai residents as a result of their subsistenceactivities Whenaskeddirectlywhatpercentageof food consumed comes from subsistenceactivitiesanaverageof401camefromitemsthatwerefishedhuntedgatheredraisedorgrown (to includeonersquospersonalharvestsand foodsacquiredandsharedbarteredbyothersalsoengagedinsubsistence)Thusitwouldmakesensethatcombiningthetwofiguresinthegraphaboveofpreparedfoodsgrowncaughtandorproducedbytheindividualsthemselves(246) andwhatwas acquired generally fromMolokai resources (272) either shared byothers or bought directly from the store the cumulative total being 518 one mayextrapolatefromthisdatathatthedifferencebetween518and401being117maybethe amount of locally produced foods sold in Molokairsquos stores When polled as to theimportance of subsistence activities in their lives 72 of the respondents said itwas veryimportant to them Of the13who responded that theydonotengage inany subsistenceactivitylackoftimewascitedasthegreatestreasonwhytheydidnottakepartinsubsistenceIn comparing our general data on subsistencewith the results presented in theGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReport37in1993wefoundthatsubsistencemaybeplayingan
37MatsuokaJonDaviannaMcGregorLucianoMinerbiMaliaAkutagawaGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReportMolokaiDepartmentofBusinessEconomicDevelopmentandTourism1993
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 20
even bigger role today than it did two decades ago Loss of jobs and the global economicdownturnmaybecontributingfactors
SubsistenceFactors 1993 2012Estimatedtotalpercentageoffoodthatcomesfromvarioussubsistenceactivities
28 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored38 Ͳ for Native HawaiianMolokaifamilies50 Ͳ 54 respondents out of241surveyed
40 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored
Overall importance ofsubsistence to Molokaifamilies
51Ͳveryimportant25Ͳsomewhatimportant11Ͳsomewhatunimportant32Ͳnotatallimportant
72Ͳveryimportant21Ͳsomewhatimportant1Ͳsomewhatunimportant2Ͳnotatallimportant
From this information though not as comprehensive and rigorous in its exploration ofsubsistence on Molokai as the 1993 Task Force Report we are assured that subsistencecontinuestobeanimportantpartofMolokairsquosfamiliesandoveralleconomyFiftyͲthreepercent (53)ofour respondents stated that they grow theirown food throughfarmingorgardeningWhenpolledastothekindsofsubsistenceactivitiestheytypicallyengageinrespondentsidentifiedthefollowing
HUNTING 39ofthosesurveyedhunt(axisdeerwild
piggoat)FISHINGampDIVING 57ofthosesurveyedfishordive
GATHERING 32gather(limuopihicrabpipipilĈrsquoau
harsquoukersquouke)asasubsistenceactivity
OTHER 4citedamixtureofraisinglivestock
sharingandtradingfoodasasubsistenceactivity
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 21
ThefactthatsubsistenceremainsasignificantcontributortohowMolokaifamiliesacquiretheirfoodthisinturnmayalsoaffectlocalmarketbehaviorintermsofwhatlocallyproduceditemsareplacedonstoreshelvesandwhetherMolokai farmersandproducers find itnecessary toprovideasignificantvolumeoffoodforthelocalMolokaimarketAvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProductsWewerepleasedtofindthatMolokairsquosagricultureindustryisquitediverseandhostsanumberof small family farms both on the Hawaiian Homestead in Ho`olehua and also dotting thelandscape inMana`eEastMolokai Duringour interviewsweasked farmers ranchersandaquaculturistswhatcropsandvalueͲaddedproducts theycultivatedprocessedvalueͲaddedandsoldandwhatweretheirprimarymarketsWealsocombedtheinternetandlearnedbywordofmouthofotheragribusinesses The following tableprovides for the readeranatͲaͲglancelistofgrowersonMolokaiandwhattypesoffoodandproductsareavailableonislandItalsolistsprimarylocalaswellasoffͲislandmarketsProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldMeatsampEggs
MolokaiGrassFedBeef PedroRanchPu`uOHokuRanchKualapu`uRanchPohakuloaRanch
ProcessedandsoldbySlaughterhouse(MolokaiLivestockCooperative)toMolokaiBurgerFriendlyMarketCenterKualapu`uMarketKualapu`uCookhousePu`uOHokuRanch
Venison DJCRanchLLC NotsoldSharedonlywithcustomersonformalhuntsandMolokaifamiliesforsubsistence
Lamb(freerange) KalapanaandDeeannaKeli`iho`omalu
PilotphaseProcessedatMolokaiSlaughterhouseSoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketCenterandMisakirsquos
FreeRangeEggs Davis`ohana MolokaiMinimartMana`eGoodsampGrindzotherMolokaigrocerystores(notebecamemorepopularandvisibleinstoresaftermainlandeggswererecallednationwideforbacterialcontamination)
DuckEggs WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SeafoodFishndashakutunaakuleopakapakaahionomahimahionaga
Variouscommercialfishermen5onisland
DirectCustomerSalesOffͲIslandWholesalerDistributor(forhotelsandrestaurants)
Shrimp KeawaNuiFarms(808)558Ͳ8931httpwwwkeawanuifarmscomMolokaiSeaFarms
FriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosOffͲIslandOnlineSalesforShrimpBroodstock
SeaweedLimuOgo(Gracilaria) KeawaNuiFarmMolokaiSeaFarms
MisakirsquosOffͲIsland
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 22
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldGreensampOtherVegetables
Lettuces KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(808)558Ͳ8306
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Kale WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
MustardCabbage Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BokChoy ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamMali`oFarm
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
Chinesecabbage ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistArugula WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsales
SwissChard JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomatillo JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomato ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sweetcorn ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistChinesePeas ArcersquosFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SoyBeans JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BlackBeans Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
GreenBeans ArcersquosFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
GreenOnion KuikamokuFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
AllMolokaigrocerystoresCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Radish KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Beets KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 23
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
GreensampOtherVegetablesBrocolli ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistEggplant ArcersquosFarm
Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Carrots JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SweetPotatoSweetPotatoChips
LampRFarm VariouslocalMolokaistores8tonsshippedweeklyoffͲisland
YamsYamChips(indevelopmentphase)
TuipulotuFarm
Tarondashregularandcertifiedbiodynamicdifferentvarietiesdryandwetlu`auleaf
`inaKulaniFarmsKaiamaFarmsKimMarkhamPapaoHakuFarm
FriendlyMarketCenterdirectsalestocustomersCertifiedbiodynamictarosoldoffͲislandathealthstoreoutlets
Avocado PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm558Ͳ8383httpwwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Organicginger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲIslandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Organicturmeric PapaOHakuFarm NotsoldMedicinaluseAwa Pu`uOHokuRanchKaiamaFarms DirectsalestocustomersChiliPepper Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproduceshared
withclientsintreatmentandforclientfundraising
HerbsampSpicesBasils(ItalianThai) KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm
(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanadaCommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Thyme JamieRonzello(CSA)KumuFarms CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dill KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Oregano KimMarkhamKumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
ItalianParsley KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 24
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
HerbsampSpicesChineseParsley KimMarkhamMali`oFarmWaialua
Permafarm(CSA)CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Cilantro KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Rosemary KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Spearmint KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Lavender KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Savory KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sage KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Cinnamon PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm(808)553Ͳ8383wwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Vanilla PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Cacao PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
FruitsampNutsOrange Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tangerine Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 25
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
FruitsampNutsLimes Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Papayandashconventionalandorganic
KaiamaFarmsKaleikoaFarmsHuaKalaFarmNoahKuohaKumuFarmsMali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
VariouslocalMolokaistoresexportedthroughoutHawaiianislandsWholeFoodsoutletsMainlandUSandCanadaCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Watermelon `AinaKulaniFarm DirectsalestocustomersBananaAppleBanana HuaKalaFarm`AinaKulaniFarms
KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
Kualapu`uMarketOutpostFriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Rambutan WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
JackFruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Mango Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentandsoldbythemCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Soursop WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dragonfruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Strawberry PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Lychee PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
MacadamiaNuts PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm DirectsalestovisitorsparticipatinginfarmtourMailorders
Coffee CoffeesofHawai`i(808)567Ͳ9490wwwcoffeesofhawaiicom
AllMolokaistoresonlineorders
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 26
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
ValueͲAddedProductsCilantroLimePesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaionlinesales
outletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
BasilMacadamiaNutPesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
PickledOrganicGinger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲislandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Honey(premiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyhoneycombs)
MolokaiMeliKimMarkham
KumuFarmsOutpostNaturalFoodStore
Poi ChongrsquosPoiShop AllMolokaistoresKulolo `inaKulaniFarms DirectSalesTaroChips HuaKalaFarm NotenoughvolumetosellregularlyYamChips TuipulotoFarm StillindevelopmentstageBeeswaxCandlesChapstick MolokaiMeli KumuFarmsGourmetSeaSalt PacificaHawai`iSeaSalts
HawaiiKaiCorporationhttpwwwhawaiikaicocom
Pu`uOHokuRanchKumuFarmsKamakanaCountryStoreMolokaiWinesampSpiritsBlueMonkeyFriendlyMarketCenteroutletsthroughoutHawaiiStateandUSMainlandonlinesales
Other Tileaf KimMarkham KukuiStarters PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm Giventohomesteadersfor
reforestationinHo`olehuaFlowersgingerakulekulecigar
PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm ShippedleistooffͲisland
Tropicalflowers(variety) KuleanaWorkCenterwwwmolokaiflowerscom
OnlinesalesanddirectsalesatSaturdayOpenMarketdays
SeedsSeedbank Ka`anoTheMolokaiSeedProject553Ͳ4243
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 27
MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers
Molokairsquos grocery stores and restaurants selllocallygrownharvestedandprocessed itemsAnaverageof2of locallygrownorMadeonMolokai products are sold in local grocerystores Some stores such asMisakirsquos carry ahigher percentage (15) ofMolokai produceThoseestablishmentsweinterviewedallstatedthat they want to sell everything that isMolokaimade PapayasweetpotatoChongrsquosPoicoffeeKanemitsubreadandKumuFarmspesto are the most common Molokai itemsfound in localstores Misakirsquostendstocarryagreater assortment of Molokai produce andvalueͲadded products in addition to thesecommon items Misakirsquos sells LampR sweetpotatochipsstringbeansbittermelonutongeggplant green onion lime and lemon FishalsoarepurchasedfromlocalfishermenSome stores and restaurants also purchaseMolokaigrass fedbeefprocessed through theislandrsquosslaughterhouseTheseordersarefilledonaconsistentbasisSmaller stores like Kualapu`u Market andMaunaloaGeneralStorethatdonotexperienceas much traffic as the grocery stores inKaunakakai have to concern themselves withhowquicklyanitemsellsForsomecustomersMolokaigrassfedbeefisanacquiredtasteandit may take a more conscientious eaterconsidering the health benefits of grass fedbeeftoappreciateitsflavorButiftheaveragecustomer does not appreciate these qualitiesandprefersacertaintasteofbeefthatshehasgrown accustomed to then the store risksspoilage The samegoes for fruits likemangothatripenquicklybutmaynotsellfastenough
especially sincemany families havemango trees in their own back yards For these smallstorescarryingitemsthatwillsellquicklyisimportantespeciallymeatandproducethathaveashort shelf life Kualapu`uMarket typically sellsMolokai coffee sweet potato chips poi
MOLOKAIESTABLISHMENTSSELLINGORSERVINGFOODampGROCERIES
ONMOLOKAIRESTAURANTSampFASTFOODCoffeesofHawaii 567Ͳ9655HulaShores(HotelMolokai)
553Ͳ5347
KanemitsuBakeryampRestaurant
553Ͳ5855
KualapursquouCookhouse 567Ͳ9655LittleGrassShack 553Ͳ5862MakarsquosCorner 553Ͳ8058ManarsquoeGoodznGrindz 558Ͳ8498MolokaiBurger 553Ͳ3533MolokaiDriveInn 553Ͳ5655MolokaiPizzaCafeacute 553Ͳ3288MolokaiRoastPorkHouse 553Ͳ9068MrsKrsquos 553Ͳ3201SundownDeli 553Ͳ3713LOCALGROCERYSTORESFriendlyMarketCenter 553Ͳ5595CPascuaStore 553Ͳ5443KamoisSnackNGo 553Ͳ5443KualapuuMarketLtd 567Ͳ6243MaunaloaGeneralStore 552Ͳ2346Misakis 553Ͳ5505MolokaiMiniMart 553Ͳ4447OutpostNaturalFoods 553Ͳ3377MolokaiWinesNSpirits 553Ͳ5009TheStoreHouse 553Ͳ3399KamakanaCountryStore 553Ͳ5725GASSTATIONSHayakuGasNGo 553Ͳ3444RawlinsChevronStation 553Ͳ3214ReferenceSustainableMolokaiResourceGuide2009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 28
MolokaibreadandeggsMaunaloaGeneralStoremakesitapointtoacceptproducefromthecommunitygarden runby theKaHaleMua low incomehousing They typicallygrow stringbeans tomatoeseggplantand lettuce Maunaloa residentsarealsopermitted toutilize thefacilitytopreparemusubibentoandlocalplatelunchestosellpreparedfoodsaswellastheirartandcraftsatthefrontofthestoreOther locallyproduced items that someof the storeswould like to sell inmore volume aretomatoesbananasfishanddairyIfMolokaifarmerselectnottogroworsellcertainproduceor products to the local grocery stores the storeswill sell offͲisland produce (egManoalettuce Kula tomatoes etc) Sometimes they will also order items from as far away asCaliforniaorMexicotosatisfycustomerdemandsandpreferencesTherequirementsarenotoverlystringentforthelocalfarmertosellproduceandvalueͲaddedfoodstolocalgrocerystoresForsomestoreslikeFriendlyMarketindividualsmustpossessabusinesslicenseForotherstoresthatreceivesmallquantitiesoffreshproduceatatimetheydonotrequireproofofbusinesslicenseGrocery stores showcasing locally grown food feel cheated when farmers simultaneouslypeddletheirproduceonthestreetPricing isalsoan issue forMolokaistores Theywould like tobuymore locallygrown itemshowevertheycangetproducealotcheaperfromthemainlandForexampletheaveragecostofatomatothatislocallygrownis$2lbwhilestorescanacquiretomatoesfromthemainlandfor$1lbandpassthesavingsontothecustomerFriendlyMarkethasexpressedapreferenceforbuyingproduce from farmerswhohaveapricecostandplan (egthat identifiesspecificamountsofproducethatwillbeavailableandtheircost)toensureitemconsistencyinpricingandavailabilityIdeallystoreswanttosaveonpayingshippingcoststoimportfoodfromthemainlandandoffͲislandbyprovidingpreferenceforlocallygrownfoodsConsistencyisimportantforstorestocontinuecarryingspecificitemsprovidedbylocalfarmersandproducers Consistencywas citedbyevery store and restaurantwe interviewed as thenumberonechallengethatmostfarmersfaceinworkingwiththemMisakirsquoshasfoundawayaround this issue TheypurchaseMolokai fish caught and sold to theHonolulu fishmarketthroughadistributortheresothatcustomerscanstillbenefitfromeatingMolokaicaughtfishMisakirsquosalsoprefers tobuy fromanOahudistributor thatbuys thebulkof itsproduce fromMolokai farmers In thisway by buying in bulk through a distributorMisakirsquos is assured aconsistentproductTherearestoreswhospecificallyselect for localandorganic foodsaspartoftheirmarketingstrategy Onesuchstore istheOutpostNaturalFoodsStorewhichwillselleverythingthat isMolokaimade ConsumersexpecttopayaheftiergrocerybillastheyhaveanexpectationofbuyinglocalandpreferablyorganicallygrownandproducedfoodsOtheritemsthatcannotbesourced locallyorare in lessersupplyorforwhichthere isademandfor(egapplespearsandoranges)aresourcedfromthemainlandandsoldattheOutpost
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 29
We interviewed3restaurantsKualapu`uCookhouseHotelMolokairsquosHulaShoresrestaurantandMolokaiBurger Useofandemphasisonuseof localmeatseafoodandproducevariedTheKualapu`uCookhouseestimates that itutilizes1ofMolokaigrownproduceandvalueͲadded products in its dishes as it does not have strict requirements to do so It primarilypurchasesMolokailettucethroughKualapu`uMarketHotelMolokaiuses less than20 localproduceand seafood in itsdishesbutwould ideallyprefer toutilizeat least60of locallygrownandharvested foodson theirmenu ThehotelcurrentlybuyslocallygrownlettuceeggplantandpapayafromKumuFarmsandincorporatesthesefoods intotheirmenu Freshfish isthefastestandmostpopularselling itemanddoesnot requireapricecost listwhenbuying from fishermen Patronsbuy fishdishesatmarketprice Itwascommunicated thataschefs it is important toestablish relationshipswith localfarmersandacquirehighend itemsonaconsistentbasis Whathasbeenachallengeforthechefs at the hotel is figuring outwho is growingwhat and searching these farmers out toprovidetheproducemeatandseafoodtheyneedWhatwouldeasilyservethemwouldbeabrokeror localdistributor to takeon that typeofwork Currently theHotel is consideringsettingasidesomespaceonthehotelgroundsforanherbgardentoreadilysupplysomeofthekitchenrsquosneedswhileprovidingsomekindofyouthinternshipprogramtoinstallandmaintainthegardenMolokai Burger exclusively serves 100Molokai grass fed beef for its burgers and TuesdayMexican menu The restaurant purchases 240 pounds of Molokai beef from theslaughterhouse It receives positive customer feedback its loyal customers being especiallyhealth conscious individuals and local and nativeHawaiian activistswhomake it a point tosupportestablishments thatutilize localMolokai foods MolokaiBurgeralsopurchases fromKumuFarmsonaweeklybasis8poundsoftheirvegetablegreenstoserveintheirspecialsaladand chicken salad plates Molokai sweet potatoes are also utilized for sweet potato nachochipsontheMexicanmenu Whilenot locallyproducedMolokaiBurgeralsopurchasesbunsfromalocalMolokaidistributorasawaytosupportasmanylocalbusinessesaspossible
QuestionWhatlocalfooditemswouldyouliketosellorincorporateinyourmenuthatarenotcurrentlyavailableorareinshortsupply
FriendlyMarket orangesallcitrusesmangoavocadobokchoywonboktropicalfruits inseasonfishporkprocessed through slaughterhousealldairy (milk cheese)or soybasedmilkasanalternativeand free rangeeggsWillsellalllocalitemsMisakirsquosbananasandtomatoesWillsellanythinggrownandmadeonMolokaiOutpostNaturalFoodsStorestrawberriescantaloupescucumbers tomatoespotatoesandYukon from localgrowersKualapu`uCookhouselocalfreerangechickeneggsKualapu`uMarketagreaterdiversityandselectionoflocalproducegrownbyMolokairsquosfarmersMaunaloaGeneralStoremorebananasandpapayasastheyselloutfastestHulaShoresRestaurantofHotelMolokaivenisonMolokaiBurgeraconsistentsupplyofMolokaitomatoesfreerangeeggsandfishthatarereasonablypriced
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 30
Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities
QuestionAreyoua farmerIfsohowoldareyouͶΨ ȋȌ ǡ
ͶͶǤ
ǡ ͷͶǤ
QuestiontofarmersinterviewedHowlonghaveyoubeenfarming
ʹʹ ͶͲǤ
QuestionHowmuchlandareyoufarming
ǡͶͶǢ͵ʹͳͷǢͷͳͷǦͶͲ͵ͶͲǤ ǡͲ
ǡͲƬʹͲͲƮǦǤ
QuestiontofarmerswhatdoyoufeelarethechallengesfarmersfaceonMolokaiNatureandtheElementsWindHomestead farmers must contend with high winds on a regular basis Thus initial farmplanning must include installing windbreaks to avoid crop damage from weathering Thecommunity has identified in several former planning documents such as the MolokaiEmpowermentZoneApplication(1998)massplantingofwindbreaksthroughouttheHo`olehuaareatoprotecthomesteadfarm landsasoneofthe40priorityprojects IntheendMolokaiwas successful in achieving theMolokai Enterprise Community federal designation a step
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 31
secondtoEmpowermentZonestatus Windbreaksremainedpartofthe40priorityprojectsInstallationofwindbreakshave alsobeen reiterated as a ShortRangePriorityProject in theMaui County Comprehensive EconomicDevelopment Strategy (CEDS) 201038However notmuchhasbeendonetomovethisfromaconceptualstagetoimplementation
Thesituationwasexacerbatedin2005upontheintroductionofthevirulenterythrinagallwaspthatdestroyedthevastmajorityofwiliwilitreesStatewideLarvaeimplantedintothetissueofwiliwili leaves form tumorous like growths and effectively starve the trees from receivingnutrition39Muchof thewiliwili trees thathad servedprimarilyaswindbreaksdiedwithinayearor two Thus farms thathadestablishedwiliwiliwindbreaksbecamenewlyexposed towinds With the introduction of Eurytoma by scientists a predator species that exclusivelyfeedsonerythrinagallwaspsandavoidsnativewaspsthesurvivingwiliwilihavebeenabletomakeacomeback40DroughtAnumberoffarmershavecitedcurrentdroughtconditionsasaseriousthreattofarmingOnefarmerreportedthatherentireorganicgingercropfailedduetodroughtandshewasunabletoyieldaharvestthisyearAtthetimewestartedourinterviewsinFebruary(2012)Molokaiwasexperiencingthelowestrainfallinadecadecomparableto2001droughtfiguresAdrywinterandspringseasonhavebeencausingwatershortages Arecentheavystorm inMarch (2012)brought some reliefbutwithprimarilyeroded soilsexposed to theelementsmuchofthatmuddiedwaterwashed intotheseatochokecoralsaffectnurserygrounds forfishandcoverlimu(seaweed)beds41Steadypercolationintotheaquiferisnecessarytomakea difference to the watershed and levels in the reservoir42 According to Glenn TevesExtensionAgent forUHͲCTAHRdroughtconditionsaffect insectbehavior Forexampleantsseekingwaterwillfindasubstitutebyacquiringhoneydewfromcertaininsectsthatproduceitsuchasldquoaphidsmealybugswhitefliesandscaleshellipknown tosuckplant juicesandweakenthem hellip [and] spread plant viruses on an array of crops such as melons peppers andtomatoesrdquo43 Animals will also chew through drip irrigation systems to access water in adrought andwill subsequently cause leaks andwater loss for the farmer44Cows are alsoaffectedwithahigher incidenceofmiscarriageorsmallercalfsizedueto lackofhighquality
38 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1102 AgricultureReforestationWindbreakPlantingp5039RichardsSabrinaldquoWaspwarsNewpredatorchecksHawai`irsquosgallwaspepidemicrdquoSciencelineJanuary62011httpsciencelineorg201101waspͲwars40Richards201141 Teves G ldquoEffects of Rain and Droughtrdquo Molokai Dispatch March 15 2012httpthemolokaidispatchcomeffectsͲofͲrainͲandͲdrought42Teves201243Teves201244Teves2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 32
food consumed during pregnancy45Deerwill also compete and feed on grass reserves forcattleTevesroughlyestimatesthatfarmersandranchershaveexperiencedacumulativecroplossvaluedat$1millionduetothedrought46MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)Builtinthe1950sandlsquo60stheMISwasconstructedtotransportwaterfromWaikoluValleyonthenorthshoretothefarmingareasofCentralMolokaitoprovidewaterforthesolepurposeofagriculture47WaikoluValleyprovideswatertothesystemviaa51milelongtunnelPipesand flumes convey thewater to the Kualapu`u Reservoirwhich is designed for amaximumdepthof54feetor14billiongalloncapacity48TheHawaiianHomesCommissionAct (ldquoHHCArdquo)of1920sect221(d)grantedhomesteadersldquotherighttousefreeofallchargeanyofthewateruponthe islandofMolokairdquo49Thisprovisionwasamended in1955togiveHawaiianHomesatwoͲthirdswaterallocationpreference fromtheMIS50 The Department of Agriculture whichmanages theMIS has not enforced thisprovision Presently80oftheMIS isconsumedbynonͲhomesteadersdespite23rdswaterreservation requirement for homesteaders51 It has been recently noted that homesteaderwaterusagehasincreasedbynearly20comparedtolastyear52TheMISWaterUseAdvisoryBoardspeculatedthathomesteadfamiliesareexpandingtheirfamilygardens53TheentireislandofMolokaihasbeendesignatedbytheStateCommissiononWaterResourcesManagement (CWRM or ldquoWater Commissionrdquo) a sole source aquifer and critical watermanagementarea Thesedesignationsunderscorethefactthattheentire islanddependsonone water source for its drinking water subsistence and agricultural needs and carefulmanagementisnecessarytomaintaintheaquiferRecords for the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) revealed that as of December 2011 theKualapu`ureservoirhadloweredto11feet(ascomparedto17feetayearprior)andcontinuedtodecline54Todaythereservoirhasloweredanotherfootwithstoragelevels50lessthana
45Teves201246Teves201247BaldaufNatashaHalsquoaheoKaholsquoohalahalaandDavidSakodaldquoTheMoloka`i IrrigationSystem AVision foraSustainableFuturerdquoDecember1200948BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200949BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200950BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200951BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200952ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion53ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion54ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 33
year ago55 Current rainfall is 10 of normal levels and those utilizing theMIS have beensubjecttoa30restrictioninwaterusageoverthepast3years56TheStatelegislaturerecentlysetaside$125millionforimprovementstotheMIS57Fundswillcover Anewhydropowerplantwaterflowwillproduceenergyandoffsetelectricalcosts Replacement of aboveͲground concrete flume with an underground pipeline to avoid
animalsanddebrisfromfallingintoandcontaminatingthewatersupply StructuralrepairtoMISaccessbridge Installation of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system to allow for
monitoringofwaterflowremotelyThis is a step in the right direction and hopefullywill assist in decreasingwater loss in thesystemandimprovemanagementoftheMISWeedsPestsWildAnimalsNumerousfarmersinterviewedparticularlyintheHo`olehuaHomesteadareahaveciteddeerasamajorproblem incrop failureTheorganicpapaya farmershavebeenhithardwithonefarmerhavinglosthisentirecropofpapayatreesSeedlingswereeatenandadulttreeswerealsoaffectedbydeerrubbings Anotherfarmerhashadtoadoptprotectivemeasuresforhisyoungkukuistarter treesasdeerseekingmoisture fromyoungplantswilleat them Hehasindicatedthatyoungkukuitreeshavetoreachacertainheightwheredeercannolongerbitethe leaves from the top Farmers are also experiencing brokenwater and irrigation pipesdestroyedbydeer One farmerwas issued a $700waterbillbefore discovering hisbrokenwaterpipeMuchofthisactivityhasbeenattributedtotheongoingdroughtconditionsdeerareseekingfarmsforwaterandfood It isestimatedthat$1million inagricultureprofitwaslosttodeerwithinthelastyearAnotherproblemthatfarmersencounteredafewyearsagowasaninfestationofratandmiceTheyweresonumerousthatdriversoftensawthemcrossingtheroad One farmerresolvedthisproblemonhisfarmbyadopting20cats
55ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions56ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions57ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 34
Other farmershavecitedpestsandweedsasaproblemon their farms Oneorganic farmerstatedthatshefinds itachallengebecauseuseofpesticidesandherbicidesareprohibited inorganicfarmingThere is an urgent need to keepMolokairsquos bee population healthy as they are pollinatorsimportant to theagriculture industry Threats to the localbeepopulation includepesticidesbeetlesandmitesHighOperationalCostsOfthe208surveyed61peopleconsideredhighoperationalcostsasabigchallengetofarmingonMolokaiThesecostsinclude Labor Infrastructure Toolsimplements Fuelforequipmentandvehicles Supplies such as fertilizer compost pesticides herbicides seeds irrigation supplies etc
Supplycostsareespeciallyhigherdue toadditionalcostmarkͲup forshipping items in toMolokai
