Hawaii House Bill HR167

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Urging Kamehameha Schools To Extend The Leases Of The Hawaii Kai Farmers.

Impact

The resolution seeks to engage Kamehameha Schools in discussions with the Hawaii Kai community to address their concerns regarding the future of these farmers. The community's worries center around the expiration of the leases and its implications for local agriculture, identity, and sustainability. As the farmers approach retirement, the resolution underscores the importance of maintaining agricultural practices in Kamilonui Valley and the benefits of food resiliency that these farmers contribute to the community and state.

Summary

House Resolution 167 (HR167) urges Kamehameha Schools to extend the leases of Hawaii Kai farmers, whose current leases are set to expire in July 2025. This resolution highlights the integral role these farmers play in the local food system and the community’s agricultural identity. The resolution stems from a historical perspective where Hawaii Kai was planned as a community with its own food sources, and the farmers have been a part of this vision for many years. With many farmers nearing retirement age, the resolution acknowledges their modest incomes and the potential risks to food resiliency in the region if leases are not renewed.

Contention

One notable point of contention may arise surrounding the management of the land and its future use. If Kamehameha Schools opts not to extend the leases, this could potentially lead to changes in land use that may not align with the community’s vision of sustaining local agriculture. The resolution calls for a town hall meeting, suggesting that the community seeks a voice in these discussions. The engagement between Kamehameha Schools and local stakeholders may lead to a larger conversation about rural development, land stewardship, and community needs concerning agricultural resources.