< 2022 Candidate Questionnaire
Hawaii County is the preeminent agricultural county in the state, but the County does not have a separate County Department of Agriculture. Will you pledge to work for creating such a department to support farmers—and, in particular, to support farmer efforts to combat recently introduced invasive pests like Coffee Berry Borer, Coffee Leaf Rust, and Avocado Lace Bug?
Colehour Bondera: Hawaii County Council District 6
For the sake of support, involvement and encouragement, my first steps in this regard would be to work with Maui County regarding their experience and advice on what has worked and what has not in terms of establishment of their County DOA. Since Hawaii is home to the majority of farms in the state, it can and should already have much more HDOA presence than it does, and though that is separate, it can and should be considered when planning for a Hawaii County DOA. How would the Hawaii County DOA and the HDOA work together would be a necessary foundation point to move ahead effectively. Further, who would UH (including CTAHR) consult in terms of the DOA is important, as would be how Hawaii legislators would seek and respond to input and calls to action. With all of these pieces in mind, I truly believe that establishment of such a program makes sense and it should be created in a way which ensures that invasive pests are dealt with before the fact (through avoidance) and agriculture is best protected by the County first, then by the State. Farmers need as much support as possible and a well formed Hawaii County DOA could and should listen first to the farmers, and work on issues that they prioritize.
Michelle Galimba: Hawaii County Council District 6
I understand the desire to have a separate County Department of Agriculture but, to be honest, I am not convinced that a separate Department is the best route to achieve the desired ends as they may be more effectively reached by a dedicated robust subsection of the Department of Research & Development. However I will be happy to listen to the case for a Hawaiʻi County DOA.
Dr. Holeka G. Inaba: Hawaii County Council District 8
Currently, I believe the County is not in a position to stand up a new department of agriculture. However, I do support the creation of new positions within the County Department of Research and Development which will focus on agricultural production in our County. In addition, as invasive species are the kuleana of the state, I would like to see more effort on the part of our state legislature and administration to support our farmers in dealing with related issues.