Electricitycostsforrunningrefrigerationchiller Allfeesandtaxesincurredfromrunningabusiness Specialcostsfororganiccertification(est$1300peryear)HighCostofWaterSeventy(70)surveyrespondentsfeltfarming ismadedifficultbythehighcostofwater Thiswasespeciallytrueforfarmerswhoareoncountywater insteadofcheaperagriculturewaterfromtheMolokaiIrrigationSystemThesefarmersareontheEastEndoftheislandAlsoitisverydifficultforpeople inMaunaloaandKaluakoitofarmandevengardenduetothewatersystemrunbyMolokaiRanch Ratesforwaterareastronomicalhaving increasedby17858TheStatePublicUtilitiesCommissionallowedforarateincreasefortheRanchrsquosMolokaiPublicUtilitiesfrom$318per1000gallonsto$60459TheWaiolaOMolokaiIncwateralsoownedbyMolokaiRanchwas approved for a rate increase from$185 to $51560 These increasesimpactapproximately1200residentsonthewestsideoftheisland61
58BernardoRldquoMolokaiwaterusersprotestratehikerdquoHonoluluStarBulletinSeptember52008httparchivesstarbulletincom20080905newsstory08html59Bernardo200860Bernardo200861Bernardo2008
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 35
HighEquipmentCostsSixty(60) survey respondents considered high equipment costs as a challenge to farmingTractor costs can range from $21000 to $80000 depending on the size neededwhich isrelativetotheamountofacreagetobefarmedManysmallandbeginningfarmerslackaccesstocapitaltopurchasebigticketitemssuchasequipmentHighShippingCostsYoungBrothersistheprimaryshippingproviderforMolokaiSomefarmersutilizecargoplanessuchasKamakaAir for shipmentofmoreperishable items Shipping fromMolokai involvesaddedcostanddisadvantagesforMolokaiasaruralislandtryingtotransportgoodsacrosstheoceantothelargerurbancenterssuchasOahuandMauiForthoseutilizingdistributorsthatisanotheraddedcostIn thepast farmers receivedapartialbreakon shippingcosts throughYoungBrothers TheFarmBureauassisted indefrayingchargesassociatedwith theMolokai toHonoluu legwhilethefarmerwasrequiredtocoveronlythecostofshippingfromHonolulutothemainlandThishelped to level the playing field forMolokai farmerswith the rest of farmers onOahu andStatewide Within the last five yearshowever thispolicyhasbeendiscontinued causing adisadvantagetotheMolokaifarmerYoungBrotherswillbephasingoutitsldquoGrdquoVans218cubicftcontainersforshippingpricedat$180containerandwillbepalletizingeverythingItwillnolongerbeeasytodropitemsoffatthepierandshipoutFarmerswillneedtomakethetransitionandwilllikelyhavetosolicittheservicesofMakoaTruckingtopalletizetheirgoodsandtransportthemtothepierTheftOne farmer interviewed cited crop theft as a challenge There are also risks of theft ofequipmenttoolsandsupplieswithoutadequatestorageandsecuritymeasuresFireA localbeekeeping family thatproducespremiumorganic raw kiawehoneyexperienced adevastatingfirein2009thatwipedoutthemajorityoftheirhivesTheyhaveahighamountoforderstofillandarecurrentlyrecoveringfromthedamagetotheirhivesNotEnoughLandtoFarmampCompetingUsesforAgricultureLandThe Molokai Agricultural Park owned by the State of Hawai`i is located in theHo`olehuaMahanaregionadjacenttoMolokaiRanchandHawaiianHomeLandsItconsistsof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 36
22subdividedlotsspanningatotalof753acres62Thepurposeofagriculturalparksstatewideistoprovideaffordable longͲterm leasestosmallfarmers63CurrentlyallMolokaiAgPark landsare being utilized64 Thismakes it difficult for new farmerswho are nonͲhomesteaders tosecurecheaplandSeedbiotechcompaniessuchasMonsantoandMycogenhavegainedasolidfootholdontheisland Their use of prime agriculture lands and limited water resources impact the localfarming community It is problematic especially for organic farmers who risk losing theircertification if their farmsare inproximity toGMO crops It is known thata local familyofbeekeeperswereforcedtomovetheirhivesorelserisklosingtheirorganichoneycertificationLow Prices Offered for Local Produce Not Enough Demand for Goods and ProductInconsistencyOfthosesurveyed25peoplefeltthatnotenoughconsumerdemandforproducewasamajorchallenge for farmers Whileour surveyalso found that90ofour respondentswouldbuymorelocalfoodifitwasavailableMolokairsquossmallpopulationlimitshowmuchproducefarmerscanplaceinthelocalmarketManyof the farmers thatwe interviewedwere frustratedat the lowprices theyget for theproduce theygrow They find itdifficult tonegotiatewith storesonpricing For them it ischallengingtomakealivingorbeeconomicallysustainablebysellingproduceonlyonMolokaiOne certified organic and biodynamic farmer informed us that she is offered $110lb byMolokai stores forherorganicgingerbut she can sell itatamuchhigherpriceonOahuat$5lbinstoresthatshowcaseorganicfoodsWiththatamountsheisabletomakeaprofitaswellasrecoupherproductionandshippingcostsUHCTAHRAgricultureExtensionAgentGlennTevesstatesthatalotoffarmersdonotpaycloseenoughattentiontotheirpricingOftentimestheywillpricetheirproduceonthelowendThissetsanegativestandardthatmakesitmoredifficultforotherfarmerstogetareasonablepricefor their crops He recommends that farmers check regularly on produce prices andmakecomparisonsalsoonhowmuchtheysellforontheotherislandssothattheycanprovidemorecompetitivepricingthatisadvantageoustothemLackofSupportforAgricultureLawmakershavealsobecomeunsupportivetopreservingagriculturelandsAbusesaboundonagricultural landswithmultiͲmilliondollargentlemanestatesdevelopedanddefinedasldquofarm
62StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks63StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks64StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 37
dwellingsrdquo and attractive landscaping required underCCRs andAssociationRules dubbed aslegitimateldquoagriculturerdquo Theseldquofarmdwellingsrdquo increasethepriceofagriculture landforrealfarmersNationwide family farmersarebeingedgedoutby largecorporateproducersat the rateof330farmersperweek65TheUnitedStateshasanestimated5millionfewerfarmsthanithadinthe1930s66Today2millionfarmsexist intheUSwith565000 identifiedasfamilyfarms67ThereasonforthisisthatfederalgovernmentpoliciesfavorlargeͲscalecorporateagriculturePoliciessuchassubsidizingbigagriculturecreatesafalsesetͲpointontrueproductioncosts68TheAmerican taxpayerabsorbs thesehefty costs The federalgovernment spentover$177billion in agricultural subsidies from the years of 1995 to 200669 These large agricultureoperationsareabletoprovidehugevolumesoffoodforacheappricebecauseofthesubsidiesallocatedTheyeasilyoutcompeteandsqueezeoutthesmallfarmerthatreceivesnohelpfromsubsidies andmust pass to the customer the true costs of production in order to remain aviablebusinessStrongcorporatelobbyingmaintainsthisstatusquo
NeedforAdditionalEducationampTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunityOfthosesurveyed33farmersconsideredalackofcapacityeducationtobeachallengeSomefarmersaredauntedbythecostsofhighereducationandthetimetheywouldneedtoinvestineducationalongsidebalancingfamilyresponsibilitiesandfullͲtimefarmingProficiency inknowledgeandexperienceoffarmingprinciplesandtechniques isnecessaryforallfarmers Theymustunderstandfarmplanninghowtoplantmaintainandharvestcropshowtosetupirrigationmeetthebiologicalandmineralneedsoftheircropshowtomaintainsoil health how to minimize offͲfarm releases of pollutants and toxins such as chemicalfertilizersandpesticidesoperateand repair toolsandmachinerybasic carpentry skillsandpossess a true passion for farming A lot is learned through trial and error but educationcombinedwithpracticalexperience gives farmers abetter chance atmaking it These skillsalonearenottheonlyrequirementshoweverAfarmer(orparticipatingfamilymembers)mustalsobefinanciallyliterateandpossessstrongbusinessbookkeepingaccountingandmarketingskills To lease landsaccessbusinessstartup fundssuccessfullyapply for loansandreceive financing forbigequipmentpurchases the
65ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml66ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml67ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml68ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml69ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 38
farmerhastohavegoodcreditandbefinancially literate Ifhe issaddledwithdebtandbadcreditthenhewillneedtocreateandsticktoaplanforrepairinghiscreditOther skills a farmermust cultivate to successfully start an agricultureenterprise is learninghowtodomarketresearchandbusinessplanningItrsquosbettertomakemistakesonpaperfirstrather than in real life aftermuch time and investment has beenmade Once the farmenterprise isupand running then the farmerhas to contendwithkeeping financial recordscurrenteitherpersonallyortruesecuringabookkeeperoraccountant BusinessandpayrolltaxeswillneedtobepaidfeesforspecialcertificationssuchasorganicfarmingmayalsohavetobefactoredinAfarmermustbeawareofwhattogrowandproduceandhowtomarketherproducts inorder tobeprofitable Shemustbedisciplined in implementingher farmplanaccount for year round staggered plantings and harvests and crop rotations and reinvestprofitsbackintothebusinessRarelydotheseskillsexistinonepersonMostfarmersjustwanttofarmandnotdealwiththeother details of running a business As they age too farmerswill need to think about asuccession plan Ideally it should be a family enterprise with familymembers possessingdifferent skill sets and playing different roles that collectivelymake a successful agricultureenterpriseRanchingampTheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeMolokairsquos history includes large scale ranching of cattle which was once an enterpriseendeavorbyMolokaiRanch the islandrsquos largestprivate landownernow known asMolokaiProperties Limited SinceMPLrsquos closure ofmajor operations ranching is currently done bymembersof thecommunity inwhich theycultivate the remainingcattleonproperty CattleRanchersincludePohakuloaRanchKualapu`uRanchPedroRanchandPu`uOHokuRanchChallengeswithMolokaiBeef Muchof theranchingcommunitydonot finish theiranimals through theslaughterhouse
preferringtosellcattleoffisland Lessmeat isproducedon the islandwhich in turnmeans lessMolokaibeefavailable for
consumptioninrestaurantsandstores More than one individualentity does not like the tasteconsistency of the beef ndash some
suggestedthatthemeatbecuredlonger Somemembersofthecooperativefeelthecostforanimalprocessing($65animal)isunfair
since it isnotbasedonactualproductyield(egdeerorgoatmeatyields lesspoundsofmeatthancattle)
SlaughterhouseTheMolokai Livestock Cooperative which operates the only slaughterhouse facility on theislandprocessescattleandpork Pork isnotusually sold to storesdue to thepreferenceof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 39
Molokaifamiliestoutilizerearedhogsforhomeconsumption Thuspork issubjectusuallytocustomkillsonlyAsforcattleamaximumof18headperweekandaminimumof5headperweekgoes through the slaughterhousewitha cumulative totalof730animalsprocessed todatesincethefacilityopeneditsdoorsseveralyearsagoTheslaughterhouse iscurrentlynotoperatingatfullcapacity There isahistoricalcontextforsome of the challenges that the Molokai Livestock Cooperative faces today After thewholesale TB eradication of Molokai cattle in the 1980s and the closure of the oldslaughterhouseinKaunakakailocalranchersinitiallyworkedtogetanewslaughterhousebuiltwiththeirsweatequityandthroughsecuringfundingfromCountyStateandFederalsourcesUnfortunatelytheprocessofmovingthisprojectfromaconceptualphasetobrickandmortartook over a decade to complete By the time the slaughterhouse facility was completedranchershadmovedaway fromgrassͲfinishedcattleonMolokai to finishing theiranimalsonthe mainland Over time the ranchersrsquo commitment to strengthening their own localslaughterhouse as a viable economic engine had wavered Some ranches do not see aneconomic incentive to return to the formermodelofgrass finishing theircattleandpreferaquickerturnͲaroundtimeandtheconvenienceofsellingtheiranimalspreͲfinishedWhile theMolokaiLivestockCooperativersquosnew slaughterhousehasmadepositive inroads togettingMolokai grassͲfedbeef in local grocery stores and restaurants through itsworkwithcommittedranchersutilizingthefacility lackofvolumefromholdͲoutranchersalso limitstheslaughterhousersquosabilitytoexpandthemarketandfullydevelopanorganicnicheproduct Tomakeupforthisshortfalltheslaughterhousenowshipsin30headofnonͲMolokaicattle(50oftotalstock)onaregularbasisLambSheepForthepast5yearsahusbandandwifeteamhasbeenexperimentingwithranchingfreerangelambssheepon55acresof land inwestMolokai Thecouplehas80animals (60ewes20lambs) Theyharvestthe lambsat6monthsofageandhavebeentestingthequalityoftheanimalsMost recently they market tested their lambs The lambs were processed at theslaughterhouse ThemeatwassoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketandMisakirsquos CustomerfeedbackhasbeenverypositiveThelambmeatsoldoutquicklyinthestoresRightnowthelambsheep ranchers are trying to figure out pricing whether to sell directly to theslaughterhouseforprocessingmarketinganddistributionortohandlesomeofthoseaspectsontheirownDeerRanchingDeerranchingisnotawidespreadactivityinfactthereareonlytwopeopleontheislandthatraisevenisonDeerpensexist inMaunaloaandPalarsquoauwithasmuchas260animalscorralled
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 40
within high game fencing The deer ranching is part of a safari tour businesswhich allowsvisitorstoexperiencehuntinggameDeercanbeprocessed through theMolokaiSlaughterhouse if theanimal ispresentedat thefacilityat leastonehourafterthekillandaUSDACertified Inspectorparticipates inthehuntThisiscurrentlynotbeingdonebydeerranchersonMolokaiTheownersofDJCRanch Incwhich currentlyoperates adeer ranchhasdone some initialmarkettestingandresearchonthedemandandpotentialforvenisonmeatproduction Theyhave found ahugedemand from restaurants and the generalpublic for venisondue to thehealthbenefitsandsuperiortasteofMolokaiaxisdeerThereiscurrentlynosteadysourceforvenisonmeatandvalueͲaddedproductsinHawai`iDJCRanchhasstatedinitsmarketingplanthatinthefirstyeartheycouldprovidevenisononaseasonalbasisandinitiallyproducegroundvenison and sausages As herd numbers increase additional markets could potentially beopeneduptoWholeFoodsandCostco CurrentlyDJCRanchhasaUSDA licensetoslaughtervenisonandcouldutilizetheMolokaiSlaughterhouseThecompanyisFDAapprovedthroughthe USDA with its own stamp and seal formarketing The products that DJC Ranch hadconsideredmarketingwere
1 Groundvenisonforhumanconsumptionandalsodogfood2 9differentsausageswhichithasdevelopedandsuccessfullymarkettested3 Venisoncornedbeef4 Freshcuts5 Innards
ThereismuchpotentialinthisareaandhopefullyinvestmentscanbesuccessfullyacquiredtoimplementDJCRanchrsquosplanAdditionally theremaybeopportunity tocreateacollaborationbetweendeer ranchersandfarmerssufferingfromcrop lossesduetodeergrazing ifaplancouldbeundertakentodivertdeerfromcultivatedlandsandabsorbthemintoranchingoperationsAquacultureEffortshavebeenmadetorestorefishpondsandhavemetwithsomesuccessforsubsistenceuses State regulations affecting the restoration andutilizationof theseponds limituses tosubsistenceandeducationalpurposesmaking itdifficult toutilize theponds for commercialaquacultureThisisunfortunategiventhehardworkonthepartofthecommunityandfederalfunds invested inProjectLoko I`aatrainingprogramthathadservedanestimated20youngMolokai adults in drystack and fishpondwall reconstruction fishpond husbandry live rockcultivation for theaquarium industry shrimpand seaweedaquaculturewater samplingandanalysis leadershipandentrepreneurial skills Theseyoungadultswere trainedwithall thetools to be successful in aquaculture butwere not given the chance to commercially leaseMolokaipondsandestablishabusiness
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 41
PlansandfundingallocatedtoestablishafinfishhatcheryonMolokaiasearlyas1991andtostockfishpondsforcommercialproductionwerestalledandareunlikelytocometofruitionTheMolokai Ice House completed construction at the KaunakakaiWharf in 1993 It wasestablishedbya local commercial fishermenrsquoscooperativeof40 individualswho contributedapproximately 60Ͳ70 of Molokairsquos commercial fish landings The Ice House operatedsuccessfullyfornearlyadecadeprovidingicefreshfishpokeandseaweedforsaleA Native Hawaiian nonͲprofit Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou established a successful limu(seaweed)growersnetworkandlimubuyͲbackprogramwith30familieslivingalongMolokairsquossouthandcentralshores These familieswere trained incultivationof theedibleandhighlyprizedseaweedGracilariaparvisporacommonlyknownas limuogo Anestimated1000 lbsweeklywereshippedtoOahufishmarketsaswellasdistributedtotheMolokaiIceHouseandvariousstoresonislandintheformoffreshandvalueͲaddedproducts(limusalsaandnamasu)Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou served as amarketer and broker for the families In the endhowever some of themore successful growers opted to sell and distribute their harvestsindependently causing the cooperative typeof structure todismantleanddriving thepricesdownforMolokailimuogoduetocompetitionamongstthegrowersTherearetwoshrimpfarmsonMolokaiMolokaiSeaFarmsinPala`auandKeawaNuiFarmsineastMolokaiKeawaNuiFarmssuppliesSPFcertifiedPenaeusvannameishrimpbroodstockaswellasseasonalharvestsoftilapia fishand limuogo70MolokaiSeaFarmsalsospecializes indiseasefreeSPFPvannameibroodstockandservescustomersthroughouttheworld71PacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsandHawai`iKaiCorporationbothfarmseasaltfromMolokairsquosoceanwaters Thesesaltscarryessentialmineralsandtraceelements Molokaisaltproductionhasreachedaglobalmarketas farasChinaandEurope Productscanalsobe found inMolokaistoresAddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparationMolokairsquoshiddensubsistenceeconomy isastrengththatassistsfamiliestoday inachronicallydepressedeconomyThereisenoughdeergoatandwildpigonthelandandfishonthereeftomeet the peoplersquos protein requirements and provide food security for tomorrow TheHo`olehuaHomesteadcommunitywithfamilyfarmsdottingthelandscapehasenoughproduceandstarchinthegroundtofeedtheircommunityAscomparedtootherislandsMolokaiisinbettershapethanmostifnotallislandsHoweverthereisstillastrongrelianceonYoungBrotherstoshipinfoodtotheislandAtanygiventimethereisanestimated4daysoffoodstockedonMolokairsquosstoreshelvesNodisaster
70KeawaNuiFarmshttpwwwkeawanuifarmscom71MolokaiSeaFarmshttpwwwbroodstockcomHawaiian_SPF_Shrimp_Broodstockhomehtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 42
scenarioplanninghaseverbeenundertakenforhowthiscommunityshouldrespondifonedaythebargedoesnotarriveandalltransportationvenuesbyseaairandlandwereinterruptedAccordingtooneinformantMolokairsquosfoodreservesarestoredonMauibytheAmericanRedCross This iswrong Molokai isoneofthefew islandswithoutamainairportonthecoastalshores In timesofdisaster (eghurricane tsunami) therewouldbebetter accesson theislandtoreceiveassistanceRealisticallyhoweverMolokaiwouldbeofalesserprioritytoshipin food and medical supplies in a Statewide disaster scenario due to the islandrsquos smallpopulationInitialaidwouldbefocusedprimarilyonurbananddenselypopulatedareasontheneighboringislandsIntheMana`eandKaunakakaiareas(eastandcentralMolokai)whereasignificantportionofMolokairsquospopulationisconcentratedtheroadsandmajorityofhomesarelocatedonthecoastwithin the tsunami and flood zone corridor Getting assistance to these areas would beproblematic No major farming takes place in Kaunakakai and Mana`e except for homegardensandsomewetlandtarocultivationinthelushervalleysontheeastsideMonoͲcropping increases risks ofwholesale andmass crop failure Whilemost smallͲscalefarmers are doing diversified agriculture onMolokai not enough effort has beenmade topreserve thehundredsofvarietiesofsweetpotatobreadfruit taroandothercanoeplantsNot enough has been done to cultivate and preserve varieties of regionallyͲadapted openͲpollinatedseedsforhomegardensandsmallscalefarmersUHCTAHRhasthroughitsresearchdevelopedseedsadapted tocertainenvironments Moreeffortmaybeneeded toget theseseedstofarmers
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 43
V RECOMMENDATIONSMitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElementsWindAswindwillcontinuetobeanissueforfarmersespeciallyhomesteadfarmersintheHo`olehuaareaitisimportanttoestablishacomprehensiveprojecttoinstallwindbreaksthatwillhelptoopenupmorehomesteadlandforfarmingCostcanbeafactorforsmallͲscaleandbeginningfarmersThusaccessingfundingandcreatingcollaborativepartnershipswithcoreleadershipisnecessarytomovethisprojectalongOtherthingstoconsider intermsofdecidingwhattypesofwindbreaksto installwouldbetooptimizethepotentialofthewindbreakstoservemultiplefunctionsOnecommoncomplaintamongsthomesteadfarmershasbeenthedestructionofcropsfromgrazingdeerProvidingavegetativewindbreakwith tightplantings could serve as a living fence that keepsout deerSelectingalso fornitrogen fixingspecieswillalsoaddnutrientstothesoilandboost farmerrsquoscropsIdentifiedasakeyprojectintheEnvironmentSectionofMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandisprovidingwindbreaks inHo`olehuaThevision istoplantwindbreaksldquoalongthecoastalpaliaround the central plain andhellip along individual farmersrsquo lots Native trees and treeswithsecondarymarketvalue(fruittreesandhardwoods)rdquoshouldbeutilized72DroughtͲProofingReforestationThecommunity initiateddocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian Islandhas identified in itsAgricultureampAquacultureSectionthefollowingpriorities73
Recognize the limited availability of water as a primary factor in prioritizing suitableagriculturalfoodcrops
Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture foodproduction
Water is a limiting factor in farming especially in light of chronic drought conditions andcontinuousmandatorycutbacksonwateruse from theMolokai IrrigationSystem TherearewaysthatthefarmercanharvestwateraswellasminimizewaterlossPlantingwindbreakswillaidincreatingamicroclimatethatwillreduceevapotranspirationandallowforsomeshadeforcrops that require less sunlight Installing swales and terraces on contour in tandem withplantingswillslowthepathofwaterrunoffcomingontothepropertycreategoodsoakagethatwillbuildthewatertableandnaturallyfeedcropsMulchingandplantinggroundcoverspecies
72MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf73MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 44
alongsidemain crops will retainmoisture and support soil health These droughtͲproofingstrategiesworkinginconcertwillprovideagreatbenefittothefarmerA longertermstrategythatonehomestead farmersuggestedand forwhichhehasbeguntospreadamongstotherhomesteaders is conductingmassplantingsofKukui trees to createaforest forHo`olehua and capture rain He is setting the example by creating a kukui plantnurseryonhispropertyandgivingkeikiplantstootherhomesteadersAdoptionofthesetypesofstrategiesshouldalsobeconsideredbynonͲhomesteaduserswhohaveutilizedthe lionrsquosshareofMISwater ReforestationoftheslopesofMaunaloathathadbeendamagedbycattleranchingandpineapplecultivationwouldalso lessendependenceonwaterdiversions Thishasbeen identifiedasakeyprojectunder the communitydocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandalongwithcertainerosioncontrolmeasuresfortheWestEnd gulches that include installing ldquorock dikes (gabions) hedgerow plantings [and] siltationpondsrdquo74
ProtectingWaterResourceRights
TheWater Code directs the Commission to ldquoincorporate and protect adequate reserves ofwaterforcurrentandforeseeabledevelopmentanduseofHawaiianhomelandsassetforthinsection 221 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Actrdquo75 Additionally by law the HawaiianHomes Commission Act recognizes a twoͲthirdswater preference for homesteaders on theMolokai IrrigationSystem76These lawsshouldbeenforcedandtheDepartmentofHawaiianHomeLandsneedstoactivelyadvocateonbehalfofhomesteaderstoensuretheprotectionoftheir water rights The Department of Agriculture which manages the MIS must alsoresponsiblymeettheStatersquosfiduciarydutybyassuringthatwaterallocationsareincompliancewiththetwoͲthirdsprovisionforhomesteaders
WildAnimalControl
A number of farmers plagued by deer have opted to allow subsistence hunting on theirpropertyorhunt thedeer themselvesOthersare installing fencing tokeep thedeerout AlocaldeerranchersurmisedthatalotofthedeerareoriginatingfromdryMolokaiRanchlandsandmovingtowardsthehomesteadregionofHo`olehuainsearchofwaterandfoodThisdeerfarmerwouldliketoworkwithMolokaiRanchtoleaseandexpandhisoperationsontoRanchlandserect fencingandprovideadequatewater for thedeer toprevent them from invadingtheHomestead Withcollaborationamong farmersMolokaiRanchand localdeer ranchersthiscouldprovideawinͲwinsolutionforall
74MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf75HawRevStatSection174CͲ101(a)76HawaiianHomesCommissionActsect221(d)1920amended1955
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 45
IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth
Typicallyweeds are found in disturbed areas Weeds are bioͲindicators of soil health andstructureTheyservedifferentfunctionsandareoftenpioneerspeciesthatcomeintoasystemearly on to create optimal conditions for the next stages of succession into amorematuresystem Differentweedsperformdifferent functions suchasaddingnitrogen to the soil reͲmineralizingthesoilwithdeeptaprootsthatbringnutrientsbelowuptothesurfacelooseningcompacted hard pan soils to allow for aeration and room for new seedlings to grow andstabilizingfragileandexposedsoilswithrootstructuresthatfanoutmorewidelytoholdloosesoiltogetherThekeyistoselectspeciesthataremoreusefultothefarmerthanthenaturalordisturbedvegetationandovertimethesespecieswilloutcompeteweedyvarietiesDiversifyingcropsandmimickingnaturalsuccessiondoingtimestackingwithdenserplantingsofperenniallegumesgroundcoverswindbreaks fruit treesandvinesofpreferredspecieswillallow formaturation of the system create better soil health and select out nonͲfavorable weedyspeciesOne farmerwhooperatesanorganicpapaya farmdoesthe followingtopreservesoil fertilityandcontrolpests77 Utilizesa localmanufacturerfromOahuwhorecyclesusedcookingoilfatsbonesandfish
collected from restaurants foodmanufacturersand fishoutletsand turns thiswaste into100 certified organic soil amendments Tons of rawmaterialwaste now diverted fromlandfill
Usesdolomiteandcrushedcoraltoamendsoilorgypsumassubstitute Growssunnhemponrestingfieldstohelpwithnematodesandfixnitrogeninsoil Providescovercropofgrassesandweedsbetween rowsofmaturepapaya trees irrigated
withmicroͲsprinklerstokeepmoistureandlifeinthesoil Maintainsadiversefloraratherthanengaginginmonocropping Responds to cut worms (seasonal) by planting extra seedling trays to replace damaged
seedlings Sprays kumulus (organic sulfur) and baking soda to combat powderymildewmites and
thrips Ripsandairsoutoldfieldsandrestsfieldsforatleast15monthstoaddressnematodeissue Focusesongrowingthestrongesthealthiestplantstoprovidegreaterresistancetopests
77UniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesFeaturedFarmerRickTamanahaKaleikoafarmsHo`olehuaMoloka`iHĈnai`AiNewsletterJuneͲJulyͲAugust2011httpwwwctahrhawaiiedusustainagnewsarticlesV8ͲKaleikoaFarmsͲFFpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 46
AddressingHighOperationalCosts
EquipmentAccessSeveralcommunitypartnerscametogethertoaddressoneofthemajorimpedimentsforsmallfarmersonMolokai access toequipment TheMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityndashKeAupuniLƃkahipurchasedatractoraspartofaplannedequipmentrentalprogramadministeredbyUHCTAHR and the Hawaiian Homestead Association TheMolokai Rural Development ProjectpurchasedtractorimplementstofurtherassistthefarmersTheseimplementsincludedaJactoArbusAirblast Sprayerwith TractorMount to assist farmers in spraying their fieldswithoutadded labor Samp A AG 20 Spreader to allow growers to improve their soil pH and organicmatter Miller Bobcat 250 welder to aid farmers in repairing and fabricating tools andimplements aswell as serve as a training tool inwelding and farmmechanics and aGreatPlainsSubSoilerSS1300toassistfarmersinfieldpreparationwithminimalsoildisruptionWhilefarmerswillstillneedaccesstootherformsofequipmenttocutdown laborandtimetheEquipmentRentalModel isagoodone that shouldbe replicated tobenefit theMolokaifarming community overall and ameliorate farmersrsquo chances of success by bringing theirindividualcostsdownShipping
Howtotacklehighshippingcosts Consolidation Compilecargoandnegotiatewithcarriersbased on volume78 This could be handled formally through a cooperative structure orinformally through a hui of farmers The Molokai community has also recommendedcommissioning a ldquostudy to explore new alternatives for transportation links (air and sea)betweenMolokaiandotherareasandmarketsrdquo79Another alternative that Sust`ĈinableMolokai is preliminarily exploring is the feasibility ofprovidingasailingvesselequippedwithchillspacethatwouldideallybepoweredbyrenewableenergy (egwind solar) to serve as a communal shipping vessel forMolokai exports andimportsOneofourconcernsisnotonlythehighshippingcoststhatresidentsincurbutalsodealingwiththeinevitableconsequencesofglobalpeakoilandhelpingtoincreaseourislandrsquosfuelandenergysecurity
78Youn JL ldquoRootsofChange ToRichardNelsondiversification ismuchmore than justabuzzwordrdquoHawaiiBusiness Magazine February 2004 httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange79 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1105 InfrastructureTransportationAlternativesp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 47
