The 2022 legislative session mandated an economic impact study of the 10% blend law on Kona and other Hawaiian coffee farmers. Will you support the prompt completion of that study and a thorough airing of its contents? Will you support reform of Hawaii’s 10% blend law? And what will you pledge to do to support the change?
Yes, in fact, I supported the original language of House Bill 1517 which required 51% of the coffee blend to be from the location that the label reflects and I will continue to advocate for this approach. Until then, I support this study as establishing some critical foundations to protecting the Kona coffee “brand.” House Bill 1517 was referred to House Finance, and as the Chair of the committee I heard it, recommended its passage, and was glad to see it pass conference committee and pass final reading. As the report is due to the legislature in December of 2023, if I am Lt. Governor, I will work with the Department of Agriculture (DOA) to ensure that they consult with your association as required under the bill, and will also work with DOA to ensure that they finalize the report on time. Timing will be important in the event that there is legislation that should be introduced and considered for the 2024 legislative session.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture has said repeatedly over the last number of years that its budget has been cut so drastically that it cannot perform the various tasks assigned to it by the Legislature. The HDOA’s share of the State’s annual budget is less than one-half of one percent (<.005). To strengthen support for Hawaii farmers, will you support measures to significantly increase funding for the HDOA?
The Department of Agriculture has struggled with filling vacant positions. Out of about 300 positions, about 100 positions continue to be unfilled year after year. While more funding is needed to assist agriculture, the Department must do its part to decrease vacancies and transition from its regulatory role to a supportive role.
Please close by telling us a bit more about yourself and your commitment to agriculture. Mahalo!
Hawaii is located about 2,506 miles from the continental United States and that distance, poses challenges because 85-90% of Hawaii's food is imported. This causes a serious vulnerability during disasters and unexpected events that disrupt the shipment of supplies to the state. Additionally, Hawaii spends up to $3.1 million dollars a year to import food, causing a significant negative economic impact. I am a strong supporter to push for greater food self-sufficiency in our state. The 2012 DEBDT report stated that just replacing 10% of the food Hawaii imports would amount to approximately $313 million in revenue. Further, this would also mean that the funds would stay within the state’s economy rather than being spent off-shore, going directly into the pockets of Hawaii’s residents. Beyond that, eating local is simply healthier because it also means eating a more whole-food based diet, lowering rates of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The leading cause of death in Hawaii is heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, illnesses associated with things we eat. Investing in healthier food will also be investing in a healthier community. There are several recent initiatives I was happy to see passed during the recent sessions:
● Helping farmers through legislation such as HB2466 which offers taro farmers a state tax exemption of $100,000 for income derived from taro, taro products and land used to produce taro.
● Training and producing more farmers through the University of Hawaii “Go Farm Hawaii” program, with Statewide Farmer Training Courses that include beginner courses, pro level, and even agricultural business courses.
● Creating supports through Food Hubs to act as distribution networks on behalf of small farmers so that farmers can focus on farming.
● Finally, initiatives such as Da Bux Program, Restaurant Card, and Aina Pono Farm to School (Act 218) provide more opportunities for the residents of Hawaii to purchase and enjoy the fresh food grown and raised here.
● Helping farmers through legislation such as HB2466 which offers taro farmers a state tax exemption of $100,000 for income derived from taro, taro products and land used to produce taro.
● Training and producing more farmers through the University of Hawaii “Go Farm Hawaii” program, with Statewide Farmer Training Courses that include beginner courses, pro level, and even agricultural business courses.
● Creating supports through Food Hubs to act as distribution networks on behalf of small farmers so that farmers can focus on farming.
● Finally, initiatives such as Da Bux Program, Restaurant Card, and Aina Pono Farm to School (Act 218) provide more opportunities for the residents of Hawaii to purchase and enjoy the fresh food grown and raised here.