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoodsOne of the areas where some farmers feel challenged is marketing and distributing theirproducts offͲisland While some of themwant to take advantage of better pricing on theneighbor islands the lackofknowledgeandexperience inpenetrating thosemarketscanbedauntingfortheMolokaifarmerItwasalsoexpressedtousfromvendorsandrestaurantsthatit is difficult to determine which farmer is selling what and to achieve a level of productconsistencyamong individualfarmers ForMolokaistoresandrestaurants itwouldbeeasiertodealwithabrokerdistributorormarketingteamwho isplugged intotheMolokaifarmingcommunityandcouldconsolidategoodsamongstallfarmersandachieveafairpriceforthemCoststoretainthisdistributorcouldalsobesharedamongstthefarmersThisdistributorcouldalso handlemarkets on neighboring islandsmainland and internationally and remove theheadachefromfarmerswhojustwanttofarmOriginallytheHiki`olaFarmersCooperativewassetuptosellanddistributefarmersrsquoproductsandhelptoremovethe impedimentsandpersonalchallengesfarmersface inmarketingtheirproduceandproducts independently HoweverthisprovedunsuccessfulbecauseofproductinconsistencyThismaybeanongoingchallengebutnotcompletelyinsurmountablePerhapsmorecarefulfarmplanningandcollaborationwithfarmersmaybeneededtocollectivelygrowspecific items tomaintainacertainvolumeandconsistency Issuesof seasonalityhoweverwillalwaysimpactconsistencyMarketingFarmers couldalso increase theirprofits throughappropriatebrandinga common logoandsharedwebsitefeaturingldquoGrownonMolokairdquoorldquoMadeonMolokairdquoproductlineThiswouldalsohelpprospectivevalueͲaddedfoodentrepreneurswhoarechallengedbyhighstartͲupandinsurancecoststhatcomeswithdevelopingaproductdesigningalogoandlabelandcomingupwithappropriatepackagingUnderonebrandandacommoninsurancethesecostscanbeminimizedandthevalueͲaddedproducercouldfocuschieflyoncreatingaqualityproductFarmersMarketampCommunitySupportedAgricultureMolokairsquoscurrentSaturdaymarketlocatedintheheartofKaunakakaiTownisanopenmarketwherethereareavarietyofitemssoldartscraftsvarioussundriesbakedgoodsandavarietyof vegetablesand fruits Ithasbeen suggested that theMolokaiopenmarketbe improvedupon to reflect a true farmersmarket Improvementswould includeproviding chill space toprovide other products like Molokai grass fed beef and seafood showcasing valueͲaddedMolokaiproductssellingmoreandbonafideMolokaiproduceandincreasingaccessibilityforlow income families to fresh local produce and other foods through undergoing the formalprocessandclearancetoacceptEBTfoodstamps
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 48
FarmersMarkets serve as an important venue for farmers to sell directly to customers andcreatepositiverelationshipswiththemForthosewhoprefertofarmandleavethesellingandmarketingtoothersalocaldistributorcouldfillthoseshoesSomehavesuggestedthatseveralfarmersmarketsbeestablishedwithinthevariousdistrictsofthe island (east central and west Molokai) to make local foods readily accessible to allconsumersAnother suggestionwas thatMolokai create its own local dollar or Local Exchange TradingSystem (LETS) amongst a communityor groupofpeoplewhomutually agree toextend andearn credit from each other through a series of transactions and exchanges of goods andservicesDirectbarterbetweenpartiesisnotnecessaryratheronecanearnLETScreditsfromperformingaserviceorgivingagoodandbereciprocatedatalatertimeforgoodsorservicesofequalvalue(egprovidingbabysittingservicestoearncreditsandreceiveplumbingworkinreturn)LETSallowscommunitiesgreater flexibilityandcreatesequalityamong itsmembersofferingvaluebeyondtheconventionalmonetarysystemSome farmers create their own market by operating a CSA or Community SupportedAgricultureTheWaialuaPermafarmhasbeenoperatingsuccessfullyforabout30yearsnowasaCSATheWaialuaPermafarmhasfamiliesthatregularlysubscribetotheirCSAandpurchaseweekly or biͲmonthly boxes of veggies and fruits The Waialua Permafarm provides animpressive listing of vegetable and fruits that they grow with customers choosing theirfavoritesWhateverisinseasonandpreferredbythecustomeriswhattheCSAprovidesPu`uOHokuRanchalsoprovidesveggieboxesaswellasamore recentoperation runningoutofMahanaGardensOneMolokaiCSAoperatorsuggestedtheSiskiyouSustainableCooperativeinOregonasagreatmodel that could help farmers here to consolidate their efforts and create direct farmer toconsumer relationships Some of the best practices coming from Siskiyou SustainableCooperativeinclude Acollectiveoffarmerswhowantedtoformamarketingandbusinesscooperative Their business plan included visionary goals such as a credit union for farmers a
cooperatively owned state of the art commercial kitchen and seed cleaning facilityaffordablehealthinsuranceforfarmfamiliesetc
Inthefirst2yearsthefarmersdeveloped3marketingvenuesaCSAafarmstandalongtheroadsideandacooperatively runmarketboothEventually theCooperative focusedmoreexclusivelyontheCSAasitprovedmostfinanciallysuccessful
Farmersrsquogoal istoprovidecontinualaccesstomore locallygrownandproducedfoodsandtomaketheCSAboxmoreofaldquooneͲstopshoppingrdquoexperienceformembersTodatetheCSA offers bread cheese eggs flowers beef and buffalo products coffee and honey inadditiontotheregularproduceboxes
CoͲopprovidescertifiedorganicfruitsvegetablesandspecialty itemsproducedon9smallͲscalefamilyfarmsandranches
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 49
Feeds250 families throughcooperativeCommunitySupportedAgriculture (CSA)marketingand distribution program while enhancing the economic viability of their sustainableagricultureoperations
CoͲopoffersasmallsharethatfeeds2peopleandalargesharethatfeeds3Ͳ5peopleCoͲopdropsoffthefoodboxesto7differentspotsonaweeklybasis
ProvidingproducetolowͲincomepopulationsispartofCoͲoprsquosmissionCoͲopprovidesfoodtoACCESSandfoodbanks
CoͲopalsosuccessfullyappliedtoacceptfoodstampsCoͲopunderstandsthateatingfreshhealthyfood is importantforeveryoneespeciallyforthemorevulnerablepopulations likechildrenpregnantandnursingmotherstheelderlyanddisabledThesepeoplearemostinneedofnutrientͲdensehighqualityfoods
CSAmembersalsobenefit from farmdaysofferedby thecoͲopmembersget tosee theirfoodbeing grown andmeet their farmersCoͲop also sends recipes andnewsletterswitheachboxtohelpmemberslearnnewandexcitingwaystopreparetheirvegetables
CoͲopworks toexpandmarkets for localseedproducers toprovidevarietiesofregionallyͲadaptedopenͲpollinated seeds forhomegardenersand smallͲscale farmersCoͲop leasesseed cleaning equipment from a local nonͲprofit to improve seed quality and encouragegrowers toproducemore seedas theequipment saves time Oneof thecoͲop foundingmembers started his own local seed company see websitewwwbiodynamicseedsblogspotcom
CoͲop farms utilize interns as an inexpensive labor pool while providing them withopportunitiesto learnhowtogrow foodandruna farmoperation Inaneffort toprovidequality internships someof thecoͲopmembers formedanonͲprofit toprovideeducationandsocialopportunitiesforfarminternsSeewebsitehttproguefarmcorpsorg
AchievingFinancialSustainabilityThroughMIFFStrategyTodays farmermust possess a diverse skillsͲset to be truly competitive in a globalmarketAccordingtoRichardNelsonpresidentofHawaiiBizlinkLLCanagricultureͲconsultingfirmontheBigIslandnichemarketdevelopmentisthekeytosuccessfulagribusinessinHawaiiratherthan the agricultureasacommoditymindset80 Headds [A]g iseconomicdevelopmentanditisalsotourismVisitorswanttoeattheNalogreensandthefreshfishseethepineappleplantationandvisit theaquacultureoperationsahard look [needs tobe taken in]assistingfarmers with a variety of things including development of market plans business planspackagedesignintroductiontobuyersdevelopmentoftradeshowsandmarketingvenuesforlocalproducers[E]veryfarmerhasgottogetsmarterItsnolongerjustharvestingproductandthrowing it inabinFarmershavetowearmultiplehatsnow81Aswe looktobuildinggreatercapacityinourfarmingcommunitymoreeducationandtrainingmustbeavailableforfarmerstomeettheseemergingtrendsinagriculture
80YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange81YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 50
Farmers are more likely to succeed through diversification The Multiple Income FarmingFamilies (MIFF) model is a strategy for strengthening agribusinesses through generatingmultiplerevenuestreamsOne exampleof aMultiple Income Farming Family isMolokaiMeli inoperation since 2004MolokaiMeli sellspremiumorganic rawkiawehoneyasavalueͲaddedproductThe familymarketsldquomelisticksrdquoorhoneysealed instrawsassimplesnacks Theyalsoprovidedifferentgradesofhoneypremiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyandhoneycombsthattheyadvertiseand sell through their website The family doesnrsquot stop there Their eldest child Elijahdevelopedhisownbusiness around adressing recipeheperfectedmadewithMolokaiMelihoneyTheyoungerdaughtershavealsodevelopedtheirownproductsbeeswaxcandlesandchapstickthataresoldatKumuFarmsandMolokairsquosspecialtyshopsAllfamilymemberssuitupintheirbeekeepingsuitstocareforthebeesInitiallywhentheystartedtheirbusinesstheyhadnot fullyreachedtheir financialgoal insecuringallthestartͲupcoststheyneeded Theylearnedtoadaptandadjustedtheirbusinessplan Whenfacedwithapredicamentthattheywould not receive their bees on time to start their operations smoothly they turned thischallengeintoanewbusinessopportunitybyprovidingtheislandrsquossolebeeremovalservicesThey utilized this initial stock of bees for honey production and continue to replenish theirstoresbymaintainingbeeremovalservicesValueͲAddingampGoingOrganicThecommunitysupportsorganicvalueͲaddedandsustainablefarming82 Encourageandsupportorganicandenvironmentallyfriendlyfarmingmethodstechniques SupporttheproductionofvalueͲaddedproducts SupportthefarmingofcertifiedorganicandornonͲGMOcropsAnexampleofwhereMolokaifarmershaveachievedsuccess is inproducingcertifiedorganicpapayaMolokaiistheonlyplaceintheworldwhereorganicpapayaisgrowncommerciallyAsmallairportrunway that lacks thecapacity toreceive largeplanesand internationalcarriershaskeptMolokaibiologicallypurerthantheother islands inthat ithasnotbeenexposedtothepapaya ringspotvirus likewise thebananabunchy topvirushasalsonot takena strongholdonMolokaibananaKumu Farms is a local distributor of organic sunrisestrawberry papaya In themidͲ1990sKumuFarms invested inandbuiltaforcedͲhotͲair(FHA)chemicalfreetreatmentfacilitywiththeapprovalof theUSDepartmentofAgriculture to treat itscertifiedorganicpapayaonsiteand distribute directly to its various markets throughout the State of Hawai`i the USMainland and Canada83 Thirty percent (30) of the organic papaya supply comes from
82MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf83KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 51
homesteadfarmingfamilieswhoarepartofKumuFarmsldquosatelliteprogramrdquo84ThesefarmersarepaidbyKumuFarms$075lbfororganicpapayawhichismorethandoublewhatfarmerstypicallygetforconventionalGMOpapayaat$030lb MolokaiOrganicPapayaretails inthemainlandUSat$5lbProducingcropsorganically isawaytovalueͲaddandenteranichemarket This isespeciallyusefulforsmallfarmswhocannotcompetewithlargeproducersOneofthesatellitefarmshasexpressedadesiretobegindistributingandmarketingitsorganicpapayaindependentlyofKumuFarmstorealizedirectmarketprofitsInanycaseKumuFarmsplaysavaluablerole inproviding itsownFHAchemicalfreetreatmentfacilitydoingoutreachto small farmers to assume the costs of shipping distribution and marketing For manybeginning farmers these types of opportunitiesmitigate some of the costs of running anagribusinessandgivethemaleguptogrowandeventuallyexpandtheirownenterprisesThe 2010 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process forMaui Countyidentified the main economic sectors forMauiMolokai and Lanai islands They includeAgriculture Arts and Entertainment Government Healthcare Recreation and SportsRenewableEnergyResearchampDevelopment (RampD)and theVisitor Industry MolokaiCEDSparticipantshave identifiedprioritygoalsandobjectivesundereachsector ForAgricultureampAquacultureMolokai residentselectedasapriorityobjectiveaneffective ldquoBuy Localrdquo (ldquoBuyMolokairdquocampaign)andtheestablishmentofaldquoMadeonMolokairdquobrandAdditionally a September 2009 report provided by theMaui EconomicDevelopment Board(MEDB)onldquoEntrepreneurshipandtheFutureofMolokairdquodeterminedfrommultiplesurveysofMolokairsquos business community areas for growth and opportunity for the islandrsquos economyRespondents identified asopportunities ldquouniquelyMolokai lsquonichersquoproducts (organicpapayacoffeecookiesMolokaibreadetc)rdquoandldquovalueͲaddedproducts (tarochipspackageddriedmangococonutandbanana)rdquoIncreasedproductionandmarketingofnewvalueͲaddedfoodproductsprovide longershelf life requires lessvolumeof rawproductandhaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketswishingtotrynewandexoticfoods ValueͲaddingandcreationofnicheproducts thatplay to the strengthsofwhat farmershere cangrowprovidesagreateradvantagetoMolokaiproducersandallowsthemtobemorecompetitiveinthemarket A few years ago theMolokai Rural Development Project (RDP) offered ValueͲAdded FoodProductionTrainingattheLanikehaCommercialKitchen inpartnershipwithHawaiianHomestheMolokaiCommunityServiceCouncilandKƻha`oBusinessCenterThetrainingwasgearedtoestablishingsuccessfulvalueͲadded foodbusinessesto fulfillanichemarketandaid inthediversification ofMolokairsquos agriculture industry RDP designed the training along theMIFFmodelofprovidingmultipleincomestreamsforfarmingfamiliesThelocalfarmerthroughthistrainingcouldsupplementhis income throughvalueͲaddingorconnectwithanentrepreneurwishingtoturnldquowasterdquo(discardedoffͲgradeproduce)intoopportunity
84KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 52
Currently Lanikeha holds a number of anchor tenants that regularly produce valueͲaddeditems Products thathavecomeoutofLanikeha includepoisweetpotatochipshoneyseasaltpestoproductsbakedandcatereditemsUtilizingLanikehaasaCommunityCommercialKitchen Incubator for additional valueͲadded product development and training is key todeveloping new food entrepreneurs on Molokai and strengthening the islands agricultureeconomyAgriͲTourismPriorities identified inMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian IslandrsquosAgricultureAquacultureSectionincludessupportofldquoagroͲtourismendeavorsrdquo85An area in which there is room for growth and diversification is the agritourism industryAccording to the Hawaii Agritourism Association (HATA) agritourism assists farmers withsupplementalincomebyprovidinganichemarketthatinvolvesconnectingtheconsumertothelandandthegrowersbyeducatingthemaboutagriculturalproductsandprovidingadirectandinteractiveexperienceOf theprofitsmade fromagͲtourism relatedactivitiesmost revenuesaregainedthroughonfarmsalesdirecttofarmvisitorsAdditionallymanyoperationsreceiveorders for products after visitors return home suggesting gains made through buildingrelationshipswithcustomersthroughagritourismvenuesAccording toHATAagritourism isagrowingglobal trend thatprovides farmswith income increative ways enhances diversity of visitor experiences while at the same time supportsculturalidentityTheMolokaiResponsibleTourism InitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanprovidesabasisfor identifyingacceptablehostͲvisitorexperiences inkeepingwithMolokairsquoscultureandruralpace 86 Focus group sessions interviews and surveys revealed that residents favoredsustainablecommunitytourismtheelementsofwhichinclude Operationsby localand traditionalpopulation toenhance thequalityof lifeprotectand
restoretheenvironmentalandculturalassetsandengagevisitorsontermsdefinedbythecommunity
Activitiesevolvingasasolutiontoeconomicenvironmentalsocialeducationalandcultural
growthchallenges
85MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf86McGregorDaviannaldquoMolokaiResponsibleTourismInitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanForMoloka`irdquoKe`AupuniLƃkĈhindashMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityFebruary2006httphuinethawaiirdporgmolokaiFinal20Report20Ͳ20with20coverpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 53
Advocating a fair exchange of value between the host and the hosted Preserving the
communityrsquossenseofplacethatbringsdignityandpridetothehost Featuringauthenticandgenuineactivities forguests Sharing realcultureby thepeople
whopracticeit Creatingabalancedratiobetweenthelocalpopulationandvisitorcountsothatthesenseof
placeisnotoverwhelmedbylargescaletourismSomeactionsteps identified tomeet theseprinciples includedculturalexchangeeducationaltoursbuilding thekama`ainavisitormarketworkingwithentrepreneurcohortsestablishingcommunitynetworksandcollaborativeeffortsSuccesswouldbemeasuredwithanincreaseinthe number of jobs in the visitor industry and an increase in contributions to the islandrsquoseconomyfromvisitoractivitiesandretailpurchasesSome Molokai farmers have shown interest in agriͲtourism as evidenced by a programsupportedbytheKƻha`oBusinessCentertheCountyOfficeofEconomicDevelopmentandtheMolokaiAgriculturalDevelopmentProgramafewyearsagotoprovideintroductoryagritourismworkshops and site visits to various farmsonMauiMaui farms likeAli`iKula Lavender andSurfingGoatDairyhaveservedasgreatmentorsTheseactivitieshave inspiredandpromptedMolokai farmersto lookathowtheycan improvetheirown farmingoperationsand increaserevenuethroughdiversificationPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm isoneexampleofagritourismonMolokai The familyprovides farmtoursandgivesvisitorstheldquomacadamiaexperiencerdquothroughaneducationalcomponentandanopportunity to taste and purchase their product Relationships builtwith visitors serve tocreatealoyalcustomerbaseThePurdyrsquosprovidedirectmarketingbymailtocustomerswhohavevisitedtheminthepastThismethodhasbeenquiteeffectiveforthemTherearenegativeviewsonMolokaiabout tourismorconventionalaspectsof tourism thatexploittheHawaiianhostculture One farmerwhodislikestourismstatedhoweverthathehaswelcomedhundredsofpeopleofallagestovisittourandworkonhis family farm Forhimnoproprietarysecretsarekeptjustadesiretoshareknowledgeandthefamilyrsquospassionfor farming In this sense tourism takes a differentmeaning one that ismore about aneducational exchange and an opportunity to volunteer and gain knowledge throughexperiencingaworkingfarmfirsthand
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 54
ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms
Lawsmustbeenforcedtomake it favorabletothe farmerto farm Enforcementofthe lawsthataccuratelydefineagricultureandappropriatefarmdwellingsiscriticaltothemaintenanceofHawai`irsquosinventoryofagriculturallandslestweforfeitafoodsecurefutureforHawai`i
MolokaiisoneofthefewislandsifnottheonlyHawaiianislandthatselfͲidentifiesitsdesiredandprimaryeconomy tobeagriculture rather than tourismThemajorityofour informantsrespondedtothefollowingquestioninthismanner
Question What is your Agriculture Vision for Molokai
ldquoTo truly be the agriculture breadbasket of the Staterdquo
Muchofthissentimentcanbeattributedtoourhistoriclegacyas`inaMomonaandaculturethathasneverforgottenthatthewealthofthe land isdeterminedbyhowmuchfoodcanbeproduced and howmuch can be shared This is the essence ofMolokairsquos two economiesagricultureandtraditionalsubsistence
InkeepingwithavisionforMolokaitobetheagriculturebreadbasketoftheStatefarmerssaythatchangesneed tobemadeby theStategovernment toprovideaguaranteedmarket forMolokai farmers to supply urban and densely populated islands like Oahu rather thanperpetuatingalosingpropositionforMolokairsquosfarmerswhoareforcedtocompetewithotherswhohavemoredirectaccesstothemarket
ExcerptsfromMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandmakescommunityobjectivesclearastothehighprioritygiventoprotectingtheinterestsoflocalagriculture87 Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture food
production Promoteandsupport family farmsonMolokai inorder toprotectagricultureaquaculture
resourcesfromcommercialexploitation Promoteactivitiesand incentives thatwillhelpsupport theeconomicsecurityofour farm
families
AdditionalacreageforAgriculturalParksshouldbereservedtosupporttheexpansionoflocalfamilyfarmsPracticesthatconflictwiththespiritandpoliciesidentifiedforAgParkssuchasleasingorsubͲleasingto largecorporateindustrialagricultureandbiotechcompaniesshouldbeprohibited
87MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 55
Newtrendsrelatedtoan increasingappreciationanddemandfor localandregionalproduceencourage the return of small family farms88 Family farms are important to the soul andresilienceofacommunity Where industrialagriculturecompaniestendtocauseerosionandpollution through destructive practiceswith the use ofmachinery and heavy application ofchemical fertilizersherbicides andpesticides independent small family farmshave amoreintimate relationship with the land and are keen on preserving green and open spaces inalignmentwithcommunityvalues89
Related to thedeclineofsmall family farms is theagingofAmericarsquos farmers Molokai isnodifferent Theaverageageofthefarmerswesurveyedwere54yearsoldwhilethenationalaverage is 5790 The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 70 of the nationrsquosagricultural landwill changehandswithin the next 20 yearsdue to the agingpopulationoffarmers91 Ifthenextgeneration isnot interested infarmingthere isarealthreatthatthesefarmlandswillbeconvertedtononͲagriculturepurposes92 It is imperativethentocultivateanewgenerationofbeginningfarmers
OutreachampEducationIncreasingConsumerAwareness Reviewofsurveyand interviewresponsesstimulated livelyinformalinquiryanddiscussionamongfriendsfamilyandcolleaguesOnesuchdiscussionwasabout the need to raise greater consumer awareness of different kinds of foods herbsvegetablesthatattractthemoreexperiencedpalettebut forwhichthe localpopulationmaynotbeaccustomedtooutsideoftheirowntraditionalfoodsOneobservationthatwasmadebyKumuFarmsisthatsalesarelowinthesummerandpickupagainatthearrivalofsnowbirdsin the fallandwintermonths Hearing localpeople talkabout theirappreciationofgoing toKumuFarmstopickupfreshorganicproducebutareluctancetotrysomeofthemoreexoticherbsbecauseoftheirlackofknowledgeonhowtopreparethemsuggestsadesiretoexploredifferentcuisinesbutnotenoughopportunitytolearnaboutandincorporatethesefoodsintotheir cooking Hosting different tastings and cooking classes that integrate a farm to tableapproachmayhelp to removesome thesebarriers toeatinghealthynew foods With thesetypesofactivitieswecreatemoreeducatedconsumers Severalofour informantshavealsosuggestedraisingawarenessatanearlyagetoeducatethenextgenerationofeatersthroughschoolgardenprogramsthatgivechildrenadirectexperienceandappreciationofcultivating
ͺͺUnited StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof FoodandAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml89ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml90ShuteBldquoANewGenerationofFarmersrdquoTheNewYorkTimesAugust192011httpwwwnytimescomroomfordebate20110817couldͲfarmsͲsurviveͲwithoutͲillegalͲlaborweͲneedͲaͲnewͲgenerationͲofͲamericanͲfarmers91United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml92United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 56
preparingeatingandeventuallybuyingadelightfuldiversityof locallygrownnutritiousandwholefoodsEducatingFarmers Molokaihasgreatresourcesthatassistboththeprospectiveandcurrentfarmer ingaining inͲdepthagriculturalknowledgeand skills TheUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollege (UHMC) Molokai Farm confers an Associates Degree and Certificates in variousAgricultureampNaturalResourcestopics
CertificateofAchievementandASdegrees inHorticultureand LandscapeMaintenanceandSustainableTropicalCropManagement
Certificates of Competence in Agricultural Science Nursery Production and PestManagement
CertificatesofCompletioninTurfgrassSpecialistSustainableTropicalCropProductionandLandscapeMaintenance
Associates in Technical Studies Degree in Cultural and Natural Resource ManagementMĈlama`ina
InthepasttheMolokaiRuralDevelopmentProjectsponsoredtheAgricultureCohorttrainingprogramwhichserved8 farming families (27 familymemberstotal)committedtodevelopingsustainablefamilyfarms93The UHͲCTAHR Molokai Office delivered the training The project employed experientiallearning and instructionalmethodologies as best practices for intergenerational transfer oftechnology and expertise for sustainable agriculture Participants learned marketing farmplanningproductionplanningrecordkeepingcompleterequisitetaxforms(ScheduleF)farmequipmentsafetyandoperationsiteͲselectionassessmentirrigationsetͲupsoilfertilityplantnutritionpestmanagement (weeds insectsdiseases)harvesting commoditiespostͲharvesthandling grading and qualitymanagement organic certification basic computing businesssoftware and custom agricultureͲbased software Participants received training on usingspecialagriculture softwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRMolokaiextensionagentAltonArakakiThe first software they learned was on Production Mapping With this program farmersplannedandprojected theirproductionactivities throughout theyearanddeterminedwhenandhowmuch resourceswouldbeneeded to complete activities successfully TheprogramalsoprovidedfarmersanopportunitytorealisticallyestimateproductioncashflowoftheirfarmplansThesecondsoftwarethey learnedwastheScheduleFfinancialrecordkeepingprogramthatmaintainsrecords inatemplatethatwouldeventuallycompletetheirDepartmentoftheTreasuryProfitandLossfromFarmingIRSScheduleFForm1040AttheendofthetrainingthecohortparticipantsreceivedcopiesofthesoftwareOtherfarmingsoftwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRprovedusefulforfarmentrepreneursenrolledintheprojectThesoftwareincludedPlantTissueAnalysisndashRecordingandTrackingforplantnutritionmanagementandCalibratingYourSprayer(publishedbyCTAHRhttpwwwctahrhawaiieduocfreepubspdfPRREͲ6pdf)
93AkutagawaMalialdquoAgriculturalCohortProjectFinalReportrdquoAugust302007
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 57
Farmfamiliesincreasedtheirknowledgeandexperienceincropproductionandmanagementandapplied theiracquiredskills toestablishingorexpanding their farmbusiness Thecropsproducedbythe8 family farmenterprises includedorganicpapaya(3 farms)yamDioscareaorganicwatermelon and taro greenhouse lettucepumpkin taro (lu`au leaf table taro andvalueͲaddedkuloloproduct)andcoffeeSeveral participants were successful recipients of the Molokai Agricultural DevelopmentProgram awards having enrolled in RDPrsquos Kƻha`o Business Center Entrepreneurial TrainingProgram to receive oneͲtoͲone business consultation and assistance in developing theirbusinessplans
Allcohort familiesmadeprofitandexceededbenchmarkssetbyRDP Anestimated totalof$105000wasmade in cumulative sales over the yearmore than doubling the year 2 endprojectgoalof$50000 The farmproductsweremarketedonͲisland intrastateandon themainlandOrganicpapayasweremarketedtomainlandhubsinLosAngelesSanFranciscoandPortlandFromthesehugecitiestheyweresoldandshippedtoinlandmarkets
From thiscomprehensive trainingparticipants learnedandexperiencedboth theagriculturalsciencesandartofrunningasuccessfulbusinessInthesciencecurriculumparticipantslearnedsubjectmatters insoilplantsplantdiseases insectsweedsplantnutritionmanagementofplant pests and plant nutrition In the agriͲbusiness curriculum participants learned postharvesthandlinggradingorganic certificationmarketingand farmproductionplanningandmanagement Both experiential learning and classroom instruction proved invaluable Themajorityofthesefamiliesremainsuccessfultodaymorethan5yearsaftertheprogramendedTrainingslikethisgivefarmersthenecessarytoolstorunasuccessfulagribusinessUHͲCTAHRcontinues toassistby focusingon teachingbeginning farmersasaway to cultivate thenextgenerationoffarmersandreversethenationwidetrendofanagingfarmingpopulationSust`ĈinableMolokaihasalso focusedoncomplementing thisworkbybringingpermaculture(ecologicalfarming)inpartnershipwiththePermacultureResearchInstituteUSAtointerestedlocal adults and homesteaders to farm responsibly and sustainably From herewersquove beenteachingsustainablefarmingstrategiestoanestimated100MolokaiHighSchoolstudentsandinstallingthefeaturesofaminiͲahupua`aasademonstrationandteachingtoolIt is recommended that tobuilda strong farmingcommunity in thenextgenerationwewillneedtotakeproactivestepsnowandstartpreparingnewfarmersearlyonfromgradeschoollevel with school gardens up through middle and high school as youth begin to exploreagricultureasacareerGeneralagricultureclassescanbesupplementedwithacurriculumthatincludes financial literacyentrepreneurshipbusinesshomeeconomicshealthandnutritionscience (biology ecology chemistry conservation) and engineering aspects From herestudentswill be able to understand agriculture from diverse viewpoints and disciplines anddevelopdifferentskills required foroperatingasuccessful farmenterprise Creatingadirectbridge tohighereducation throughcollegeandcareerpathway ladderprogramsavailableat
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 58
UHMCMolokaiandotheruniversityinstitutionsisidealOnefarmerwhohasastrongbusinessbackgroundandwasabookkeeperformanyyearspriorto farming recommended that youngpeople take courses inbookkeeping and accounting inadditiontoagricultureclassesPerhaps thegreatestways to impart farmingknowledge isbetween farmers SeveralofourfarmersthatweinterviewedindicatedthattheylearnbestfromeachotherandthatthereisadesiretoserveasmentorsfornewfarmerswholackexperienceThisisfeltparticularlyamongMolokairsquoshomesteadfarmersOnefarmerremarkedontheverycloseͲknitcommunityformedonthehomesteadandthatmosthavethesamemindsetthatldquonewopportunitiesforoneareopportunities for allrdquo As a group they rely on each other to share farming techniquesinformation on new equipment and promote their produce together Rarely is therecompetitionamongsthomesteadersbutadesire todemonstrate thatagriculture isa viableeconomicenginefortheislandOtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchersThereareanumberofincentiveprogramsthatassistfarmersranchersandlandownersiftheychoosetointegrateconservationandsustainablepracticesintheiroperationsThisisonewaythat Molokai producers can access critical funding and work with conservation expertsIncentive Programs through the US Department of Agriculture include the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service (NRCS) ndashMolokaiͲLanai Soil ampWater Conservation District(SWCD) which prepares local conservation and watershed management plans providesconservationeducationandpropagatesnativeplantstorestoreHawaiianecosystemsassistsfarmersand ranchers inanumberof federalFarmBillPrograms thatprovides incentives forvoluntary conservation practices to help reduce erosion protect streams and rivers restoreandestablishfishandwildlifehabitatandimproveairqualityo EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)respondstoimportantlocallyidentified
natural resource concerns Funds cover conservationplanningdesignand installation Itmayincludestrategiessuchasnoxiousweedcontrolbrushmanagementpasturehaylandplantingterracesandgroundcover
o GroundampSurfaceWaterConservation (GSWC) supports installationof irrigation related
conservation practices Strategies funded arewater catchment basinsmicroͲirrigationroofrunoffetc
o GrasslandReserveProgram(GRP)assistslandownersandoperatorsintherestorationand
protectionofgrasslandincludingrangelandandpasturelando WildlifeHabitat IncentiveProgram (WHIP) utilized for thecreationand improvementof
fish and wildlife habitat on private land Some practices funded include developingwetlandripariananduplandareas
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 59
o Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) wetland restoration enhancement or creation on
privatelando FarmampRanchlandProtectionProgram(FRPP)helpingstatetribalorlocalgovernmentto
purchasethedevelopmentrightstokeepproductivefarmandranchlandinagriculturaluseo Conservation Security Program (CSP) rewards farmers for protecting and improving the
environment Pays producerswho historically practice good stewardship on agriculturallandsandprovidesincentives
OtherprogramsadministeredthroughNRCSanditsaffiliatesincludeo AgriculturalDevelopment Program (ADP) provides funds to Resource Conservation and
DevelopmentCouncils throughout the nation to administer grants for community drivenprojectsthatpromoteagriculturaldevelopment
o Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) stimulates the development and adoption of
innovativeconservationapproachesand technologieswhile leveraging federal investmentinenvironmentalenhancementandprotectioninconjunctionwithagriculturalproduction
o CooperativeEcosystemStudiesUnit(CESU)provideopportunitiesforinterdisciplinaryand
multiͲagency research technical assistance and education Function as ldquovirtualrdquoorganizationslinkingseveralinstitutionstoincreaseaccesstoexpertiseandfacilities
ImproveRanchingPracticesampMaximizeUseampPotentialofSlaughterhouseThebroaderimpactfortheislandinhavingitsownslaughterhousethemostadvancedfacilityin theStateofHawaii is the revitalizationofMolokairsquos ranching industryWherequalityandincreased volume are paramount ranchers with the right tools may take advantage ofconsumer trends towards making healthier food choices through offering MolokaiͲgrowngrassͲfedorganicbeefasavalueͲaddednicheproduct
TherehavebeencriticismsaboutthequalityofMolokaibeef intermsoftaste Whilevisitorsandhealthconsciousindividualstendtobemorewillingtospendupto$5lbonlocalgrassfedbeeftheaverageMolokaiconsumertendstobemoreconcernedabouttasteAccordingtotheslaughterhousemanagerhighqualitypastureyieldshighqualitybeefandisapreͲrequisiteforenteringanichemarket Ranchersherearenot focusedongrass finishing theircattle HighqualitygrassgrownunderbestmanagementpracticesisneededtocreateagreatbeefproductItwill take time for the ranching industry to see the valueof adopting greatermeasures inalignmentwithorganicranchingpreceptstocaptureanichemarket
Venisonand lambshowmarketpotential Itwillbe interestingtotracktheprogressofthese
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 60
potential enterprises in the years ahead It is recommended thatMolokairsquos stateͲofͲtheͲartslaughterhousebeutilizedtoprocessanddistributemore localmeatandavarietyofanimalsforretailprocessingaswellasvalueͲaddedfooddevelopmentAdditionallythepossibilityandrequirements for processing goat through the slaughterhouse and the potentialmarket fortheseanimals shouldbe furtherexploredasaway toget feralgoats (andmoredeer)downfromthemountainasathreattouplandnativeforestsandontotheplateWemustbegintolookatwaystoturnthreatsintoopportunities
SustainableRanchingThe community has identified as a priority the support of ldquocontinued livestockͲraisingoperationsonMolokaithatusesustainablelandwatermanagementpracticestominimizetheriskoferosionandtoprotectMolokairsquoslimitedwaterresourcesrdquo94Sust`ĈinableMolokaihasbeenresearchingwaystobringthetoolsofHolisticManagementtoMolokai ranchers Theholisticmanagement framework touchesupon theways thatanimalscan play an important role in renewing the land through careful management andunderstandingthewatercyclemineralcycleenergyflowandecosystemdynamics Throughthismethodgrasslandscanbe improved tominimizenegativeeffectsofdroughtrebuildsoilandsequestercarbonaswellasprovidegoodpastureforhoovedanimalswhoareintegratedinto themanagement plan With holisticmanagement livestock actually provide a healingeffectonthelandthroughmimickingnatureandwildherdingbehaviorAnimalscanbeutilizedtoaerate the soilandaid in theplantingofgrass seedwith theirhooveswhilecontributingnutrientstothesoilfromtheirfeceswithhighdensitygrazingforshortperiodsfollowedbyarestorativeperiod Outcomesof this sustainablewayofmanagement include reduced costsand increased profits for the ranch more productive range land biologically active soilsreversal of desertification of eroded lands drought protection restorative effect on thewatershedimprovedwildlifehabitatandecosystemsandfoodsecurityRanchersaroundtheworldhavemetwithgreatsuccessthroughthismethodTherearesomeexamplesontheBigIslandofsuccessfulranchingwithHolisticManagementprinciplesWithappropriateplanningcollaboration and raising the necessary funds Sust`ĈinableMolokai would like to bring aHolisticManagementtrainingworkshoptoassisttheranchingcommunityStrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparednessOne farm business Kumu Farms has taken an active role in responding to food securityconcernsforMolokaiKumuFarmsaftertherecenttsunamiscarebegantoconsiderhowtheycouldhelpinincreasingMolokairsquosfoodsecurityandresiliencetodisastereventsKumuFarmsadoptedapolicy thatmakesMolokai firstpriority in termsof supplying the islandrsquosproduceneedsMolokaineedsaretakencareoffirstwiththesurplusexportedtotherestoftheStateandUSmainland
94MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 61
UH CTAHRwill be providing an `Ohana Gardening class for subsistence gardening Familygardens are the bestway to provide food security There is a phrase by Geoff Lawton arenowned permaculture teacher ldquoOne can solve all problems in a gardenrdquo In a gardendistributionandtransportationissuesareautomaticallyresolvedOthermeasuresthatcanbetaken to make food readily accessible to families and minimize the amount of time andresources to travel by foot is toworkwith families to plant breadfruit trees sweet potatobananaswet or dryland taroMany Hawaiian families particularly living on kuleana landsalreadyhavetheseplantsandtrees inthegroundasdirectbeneficiariesoftheirkupunawhocommonlyprovidedforthefamilyrsquosneedsrightintheirownbackyardOne farmer would like to see food forests on the mountain sides in every ahupua`aCollaborationwith large landownerscommunitygroupsand theahaki`ole leadershipwouldbeagoodstartingpointtocoordinatethistypeofworkMolokairsquos strength also lies in its diversified agriculture and family farms The use of largeacreagesof farm land forbiotech seedcropsutilized for researchpurposesonly impacts theislandrsquos food security and ability to produce food Typical industrialmonocrop culture alsoleavestheislandmorevulnerabletomasscropfailureGreaterresilienceisfoundthroughdiversificationoffoodcropsReintroducingthepracticeofseedsavingandgrowingmanyvarietiesofheirloomseedsadaptedtospecificgrowingregionsand climate regimes is away to increase food security Greater effortmust be placed increatingaseedbankpreservingandplantingexistingseedvarietiesparticularlycreatedbytheearlyHawaiians and passed down to the present generation and cultivating new varietiesadaptedtoonersquosgrowingareaRestoration ofWaikolu Valley was identified as a priority project under theMaui CountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)processTherestorationprojectwouldentailallowinghomesteaderstorestorethetaroterracesinthevalleyandreplanttaro95Molokairsquosgreat inventoryoffishpondsandmassivefringingreefsystemarealsoassetstotheislandrsquosabilitytoproducefoodCaremustbetakentorestoreuplandforeststostopsiltationandrunoffintotheoceanandfishpondsWorkmustbeundertakentorestoremorefishpondsandputthembackintoproduction
95Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter4ndashMauiCountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy2010ShortRangePriorityProjectsp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 62
ConclusionFarming is challenging onMolokai due to limited water resources high operational costsshippinghurdlesandtheabilitytogeta fairprice forproduce farmed Thesechallengesarenot insurmountable ifapproachedsystematicallyandcontinuedeffortsandcommitmentsaremade byMolokairsquos community to support local agriculture through education and creatingstructuresthatpoolresourcesandpeopletogetherThe island ismadestrongerby theassetswehavearichcultural legacyof `Ĉinamomonaapopulation thatmaintains traditional subsistence practices and upholds agriculture as theeconomic mainstay for the island lands fishponds and reefs capable of producing vastamounts of food a strongHawaiianHomestead farming community engaged in diversifiedagriculture a college and demonstration farm that offers agriculture certificate and degreeprograms local stateͲofͲtheͲart slaughterhousea community run commercialkitchen facilityforvalueͲadded foodproductionand trainingdedicatededucatorsandagricultureextensionagents from the University to help farmers in the field and an environment that ismorecooperativethancompetitiveintermsofsharingknowledgeandbestpractices
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 63
VI APPENDICES
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sustrsquoaina ble Molokai Survey Food Production amp Security
Do you care or think about where your food comes from ___yes ___no Do you prefer to buy local Molokai food products __ yes ___no __no preference Would you eat more local food if it were available __yes __no If yes what would you like to eat or buy if made grown on Molokai_______________________________________________________________________________ Do you feel you have access to locally grown food in the grocery stores and open markets ___yes ___no If no
what do you suggest to improve this situation_______________________________________________________
Are you a farmer or interested in farming ____ yes ____no If yes how old are you_________________
If yes what do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other ________________________________
What produce do you (plan to) farm_______________ ______________________________________ How much land are you farming (or is available for you) a Less than one acre b 1 ndash 5 acres c 15 - 40 acres d 40 acres or more
Do you grow your own food (farm gardening) _____ yes ______no If no what is the primary reason for not
growing your own food __Too busy __ Not interested __ Relying on others __Disabled __ Donrsquot know
how Other Reason _____________________________
Approximately what percentage of the food you eat is Prepared at home ______ Purchased from a restaurant ______ (total should equal 100)
Of the food you prepare at home approximately what percentage is grown caught andor produced (total should equal 100)
a By you andor your family ______ b On Molokai_______ c In Hawaii ________ d Outside Hawaii________
Would you grow food for sale if there were a viable market (guaranteed customer) (or more food if you already grow)
__Yes __No What subsistence activities do you do If none why (no interest no time donrsquot know how)
aHunting b FishingDiving c Gathering (what___________________) Other ______________ None because _______________________
To practice subsistence on Molokai we need our natural resources to be in good conditionprotected and we need access Which one is a bigger concern for you ___Conditionprotection of our natural resources ___Access to natural areasresources ___Both ndash equally
Overall how important is subsistence to your family ___Very Important ___Somewhat important
___Somewhat Unimportant ___Not Important at all
About what percent of your familyrsquos food comes from subsistence activities (fishing hunting gathering raising
animals cultivation) ________
AppendixA-FoodProduc0onampSecuritySurvey
Food Production ndash Informant Interviews ndash Farmers
Sustainable Molokai is creating an online database where we are inputting information about the islandrsquos food production We want to share what you are growing as well as include your manarsquoo on the status of Molokairsquos food supply Once this information is available to the public the island community would have a picture of what is going on in terms of food security and how we can all get together to fill in the gaps and meet needs
How old are you how long have you been farming
What produce do you farm or are interested in farming How much land is available for you
What has been your best cash crop
Has farming your specific productproduce been successful
What do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other___________________________
Do you sell or plan to sell food mostly on island What is your vision for an agricultural future for this island
AppendixB-InterviewQues0onsforFarmers
Food Security Interview Questions for Businesses
Sustainable Molokai is working on a database project which is collecting information about Molokairsquos food production We are surveying the community and would like to talk story with the islandrsquos grocery stores
Out of a 100 how much percentage of what you sell out of the store is locally grownproducedmade
If itrsquos not Molokai made where does the produce come that is being sold out of the store
What Molokai madegrown products do you sell out of the store
What are the requirements for local food to be sold out of your store (eg business license)
What is the most popularsuccessful or fastest selling local product sold
What do you consider to be the challenges that farmers face on Molokai
What would you like to sell that is Molokai made
Do you have any suggestions to potential farmers food businesses on Molokai What to sell when to sell etc
AppendixC-InterviewQues0onsforBusinesses
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 8
1 Enjoyexceptionaltasteandfreshnesspremiumtastemaximumfreshnessproducepicked
andeatenclosertoitsheightofripenesspackedwithnutrients2 Strengthen your local economy and community buying local food keeps your dollars
circulatinginyourcommunityBuildingrelationshipswiththefarmerswhogrowyourfoodstrengthensyourtiestothecommunityandtheland
3 Helppreserveopen space by supporting local farmersbuying local foodhelpspreservegreenopenspaceinyourcommunity
Part of this campaign also acknowledges lessening the Statersquos ecological footprint anddependenceonfossilfuelsfromheavyimportsfromthemainlandthathavemoreldquofoodmilesrdquoassociatedwiththemascomparedtolocallypurchasedfoodDiversifiedAgriculture Hawai`irsquosagriculture industrycapitalizesonthe islandsrsquotropicalyearͲroundgrowingclimateanduniquefeaturesthatallowfornicheindustries17Moresmallfarmshave gained a foothold in the diversified agriculture sector through cultivation of specialtycropssuchastropical fruitsmacadamianutscoffee flowersand freshproducesoldaroundtheglobe18TheldquoGrowninHawai`irdquobrandingisrecognizedaroundtheworldasaguaranteeofhighqualitydelicacies19Hawai`iRegionalCuisinehasalsobecomeknownforitsutilizationofthe freshest seafoodveggiesand tropical fruits inaunique fusionofEastWestand islandflavors20
In2008farmproductionindiversifiedagricultureproduced12200jobsthroughouttheState21Proactive measures to revitalize Hawaiirsquos agriculture industry through diversification hasbroughtrevenuesthatarecomparabletotheStatersquosearlyheydayswhensugarandpineapplewereking In2002HawaiirsquosAgriculturalFarmRevenuecrossed$5359million22Diversifiedagricultureaccountsfor69ofannualrevenueswithpineapple(19)andunprocessedcanesugar(12)trailingbehind23
AgriͲTourism Agriculture is also proving important to tourism Hawai`irsquos top economicengine24VisitorinterestinecoͲtoursagriͲtoursandculturallyauthenticexperiencesisontherise25 In2006agritourismbrought in$388million in revenueas reportedby112Hawai`iͲ
17Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp1218HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday19HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday20HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday21Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter1ndash2010StatewideEconomicOverviewp2922ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200823ldquoDiversifiedAgricultureHawaiiproducessomeoftheworldrsquosmostvaluedagriculturalproductsrdquoEnterpriseHonolulu200824HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday25HowImportantisHawai`irsquosAgricultureTodayhttphawaiigovhdoaagͲresourcesagtoday
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 9
based farmsan increaseof14 from2003 figures ($339million)26The leadingcategoryofrevenuereceived fromagriͲtourswas$121million inonͲfarmdirectsalestovisitors27Otheractivitiesyieldingprofit includedbedandbreakfastamenitiesprovidingmeeting spacesandvenuesforeducationandentertainmentandoutdoorrecreation28
AgricultureonMolokaindashPasttoPresent
FromancienttimesMolokaiwaswellknownas`Ĉinamomona(theldquofatrdquoorabundantland)foritswealthasanislandthatproducedfoodinsurplusfromitsverdantahupua`aandnumerousfishponds As on all Hawaiian islands Molokairsquos people and the natural resources weremanagedundertheahupua`asystemTheahupua`awasaunitoflandtypicallywedgeͲshapedrunning frommauka tomakai (mountain tosea)and following thenaturalboundariesof thewatershedThesystemwascomprisedofwaoakua(sacredplaceofthegods)uplandforeststhatgatheredtherainsTheareawassubjecttolimiteduses(egforkiamanubirdcatcherstogatherfeathersforcloakshelmetsandkahiliforthekahunakĈlaiwa`atoharvestkoaforcanoebuilding)and forceremonialpurposes Themountain forestswerepreserved intacttoformandprotectthewatershedandcarrynutrientslowerdowntheahupua`aintowaokanaka(thepeoplersquosdomain)Herethepeoplewerefreetogatheravarietyofplantsfordailyneedshardwood ofthe kauila tocarve ihe(spears) andmake toolsandimplementsolonĈ tocreate strongcordage forfishnets andfish linesmedicinalherbs `ie`iefor lashinghouse postsand canoesand maile forleiThefertileplains and fields were known as the kula lands a place rich in agriculture These landscontainedancientfeatsofwaterengineeringcontouredterracingoffieldsplantedintarothatslowedthepathofthewaterandallowedformaximumsoakageThewatercollectedandfed
26GeislerMalindaldquoagritourismprofilerdquoAgMRCagriculturalmarketingresourcecenterUpdatedJanuary2012httpwwwagmrcorgcommodities__productsagritourismagritourismͲprofile27Geisler201228Geisler2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 10
numerousspringsbelow`Auwai(irrigationditches)transportedwaterfromkahawai(streams)tomultiple lo`i(taropatches)andreturnedthewateroncemoreto itssourceTarobanana`ulu(breadfruit)tileafkƃ(sugarcane)wereallcultivatedinthekularegionFaunaharvestedfrom streams included `o`opu (goby) `opae (shrimp) and hihiwai (snail) Grasslandswereconverted to agricultural fields of `uala (sweet potato) Other kinds of plants and treescultivated here included kukui (candlenut) `ohe (bamboo) and lauhala (pandanus) At thebottomofthevalleyspringscarryingnutrientsfromaboveflowedalongtheshorelineandseaHere loko i`a (fishponds)were constructed to farm fish Thesewalled fishponds form semiͲcirclesalongtheshorelineandaredesignedasmicroͲenvironmentsforcertainbrackishwaterand herbivorous fish likemullet and awa (milkfish) that feed on abundantmats of algaetherebyproducingfoodforthepeoplewithouthavingtoapplyexcessivefishingpressurealongthereefandopenoceanExistingwithintheahupua`awasastrictcodeofconduct(kapusystem)amongstthepeopleofthe land (hoa`Ĉina) as delegated and enforced by the ali`i (chiefs) and their konohiki (landagents)forthecarefulmanagementofthenaturalresourcesThehoa`Ĉinapossessedrightsofgathering and usage of the natural resourceswithin their ahupua`a of residencewith theunderstandingthattheyalsohadkuleana(responsibility)tomĈlama(carefor)thelandandseaandharvestappropriatelyfornomorethantheirneeds Theyengaged inpo`alimacollectiveworkdayswherethepeoplepooledtheir labortoengage inpublicworks improvementssuchas constructing additional lo`i and `auwai and building fishponds From the conscientiousmanagementof the landwatersand seaand themaintenanceofgenealogicaland spiritualrelationshipstothenaturalworldtheresourceswerebroughttoastateofabundanceTheahupua`asystemsustainedthepeopleforcenturiesUponCaptainCookrsquosarrivaltotheHawaiianislandsin1778heestimatedthepopulationtobebetween 20000 to 3600029 Introduced diseases for which the people had no immunitydecimatedthepopulationthroughouttheislandsBy1836Molokairsquospopulationhaddwindledtoanestimated8700andwasfurtherreducedto2307peoplebythetimeacensuswastakenneartheturnofthecenturyin189630Kamehamehabroughtabout theunificationofall the islandsunderoneKingdomofHawai`iWesterninfluencesandtheteachingsofChristianmissionariesbroughtaboutdecisionsamongtheali`itoabolishthekapusystem(1819)privatizeanddeconstructtheahupua`a(Maheleof1848)Whilethechiefsreceivedtheirapportionmentoflandsmanyhoa`Ĉinaoutofignorancetrust intheirchiefstocare fortheirwellͲbeingandgovern them justlyor for fearofreprisalfailed to register land claims to small kuleana parcels that would have kept them with acomfortablepieceoflandtomaintaintheir`ohana(family)withhale(home)andgardenplotsHawai`irsquosentry into the internationalmarket shifted the laborof themaka`Ĉinana (commonpeople) away from agriculture and towardsdeforestationof theupland forests to fulfill the
29MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml30MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 11
kingdomrsquos sandalwood tradewithChina Otherenterprises includedwhalingandplantationagriculture that brought immigrants from around theworld toHawai`irsquos shores and alteredwatershedsthroughthediversionofwatersfrom lushwindwardvalleystodry leewardplainsforthemassproductionofsugarcaneandpineappleWithoutwatertoirrigatetheirtarofieldsmanywere forced toabandon the lo`iandmake for thecityManyMolokai families left theisland insearchofwork inthemorecommercialcenters locatedonMauiandOahu31ThosewhostayedbehindmaintainedtheirconnectiontotraditionalpathwaysandsubsistencelivingEarlyunsuccessfulagriculture trialsonMolokai included sugar coffee sisalwhitepotatoescottoncorngrapesbeansbarleyoatswheatandalfalfa32Thesecropsfailedduetoheavywindsandinsects33TheareawiththegreatestpopulationconcentrationwaseastMolokaiTheeasternmostvalleyof Halawa Valley was rich in lo`i produced taro commercially and supported a thrivingcommunityuntiltwotsunamiin1946and1967devastatedthevalleyThecommercialcentersmovedtoPuko`oandthenKamalowhichheldanaturalharborforimportandexportofgoodsTheCooke family acquired the arid central andwestMolokaiplains aboutoneͲthirdof theisland These landsarenowownedbyMolokaiPropertiesLtdcommonlyknownasMolokaiRanchToattractcommercetoitslandholdingstheRanchdredgedaharborinKaunakakaiandconstructedawharf TodayKaunakakai servesas themaincenterofbusinesswithKamaloWharfhaving fallen intodisrepairandmuchof theareaemptiedof familiesTheRanchalsostrategically purchased lands thatwould give them riparian and correlative rights tomajorstreams and aquifer water in centralMolokai They diverted water to their westernmostpropertiesusedforcattleranchingMuch of their lands in Kualapu`u and Maunaloa were utilized by Dole and Del Montecompanies forpineapplecultivation34Thepineapple industryservedas theeconomicenginefortheislanduntilitphasedoutin1987duetocheaperlaborabroadTodaymanyofMolokaiRanchrsquoslandholdingsthatgrewpineapplearenowleasedforbiotechcornresearchandcoffeeproductionTheHawaiianHomesCommissionActameasuretorehabilitateNativeHawaiiansof50bloodquantumormorebyreturningthemtothe landtobuildhomesandfarmwaspassedbytheUS federal government in 1920Molokai served as the staging ground for the programrsquossuccess or failure Hawaiian Home lands were designated in the areas of Kapa`akeaKalama`ula Pala`au andHo`olehua andmore recentlyUalapu`e NativeHawaiian familiesfromneighboringislandscametoMolokaitobuildtheirhomesandmakethelandproductiveTheir early successes aided in the establishment ofmore homesteads on the other islandsWiththeinfluxofadditionalHawaiianfamiliesandJapaneseandFilipinoimmigrantstoworkinthepineapplefieldsMolokairsquospopulationhadincreasedto442735InrecentyearsMolokairsquos31MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml32MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml33MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml34MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml35MolokaiCommunityServicesCouncilhttpmolokaiorgaboutͲmolokaiindexhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 12
population has grown to include snowbirds and retirees from theUSmainland aswell asthose seeking amore quiet and rural lifestyle Today the population ofMolokai stands at7345
In 1987Molokairsquos livestock industrywas crippled by the StateDepartment of AgriculturersquosmandatetoeradicateallcattleontheislandduetothethreatofbovinetuberculosisAnotherheavyblowwasdealtattheclosureoftheoldslaughterhouse inKaunakakai Muchplanningfrom the grassroots level upwas undertaken to resolve this problem Commitments frommultiplecountystateandfederalpartnersinͲkindcontributionsbyvolunteermembersoftheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeandcountlessvolunteerhoursandservicesofferedbyvariouslocal businesses and individual residents led to the establishment of a new slaughterhousefacilitylocatedinHo`olehua
Erecting this stateͲofͲtheͲart facility represented a vehicle to facilitate the restoration ofMolokairsquos ranching industry and the ability for the island toproduce and sell itsownmeatRanchersandhomesteadfarmersnowhadavenuetoprocesstheiranimalsInadditiontothemoreestablishedranchesanestimated150Molokai familiesraise livestock largely forhomeconsumption With the adventof thenew slaughterhouse therearenowopportunities forthese small scale farmers to expand into commercial livestock production Stores andrestaurantsneednot import all theirmeat fromoffͲisland as theynowhave access to localmeatMoniesgeneratedcouldbenefitthecommunitydirectlyThe introduction of hooved animals toMolokai has devastated the natural ecology of theislandCattleranchingferaldeerandgoathaveerodedthelandHeavyrainstransporttonsofsilteachyearontoMolokairsquosreefsandfishpondsIntroducedmangrovehavealsodestroyedasignificant percentage of Molokairsquos fishponds Mangroves encroach and break throughfishpond walls trap sediments and choke off underwater springs such that the watercirculationandecologyarenolongerviableforfishproductionDespite thesehardshipsand setbacksover theyearsagriculture remains the cornerstoneofthe islandrsquoseconomyMolokairsquos ruralcharacter lends toacloseͲknit communitywithpeoplewhoperpetuate strong cultural values traditional subsistence and selfͲreliance Thepeopleembrace local autonomy and are very involved in local governing processes AgriculturenonprofitssmallbusinessenterprisesandlocalmomandpopstoresarethefoundationofthelongͲtermeconomyonislandMuchofthesocialculturalandserviceorientedprogramsarealsogeneratedfromthegrassroots locallevelthroughtheworkofchurchgroupsnonprofitsandunincorporatedhuiDuringtheFocusMauiNuiproceedings in2003MauiMolokaiandLana`iresidentsgatheredtostrategicallyplanafutureforMauiCountyThe120MolokaiparticipantsoutlinedchallengestheyfacedasacommunityandprovidedstrategiesandactionplanstoaddressthemMolokairesidents identified top five community priorities which included inter alia creating jobs(409) strengthening the economy (296) growingmore food locally (217) protectingandpromotingruralidentity(191)andsupportingsmallbusinessdevelopment(130)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 13
TheMaui CountyWorkforce Investment Board (WIB) Local Plan provides an Assessment ofLaborMarketTrendstodevelopaComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategyovera10yearspanOneofWIBsgoalsistofocusondiversifyingtheeconomyincludingtheagriculturalsectorandldquonicheareasrdquoTheplanrecognizestheneedforexpansioninvalueͲaddedopportunitieswhichemphasize the uniqueness ofMaui Nui The increased production andmarketing of newagricultureproductshaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketsTheplanalso identifiesentrepreneurshipasan importantgrowtharealdquoThedevelopmentofentrepreneurshipskills is importanttothesuccessofMaui [Countyrsquos]smallbusinesses Datacollected by the Department of Business Economic Development amp Tourism and otherorganizationssuggestmoreandmoreresidentsaretakingtoselfͲemploymentForMolokaiasignificant number of new business startͲupswithin the past decade have been agriculturalenterprises(36total)particularlyfromtheHawaiianHomesteadareainHo`olehua36TheMolokai Education Centers Business Plan (2007) acknowledges the islands diversifiedagricultureindustryasamajorcontributortoMolokaiseconomywithroomforfuturegrowthAreas for future growth include valueͲadded food product development as a nichemarketMECsBusinessPlanaddsthatagriculturalcourseofferingsatthecollegeandrelevanttrainingwillplayasignificantroleinpreparingtheworkforceforadiversifiedeconomyWhile community and countyplanningobjectives clearly identify agriculture asaneconomicmainstay forMolokaiacomprehensiveprofileofMolokairsquosagriculture industryhasnotbeenfullyanalyzedOne of the objectives of this Needs Assessment is to determinewhereMolokai fits in theoverall Statewide picture for agriculture Has Molokai experienced similar successes andchallenges that farmers on the other islands face What are the strengths and assets ofMolokairsquos agricultural community aswell asneeds challenges andopportunities What isworkingandwhatisnrsquotWhataretheperceptionsoflocalconsumersWhatisthedemandforlocalMolokai grownproducemeat and seafood Howmany are farming What isbeingfarmedandwhereWhatarethelimitingfactorstofarmingonMolokaiIstherecommunitysupportforlocalfarmersDostoresandrestaurantsonMolokaihavestrongrelationshipswithlocal farmers and make priority for their produce and valueͲadded items How can westrengthenagricultureonMolokaiHowfoodsecureisMolokaiThesearethequestionsthatwesetouttoanswerthroughtheneedsassessment
36AkutagawaMalialdquoKƻha`oBusinessCenterndashEntrepreneurialTrainingampSupportFinalReportrdquoMarch312009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 14
III METHODS
Weadoptedthefollowingmethodsandstrategies An islandwidesurveyonfoodproductionandsecuritystartedfromFebruary27toMarch
272012(SeeAppendixforSurveyFormandResultsAnalysisSummary) Twohundredeight (208)surveyswerecompletedbytheadultmembers (overtheageof
18)ofthegeneralMolokaipopulationbringingoursamplepopulationat39Molokairsquosadultpopulationisat5401outofatotalislandpopulationof7345
Target SampleSizeADULTPOPULATION(Individualsover18
yearsofage)
208
Surveysweremadeavailableatvariouscommunity resourcecentersaswellasonlinevia
ourwebsiteEmailalertsandFacebook invitationsweremade for the tech savvy GivenMolokairsquos rural character and varying levels of knowledge and exposure of the generalpopulation to technology themost effectivemethod for data collection proved to bethroughdirectphysical inquiriesRespondentsweremost receptive toour surveyswhenofferedatourmultiplesurveytablesplaced inpublicareasparticularlystrategic locationsof commerce such as sidewalks fronting grocery stores and during various communityevents
Atotalof36 interviewswereconductedwithagricultureexpertsandeducators (3)small
andmediumͲscalefarmersandCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)operatorsgrowingdiversifiedandorganiccrops(14)deerandcattleranchers(3)fishermenandaquacultureproducers (3) localgroceryandhealth foodstores (5)meatprocessorsandvalueͲaddedfoodproducers(4)hotelandrestaurants(3)andother informants(1)(SeeAppendixforInterviewQuestionsandResultsAnalysis)
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 15
Keyinterviewinformantsincluded
AgricultureExpertsampEducators
GlennTevesMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureampHumanResources(UHͲCTAHR)ph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJenniferHawkinsMolokaiCooperativeExtensionAgentUHͲCTAHRph(808)567Ͳ6929molokaictahrhawaiieduJamesBoswellCertifedOrganicInspectorandAgricultureInstructorUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollegendashMolokaiFarmph(808)567Ͳ6577boswelljhawaiiedu
FarmersndashDiversifiedampOrganicCropsCastleAdolphoHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerof`inaKulaniFarmsHo`olehuaKimoKaiamaHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKaiamaFarmsHo`olehuaRickTamanahaofKaleikoaFarmsHawaiianHomesteadFamilyFarmHo`olehuaKalaniHanHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofKuikamokuFarmsHo`olehuaTuddiPurdyHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm(808)567Ͳ6601wwwmolokaiͲalohacommacnutsJaneTevesHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofHuaKalaFarmHo`olehuaLynnDeCoiteHawaiianHomesteadFarmerandOwnerofLampRFarmHo`olehuandashMahana(808)567Ͳ9234wwwlandrfarmscomKu`uleiArceofArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamShariLynofMali`oFarmandExecutiveDirectorofKaHalePomaika`iKamaloandUalapu`eEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8107httpwwwlocalharvestorgmalioͲfarmͲorganicallyͲgrowingͲonͲmolokaiͲM11205EllenSpruanceOwnerofPapaoHakuFarmMapulehuandKumimiEastMolokaiJamieRonzelloCSAOperatorMahanaGardensJoeKennedyPermaculturistMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanaEmanuelaVinciguerraMarketingDirectorofKumuFarmsMolokaiAgricultureParkndashMahanawwwkumufarmscom
RanchersEdmundPedroOwnerofPedroRanchEastMolokaiJanRoneyManagerofPu`uOHokuRanchEastMolokai(808)558Ͳ8109wwwpuuohokucomfarmDesmundManabaOwnerofDJCRanchIncHo`olehuandashMahana
FishermanAquacultureProducerDedrickManabaFishermanKaunakakaiSteveChaikinOwnerofMolokaiSeaFarmPala`au(808)553Ͳ3547wwwbroodstockcomMyronAkutagawaandShermanNapoleonJrKeKua`ĈinaHanaunaHouPuko`oEastMolokai
MeatProcessorValueͲAddedProducersJackSpruanceDirectorofMolokaiLivestockCooperative(MolokaiSlaughterhouse)Ho`olehuaBrendaKaneshiroBeekeeperandOwnerofMolokaiMeliKamaloEastMolokai(800)434Ͳ2550NancyGoveSaltMasterandOwnerofPacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ8484wwwpacificahawaiicomChrisMebileChongrsquosPoiShopKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ4313
GroceryStoresCrystalIgusaandStaffFriendlyMarketCenterKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5595KevinMisakiofMisakirsquosGroceryKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ5505DennisTurnerOwnerofOutpostNaturalFoodsKaunakakai(808)553Ͳ3377SonyaYuenOwnerofKualapu`uMarketKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ6243NaniPeleManagerofMaunaloaGeneralStoreMaunaloa(808)552Ͳ2346
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 16
HotelampRestaurants
TinaPriceManagerofKualapu`uCookhouseKualapu`u(808)567Ͳ9655GenePikeExecutiveChefatHulaShoresRestaurantHotelMolokaiKamiloloa(808)553Ͳ5347httpwwwhotelmolokaicomKerrieFeltCoͲOwnerofMolokaiBurger(808)553Ͳ3533wwwmolokaiburgercom
OtherInformantsByronEspaniolaAhaMokuRepresentativeforKaluakoiMaunaloa
WewereunsuccessfulinsecuringaninterviewwithMonsantoasthelargestemployerand
agricultureoperationonMolokai Our repeated inquiries remainedunanswered TherewereadditionalMolokaigrowersranchersaquacultureoperators fishermenstoresandrestaurantsthatwewantedto interviewbut inthe interestofgeneratingthisreport inatimelymannerwewereunabletofullymeetthisobjective
Findings were also supplemented through research of existing literature of global
statewideandMolokaiͲspecificagriculturefactsandtrendsAreviewofcurrentandpriorcommunityͲbased planning economic education and training initiatives in support ofagriculturewerealsoexaminedThesearereferencedthroughoutthedocument
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 17
IV KEYFINDINGS
Thissectionhasbeenorganizedintothefollowingcategories LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFood AvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProducts MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgriculture
Producers Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengths
NeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities AddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityandDisasterPreparedness LocalMolokaiConsumerPerspectivesandPracticesonFoodAccesstoLocallyGrownFoodWeaskedMolokairesidentsiftheyfeltaccesswasavailabletolocallygrown food in the localgrocery storesandopenmarkets78of those surveyed felttheyhaveaccesswhile13felttheydidnotAwarenessPreferenceandDemandforLocallyGrownFood
Doyoucareorthinkaboutwhereyourfoodcomesfrom
DoyouprefertobuymorelocalMolokaifoodproducts
Wouldyoueatmorelocalfoodifitwereavailable
98ofthosesurveyedwouldeatmorelocalfoodifitwasavailablewhile1wouldnot
90ofthosesurveyedprefertobuylocalMolokaifoodproductswhile2donot
94 of the sample populationcarethink about where theirfood comes from while 5 donot
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 18
QuestionWhatwouldyouliketoeatorbuyifitwasmadeorgrownonMolokai
TheMolokaipopulationwantstoeatasmuch Molokai made products aspossible Fresh vegetables and fruitsranked the highest Specificallymentioned items were kalo (taro)sweet potato brussel sprouts bittermelon cabbage olives pumpkinasparagus corn lettuce tomatoesbroccoli cucumber eggplant squashzucchini beans carrots onion garlicginger spinach melons watermelonspears strawberries and persimmonsMeat products included requests for
fishchickenporkandbeefValueaddedproductrequestsincludedhamburgersausagetofupoibutterand jamRequestswerealsomade fordairyproducts likemilkeggscheeseandgoatcheeseWhile 90 of those surveyed stated theywould buymore local food if itwas available itappearsthatsomerespondents(25people)feltthattherewasnrsquotenoughdemandonislandforlocalproduceandthatlikelyposedachallengetoMolokaifarmersWequeriedMolokairesidentsonwhattheywouldliketoseeintermsofimprovingagricultureonMolokaiandincreasingtheiraccessascustomerstolocalfoodsTheseweresomeoftheirresponses
ldquomoresupportforlocalfarmersrdquoldquo(createa)betterfarmersmarketrdquoldquobybuyinglocalrdquoldquothatstoresbuyandsellmorelocalproducerdquoldquocoͲopͲonedistributorrdquoldquolabelgmoandorganicproductssoweknowrdquo
SubsistenceWealso surveyed theMolokaipopulation todetermine someof theirpracticesaroundfoodpreparationandwhatpercentageoftheirfoodcamefromdifferentsources AswehadsurveyedMolokairsquosfarmingcommunityandanalyzedthebehavioroftheislandrsquosmaingrocerystoresonwhatitemstheyselectedtosellwewantedtoknowiftheremightbeadirectcorrelationbetweenconsumerdemand for localproductsand levelofselfͲsufficiencyamongthegeneralpopulationtoengageinsubsistenceactivitiesWe foundthatanaverage825ofthosesurveyedpreparetheir foodathomewhile174mainlyeatrestaurantͲpreparedfoods
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 19
QuestionOfthefoodyouprepareathomeapproximatelywhatpercentageisgrown
caughtandorproduced
Fromoursurveyresponsestowhatpercentageoffoodpreparedathomecamefromwhatwasgrowncaughtandorproducedby individuals themselvesonMolokai ingeneralwithin theStateofHawai`ioveralland fromoutsideofHawai`iwe found that residentsaccessed foodfromthesemultiplesourcesatanearequalratewitharangeof236to272 fromeachsourceItisinterestingtonotethat246ofthefoodpreparedintheaveragepersonrsquoshomecame frompersonal subsistence activities The figure of 272 of locally grown caught orproducedfoodsmay includebothofwhat isavailable inMolokaistoresaswellaswhatmighthave been bartered or shared by otherMolokai residents as a result of their subsistenceactivities Whenaskeddirectlywhatpercentageof food consumed comes from subsistenceactivitiesanaverageof401camefromitemsthatwerefishedhuntedgatheredraisedorgrown (to includeonersquospersonalharvestsand foodsacquiredandsharedbarteredbyothersalsoengagedinsubsistence)Thusitwouldmakesensethatcombiningthetwofiguresinthegraphaboveofpreparedfoodsgrowncaughtandorproducedbytheindividualsthemselves(246) andwhatwas acquired generally fromMolokai resources (272) either shared byothers or bought directly from the store the cumulative total being 518 one mayextrapolatefromthisdatathatthedifferencebetween518and401being117maybethe amount of locally produced foods sold in Molokairsquos stores When polled as to theimportance of subsistence activities in their lives 72 of the respondents said itwas veryimportant to them Of the13who responded that theydonotengage inany subsistenceactivitylackoftimewascitedasthegreatestreasonwhytheydidnottakepartinsubsistenceIn comparing our general data on subsistencewith the results presented in theGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReport37in1993wefoundthatsubsistencemaybeplayingan
37MatsuokaJonDaviannaMcGregorLucianoMinerbiMaliaAkutagawaGovernorrsquosMolokaiSubsistenceTaskForceReportMolokaiDepartmentofBusinessEconomicDevelopmentandTourism1993
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 20
even bigger role today than it did two decades ago Loss of jobs and the global economicdownturnmaybecontributingfactors
SubsistenceFactors 1993 2012Estimatedtotalpercentageoffoodthatcomesfromvarioussubsistenceactivities
28 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored38 Ͳ for Native HawaiianMolokaifamilies50 Ͳ 54 respondents out of241surveyed
40 Ͳ for Molokai familiesoverallracenotfactored
Overall importance ofsubsistence to Molokaifamilies
51Ͳveryimportant25Ͳsomewhatimportant11Ͳsomewhatunimportant32Ͳnotatallimportant
72Ͳveryimportant21Ͳsomewhatimportant1Ͳsomewhatunimportant2Ͳnotatallimportant
From this information though not as comprehensive and rigorous in its exploration ofsubsistence on Molokai as the 1993 Task Force Report we are assured that subsistencecontinuestobeanimportantpartofMolokairsquosfamiliesandoveralleconomyFiftyͲthreepercent (53)ofour respondents stated that they grow theirown food throughfarmingorgardeningWhenpolledastothekindsofsubsistenceactivitiestheytypicallyengageinrespondentsidentifiedthefollowing
HUNTING 39ofthosesurveyedhunt(axisdeerwild
piggoat)FISHINGampDIVING 57ofthosesurveyedfishordive
GATHERING 32gather(limuopihicrabpipipilĈrsquoau
harsquoukersquouke)asasubsistenceactivity
OTHER 4citedamixtureofraisinglivestock
sharingandtradingfoodasasubsistenceactivity
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 21
ThefactthatsubsistenceremainsasignificantcontributortohowMolokaifamiliesacquiretheirfoodthisinturnmayalsoaffectlocalmarketbehaviorintermsofwhatlocallyproduceditemsareplacedonstoreshelvesandwhetherMolokai farmersandproducers find itnecessary toprovideasignificantvolumeoffoodforthelocalMolokaimarketAvailableMolokaiProduceMeatSeafoodandValueͲAddedProductsWewerepleasedtofindthatMolokairsquosagricultureindustryisquitediverseandhostsanumberof small family farms both on the Hawaiian Homestead in Ho`olehua and also dotting thelandscape inMana`eEastMolokai Duringour interviewsweasked farmers ranchersandaquaculturistswhatcropsandvalueͲaddedproducts theycultivatedprocessedvalueͲaddedandsoldandwhatweretheirprimarymarketsWealsocombedtheinternetandlearnedbywordofmouthofotheragribusinesses The following tableprovides for the readeranatͲaͲglancelistofgrowersonMolokaiandwhattypesoffoodandproductsareavailableonislandItalsolistsprimarylocalaswellasoffͲislandmarketsProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldMeatsampEggs
MolokaiGrassFedBeef PedroRanchPu`uOHokuRanchKualapu`uRanchPohakuloaRanch
ProcessedandsoldbySlaughterhouse(MolokaiLivestockCooperative)toMolokaiBurgerFriendlyMarketCenterKualapu`uMarketKualapu`uCookhousePu`uOHokuRanch
Venison DJCRanchLLC NotsoldSharedonlywithcustomersonformalhuntsandMolokaifamiliesforsubsistence
Lamb(freerange) KalapanaandDeeannaKeli`iho`omalu
PilotphaseProcessedatMolokaiSlaughterhouseSoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketCenterandMisakirsquos
FreeRangeEggs Davis`ohana MolokaiMinimartMana`eGoodsampGrindzotherMolokaigrocerystores(notebecamemorepopularandvisibleinstoresaftermainlandeggswererecallednationwideforbacterialcontamination)
DuckEggs WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SeafoodFishndashakutunaakuleopakapakaahionomahimahionaga
Variouscommercialfishermen5onisland
DirectCustomerSalesOffͲIslandWholesalerDistributor(forhotelsandrestaurants)
Shrimp KeawaNuiFarms(808)558Ͳ8931httpwwwkeawanuifarmscomMolokaiSeaFarms
FriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosOffͲIslandOnlineSalesforShrimpBroodstock
SeaweedLimuOgo(Gracilaria) KeawaNuiFarmMolokaiSeaFarms
MisakirsquosOffͲIsland
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 22
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲ
AddedProductsFarmerRancherProducer StoreOutlets
OtherPlacesSoldGreensampOtherVegetables
Lettuces KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(808)558Ͳ8306
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Kale WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
MustardCabbage Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BokChoy ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamMali`oFarm
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
Chinesecabbage ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistArugula WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
KumuFarms
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsales
SwissChard JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomatillo JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tomato ArcersquosFarmKimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sweetcorn ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistChinesePeas ArcersquosFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SoyBeans JamieRonzello(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
BlackBeans Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraising
GreenBeans ArcersquosFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
GreenOnion KuikamokuFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
AllMolokaigrocerystoresCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Radish KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Beets KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 23
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
GreensampOtherVegetablesBrocolli ArcersquosFarm DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistEggplant ArcersquosFarm
Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
DirectsalestocustomersviaemaillistTherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Carrots JamieRonzello(CSA)WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
SweetPotatoSweetPotatoChips
LampRFarm VariouslocalMolokaistores8tonsshippedweeklyoffͲisland
YamsYamChips(indevelopmentphase)
TuipulotuFarm
Tarondashregularandcertifiedbiodynamicdifferentvarietiesdryandwetlu`auleaf
`inaKulaniFarmsKaiamaFarmsKimMarkhamPapaoHakuFarm
FriendlyMarketCenterdirectsalestocustomersCertifiedbiodynamictarosoldoffͲislandathealthstoreoutlets
Avocado PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm558Ͳ8383httpwwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Organicginger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲIslandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Organicturmeric PapaOHakuFarm NotsoldMedicinaluseAwa Pu`uOHokuRanchKaiamaFarms DirectsalestocustomersChiliPepper Mali`oFarm TherapeuticFarmndashproduceshared
withclientsintreatmentandforclientfundraising
HerbsampSpicesBasils(ItalianThai) KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm
(CSA)JamieRonzello(CSA)DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanadaCommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Thyme JamieRonzello(CSA)KumuFarms CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dill KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Oregano KimMarkhamKumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
ItalianParsley KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 24
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
HerbsampSpicesChineseParsley KimMarkhamMali`oFarmWaialua
Permafarm(CSA)CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Cilantro KimMarkhamWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)KumuFarms
CommunityͲSupportedAgriculture(CSA)ndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveriesDirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Rosemary KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Spearmint KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Lavender KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Savory KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Sage KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
Cinnamon PualaniOMolokaiMana`eGrownFarm(808)553Ͳ8383wwwlocalharvestorgpualaniͲoͲmolokaiͲmanaeͲgrownͲfarmͲM21752
Vanilla PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Cacao PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
FruitsampNutsOrange Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Tangerine Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 25
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
FruitsampNutsLimes Mali`oFarm
WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentwithremaindersoldbyclientsforfundraisingCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Papayandashconventionalandorganic
KaiamaFarmsKaleikoaFarmsHuaKalaFarmNoahKuohaKumuFarmsMali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
VariouslocalMolokaistoresexportedthroughoutHawaiianislandsWholeFoodsoutletsMainlandUSandCanadaCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Watermelon `AinaKulaniFarm DirectsalestocustomersBananaAppleBanana HuaKalaFarm`AinaKulaniFarms
KumuFarmsWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)
Kualapu`uMarketOutpostFriendlyMarketCenterMisakirsquosCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Rambutan WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
JackFruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Mango Mali`oFarmWaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
TherapeuticFarmndashproducesharedwithclientsintreatmentandsoldbythemCSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Soursop WaialuaPermafarm(CSA)PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Dragonfruit WaialuaPermafarm(CSA) CSAndashsubscriptionboxpickͲupanddeliveries
Strawberry PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
Lychee PualaniOMolokaiManarsquoeGrownFarm
MacadamiaNuts PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm DirectsalestovisitorsparticipatinginfarmtourMailorders
Coffee CoffeesofHawai`i(808)567Ͳ9490wwwcoffeesofhawaiicom
AllMolokaistoresonlineorders
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 26
ProduceMeatSeafoodValueͲAddedProducts
FarmerRancherProducer StoreOutletsOtherPlacesSold
ValueͲAddedProductsCilantroLimePesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaionlinesales
outletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
BasilMacadamiaNutPesto KumuFarms DirectsalesonMolokaioutletsthroughoutHawai`imainlandUSandCanada
PickledOrganicGinger PapaOHakuFarm OffͲislandhealthfoodstoresWholeFoods
Honey(premiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyhoneycombs)
MolokaiMeliKimMarkham
KumuFarmsOutpostNaturalFoodStore
Poi ChongrsquosPoiShop AllMolokaistoresKulolo `inaKulaniFarms DirectSalesTaroChips HuaKalaFarm NotenoughvolumetosellregularlyYamChips TuipulotoFarm StillindevelopmentstageBeeswaxCandlesChapstick MolokaiMeli KumuFarmsGourmetSeaSalt PacificaHawai`iSeaSalts
HawaiiKaiCorporationhttpwwwhawaiikaicocom
Pu`uOHokuRanchKumuFarmsKamakanaCountryStoreMolokaiWinesampSpiritsBlueMonkeyFriendlyMarketCenteroutletsthroughoutHawaiiStateandUSMainlandonlinesales
Other Tileaf KimMarkham KukuiStarters PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm Giventohomesteadersfor
reforestationinHo`olehuaFlowersgingerakulekulecigar
PurdyrsquosMacNutFarm ShippedleistooffͲisland
Tropicalflowers(variety) KuleanaWorkCenterwwwmolokaiflowerscom
OnlinesalesanddirectsalesatSaturdayOpenMarketdays
SeedsSeedbank Ka`anoTheMolokaiSeedProject553Ͳ4243
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 27
MolokaiProcessorsStoresandRestaurantNeedsandRelationshipswithLocalAgricultureProducers
Molokairsquos grocery stores and restaurants selllocallygrownharvestedandprocessed itemsAnaverageof2of locallygrownorMadeonMolokai products are sold in local grocerystores Some stores such asMisakirsquos carry ahigher percentage (15) ofMolokai produceThoseestablishmentsweinterviewedallstatedthat they want to sell everything that isMolokaimade PapayasweetpotatoChongrsquosPoicoffeeKanemitsubreadandKumuFarmspesto are the most common Molokai itemsfound in localstores Misakirsquostendstocarryagreater assortment of Molokai produce andvalueͲadded products in addition to thesecommon items Misakirsquos sells LampR sweetpotatochipsstringbeansbittermelonutongeggplant green onion lime and lemon FishalsoarepurchasedfromlocalfishermenSome stores and restaurants also purchaseMolokaigrass fedbeefprocessed through theislandrsquosslaughterhouseTheseordersarefilledonaconsistentbasisSmaller stores like Kualapu`u Market andMaunaloaGeneralStorethatdonotexperienceas much traffic as the grocery stores inKaunakakai have to concern themselves withhowquicklyanitemsellsForsomecustomersMolokaigrassfedbeefisanacquiredtasteandit may take a more conscientious eaterconsidering the health benefits of grass fedbeeftoappreciateitsflavorButiftheaveragecustomer does not appreciate these qualitiesandprefersacertaintasteofbeefthatshehasgrown accustomed to then the store risksspoilage The samegoes for fruits likemangothatripenquicklybutmaynotsellfastenough
especially sincemany families havemango trees in their own back yards For these smallstorescarryingitemsthatwillsellquicklyisimportantespeciallymeatandproducethathaveashort shelf life Kualapu`uMarket typically sellsMolokai coffee sweet potato chips poi
MOLOKAIESTABLISHMENTSSELLINGORSERVINGFOODampGROCERIES
ONMOLOKAIRESTAURANTSampFASTFOODCoffeesofHawaii 567Ͳ9655HulaShores(HotelMolokai)
553Ͳ5347
KanemitsuBakeryampRestaurant
553Ͳ5855
KualapursquouCookhouse 567Ͳ9655LittleGrassShack 553Ͳ5862MakarsquosCorner 553Ͳ8058ManarsquoeGoodznGrindz 558Ͳ8498MolokaiBurger 553Ͳ3533MolokaiDriveInn 553Ͳ5655MolokaiPizzaCafeacute 553Ͳ3288MolokaiRoastPorkHouse 553Ͳ9068MrsKrsquos 553Ͳ3201SundownDeli 553Ͳ3713LOCALGROCERYSTORESFriendlyMarketCenter 553Ͳ5595CPascuaStore 553Ͳ5443KamoisSnackNGo 553Ͳ5443KualapuuMarketLtd 567Ͳ6243MaunaloaGeneralStore 552Ͳ2346Misakis 553Ͳ5505MolokaiMiniMart 553Ͳ4447OutpostNaturalFoods 553Ͳ3377MolokaiWinesNSpirits 553Ͳ5009TheStoreHouse 553Ͳ3399KamakanaCountryStore 553Ͳ5725GASSTATIONSHayakuGasNGo 553Ͳ3444RawlinsChevronStation 553Ͳ3214ReferenceSustainableMolokaiResourceGuide2009
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 28
MolokaibreadandeggsMaunaloaGeneralStoremakesitapointtoacceptproducefromthecommunitygarden runby theKaHaleMua low incomehousing They typicallygrow stringbeans tomatoeseggplantand lettuce Maunaloa residentsarealsopermitted toutilize thefacilitytopreparemusubibentoandlocalplatelunchestosellpreparedfoodsaswellastheirartandcraftsatthefrontofthestoreOther locallyproduced items that someof the storeswould like to sell inmore volume aretomatoesbananasfishanddairyIfMolokaifarmerselectnottogroworsellcertainproduceor products to the local grocery stores the storeswill sell offͲisland produce (egManoalettuce Kula tomatoes etc) Sometimes they will also order items from as far away asCaliforniaorMexicotosatisfycustomerdemandsandpreferencesTherequirementsarenotoverlystringentforthelocalfarmertosellproduceandvalueͲaddedfoodstolocalgrocerystoresForsomestoreslikeFriendlyMarketindividualsmustpossessabusinesslicenseForotherstoresthatreceivesmallquantitiesoffreshproduceatatimetheydonotrequireproofofbusinesslicenseGrocery stores showcasing locally grown food feel cheated when farmers simultaneouslypeddletheirproduceonthestreetPricing isalsoan issue forMolokaistores Theywould like tobuymore locallygrown itemshowevertheycangetproducealotcheaperfromthemainlandForexampletheaveragecostofatomatothatislocallygrownis$2lbwhilestorescanacquiretomatoesfromthemainlandfor$1lbandpassthesavingsontothecustomerFriendlyMarkethasexpressedapreferenceforbuyingproduce from farmerswhohaveapricecostandplan (egthat identifiesspecificamountsofproducethatwillbeavailableandtheircost)toensureitemconsistencyinpricingandavailabilityIdeallystoreswanttosaveonpayingshippingcoststoimportfoodfromthemainlandandoffͲislandbyprovidingpreferenceforlocallygrownfoodsConsistencyisimportantforstorestocontinuecarryingspecificitemsprovidedbylocalfarmersandproducers Consistencywas citedbyevery store and restaurantwe interviewed as thenumberonechallengethatmostfarmersfaceinworkingwiththemMisakirsquoshasfoundawayaround this issue TheypurchaseMolokai fish caught and sold to theHonolulu fishmarketthroughadistributortheresothatcustomerscanstillbenefitfromeatingMolokaicaughtfishMisakirsquosalsoprefers tobuy fromanOahudistributor thatbuys thebulkof itsproduce fromMolokai farmers In thisway by buying in bulk through a distributorMisakirsquos is assured aconsistentproductTherearestoreswhospecificallyselect for localandorganic foodsaspartoftheirmarketingstrategy Onesuchstore istheOutpostNaturalFoodsStorewhichwillselleverythingthat isMolokaimade ConsumersexpecttopayaheftiergrocerybillastheyhaveanexpectationofbuyinglocalandpreferablyorganicallygrownandproducedfoodsOtheritemsthatcannotbesourced locallyorare in lessersupplyorforwhichthere isademandfor(egapplespearsandoranges)aresourcedfromthemainlandandsoldattheOutpost
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 29
We interviewed3restaurantsKualapu`uCookhouseHotelMolokairsquosHulaShoresrestaurantandMolokaiBurger Useofandemphasisonuseof localmeatseafoodandproducevariedTheKualapu`uCookhouseestimates that itutilizes1ofMolokaigrownproduceandvalueͲadded products in its dishes as it does not have strict requirements to do so It primarilypurchasesMolokailettucethroughKualapu`uMarketHotelMolokaiuses less than20 localproduceand seafood in itsdishesbutwould ideallyprefer toutilizeat least60of locallygrownandharvested foodson theirmenu ThehotelcurrentlybuyslocallygrownlettuceeggplantandpapayafromKumuFarmsandincorporatesthesefoods intotheirmenu Freshfish isthefastestandmostpopularselling itemanddoesnot requireapricecost listwhenbuying from fishermen Patronsbuy fishdishesatmarketprice Itwascommunicated thataschefs it is important toestablish relationshipswith localfarmersandacquirehighend itemsonaconsistentbasis Whathasbeenachallengeforthechefs at the hotel is figuring outwho is growingwhat and searching these farmers out toprovidetheproducemeatandseafoodtheyneedWhatwouldeasilyservethemwouldbeabrokeror localdistributor to takeon that typeofwork Currently theHotel is consideringsettingasidesomespaceonthehotelgroundsforanherbgardentoreadilysupplysomeofthekitchenrsquosneedswhileprovidingsomekindofyouthinternshipprogramtoinstallandmaintainthegardenMolokai Burger exclusively serves 100Molokai grass fed beef for its burgers and TuesdayMexican menu The restaurant purchases 240 pounds of Molokai beef from theslaughterhouse It receives positive customer feedback its loyal customers being especiallyhealth conscious individuals and local and nativeHawaiian activistswhomake it a point tosupportestablishments thatutilize localMolokai foods MolokaiBurgeralsopurchases fromKumuFarmsonaweeklybasis8poundsoftheirvegetablegreenstoserveintheirspecialsaladand chicken salad plates Molokai sweet potatoes are also utilized for sweet potato nachochipsontheMexicanmenu Whilenot locallyproducedMolokaiBurgeralsopurchasesbunsfromalocalMolokaidistributorasawaytosupportasmanylocalbusinessesaspossible
QuestionWhatlocalfooditemswouldyouliketosellorincorporateinyourmenuthatarenotcurrentlyavailableorareinshortsupply
FriendlyMarket orangesallcitrusesmangoavocadobokchoywonboktropicalfruits inseasonfishporkprocessed through slaughterhousealldairy (milk cheese)or soybasedmilkasanalternativeand free rangeeggsWillsellalllocalitemsMisakirsquosbananasandtomatoesWillsellanythinggrownandmadeonMolokaiOutpostNaturalFoodsStorestrawberriescantaloupescucumbers tomatoespotatoesandYukon from localgrowersKualapu`uCookhouselocalfreerangechickeneggsKualapu`uMarketagreaterdiversityandselectionoflocalproducegrownbyMolokairsquosfarmersMaunaloaGeneralStoremorebananasandpapayasastheyselloutfastestHulaShoresRestaurantofHotelMolokaivenisonMolokaiBurgeraconsistentsupplyofMolokaitomatoesfreerangeeggsandfishthatarereasonablypriced
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 30
Molokai Farmer Perspectives on their Personal and Collective AssetsStrengthsNeedsWeaknessesThreatsChallengesandOpportunities
QuestionAreyoua farmerIfsohowoldareyouͶΨ ȋȌ ǡ
ͶͶǤ
ǡ ͷͶǤ
QuestiontofarmersinterviewedHowlonghaveyoubeenfarming
ʹʹ ͶͲǤ
QuestionHowmuchlandareyoufarming
ǡͶͶǢ͵ʹͳͷǢͷͳͷǦͶͲ͵ͶͲǤ ǡͲ
ǡͲƬʹͲͲƮǦǤ
QuestiontofarmerswhatdoyoufeelarethechallengesfarmersfaceonMolokaiNatureandtheElementsWindHomestead farmers must contend with high winds on a regular basis Thus initial farmplanning must include installing windbreaks to avoid crop damage from weathering Thecommunity has identified in several former planning documents such as the MolokaiEmpowermentZoneApplication(1998)massplantingofwindbreaksthroughouttheHo`olehuaareatoprotecthomesteadfarm landsasoneofthe40priorityprojects IntheendMolokaiwas successful in achieving theMolokai Enterprise Community federal designation a step
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 31
secondtoEmpowermentZonestatus Windbreaksremainedpartofthe40priorityprojectsInstallationofwindbreakshave alsobeen reiterated as a ShortRangePriorityProject in theMaui County Comprehensive EconomicDevelopment Strategy (CEDS) 201038However notmuchhasbeendonetomovethisfromaconceptualstagetoimplementation
Thesituationwasexacerbatedin2005upontheintroductionofthevirulenterythrinagallwaspthatdestroyedthevastmajorityofwiliwilitreesStatewideLarvaeimplantedintothetissueofwiliwili leaves form tumorous like growths and effectively starve the trees from receivingnutrition39Muchof thewiliwili trees thathad servedprimarilyaswindbreaksdiedwithinayearor two Thus farms thathadestablishedwiliwiliwindbreaksbecamenewlyexposed towinds With the introduction of Eurytoma by scientists a predator species that exclusivelyfeedsonerythrinagallwaspsandavoidsnativewaspsthesurvivingwiliwilihavebeenabletomakeacomeback40DroughtAnumberoffarmershavecitedcurrentdroughtconditionsasaseriousthreattofarmingOnefarmerreportedthatherentireorganicgingercropfailedduetodroughtandshewasunabletoyieldaharvestthisyearAtthetimewestartedourinterviewsinFebruary(2012)Molokaiwasexperiencingthelowestrainfallinadecadecomparableto2001droughtfiguresAdrywinterandspringseasonhavebeencausingwatershortages Arecentheavystorm inMarch (2012)brought some reliefbutwithprimarilyeroded soilsexposed to theelementsmuchofthatmuddiedwaterwashed intotheseatochokecoralsaffectnurserygrounds forfishandcoverlimu(seaweed)beds41Steadypercolationintotheaquiferisnecessarytomakea difference to the watershed and levels in the reservoir42 According to Glenn TevesExtensionAgent forUHͲCTAHRdroughtconditionsaffect insectbehavior Forexampleantsseekingwaterwillfindasubstitutebyacquiringhoneydewfromcertaininsectsthatproduceitsuchasldquoaphidsmealybugswhitefliesandscaleshellipknown tosuckplant juicesandweakenthem hellip [and] spread plant viruses on an array of crops such as melons peppers andtomatoesrdquo43 Animals will also chew through drip irrigation systems to access water in adrought andwill subsequently cause leaks andwater loss for the farmer44Cows are alsoaffectedwithahigher incidenceofmiscarriageorsmallercalfsizedueto lackofhighquality
38 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1102 AgricultureReforestationWindbreakPlantingp5039RichardsSabrinaldquoWaspwarsNewpredatorchecksHawai`irsquosgallwaspepidemicrdquoSciencelineJanuary62011httpsciencelineorg201101waspͲwars40Richards201141 Teves G ldquoEffects of Rain and Droughtrdquo Molokai Dispatch March 15 2012httpthemolokaidispatchcomeffectsͲofͲrainͲandͲdrought42Teves201243Teves201244Teves2012
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 32
food consumed during pregnancy45Deerwill also compete and feed on grass reserves forcattleTevesroughlyestimatesthatfarmersandranchershaveexperiencedacumulativecroplossvaluedat$1millionduetothedrought46MolokaiIrrigationSystem(MIS)Builtinthe1950sandlsquo60stheMISwasconstructedtotransportwaterfromWaikoluValleyonthenorthshoretothefarmingareasofCentralMolokaitoprovidewaterforthesolepurposeofagriculture47WaikoluValleyprovideswatertothesystemviaa51milelongtunnelPipesand flumes convey thewater to the Kualapu`u Reservoirwhich is designed for amaximumdepthof54feetor14billiongalloncapacity48TheHawaiianHomesCommissionAct (ldquoHHCArdquo)of1920sect221(d)grantedhomesteadersldquotherighttousefreeofallchargeanyofthewateruponthe islandofMolokairdquo49Thisprovisionwasamended in1955togiveHawaiianHomesatwoͲthirdswaterallocationpreference fromtheMIS50 The Department of Agriculture whichmanages theMIS has not enforced thisprovision Presently80oftheMIS isconsumedbynonͲhomesteadersdespite23rdswaterreservation requirement for homesteaders51 It has been recently noted that homesteaderwaterusagehasincreasedbynearly20comparedtolastyear52TheMISWaterUseAdvisoryBoardspeculatedthathomesteadfamiliesareexpandingtheirfamilygardens53TheentireislandofMolokaihasbeendesignatedbytheStateCommissiononWaterResourcesManagement (CWRM or ldquoWater Commissionrdquo) a sole source aquifer and critical watermanagementarea Thesedesignationsunderscorethefactthattheentire islanddependsonone water source for its drinking water subsistence and agricultural needs and carefulmanagementisnecessarytomaintaintheaquiferRecords for the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) revealed that as of December 2011 theKualapu`ureservoirhadloweredto11feet(ascomparedto17feetayearprior)andcontinuedtodecline54Todaythereservoirhasloweredanotherfootwithstoragelevels50lessthana
45Teves201246Teves201247BaldaufNatashaHalsquoaheoKaholsquoohalahalaandDavidSakodaldquoTheMoloka`i IrrigationSystem AVision foraSustainableFuturerdquoDecember1200948BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200949BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200950BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200951BaldaufKaho`ohalahalaandSakoda200952ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion53ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion54ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 33
year ago55 Current rainfall is 10 of normal levels and those utilizing theMIS have beensubjecttoa30restrictioninwaterusageoverthepast3years56TheStatelegislaturerecentlysetaside$125millionforimprovementstotheMIS57Fundswillcover Anewhydropowerplantwaterflowwillproduceenergyandoffsetelectricalcosts Replacement of aboveͲground concrete flume with an underground pipeline to avoid
animalsanddebrisfromfallingintoandcontaminatingthewatersupply StructuralrepairtoMISaccessbridge Installation of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system to allow for
monitoringofwaterflowremotelyThis is a step in the right direction and hopefullywill assist in decreasingwater loss in thesystemandimprovemanagementoftheMISWeedsPestsWildAnimalsNumerousfarmersinterviewedparticularlyintheHo`olehuaHomesteadareahaveciteddeerasamajorproblem incrop failureTheorganicpapaya farmershavebeenhithardwithonefarmerhavinglosthisentirecropofpapayatreesSeedlingswereeatenandadulttreeswerealsoaffectedbydeerrubbings Anotherfarmerhashadtoadoptprotectivemeasuresforhisyoungkukuistarter treesasdeerseekingmoisture fromyoungplantswilleat them Hehasindicatedthatyoungkukuitreeshavetoreachacertainheightwheredeercannolongerbitethe leaves from the top Farmers are also experiencing brokenwater and irrigation pipesdestroyedbydeer One farmerwas issued a $700waterbillbefore discovering hisbrokenwaterpipeMuchofthisactivityhasbeenattributedtotheongoingdroughtconditionsdeerareseekingfarmsforwaterandfood It isestimatedthat$1million inagricultureprofitwaslosttodeerwithinthelastyearAnotherproblemthatfarmersencounteredafewyearsagowasaninfestationofratandmiceTheyweresonumerousthatdriversoftensawthemcrossingtheroad One farmerresolvedthisproblemonhisfarmbyadopting20cats
55ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions56ldquoStatetaskforcetoaddressMISproblemsrelatedtodroughtconditionsrdquoMolokaiNewsApril262012httpthemolokainewscom20120426stateͲtaskͲforceͲtoͲaddressͲmisͲproblemsͲrelatedͲtoͲdroughtͲconditions57ldquoMolokaiIrrigationSystemGets$125MillionrdquoMolokaiDispatchFebruary62012httpthemolokaidispatchcommolokaiͲirrigationͲsystemͲgetsͲ125Ͳmillion
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 34
Other farmershavecitedpestsandweedsasaproblemon their farms Oneorganic farmerstatedthatshefinds itachallengebecauseuseofpesticidesandherbicidesareprohibited inorganicfarmingThere is an urgent need to keepMolokairsquos bee population healthy as they are pollinatorsimportant to theagriculture industry Threats to the localbeepopulation includepesticidesbeetlesandmitesHighOperationalCostsOfthe208surveyed61peopleconsideredhighoperationalcostsasabigchallengetofarmingonMolokaiThesecostsinclude Labor Infrastructure Toolsimplements Fuelforequipmentandvehicles Supplies such as fertilizer compost pesticides herbicides seeds irrigation supplies etc
Supplycostsareespeciallyhigherdue toadditionalcostmarkͲup forshipping items in toMolokai
Electricitycostsforrunningrefrigerationchiller Allfeesandtaxesincurredfromrunningabusiness Specialcostsfororganiccertification(est$1300peryear)HighCostofWaterSeventy(70)surveyrespondentsfeltfarming ismadedifficultbythehighcostofwater Thiswasespeciallytrueforfarmerswhoareoncountywater insteadofcheaperagriculturewaterfromtheMolokaiIrrigationSystemThesefarmersareontheEastEndoftheislandAlsoitisverydifficultforpeople inMaunaloaandKaluakoitofarmandevengardenduetothewatersystemrunbyMolokaiRanch Ratesforwaterareastronomicalhaving increasedby17858TheStatePublicUtilitiesCommissionallowedforarateincreasefortheRanchrsquosMolokaiPublicUtilitiesfrom$318per1000gallonsto$60459TheWaiolaOMolokaiIncwateralsoownedbyMolokaiRanchwas approved for a rate increase from$185 to $51560 These increasesimpactapproximately1200residentsonthewestsideoftheisland61
58BernardoRldquoMolokaiwaterusersprotestratehikerdquoHonoluluStarBulletinSeptember52008httparchivesstarbulletincom20080905newsstory08html59Bernardo200860Bernardo200861Bernardo2008
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 35
HighEquipmentCostsSixty(60) survey respondents considered high equipment costs as a challenge to farmingTractor costs can range from $21000 to $80000 depending on the size neededwhich isrelativetotheamountofacreagetobefarmedManysmallandbeginningfarmerslackaccesstocapitaltopurchasebigticketitemssuchasequipmentHighShippingCostsYoungBrothersistheprimaryshippingproviderforMolokaiSomefarmersutilizecargoplanessuchasKamakaAir for shipmentofmoreperishable items Shipping fromMolokai involvesaddedcostanddisadvantagesforMolokaiasaruralislandtryingtotransportgoodsacrosstheoceantothelargerurbancenterssuchasOahuandMauiForthoseutilizingdistributorsthatisanotheraddedcostIn thepast farmers receivedapartialbreakon shippingcosts throughYoungBrothers TheFarmBureauassisted indefrayingchargesassociatedwith theMolokai toHonoluu legwhilethefarmerwasrequiredtocoveronlythecostofshippingfromHonolulutothemainlandThishelped to level the playing field forMolokai farmerswith the rest of farmers onOahu andStatewide Within the last five yearshowever thispolicyhasbeendiscontinued causing adisadvantagetotheMolokaifarmerYoungBrotherswillbephasingoutitsldquoGrdquoVans218cubicftcontainersforshippingpricedat$180containerandwillbepalletizingeverythingItwillnolongerbeeasytodropitemsoffatthepierandshipoutFarmerswillneedtomakethetransitionandwilllikelyhavetosolicittheservicesofMakoaTruckingtopalletizetheirgoodsandtransportthemtothepierTheftOne farmer interviewed cited crop theft as a challenge There are also risks of theft ofequipmenttoolsandsupplieswithoutadequatestorageandsecuritymeasuresFireA localbeekeeping family thatproducespremiumorganic raw kiawehoneyexperienced adevastatingfirein2009thatwipedoutthemajorityoftheirhivesTheyhaveahighamountoforderstofillandarecurrentlyrecoveringfromthedamagetotheirhivesNotEnoughLandtoFarmampCompetingUsesforAgricultureLandThe Molokai Agricultural Park owned by the State of Hawai`i is located in theHo`olehuaMahanaregionadjacenttoMolokaiRanchandHawaiianHomeLandsItconsistsof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 36
22subdividedlotsspanningatotalof753acres62Thepurposeofagriculturalparksstatewideistoprovideaffordable longͲterm leasestosmallfarmers63CurrentlyallMolokaiAgPark landsare being utilized64 Thismakes it difficult for new farmerswho are nonͲhomesteaders tosecurecheaplandSeedbiotechcompaniessuchasMonsantoandMycogenhavegainedasolidfootholdontheisland Their use of prime agriculture lands and limited water resources impact the localfarming community It is problematic especially for organic farmers who risk losing theircertification if their farmsare inproximity toGMO crops It is known thata local familyofbeekeeperswereforcedtomovetheirhivesorelserisklosingtheirorganichoneycertificationLow Prices Offered for Local Produce Not Enough Demand for Goods and ProductInconsistencyOfthosesurveyed25peoplefeltthatnotenoughconsumerdemandforproducewasamajorchallenge for farmers Whileour surveyalso found that90ofour respondentswouldbuymorelocalfoodifitwasavailableMolokairsquossmallpopulationlimitshowmuchproducefarmerscanplaceinthelocalmarketManyof the farmers thatwe interviewedwere frustratedat the lowprices theyget for theproduce theygrow They find itdifficult tonegotiatewith storesonpricing For them it ischallengingtomakealivingorbeeconomicallysustainablebysellingproduceonlyonMolokaiOne certified organic and biodynamic farmer informed us that she is offered $110lb byMolokai stores forherorganicgingerbut she can sell itatamuchhigherpriceonOahuat$5lbinstoresthatshowcaseorganicfoodsWiththatamountsheisabletomakeaprofitaswellasrecoupherproductionandshippingcostsUHCTAHRAgricultureExtensionAgentGlennTevesstatesthatalotoffarmersdonotpaycloseenoughattentiontotheirpricingOftentimestheywillpricetheirproduceonthelowendThissetsanegativestandardthatmakesitmoredifficultforotherfarmerstogetareasonablepricefor their crops He recommends that farmers check regularly on produce prices andmakecomparisonsalsoonhowmuchtheysellforontheotherislandssothattheycanprovidemorecompetitivepricingthatisadvantageoustothemLackofSupportforAgricultureLawmakershavealsobecomeunsupportivetopreservingagriculturelandsAbusesaboundonagricultural landswithmultiͲmilliondollargentlemanestatesdevelopedanddefinedasldquofarm
62StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks63StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks64StateofHawai`iDepartmentofAgriculturehttphawaiigovhdoaarmarm_agparks
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 37
dwellingsrdquo and attractive landscaping required underCCRs andAssociationRules dubbed aslegitimateldquoagriculturerdquo Theseldquofarmdwellingsrdquo increasethepriceofagriculture landforrealfarmersNationwide family farmersarebeingedgedoutby largecorporateproducersat the rateof330farmersperweek65TheUnitedStateshasanestimated5millionfewerfarmsthanithadinthe1930s66Today2millionfarmsexist intheUSwith565000 identifiedasfamilyfarms67ThereasonforthisisthatfederalgovernmentpoliciesfavorlargeͲscalecorporateagriculturePoliciessuchassubsidizingbigagriculturecreatesafalsesetͲpointontrueproductioncosts68TheAmerican taxpayerabsorbs thesehefty costs The federalgovernment spentover$177billion in agricultural subsidies from the years of 1995 to 200669 These large agricultureoperationsareabletoprovidehugevolumesoffoodforacheappricebecauseofthesubsidiesallocatedTheyeasilyoutcompeteandsqueezeoutthesmallfarmerthatreceivesnohelpfromsubsidies andmust pass to the customer the true costs of production in order to remain aviablebusinessStrongcorporatelobbyingmaintainsthisstatusquo
NeedforAdditionalEducationampTrainingtoBuildCapacityofMolokairsquosFarmingCommunityOfthosesurveyed33farmersconsideredalackofcapacityeducationtobeachallengeSomefarmersaredauntedbythecostsofhighereducationandthetimetheywouldneedtoinvestineducationalongsidebalancingfamilyresponsibilitiesandfullͲtimefarmingProficiency inknowledgeandexperienceoffarmingprinciplesandtechniques isnecessaryforallfarmers Theymustunderstandfarmplanninghowtoplantmaintainandharvestcropshowtosetupirrigationmeetthebiologicalandmineralneedsoftheircropshowtomaintainsoil health how to minimize offͲfarm releases of pollutants and toxins such as chemicalfertilizersandpesticidesoperateand repair toolsandmachinerybasic carpentry skillsandpossess a true passion for farming A lot is learned through trial and error but educationcombinedwithpracticalexperience gives farmers abetter chance atmaking it These skillsalonearenottheonlyrequirementshoweverAfarmer(orparticipatingfamilymembers)mustalsobefinanciallyliterateandpossessstrongbusinessbookkeepingaccountingandmarketingskills To lease landsaccessbusinessstartup fundssuccessfullyapply for loansandreceive financing forbigequipmentpurchases the
65ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml66ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml67ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml68ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml69ldquotheissuesndasheconomicsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissueseconomicsindex_pfhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 38
farmerhastohavegoodcreditandbefinancially literate Ifhe issaddledwithdebtandbadcreditthenhewillneedtocreateandsticktoaplanforrepairinghiscreditOther skills a farmermust cultivate to successfully start an agricultureenterprise is learninghowtodomarketresearchandbusinessplanningItrsquosbettertomakemistakesonpaperfirstrather than in real life aftermuch time and investment has beenmade Once the farmenterprise isupand running then the farmerhas to contendwithkeeping financial recordscurrenteitherpersonallyortruesecuringabookkeeperoraccountant BusinessandpayrolltaxeswillneedtobepaidfeesforspecialcertificationssuchasorganicfarmingmayalsohavetobefactoredinAfarmermustbeawareofwhattogrowandproduceandhowtomarketherproducts inorder tobeprofitable Shemustbedisciplined in implementingher farmplanaccount for year round staggered plantings and harvests and crop rotations and reinvestprofitsbackintothebusinessRarelydotheseskillsexistinonepersonMostfarmersjustwanttofarmandnotdealwiththeother details of running a business As they age too farmerswill need to think about asuccession plan Ideally it should be a family enterprise with familymembers possessingdifferent skill sets and playing different roles that collectivelymake a successful agricultureenterpriseRanchingampTheMolokaiLivestockCooperativeMolokairsquos history includes large scale ranching of cattle which was once an enterpriseendeavorbyMolokaiRanch the islandrsquos largestprivate landownernow known asMolokaiProperties Limited SinceMPLrsquos closure ofmajor operations ranching is currently done bymembersof thecommunity inwhich theycultivate the remainingcattleonproperty CattleRanchersincludePohakuloaRanchKualapu`uRanchPedroRanchandPu`uOHokuRanchChallengeswithMolokaiBeef Muchof theranchingcommunitydonot finish theiranimals through theslaughterhouse
preferringtosellcattleoffisland Lessmeat isproducedon the islandwhich in turnmeans lessMolokaibeefavailable for
consumptioninrestaurantsandstores More than one individualentity does not like the tasteconsistency of the beef ndash some
suggestedthatthemeatbecuredlonger Somemembersofthecooperativefeelthecostforanimalprocessing($65animal)isunfair
since it isnotbasedonactualproductyield(egdeerorgoatmeatyields lesspoundsofmeatthancattle)
SlaughterhouseTheMolokai Livestock Cooperative which operates the only slaughterhouse facility on theislandprocessescattleandpork Pork isnotusually sold to storesdue to thepreferenceof
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 39
Molokaifamiliestoutilizerearedhogsforhomeconsumption Thuspork issubjectusuallytocustomkillsonlyAsforcattleamaximumof18headperweekandaminimumof5headperweekgoes through the slaughterhousewitha cumulative totalof730animalsprocessed todatesincethefacilityopeneditsdoorsseveralyearsagoTheslaughterhouse iscurrentlynotoperatingatfullcapacity There isahistoricalcontextforsome of the challenges that the Molokai Livestock Cooperative faces today After thewholesale TB eradication of Molokai cattle in the 1980s and the closure of the oldslaughterhouseinKaunakakailocalranchersinitiallyworkedtogetanewslaughterhousebuiltwiththeirsweatequityandthroughsecuringfundingfromCountyStateandFederalsourcesUnfortunatelytheprocessofmovingthisprojectfromaconceptualphasetobrickandmortartook over a decade to complete By the time the slaughterhouse facility was completedranchershadmovedaway fromgrassͲfinishedcattleonMolokai to finishing theiranimalsonthe mainland Over time the ranchersrsquo commitment to strengthening their own localslaughterhouse as a viable economic engine had wavered Some ranches do not see aneconomic incentive to return to the formermodelofgrass finishing theircattleandpreferaquickerturnͲaroundtimeandtheconvenienceofsellingtheiranimalspreͲfinishedWhile theMolokaiLivestockCooperativersquosnew slaughterhousehasmadepositive inroads togettingMolokai grassͲfedbeef in local grocery stores and restaurants through itsworkwithcommittedranchersutilizingthefacility lackofvolumefromholdͲoutranchersalso limitstheslaughterhousersquosabilitytoexpandthemarketandfullydevelopanorganicnicheproduct Tomakeupforthisshortfalltheslaughterhousenowshipsin30headofnonͲMolokaicattle(50oftotalstock)onaregularbasisLambSheepForthepast5yearsahusbandandwifeteamhasbeenexperimentingwithranchingfreerangelambssheepon55acresof land inwestMolokai Thecouplehas80animals (60ewes20lambs) Theyharvestthe lambsat6monthsofageandhavebeentestingthequalityoftheanimalsMost recently they market tested their lambs The lambs were processed at theslaughterhouse ThemeatwassoldtoKumuFarmsFriendlyMarketandMisakirsquos CustomerfeedbackhasbeenverypositiveThelambmeatsoldoutquicklyinthestoresRightnowthelambsheep ranchers are trying to figure out pricing whether to sell directly to theslaughterhouseforprocessingmarketinganddistributionortohandlesomeofthoseaspectsontheirownDeerRanchingDeerranchingisnotawidespreadactivityinfactthereareonlytwopeopleontheislandthatraisevenisonDeerpensexist inMaunaloaandPalarsquoauwithasmuchas260animalscorralled
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 40
within high game fencing The deer ranching is part of a safari tour businesswhich allowsvisitorstoexperiencehuntinggameDeercanbeprocessed through theMolokaiSlaughterhouse if theanimal ispresentedat thefacilityat leastonehourafterthekillandaUSDACertified Inspectorparticipates inthehuntThisiscurrentlynotbeingdonebydeerranchersonMolokaiTheownersofDJCRanch Incwhich currentlyoperates adeer ranchhasdone some initialmarkettestingandresearchonthedemandandpotentialforvenisonmeatproduction Theyhave found ahugedemand from restaurants and the generalpublic for venisondue to thehealthbenefitsandsuperiortasteofMolokaiaxisdeerThereiscurrentlynosteadysourceforvenisonmeatandvalueͲaddedproductsinHawai`iDJCRanchhasstatedinitsmarketingplanthatinthefirstyeartheycouldprovidevenisononaseasonalbasisandinitiallyproducegroundvenison and sausages As herd numbers increase additional markets could potentially beopeneduptoWholeFoodsandCostco CurrentlyDJCRanchhasaUSDA licensetoslaughtervenisonandcouldutilizetheMolokaiSlaughterhouseThecompanyisFDAapprovedthroughthe USDA with its own stamp and seal formarketing The products that DJC Ranch hadconsideredmarketingwere
1 Groundvenisonforhumanconsumptionandalsodogfood2 9differentsausageswhichithasdevelopedandsuccessfullymarkettested3 Venisoncornedbeef4 Freshcuts5 Innards
ThereismuchpotentialinthisareaandhopefullyinvestmentscanbesuccessfullyacquiredtoimplementDJCRanchrsquosplanAdditionally theremaybeopportunity tocreateacollaborationbetweendeer ranchersandfarmerssufferingfromcrop lossesduetodeergrazing ifaplancouldbeundertakentodivertdeerfromcultivatedlandsandabsorbthemintoranchingoperationsAquacultureEffortshavebeenmadetorestorefishpondsandhavemetwithsomesuccessforsubsistenceuses State regulations affecting the restoration andutilizationof theseponds limituses tosubsistenceandeducationalpurposesmaking itdifficult toutilize theponds for commercialaquacultureThisisunfortunategiventhehardworkonthepartofthecommunityandfederalfunds invested inProjectLoko I`aatrainingprogramthathadservedanestimated20youngMolokai adults in drystack and fishpondwall reconstruction fishpond husbandry live rockcultivation for theaquarium industry shrimpand seaweedaquaculturewater samplingandanalysis leadershipandentrepreneurial skills Theseyoungadultswere trainedwithall thetools to be successful in aquaculture butwere not given the chance to commercially leaseMolokaipondsandestablishabusiness
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 41
PlansandfundingallocatedtoestablishafinfishhatcheryonMolokaiasearlyas1991andtostockfishpondsforcommercialproductionwerestalledandareunlikelytocometofruitionTheMolokai Ice House completed construction at the KaunakakaiWharf in 1993 It wasestablishedbya local commercial fishermenrsquoscooperativeof40 individualswho contributedapproximately 60Ͳ70 of Molokairsquos commercial fish landings The Ice House operatedsuccessfullyfornearlyadecadeprovidingicefreshfishpokeandseaweedforsaleA Native Hawaiian nonͲprofit Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou established a successful limu(seaweed)growersnetworkandlimubuyͲbackprogramwith30familieslivingalongMolokairsquossouthandcentralshores These familieswere trained incultivationof theedibleandhighlyprizedseaweedGracilariaparvisporacommonlyknownas limuogo Anestimated1000 lbsweeklywereshippedtoOahufishmarketsaswellasdistributedtotheMolokaiIceHouseandvariousstoresonislandintheformoffreshandvalueͲaddedproducts(limusalsaandnamasu)Ke Kua`Ĉina Hanauna Hou served as amarketer and broker for the families In the endhowever some of themore successful growers opted to sell and distribute their harvestsindependently causing the cooperative typeof structure todismantleanddriving thepricesdownforMolokailimuogoduetocompetitionamongstthegrowersTherearetwoshrimpfarmsonMolokaiMolokaiSeaFarmsinPala`auandKeawaNuiFarmsineastMolokaiKeawaNuiFarmssuppliesSPFcertifiedPenaeusvannameishrimpbroodstockaswellasseasonalharvestsoftilapia fishand limuogo70MolokaiSeaFarmsalsospecializes indiseasefreeSPFPvannameibroodstockandservescustomersthroughouttheworld71PacificaHawai`iSeaSaltsandHawai`iKaiCorporationbothfarmseasaltfromMolokairsquosoceanwaters Thesesaltscarryessentialmineralsandtraceelements Molokaisaltproductionhasreachedaglobalmarketas farasChinaandEurope Productscanalsobe found inMolokaistoresAddressingMolokairsquosFoodSupplyintermsofFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparationMolokairsquoshiddensubsistenceeconomy isastrengththatassistsfamiliestoday inachronicallydepressedeconomyThereisenoughdeergoatandwildpigonthelandandfishonthereeftomeet the peoplersquos protein requirements and provide food security for tomorrow TheHo`olehuaHomesteadcommunitywithfamilyfarmsdottingthelandscapehasenoughproduceandstarchinthegroundtofeedtheircommunityAscomparedtootherislandsMolokaiisinbettershapethanmostifnotallislandsHoweverthereisstillastrongrelianceonYoungBrotherstoshipinfoodtotheislandAtanygiventimethereisanestimated4daysoffoodstockedonMolokairsquosstoreshelvesNodisaster
70KeawaNuiFarmshttpwwwkeawanuifarmscom71MolokaiSeaFarmshttpwwwbroodstockcomHawaiian_SPF_Shrimp_Broodstockhomehtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 42
scenarioplanninghaseverbeenundertakenforhowthiscommunityshouldrespondifonedaythebargedoesnotarriveandalltransportationvenuesbyseaairandlandwereinterruptedAccordingtooneinformantMolokairsquosfoodreservesarestoredonMauibytheAmericanRedCross This iswrong Molokai isoneofthefew islandswithoutamainairportonthecoastalshores In timesofdisaster (eghurricane tsunami) therewouldbebetter accesson theislandtoreceiveassistanceRealisticallyhoweverMolokaiwouldbeofalesserprioritytoshipin food and medical supplies in a Statewide disaster scenario due to the islandrsquos smallpopulationInitialaidwouldbefocusedprimarilyonurbananddenselypopulatedareasontheneighboringislandsIntheMana`eandKaunakakaiareas(eastandcentralMolokai)whereasignificantportionofMolokairsquospopulationisconcentratedtheroadsandmajorityofhomesarelocatedonthecoastwithin the tsunami and flood zone corridor Getting assistance to these areas would beproblematic No major farming takes place in Kaunakakai and Mana`e except for homegardensandsomewetlandtarocultivationinthelushervalleysontheeastsideMonoͲcropping increases risks ofwholesale andmass crop failure Whilemost smallͲscalefarmers are doing diversified agriculture onMolokai not enough effort has beenmade topreserve thehundredsofvarietiesofsweetpotatobreadfruit taroandothercanoeplantsNot enough has been done to cultivate and preserve varieties of regionallyͲadapted openͲpollinatedseedsforhomegardensandsmallscalefarmersUHCTAHRhasthroughitsresearchdevelopedseedsadapted tocertainenvironments Moreeffortmaybeneeded toget theseseedstofarmers
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 43
V RECOMMENDATIONSMitigatingImpactsandWorkingwithNatureandtheElementsWindAswindwillcontinuetobeanissueforfarmersespeciallyhomesteadfarmersintheHo`olehuaareaitisimportanttoestablishacomprehensiveprojecttoinstallwindbreaksthatwillhelptoopenupmorehomesteadlandforfarmingCostcanbeafactorforsmallͲscaleandbeginningfarmersThusaccessingfundingandcreatingcollaborativepartnershipswithcoreleadershipisnecessarytomovethisprojectalongOtherthingstoconsider intermsofdecidingwhattypesofwindbreaksto installwouldbetooptimizethepotentialofthewindbreakstoservemultiplefunctionsOnecommoncomplaintamongsthomesteadfarmershasbeenthedestructionofcropsfromgrazingdeerProvidingavegetativewindbreakwith tightplantings could serve as a living fence that keepsout deerSelectingalso fornitrogen fixingspecieswillalsoaddnutrientstothesoilandboost farmerrsquoscropsIdentifiedasakeyprojectintheEnvironmentSectionofMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandisprovidingwindbreaks inHo`olehuaThevision istoplantwindbreaksldquoalongthecoastalpaliaround the central plain andhellip along individual farmersrsquo lots Native trees and treeswithsecondarymarketvalue(fruittreesandhardwoods)rdquoshouldbeutilized72DroughtͲProofingReforestationThecommunity initiateddocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian Islandhas identified in itsAgricultureampAquacultureSectionthefollowingpriorities73
Recognize the limited availability of water as a primary factor in prioritizing suitableagriculturalfoodcrops
Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture foodproduction
Water is a limiting factor in farming especially in light of chronic drought conditions andcontinuousmandatorycutbacksonwateruse from theMolokai IrrigationSystem TherearewaysthatthefarmercanharvestwateraswellasminimizewaterlossPlantingwindbreakswillaidincreatingamicroclimatethatwillreduceevapotranspirationandallowforsomeshadeforcrops that require less sunlight Installing swales and terraces on contour in tandem withplantingswillslowthepathofwaterrunoffcomingontothepropertycreategoodsoakagethatwillbuildthewatertableandnaturallyfeedcropsMulchingandplantinggroundcoverspecies
72MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf73MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 44
alongsidemain crops will retainmoisture and support soil health These droughtͲproofingstrategiesworkinginconcertwillprovideagreatbenefittothefarmerA longertermstrategythatonehomestead farmersuggestedand forwhichhehasbeguntospreadamongstotherhomesteaders is conductingmassplantingsofKukui trees to createaforest forHo`olehua and capture rain He is setting the example by creating a kukui plantnurseryonhispropertyandgivingkeikiplantstootherhomesteadersAdoptionofthesetypesofstrategiesshouldalsobeconsideredbynonͲhomesteaduserswhohaveutilizedthe lionrsquosshareofMISwater ReforestationoftheslopesofMaunaloathathadbeendamagedbycattleranchingandpineapplecultivationwouldalso lessendependenceonwaterdiversions Thishasbeen identifiedasakeyprojectunder the communitydocumentMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandalongwithcertainerosioncontrolmeasuresfortheWestEnd gulches that include installing ldquorock dikes (gabions) hedgerow plantings [and] siltationpondsrdquo74
ProtectingWaterResourceRights
TheWater Code directs the Commission to ldquoincorporate and protect adequate reserves ofwaterforcurrentandforeseeabledevelopmentanduseofHawaiianhomelandsassetforthinsection 221 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Actrdquo75 Additionally by law the HawaiianHomes Commission Act recognizes a twoͲthirdswater preference for homesteaders on theMolokai IrrigationSystem76These lawsshouldbeenforcedandtheDepartmentofHawaiianHomeLandsneedstoactivelyadvocateonbehalfofhomesteaderstoensuretheprotectionoftheir water rights The Department of Agriculture which manages the MIS must alsoresponsiblymeettheStatersquosfiduciarydutybyassuringthatwaterallocationsareincompliancewiththetwoͲthirdsprovisionforhomesteaders
WildAnimalControl
A number of farmers plagued by deer have opted to allow subsistence hunting on theirpropertyorhunt thedeer themselvesOthersare installing fencing tokeep thedeerout AlocaldeerranchersurmisedthatalotofthedeerareoriginatingfromdryMolokaiRanchlandsandmovingtowardsthehomesteadregionofHo`olehuainsearchofwaterandfoodThisdeerfarmerwouldliketoworkwithMolokaiRanchtoleaseandexpandhisoperationsontoRanchlandserect fencingandprovideadequatewater for thedeer toprevent them from invadingtheHomestead Withcollaborationamong farmersMolokaiRanchand localdeer ranchersthiscouldprovideawinͲwinsolutionforall
74MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200815httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf75HawRevStatSection174CͲ101(a)76HawaiianHomesCommissionActsect221(d)1920amended1955
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 45
IntegratedPestManagementWeedControlBuildingSoilHealth
Typicallyweeds are found in disturbed areas Weeds are bioͲindicators of soil health andstructureTheyservedifferentfunctionsandareoftenpioneerspeciesthatcomeintoasystemearly on to create optimal conditions for the next stages of succession into amorematuresystem Differentweedsperformdifferent functions suchasaddingnitrogen to the soil reͲmineralizingthesoilwithdeeptaprootsthatbringnutrientsbelowuptothesurfacelooseningcompacted hard pan soils to allow for aeration and room for new seedlings to grow andstabilizingfragileandexposedsoilswithrootstructuresthatfanoutmorewidelytoholdloosesoiltogetherThekeyistoselectspeciesthataremoreusefultothefarmerthanthenaturalordisturbedvegetationandovertimethesespecieswilloutcompeteweedyvarietiesDiversifyingcropsandmimickingnaturalsuccessiondoingtimestackingwithdenserplantingsofperenniallegumesgroundcoverswindbreaks fruit treesandvinesofpreferredspecieswillallow formaturation of the system create better soil health and select out nonͲfavorable weedyspeciesOne farmerwhooperatesanorganicpapaya farmdoesthe followingtopreservesoil fertilityandcontrolpests77 Utilizesa localmanufacturerfromOahuwhorecyclesusedcookingoilfatsbonesandfish
collected from restaurants foodmanufacturersand fishoutletsand turns thiswaste into100 certified organic soil amendments Tons of rawmaterialwaste now diverted fromlandfill
Usesdolomiteandcrushedcoraltoamendsoilorgypsumassubstitute Growssunnhemponrestingfieldstohelpwithnematodesandfixnitrogeninsoil Providescovercropofgrassesandweedsbetween rowsofmaturepapaya trees irrigated
withmicroͲsprinklerstokeepmoistureandlifeinthesoil Maintainsadiversefloraratherthanengaginginmonocropping Responds to cut worms (seasonal) by planting extra seedling trays to replace damaged
seedlings Sprays kumulus (organic sulfur) and baking soda to combat powderymildewmites and
thrips Ripsandairsoutoldfieldsandrestsfieldsforatleast15monthstoaddressnematodeissue Focusesongrowingthestrongesthealthiestplantstoprovidegreaterresistancetopests
77UniversityofHawai`iCollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesFeaturedFarmerRickTamanahaKaleikoafarmsHo`olehuaMoloka`iHĈnai`AiNewsletterJuneͲJulyͲAugust2011httpwwwctahrhawaiiedusustainagnewsarticlesV8ͲKaleikoaFarmsͲFFpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 46
AddressingHighOperationalCosts
EquipmentAccessSeveralcommunitypartnerscametogethertoaddressoneofthemajorimpedimentsforsmallfarmersonMolokai access toequipment TheMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityndashKeAupuniLƃkahipurchasedatractoraspartofaplannedequipmentrentalprogramadministeredbyUHCTAHR and the Hawaiian Homestead Association TheMolokai Rural Development ProjectpurchasedtractorimplementstofurtherassistthefarmersTheseimplementsincludedaJactoArbusAirblast Sprayerwith TractorMount to assist farmers in spraying their fieldswithoutadded labor Samp A AG 20 Spreader to allow growers to improve their soil pH and organicmatter Miller Bobcat 250 welder to aid farmers in repairing and fabricating tools andimplements aswell as serve as a training tool inwelding and farmmechanics and aGreatPlainsSubSoilerSS1300toassistfarmersinfieldpreparationwithminimalsoildisruptionWhilefarmerswillstillneedaccesstootherformsofequipmenttocutdown laborandtimetheEquipmentRentalModel isagoodone that shouldbe replicated tobenefit theMolokaifarming community overall and ameliorate farmersrsquo chances of success by bringing theirindividualcostsdownShipping
Howtotacklehighshippingcosts Consolidation Compilecargoandnegotiatewithcarriersbased on volume78 This could be handled formally through a cooperative structure orinformally through a hui of farmers The Molokai community has also recommendedcommissioning a ldquostudy to explore new alternatives for transportation links (air and sea)betweenMolokaiandotherareasandmarketsrdquo79Another alternative that Sust`ĈinableMolokai is preliminarily exploring is the feasibility ofprovidingasailingvesselequippedwithchillspacethatwouldideallybepoweredbyrenewableenergy (egwind solar) to serve as a communal shipping vessel forMolokai exports andimportsOneofourconcernsisnotonlythehighshippingcoststhatresidentsincurbutalsodealingwiththeinevitableconsequencesofglobalpeakoilandhelpingtoincreaseourislandrsquosfuelandenergysecurity
78Youn JL ldquoRootsofChange ToRichardNelsondiversification ismuchmore than justabuzzwordrdquoHawaiiBusiness Magazine February 2004 httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange79 Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Chapter 4 Maui CountyComprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010 Short Range Priority Projects 1105 InfrastructureTransportationAlternativesp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 47
ProvidingAdequateVolumeProductConsistencyandFairPricingforGoodsOne of the areas where some farmers feel challenged is marketing and distributing theirproducts offͲisland While some of themwant to take advantage of better pricing on theneighbor islands the lackofknowledgeandexperience inpenetrating thosemarketscanbedauntingfortheMolokaifarmerItwasalsoexpressedtousfromvendorsandrestaurantsthatit is difficult to determine which farmer is selling what and to achieve a level of productconsistencyamong individualfarmers ForMolokaistoresandrestaurants itwouldbeeasiertodealwithabrokerdistributorormarketingteamwho isplugged intotheMolokaifarmingcommunityandcouldconsolidategoodsamongstallfarmersandachieveafairpriceforthemCoststoretainthisdistributorcouldalsobesharedamongstthefarmersThisdistributorcouldalso handlemarkets on neighboring islandsmainland and internationally and remove theheadachefromfarmerswhojustwanttofarmOriginallytheHiki`olaFarmersCooperativewassetuptosellanddistributefarmersrsquoproductsandhelptoremovethe impedimentsandpersonalchallengesfarmersface inmarketingtheirproduceandproducts independently HoweverthisprovedunsuccessfulbecauseofproductinconsistencyThismaybeanongoingchallengebutnotcompletelyinsurmountablePerhapsmorecarefulfarmplanningandcollaborationwithfarmersmaybeneededtocollectivelygrowspecific items tomaintainacertainvolumeandconsistency Issuesof seasonalityhoweverwillalwaysimpactconsistencyMarketingFarmers couldalso increase theirprofits throughappropriatebrandinga common logoandsharedwebsitefeaturingldquoGrownonMolokairdquoorldquoMadeonMolokairdquoproductlineThiswouldalsohelpprospectivevalueͲaddedfoodentrepreneurswhoarechallengedbyhighstartͲupandinsurancecoststhatcomeswithdevelopingaproductdesigningalogoandlabelandcomingupwithappropriatepackagingUnderonebrandandacommoninsurancethesecostscanbeminimizedandthevalueͲaddedproducercouldfocuschieflyoncreatingaqualityproductFarmersMarketampCommunitySupportedAgricultureMolokairsquoscurrentSaturdaymarketlocatedintheheartofKaunakakaiTownisanopenmarketwherethereareavarietyofitemssoldartscraftsvarioussundriesbakedgoodsandavarietyof vegetablesand fruits Ithasbeen suggested that theMolokaiopenmarketbe improvedupon to reflect a true farmersmarket Improvementswould includeproviding chill space toprovide other products like Molokai grass fed beef and seafood showcasing valueͲaddedMolokaiproductssellingmoreandbonafideMolokaiproduceandincreasingaccessibilityforlow income families to fresh local produce and other foods through undergoing the formalprocessandclearancetoacceptEBTfoodstamps
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 48
FarmersMarkets serve as an important venue for farmers to sell directly to customers andcreatepositiverelationshipswiththemForthosewhoprefertofarmandleavethesellingandmarketingtoothersalocaldistributorcouldfillthoseshoesSomehavesuggestedthatseveralfarmersmarketsbeestablishedwithinthevariousdistrictsofthe island (east central and west Molokai) to make local foods readily accessible to allconsumersAnother suggestionwas thatMolokai create its own local dollar or Local Exchange TradingSystem (LETS) amongst a communityor groupofpeoplewhomutually agree toextend andearn credit from each other through a series of transactions and exchanges of goods andservicesDirectbarterbetweenpartiesisnotnecessaryratheronecanearnLETScreditsfromperformingaserviceorgivingagoodandbereciprocatedatalatertimeforgoodsorservicesofequalvalue(egprovidingbabysittingservicestoearncreditsandreceiveplumbingworkinreturn)LETSallowscommunitiesgreater flexibilityandcreatesequalityamong itsmembersofferingvaluebeyondtheconventionalmonetarysystemSome farmers create their own market by operating a CSA or Community SupportedAgricultureTheWaialuaPermafarmhasbeenoperatingsuccessfullyforabout30yearsnowasaCSATheWaialuaPermafarmhasfamiliesthatregularlysubscribetotheirCSAandpurchaseweekly or biͲmonthly boxes of veggies and fruits The Waialua Permafarm provides animpressive listing of vegetable and fruits that they grow with customers choosing theirfavoritesWhateverisinseasonandpreferredbythecustomeriswhattheCSAprovidesPu`uOHokuRanchalsoprovidesveggieboxesaswellasamore recentoperation runningoutofMahanaGardensOneMolokaiCSAoperatorsuggestedtheSiskiyouSustainableCooperativeinOregonasagreatmodel that could help farmers here to consolidate their efforts and create direct farmer toconsumer relationships Some of the best practices coming from Siskiyou SustainableCooperativeinclude Acollectiveoffarmerswhowantedtoformamarketingandbusinesscooperative Their business plan included visionary goals such as a credit union for farmers a
cooperatively owned state of the art commercial kitchen and seed cleaning facilityaffordablehealthinsuranceforfarmfamiliesetc
Inthefirst2yearsthefarmersdeveloped3marketingvenuesaCSAafarmstandalongtheroadsideandacooperatively runmarketboothEventually theCooperative focusedmoreexclusivelyontheCSAasitprovedmostfinanciallysuccessful
Farmersrsquogoal istoprovidecontinualaccesstomore locallygrownandproducedfoodsandtomaketheCSAboxmoreofaldquooneͲstopshoppingrdquoexperienceformembersTodatetheCSA offers bread cheese eggs flowers beef and buffalo products coffee and honey inadditiontotheregularproduceboxes
CoͲopprovidescertifiedorganicfruitsvegetablesandspecialty itemsproducedon9smallͲscalefamilyfarmsandranches
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 49
Feeds250 families throughcooperativeCommunitySupportedAgriculture (CSA)marketingand distribution program while enhancing the economic viability of their sustainableagricultureoperations
CoͲopoffersasmallsharethatfeeds2peopleandalargesharethatfeeds3Ͳ5peopleCoͲopdropsoffthefoodboxesto7differentspotsonaweeklybasis
ProvidingproducetolowͲincomepopulationsispartofCoͲoprsquosmissionCoͲopprovidesfoodtoACCESSandfoodbanks
CoͲopalsosuccessfullyappliedtoacceptfoodstampsCoͲopunderstandsthateatingfreshhealthyfood is importantforeveryoneespeciallyforthemorevulnerablepopulations likechildrenpregnantandnursingmotherstheelderlyanddisabledThesepeoplearemostinneedofnutrientͲdensehighqualityfoods
CSAmembersalsobenefit from farmdaysofferedby thecoͲopmembersget tosee theirfoodbeing grown andmeet their farmersCoͲop also sends recipes andnewsletterswitheachboxtohelpmemberslearnnewandexcitingwaystopreparetheirvegetables
CoͲopworks toexpandmarkets for localseedproducers toprovidevarietiesofregionallyͲadaptedopenͲpollinated seeds forhomegardenersand smallͲscale farmersCoͲop leasesseed cleaning equipment from a local nonͲprofit to improve seed quality and encouragegrowers toproducemore seedas theequipment saves time Oneof thecoͲop foundingmembers started his own local seed company see websitewwwbiodynamicseedsblogspotcom
CoͲop farms utilize interns as an inexpensive labor pool while providing them withopportunitiesto learnhowtogrow foodandruna farmoperation Inaneffort toprovidequality internships someof thecoͲopmembers formedanonͲprofit toprovideeducationandsocialopportunitiesforfarminternsSeewebsitehttproguefarmcorpsorg
AchievingFinancialSustainabilityThroughMIFFStrategyTodays farmermust possess a diverse skillsͲset to be truly competitive in a globalmarketAccordingtoRichardNelsonpresidentofHawaiiBizlinkLLCanagricultureͲconsultingfirmontheBigIslandnichemarketdevelopmentisthekeytosuccessfulagribusinessinHawaiiratherthan the agricultureasacommoditymindset80 Headds [A]g iseconomicdevelopmentanditisalsotourismVisitorswanttoeattheNalogreensandthefreshfishseethepineappleplantationandvisit theaquacultureoperationsahard look [needs tobe taken in]assistingfarmers with a variety of things including development of market plans business planspackagedesignintroductiontobuyersdevelopmentoftradeshowsandmarketingvenuesforlocalproducers[E]veryfarmerhasgottogetsmarterItsnolongerjustharvestingproductandthrowing it inabinFarmershavetowearmultiplehatsnow81Aswe looktobuildinggreatercapacityinourfarmingcommunitymoreeducationandtrainingmustbeavailableforfarmerstomeettheseemergingtrendsinagriculture
80YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange81YounFebruary2004httpwwwhawaiibusinesscomHawaiiͲBusinessFebruaryͲ2004RootsͲofͲChange
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 50
Farmers are more likely to succeed through diversification The Multiple Income FarmingFamilies (MIFF) model is a strategy for strengthening agribusinesses through generatingmultiplerevenuestreamsOne exampleof aMultiple Income Farming Family isMolokaiMeli inoperation since 2004MolokaiMeli sellspremiumorganic rawkiawehoneyasavalueͲaddedproductThe familymarketsldquomelisticksrdquoorhoneysealed instrawsassimplesnacks Theyalsoprovidedifferentgradesofhoneypremiumsilkyhoneykiawedarkhoneyandhoneycombsthattheyadvertiseand sell through their website The family doesnrsquot stop there Their eldest child Elijahdevelopedhisownbusiness around adressing recipeheperfectedmadewithMolokaiMelihoneyTheyoungerdaughtershavealsodevelopedtheirownproductsbeeswaxcandlesandchapstickthataresoldatKumuFarmsandMolokairsquosspecialtyshopsAllfamilymemberssuitupintheirbeekeepingsuitstocareforthebeesInitiallywhentheystartedtheirbusinesstheyhadnot fullyreachedtheir financialgoal insecuringallthestartͲupcoststheyneeded Theylearnedtoadaptandadjustedtheirbusinessplan Whenfacedwithapredicamentthattheywould not receive their bees on time to start their operations smoothly they turned thischallengeintoanewbusinessopportunitybyprovidingtheislandrsquossolebeeremovalservicesThey utilized this initial stock of bees for honey production and continue to replenish theirstoresbymaintainingbeeremovalservicesValueͲAddingampGoingOrganicThecommunitysupportsorganicvalueͲaddedandsustainablefarming82 Encourageandsupportorganicandenvironmentallyfriendlyfarmingmethodstechniques SupporttheproductionofvalueͲaddedproducts SupportthefarmingofcertifiedorganicandornonͲGMOcropsAnexampleofwhereMolokaifarmershaveachievedsuccess is inproducingcertifiedorganicpapayaMolokaiistheonlyplaceintheworldwhereorganicpapayaisgrowncommerciallyAsmallairportrunway that lacks thecapacity toreceive largeplanesand internationalcarriershaskeptMolokaibiologicallypurerthantheother islands inthat ithasnotbeenexposedtothepapaya ringspotvirus likewise thebananabunchy topvirushasalsonot takena strongholdonMolokaibananaKumu Farms is a local distributor of organic sunrisestrawberry papaya In themidͲ1990sKumuFarms invested inandbuiltaforcedͲhotͲair(FHA)chemicalfreetreatmentfacilitywiththeapprovalof theUSDepartmentofAgriculture to treat itscertifiedorganicpapayaonsiteand distribute directly to its various markets throughout the State of Hawai`i the USMainland and Canada83 Thirty percent (30) of the organic papaya supply comes from
82MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf83KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 51
homesteadfarmingfamilieswhoarepartofKumuFarmsldquosatelliteprogramrdquo84ThesefarmersarepaidbyKumuFarms$075lbfororganicpapayawhichismorethandoublewhatfarmerstypicallygetforconventionalGMOpapayaat$030lb MolokaiOrganicPapayaretails inthemainlandUSat$5lbProducingcropsorganically isawaytovalueͲaddandenteranichemarket This isespeciallyusefulforsmallfarmswhocannotcompetewithlargeproducersOneofthesatellitefarmshasexpressedadesiretobegindistributingandmarketingitsorganicpapayaindependentlyofKumuFarmstorealizedirectmarketprofitsInanycaseKumuFarmsplaysavaluablerole inproviding itsownFHAchemicalfreetreatmentfacilitydoingoutreachto small farmers to assume the costs of shipping distribution and marketing For manybeginning farmers these types of opportunitiesmitigate some of the costs of running anagribusinessandgivethemaleguptogrowandeventuallyexpandtheirownenterprisesThe 2010 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process forMaui Countyidentified the main economic sectors forMauiMolokai and Lanai islands They includeAgriculture Arts and Entertainment Government Healthcare Recreation and SportsRenewableEnergyResearchampDevelopment (RampD)and theVisitor Industry MolokaiCEDSparticipantshave identifiedprioritygoalsandobjectivesundereachsector ForAgricultureampAquacultureMolokai residentselectedasapriorityobjectiveaneffective ldquoBuy Localrdquo (ldquoBuyMolokairdquocampaign)andtheestablishmentofaldquoMadeonMolokairdquobrandAdditionally a September 2009 report provided by theMaui EconomicDevelopment Board(MEDB)onldquoEntrepreneurshipandtheFutureofMolokairdquodeterminedfrommultiplesurveysofMolokairsquos business community areas for growth and opportunity for the islandrsquos economyRespondents identified asopportunities ldquouniquelyMolokai lsquonichersquoproducts (organicpapayacoffeecookiesMolokaibreadetc)rdquoandldquovalueͲaddedproducts (tarochipspackageddriedmangococonutandbanana)rdquoIncreasedproductionandmarketingofnewvalueͲaddedfoodproductsprovide longershelf life requires lessvolumeof rawproductandhaveheighteneddemandbyworldmarketswishingtotrynewandexoticfoods ValueͲaddingandcreationofnicheproducts thatplay to the strengthsofwhat farmershere cangrowprovidesagreateradvantagetoMolokaiproducersandallowsthemtobemorecompetitiveinthemarket A few years ago theMolokai Rural Development Project (RDP) offered ValueͲAdded FoodProductionTrainingattheLanikehaCommercialKitchen inpartnershipwithHawaiianHomestheMolokaiCommunityServiceCouncilandKƻha`oBusinessCenterThetrainingwasgearedtoestablishingsuccessfulvalueͲadded foodbusinessesto fulfillanichemarketandaid inthediversification ofMolokairsquos agriculture industry RDP designed the training along theMIFFmodelofprovidingmultipleincomestreamsforfarmingfamiliesThelocalfarmerthroughthistrainingcouldsupplementhis income throughvalueͲaddingorconnectwithanentrepreneurwishingtoturnldquowasterdquo(discardedoffͲgradeproduce)intoopportunity
84KumuFarmswwwkumufarmscom
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 52
Currently Lanikeha holds a number of anchor tenants that regularly produce valueͲaddeditems Products thathavecomeoutofLanikeha includepoisweetpotatochipshoneyseasaltpestoproductsbakedandcatereditemsUtilizingLanikehaasaCommunityCommercialKitchen Incubator for additional valueͲadded product development and training is key todeveloping new food entrepreneurs on Molokai and strengthening the islands agricultureeconomyAgriͲTourismPriorities identified inMolokaiFutureofaHawaiian IslandrsquosAgricultureAquacultureSectionincludessupportofldquoagroͲtourismendeavorsrdquo85An area in which there is room for growth and diversification is the agritourism industryAccording to the Hawaii Agritourism Association (HATA) agritourism assists farmers withsupplementalincomebyprovidinganichemarketthatinvolvesconnectingtheconsumertothelandandthegrowersbyeducatingthemaboutagriculturalproductsandprovidingadirectandinteractiveexperienceOf theprofitsmade fromagͲtourism relatedactivitiesmost revenuesaregainedthroughonfarmsalesdirecttofarmvisitorsAdditionallymanyoperationsreceiveorders for products after visitors return home suggesting gains made through buildingrelationshipswithcustomersthroughagritourismvenuesAccording toHATAagritourism isagrowingglobal trend thatprovides farmswith income increative ways enhances diversity of visitor experiences while at the same time supportsculturalidentityTheMolokaiResponsibleTourism InitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanprovidesabasisfor identifyingacceptablehostͲvisitorexperiences inkeepingwithMolokairsquoscultureandruralpace 86 Focus group sessions interviews and surveys revealed that residents favoredsustainablecommunitytourismtheelementsofwhichinclude Operationsby localand traditionalpopulation toenhance thequalityof lifeprotectand
restoretheenvironmentalandculturalassetsandengagevisitorsontermsdefinedbythecommunity
Activitiesevolvingasasolutiontoeconomicenvironmentalsocialeducationalandcultural
growthchallenges
85MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandMay200813httpmolokaiorgfileadminuserpdfmolokaipdf86McGregorDaviannaldquoMolokaiResponsibleTourismInitiativeACommunityͲBasedVisitorPlanForMoloka`irdquoKe`AupuniLƃkĈhindashMolokaiEnterpriseCommunityFebruary2006httphuinethawaiirdporgmolokaiFinal20Report20Ͳ20with20coverpdf
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 53
Advocating a fair exchange of value between the host and the hosted Preserving the
communityrsquossenseofplacethatbringsdignityandpridetothehost Featuringauthenticandgenuineactivities forguests Sharing realcultureby thepeople
whopracticeit Creatingabalancedratiobetweenthelocalpopulationandvisitorcountsothatthesenseof
placeisnotoverwhelmedbylargescaletourismSomeactionsteps identified tomeet theseprinciples includedculturalexchangeeducationaltoursbuilding thekama`ainavisitormarketworkingwithentrepreneurcohortsestablishingcommunitynetworksandcollaborativeeffortsSuccesswouldbemeasuredwithanincreaseinthe number of jobs in the visitor industry and an increase in contributions to the islandrsquoseconomyfromvisitoractivitiesandretailpurchasesSome Molokai farmers have shown interest in agriͲtourism as evidenced by a programsupportedbytheKƻha`oBusinessCentertheCountyOfficeofEconomicDevelopmentandtheMolokaiAgriculturalDevelopmentProgramafewyearsagotoprovideintroductoryagritourismworkshops and site visits to various farmsonMauiMaui farms likeAli`iKula Lavender andSurfingGoatDairyhaveservedasgreatmentorsTheseactivitieshave inspiredandpromptedMolokai farmersto lookathowtheycan improvetheirown farmingoperationsand increaserevenuethroughdiversificationPurdyrsquosMacNutFarm isoneexampleofagritourismonMolokai The familyprovides farmtoursandgivesvisitorstheldquomacadamiaexperiencerdquothroughaneducationalcomponentandanopportunity to taste and purchase their product Relationships builtwith visitors serve tocreatealoyalcustomerbaseThePurdyrsquosprovidedirectmarketingbymailtocustomerswhohavevisitedtheminthepastThismethodhasbeenquiteeffectiveforthemTherearenegativeviewsonMolokaiabout tourismorconventionalaspectsof tourism thatexploittheHawaiianhostculture One farmerwhodislikestourismstatedhoweverthathehaswelcomedhundredsofpeopleofallagestovisittourandworkonhis family farm Forhimnoproprietarysecretsarekeptjustadesiretoshareknowledgeandthefamilyrsquospassionfor farming In this sense tourism takes a differentmeaning one that ismore about aneducational exchange and an opportunity to volunteer and gain knowledge throughexperiencingaworkingfarmfirsthand
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 54
ProvidingGreaterSupportforLocalAgricultureampSmallFamilyFarms
Lawsmustbeenforcedtomake it favorabletothe farmerto farm Enforcementofthe lawsthataccuratelydefineagricultureandappropriatefarmdwellingsiscriticaltothemaintenanceofHawai`irsquosinventoryofagriculturallandslestweforfeitafoodsecurefutureforHawai`i
MolokaiisoneofthefewislandsifnottheonlyHawaiianislandthatselfͲidentifiesitsdesiredandprimaryeconomy tobeagriculture rather than tourismThemajorityofour informantsrespondedtothefollowingquestioninthismanner
Question What is your Agriculture Vision for Molokai
ldquoTo truly be the agriculture breadbasket of the Staterdquo
Muchofthissentimentcanbeattributedtoourhistoriclegacyas`inaMomonaandaculturethathasneverforgottenthatthewealthofthe land isdeterminedbyhowmuchfoodcanbeproduced and howmuch can be shared This is the essence ofMolokairsquos two economiesagricultureandtraditionalsubsistence
InkeepingwithavisionforMolokaitobetheagriculturebreadbasketoftheStatefarmerssaythatchangesneed tobemadeby theStategovernment toprovideaguaranteedmarket forMolokai farmers to supply urban and densely populated islands like Oahu rather thanperpetuatingalosingpropositionforMolokairsquosfarmerswhoareforcedtocompetewithotherswhohavemoredirectaccesstothemarket
ExcerptsfromMolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIslandmakescommunityobjectivesclearastothehighprioritygiventoprotectingtheinterestsoflocalagriculture87 Protect andmanage natural resources land andwater for agricultureaquaculture food
production Promoteandsupport family farmsonMolokai inorder toprotectagricultureaquaculture
resourcesfromcommercialexploitation Promoteactivitiesand incentives thatwillhelpsupport theeconomicsecurityofour farm
families
AdditionalacreageforAgriculturalParksshouldbereservedtosupporttheexpansionoflocalfamilyfarmsPracticesthatconflictwiththespiritandpoliciesidentifiedforAgParkssuchasleasingorsubͲleasingto largecorporateindustrialagricultureandbiotechcompaniesshouldbeprohibited
87MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 55
Newtrendsrelatedtoan increasingappreciationanddemandfor localandregionalproduceencourage the return of small family farms88 Family farms are important to the soul andresilienceofacommunity Where industrialagriculturecompaniestendtocauseerosionandpollution through destructive practiceswith the use ofmachinery and heavy application ofchemical fertilizersherbicides andpesticides independent small family farmshave amoreintimate relationship with the land and are keen on preserving green and open spaces inalignmentwithcommunityvalues89
Related to thedeclineofsmall family farms is theagingofAmericarsquos farmers Molokai isnodifferent Theaverageageofthefarmerswesurveyedwere54yearsoldwhilethenationalaverage is 5790 The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 70 of the nationrsquosagricultural landwill changehandswithin the next 20 yearsdue to the agingpopulationoffarmers91 Ifthenextgeneration isnot interested infarmingthere isarealthreatthatthesefarmlandswillbeconvertedtononͲagriculturepurposes92 It is imperativethentocultivateanewgenerationofbeginningfarmers
OutreachampEducationIncreasingConsumerAwareness Reviewofsurveyand interviewresponsesstimulated livelyinformalinquiryanddiscussionamongfriendsfamilyandcolleaguesOnesuchdiscussionwasabout the need to raise greater consumer awareness of different kinds of foods herbsvegetablesthatattractthemoreexperiencedpalettebut forwhichthe localpopulationmaynotbeaccustomedtooutsideoftheirowntraditionalfoodsOneobservationthatwasmadebyKumuFarmsisthatsalesarelowinthesummerandpickupagainatthearrivalofsnowbirdsin the fallandwintermonths Hearing localpeople talkabout theirappreciationofgoing toKumuFarmstopickupfreshorganicproducebutareluctancetotrysomeofthemoreexoticherbsbecauseoftheirlackofknowledgeonhowtopreparethemsuggestsadesiretoexploredifferentcuisinesbutnotenoughopportunitytolearnaboutandincorporatethesefoodsintotheir cooking Hosting different tastings and cooking classes that integrate a farm to tableapproachmayhelp to removesome thesebarriers toeatinghealthynew foods With thesetypesofactivitieswecreatemoreeducatedconsumers Severalofour informantshavealsosuggestedraisingawarenessatanearlyagetoeducatethenextgenerationofeatersthroughschoolgardenprogramsthatgivechildrenadirectexperienceandappreciationofcultivating
ͺͺUnited StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof FoodandAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml89ldquotheissuesndashfamilyfarmsrdquoSustainableTableorghttpwwwsustainabletableorgissuesfamilyfarmsindex_pfhtml90ShuteBldquoANewGenerationofFarmersrdquoTheNewYorkTimesAugust192011httpwwwnytimescomroomfordebate20110817couldͲfarmsͲsurviveͲwithoutͲillegalͲlaborweͲneedͲaͲnewͲgenerationͲofͲamericanͲfarmers91United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml92United StatesDepartmentofAgricultureNational Instituteof Food andAgriculture Family FarmsOverviewhttpwwwcsreesusdagovneaag_systemsin_focusfamilyfarm_if_overviewhtml
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 56
preparingeatingandeventuallybuyingadelightfuldiversityof locallygrownnutritiousandwholefoodsEducatingFarmers Molokaihasgreatresourcesthatassistboththeprospectiveandcurrentfarmer ingaining inͲdepthagriculturalknowledgeand skills TheUniversityofHawai`iMauiCollege (UHMC) Molokai Farm confers an Associates Degree and Certificates in variousAgricultureampNaturalResourcestopics
CertificateofAchievementandASdegrees inHorticultureand LandscapeMaintenanceandSustainableTropicalCropManagement
Certificates of Competence in Agricultural Science Nursery Production and PestManagement
CertificatesofCompletioninTurfgrassSpecialistSustainableTropicalCropProductionandLandscapeMaintenance
Associates in Technical Studies Degree in Cultural and Natural Resource ManagementMĈlama`ina
InthepasttheMolokaiRuralDevelopmentProjectsponsoredtheAgricultureCohorttrainingprogramwhichserved8 farming families (27 familymemberstotal)committedtodevelopingsustainablefamilyfarms93The UHͲCTAHR Molokai Office delivered the training The project employed experientiallearning and instructionalmethodologies as best practices for intergenerational transfer oftechnology and expertise for sustainable agriculture Participants learned marketing farmplanningproductionplanningrecordkeepingcompleterequisitetaxforms(ScheduleF)farmequipmentsafetyandoperationsiteͲselectionassessmentirrigationsetͲupsoilfertilityplantnutritionpestmanagement (weeds insectsdiseases)harvesting commoditiespostͲharvesthandling grading and qualitymanagement organic certification basic computing businesssoftware and custom agricultureͲbased software Participants received training on usingspecialagriculture softwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRMolokaiextensionagentAltonArakakiThe first software they learned was on Production Mapping With this program farmersplannedandprojected theirproductionactivities throughout theyearanddeterminedwhenandhowmuch resourceswouldbeneeded to complete activities successfully TheprogramalsoprovidedfarmersanopportunitytorealisticallyestimateproductioncashflowoftheirfarmplansThesecondsoftwarethey learnedwastheScheduleFfinancialrecordkeepingprogramthatmaintainsrecords inatemplatethatwouldeventuallycompletetheirDepartmentoftheTreasuryProfitandLossfromFarmingIRSScheduleFForm1040AttheendofthetrainingthecohortparticipantsreceivedcopiesofthesoftwareOtherfarmingsoftwaredevelopedbyUHͲCTAHRprovedusefulforfarmentrepreneursenrolledintheprojectThesoftwareincludedPlantTissueAnalysisndashRecordingandTrackingforplantnutritionmanagementandCalibratingYourSprayer(publishedbyCTAHRhttpwwwctahrhawaiieduocfreepubspdfPRREͲ6pdf)
93AkutagawaMalialdquoAgriculturalCohortProjectFinalReportrdquoAugust302007
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 57
Farmfamiliesincreasedtheirknowledgeandexperienceincropproductionandmanagementandapplied theiracquiredskills toestablishingorexpanding their farmbusiness Thecropsproducedbythe8 family farmenterprises includedorganicpapaya(3 farms)yamDioscareaorganicwatermelon and taro greenhouse lettucepumpkin taro (lu`au leaf table taro andvalueͲaddedkuloloproduct)andcoffeeSeveral participants were successful recipients of the Molokai Agricultural DevelopmentProgram awards having enrolled in RDPrsquos Kƻha`o Business Center Entrepreneurial TrainingProgram to receive oneͲtoͲone business consultation and assistance in developing theirbusinessplans
Allcohort familiesmadeprofitandexceededbenchmarkssetbyRDP Anestimated totalof$105000wasmade in cumulative sales over the yearmore than doubling the year 2 endprojectgoalof$50000 The farmproductsweremarketedonͲisland intrastateandon themainlandOrganicpapayasweremarketedtomainlandhubsinLosAngelesSanFranciscoandPortlandFromthesehugecitiestheyweresoldandshippedtoinlandmarkets
From thiscomprehensive trainingparticipants learnedandexperiencedboth theagriculturalsciencesandartofrunningasuccessfulbusinessInthesciencecurriculumparticipantslearnedsubjectmatters insoilplantsplantdiseases insectsweedsplantnutritionmanagementofplant pests and plant nutrition In the agriͲbusiness curriculum participants learned postharvesthandlinggradingorganic certificationmarketingand farmproductionplanningandmanagement Both experiential learning and classroom instruction proved invaluable Themajorityofthesefamiliesremainsuccessfultodaymorethan5yearsaftertheprogramendedTrainingslikethisgivefarmersthenecessarytoolstorunasuccessfulagribusinessUHͲCTAHRcontinues toassistby focusingon teachingbeginning farmersasaway to cultivate thenextgenerationoffarmersandreversethenationwidetrendofanagingfarmingpopulationSust`ĈinableMolokaihasalso focusedoncomplementing thisworkbybringingpermaculture(ecologicalfarming)inpartnershipwiththePermacultureResearchInstituteUSAtointerestedlocal adults and homesteaders to farm responsibly and sustainably From herewersquove beenteachingsustainablefarmingstrategiestoanestimated100MolokaiHighSchoolstudentsandinstallingthefeaturesofaminiͲahupua`aasademonstrationandteachingtoolIt is recommended that tobuilda strong farmingcommunity in thenextgenerationwewillneedtotakeproactivestepsnowandstartpreparingnewfarmersearlyonfromgradeschoollevel with school gardens up through middle and high school as youth begin to exploreagricultureasacareerGeneralagricultureclassescanbesupplementedwithacurriculumthatincludes financial literacyentrepreneurshipbusinesshomeeconomicshealthandnutritionscience (biology ecology chemistry conservation) and engineering aspects From herestudentswill be able to understand agriculture from diverse viewpoints and disciplines anddevelopdifferentskills required foroperatingasuccessful farmenterprise Creatingadirectbridge tohighereducation throughcollegeandcareerpathway ladderprogramsavailableat
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 58
UHMCMolokaiandotheruniversityinstitutionsisidealOnefarmerwhohasastrongbusinessbackgroundandwasabookkeeperformanyyearspriorto farming recommended that youngpeople take courses inbookkeeping and accounting inadditiontoagricultureclassesPerhaps thegreatestways to impart farmingknowledge isbetween farmers SeveralofourfarmersthatweinterviewedindicatedthattheylearnbestfromeachotherandthatthereisadesiretoserveasmentorsfornewfarmerswholackexperienceThisisfeltparticularlyamongMolokairsquoshomesteadfarmersOnefarmerremarkedontheverycloseͲknitcommunityformedonthehomesteadandthatmosthavethesamemindsetthatldquonewopportunitiesforoneareopportunities for allrdquo As a group they rely on each other to share farming techniquesinformation on new equipment and promote their produce together Rarely is therecompetitionamongsthomesteadersbutadesire todemonstrate thatagriculture isa viableeconomicenginefortheislandOtherResourcestoAssistFarmersLandownersandRanchersThereareanumberofincentiveprogramsthatassistfarmersranchersandlandownersiftheychoosetointegrateconservationandsustainablepracticesintheiroperationsThisisonewaythat Molokai producers can access critical funding and work with conservation expertsIncentive Programs through the US Department of Agriculture include the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service (NRCS) ndashMolokaiͲLanai Soil ampWater Conservation District(SWCD) which prepares local conservation and watershed management plans providesconservationeducationandpropagatesnativeplantstorestoreHawaiianecosystemsassistsfarmersand ranchers inanumberof federalFarmBillPrograms thatprovides incentives forvoluntary conservation practices to help reduce erosion protect streams and rivers restoreandestablishfishandwildlifehabitatandimproveairqualityo EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)respondstoimportantlocallyidentified
natural resource concerns Funds cover conservationplanningdesignand installation Itmayincludestrategiessuchasnoxiousweedcontrolbrushmanagementpasturehaylandplantingterracesandgroundcover
o GroundampSurfaceWaterConservation (GSWC) supports installationof irrigation related
conservation practices Strategies funded arewater catchment basinsmicroͲirrigationroofrunoffetc
o GrasslandReserveProgram(GRP)assistslandownersandoperatorsintherestorationand
protectionofgrasslandincludingrangelandandpasturelando WildlifeHabitat IncentiveProgram (WHIP) utilized for thecreationand improvementof
fish and wildlife habitat on private land Some practices funded include developingwetlandripariananduplandareas
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 59
o Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) wetland restoration enhancement or creation on
privatelando FarmampRanchlandProtectionProgram(FRPP)helpingstatetribalorlocalgovernmentto
purchasethedevelopmentrightstokeepproductivefarmandranchlandinagriculturaluseo Conservation Security Program (CSP) rewards farmers for protecting and improving the
environment Pays producerswho historically practice good stewardship on agriculturallandsandprovidesincentives
OtherprogramsadministeredthroughNRCSanditsaffiliatesincludeo AgriculturalDevelopment Program (ADP) provides funds to Resource Conservation and
DevelopmentCouncils throughout the nation to administer grants for community drivenprojectsthatpromoteagriculturaldevelopment
o Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) stimulates the development and adoption of
innovativeconservationapproachesand technologieswhile leveraging federal investmentinenvironmentalenhancementandprotectioninconjunctionwithagriculturalproduction
o CooperativeEcosystemStudiesUnit(CESU)provideopportunitiesforinterdisciplinaryand
multiͲagency research technical assistance and education Function as ldquovirtualrdquoorganizationslinkingseveralinstitutionstoincreaseaccesstoexpertiseandfacilities
ImproveRanchingPracticesampMaximizeUseampPotentialofSlaughterhouseThebroaderimpactfortheislandinhavingitsownslaughterhousethemostadvancedfacilityin theStateofHawaii is the revitalizationofMolokairsquos ranching industryWherequalityandincreased volume are paramount ranchers with the right tools may take advantage ofconsumer trends towards making healthier food choices through offering MolokaiͲgrowngrassͲfedorganicbeefasavalueͲaddednicheproduct
TherehavebeencriticismsaboutthequalityofMolokaibeef intermsoftaste Whilevisitorsandhealthconsciousindividualstendtobemorewillingtospendupto$5lbonlocalgrassfedbeeftheaverageMolokaiconsumertendstobemoreconcernedabouttasteAccordingtotheslaughterhousemanagerhighqualitypastureyieldshighqualitybeefandisapreͲrequisiteforenteringanichemarket Ranchersherearenot focusedongrass finishing theircattle HighqualitygrassgrownunderbestmanagementpracticesisneededtocreateagreatbeefproductItwill take time for the ranching industry to see the valueof adopting greatermeasures inalignmentwithorganicranchingpreceptstocaptureanichemarket
Venisonand lambshowmarketpotential Itwillbe interestingtotracktheprogressofthese
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 60
potential enterprises in the years ahead It is recommended thatMolokairsquos stateͲofͲtheͲartslaughterhousebeutilizedtoprocessanddistributemore localmeatandavarietyofanimalsforretailprocessingaswellasvalueͲaddedfooddevelopmentAdditionallythepossibilityandrequirements for processing goat through the slaughterhouse and the potentialmarket fortheseanimals shouldbe furtherexploredasaway toget feralgoats (andmoredeer)downfromthemountainasathreattouplandnativeforestsandontotheplateWemustbegintolookatwaystoturnthreatsintoopportunities
SustainableRanchingThe community has identified as a priority the support of ldquocontinued livestockͲraisingoperationsonMolokaithatusesustainablelandwatermanagementpracticestominimizetheriskoferosionandtoprotectMolokairsquoslimitedwaterresourcesrdquo94Sust`ĈinableMolokaihasbeenresearchingwaystobringthetoolsofHolisticManagementtoMolokai ranchers Theholisticmanagement framework touchesupon theways thatanimalscan play an important role in renewing the land through careful management andunderstandingthewatercyclemineralcycleenergyflowandecosystemdynamics Throughthismethodgrasslandscanbe improved tominimizenegativeeffectsofdroughtrebuildsoilandsequestercarbonaswellasprovidegoodpastureforhoovedanimalswhoareintegratedinto themanagement plan With holisticmanagement livestock actually provide a healingeffectonthelandthroughmimickingnatureandwildherdingbehaviorAnimalscanbeutilizedtoaerate the soilandaid in theplantingofgrass seedwith theirhooveswhilecontributingnutrientstothesoilfromtheirfeceswithhighdensitygrazingforshortperiodsfollowedbyarestorativeperiod Outcomesof this sustainablewayofmanagement include reduced costsand increased profits for the ranch more productive range land biologically active soilsreversal of desertification of eroded lands drought protection restorative effect on thewatershedimprovedwildlifehabitatandecosystemsandfoodsecurityRanchersaroundtheworldhavemetwithgreatsuccessthroughthismethodTherearesomeexamplesontheBigIslandofsuccessfulranchingwithHolisticManagementprinciplesWithappropriateplanningcollaboration and raising the necessary funds Sust`ĈinableMolokai would like to bring aHolisticManagementtrainingworkshoptoassisttheranchingcommunityStrengtheningMolokairsquosFoodSecurityampDisasterPreparednessOne farm business Kumu Farms has taken an active role in responding to food securityconcernsforMolokaiKumuFarmsaftertherecenttsunamiscarebegantoconsiderhowtheycouldhelpinincreasingMolokairsquosfoodsecurityandresiliencetodisastereventsKumuFarmsadoptedapolicy thatmakesMolokai firstpriority in termsof supplying the islandrsquosproduceneedsMolokaineedsaretakencareoffirstwiththesurplusexportedtotherestoftheStateandUSmainland
94MolokaiFutureofaHawaiianIsland(2008)13
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 61
UH CTAHRwill be providing an `Ohana Gardening class for subsistence gardening Familygardens are the bestway to provide food security There is a phrase by Geoff Lawton arenowned permaculture teacher ldquoOne can solve all problems in a gardenrdquo In a gardendistributionandtransportationissuesareautomaticallyresolvedOthermeasuresthatcanbetaken to make food readily accessible to families and minimize the amount of time andresources to travel by foot is toworkwith families to plant breadfruit trees sweet potatobananaswet or dryland taroMany Hawaiian families particularly living on kuleana landsalreadyhavetheseplantsandtrees inthegroundasdirectbeneficiariesoftheirkupunawhocommonlyprovidedforthefamilyrsquosneedsrightintheirownbackyardOne farmer would like to see food forests on the mountain sides in every ahupua`aCollaborationwith large landownerscommunitygroupsand theahaki`ole leadershipwouldbeagoodstartingpointtocoordinatethistypeofworkMolokairsquos strength also lies in its diversified agriculture and family farms The use of largeacreagesof farm land forbiotech seedcropsutilized for researchpurposesonly impacts theislandrsquos food security and ability to produce food Typical industrialmonocrop culture alsoleavestheislandmorevulnerabletomasscropfailureGreaterresilienceisfoundthroughdiversificationoffoodcropsReintroducingthepracticeofseedsavingandgrowingmanyvarietiesofheirloomseedsadaptedtospecificgrowingregionsand climate regimes is away to increase food security Greater effortmust be placed increatingaseedbankpreservingandplantingexistingseedvarietiesparticularlycreatedbytheearlyHawaiians and passed down to the present generation and cultivating new varietiesadaptedtoonersquosgrowingareaRestoration ofWaikolu Valley was identified as a priority project under theMaui CountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)processTherestorationprojectwouldentailallowinghomesteaderstorestorethetaroterracesinthevalleyandreplanttaro95Molokairsquosgreat inventoryoffishpondsandmassivefringingreefsystemarealsoassetstotheislandrsquosabilitytoproducefoodCaremustbetakentorestoreuplandforeststostopsiltationandrunoffintotheoceanandfishpondsWorkmustbeundertakentorestoremorefishpondsandputthembackintoproduction
95Hawai`iStatewideComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)Chapter4ndashMauiCountyComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy2010ShortRangePriorityProjectsp51
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 62
ConclusionFarming is challenging onMolokai due to limited water resources high operational costsshippinghurdlesandtheabilitytogeta fairprice forproduce farmed Thesechallengesarenot insurmountable ifapproachedsystematicallyandcontinuedeffortsandcommitmentsaremade byMolokairsquos community to support local agriculture through education and creatingstructuresthatpoolresourcesandpeopletogetherThe island ismadestrongerby theassetswehavearichcultural legacyof `Ĉinamomonaapopulation thatmaintains traditional subsistence practices and upholds agriculture as theeconomic mainstay for the island lands fishponds and reefs capable of producing vastamounts of food a strongHawaiianHomestead farming community engaged in diversifiedagriculture a college and demonstration farm that offers agriculture certificate and degreeprograms local stateͲofͲtheͲart slaughterhousea community run commercialkitchen facilityforvalueͲadded foodproductionand trainingdedicatededucatorsandagricultureextensionagents from the University to help farmers in the field and an environment that ismorecooperativethancompetitiveintermsofsharingknowledgeandbestpractices
Sust `Ɨina ble Molokai ndash Moloka`i ndash pedia Agriculture Needs Assessment 63
VI APPENDICES
A FoodProductionampSecuritySurveyB InterviewQuestionsforFarmersC InterviewQuestionsforBusinesses
Sustrsquoaina ble Molokai Survey Food Production amp Security
Do you care or think about where your food comes from ___yes ___no Do you prefer to buy local Molokai food products __ yes ___no __no preference Would you eat more local food if it were available __yes __no If yes what would you like to eat or buy if made grown on Molokai_______________________________________________________________________________ Do you feel you have access to locally grown food in the grocery stores and open markets ___yes ___no If no
what do you suggest to improve this situation_______________________________________________________
Are you a farmer or interested in farming ____ yes ____no If yes how old are you_________________
If yes what do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other ________________________________
What produce do you (plan to) farm_______________ ______________________________________ How much land are you farming (or is available for you) a Less than one acre b 1 ndash 5 acres c 15 - 40 acres d 40 acres or more
Do you grow your own food (farm gardening) _____ yes ______no If no what is the primary reason for not
growing your own food __Too busy __ Not interested __ Relying on others __Disabled __ Donrsquot know
how Other Reason _____________________________
Approximately what percentage of the food you eat is Prepared at home ______ Purchased from a restaurant ______ (total should equal 100)
Of the food you prepare at home approximately what percentage is grown caught andor produced (total should equal 100)
a By you andor your family ______ b On Molokai_______ c In Hawaii ________ d Outside Hawaii________
Would you grow food for sale if there were a viable market (guaranteed customer) (or more food if you already grow)
__Yes __No What subsistence activities do you do If none why (no interest no time donrsquot know how)
aHunting b FishingDiving c Gathering (what___________________) Other ______________ None because _______________________
To practice subsistence on Molokai we need our natural resources to be in good conditionprotected and we need access Which one is a bigger concern for you ___Conditionprotection of our natural resources ___Access to natural areasresources ___Both ndash equally
Overall how important is subsistence to your family ___Very Important ___Somewhat important
___Somewhat Unimportant ___Not Important at all
About what percent of your familyrsquos food comes from subsistence activities (fishing hunting gathering raising
animals cultivation) ________
AppendixA-FoodProduc0onampSecuritySurvey
Food Production ndash Informant Interviews ndash Farmers
Sustainable Molokai is creating an online database where we are inputting information about the islandrsquos food production We want to share what you are growing as well as include your manarsquoo on the status of Molokairsquos food supply Once this information is available to the public the island community would have a picture of what is going on in terms of food security and how we can all get together to fill in the gaps and meet needs
How old are you how long have you been farming
What produce do you farm or are interested in farming How much land is available for you
What has been your best cash crop
Has farming your specific productproduce been successful
What do you feel are the challenges farmers face on Molokai (check all that may apply)
__High cost of water __High operational costs
__Lack of capacityeducation __High equipment costs
__Not enough demand for goods __Other___________________________
Do you sell or plan to sell food mostly on island What is your vision for an agricultural future for this island
AppendixB-InterviewQues0onsforFarmers
Food Security Interview Questions for Businesses
Sustainable Molokai is working on a database project which is collecting information about Molokairsquos food production We are surveying the community and would like to talk story with the islandrsquos grocery stores
Out of a 100 how much percentage of what you sell out of the store is locally grownproducedmade
If itrsquos not Molokai made where does the produce come that is being sold out of the store
What Molokai madegrown products do you sell out of the store
What are the requirements for local food to be sold out of your store (eg business license)
What is the most popularsuccessful or fastest selling local product sold
What do you consider to be the challenges that farmers face on Molokai
What would you like to sell that is Molokai made
Do you have any suggestions to potential farmers food businesses on Molokai What to sell when to sell etc
AppendixC-InterviewQues0onsforBusinesses