County Government
County Government agencies supporting and regulating agriculture and food production.
Associated Challenges:
Lack of Coordination Among Stakeholders | There is limited coordination between producers, government agencies, and industry groups, hindering collaboration and the development of unified strategies to address systemic issues like transportation, market access, and workforce shortages. |
Permitting Delays | Lengthy permitting processes, particularly for infrastructure projects like cold storage and processing facilities, delay necessary investments. Producers face significant challenges navigating Hawaii’s regulatory and permitting framework. |
Pest and Disease Management | Coffee and macadamia nut producers face persistent challenges from pests such as the Coffee Berry Borer and macadamia felted coccid, which lower yields and increase costs. Research into pest-resistant varieties is critical for mitigation. |
Complex Food Safety Compliance | Small farmers face difficulties complying with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and other food safety standards. The cost and complexity of compliance prevent many from accessing certain markets and limit their ability to scale. |
Inadequate Technical Assistance | Limited access to technical support services, such as extension programs and research institutions, constrains farmers' ability to implement modern farming techniques and business practices, particularly among small farms. |
Lack of Available Data and Market Information | Insufficient access to reliable market data and demand information constrains decision-making for both producers and buyers. This results in inefficiencies in pricing, production volumes, and market opportunities. |
Permitting and Regulatory Delays | Lengthy and complex regulatory processes, such as building permits and environmental compliance, disproportionately affect small farmers. These delays hinder the timely expansion of farms and limit infrastructure development. |
County government agencies on Hawai'i Island play a crucial role in supporting and regulating agricultural and food production through local ordinances, infrastructure projects, and enforcement of land-use and environmental policies. Key departments involved include the County of Hawai'i Department of Research and Development (R&D), which provides grants and support for agricultural initiatives, and the County’s Planning and Public Works departments, which oversee permitting and land use regulation. The county also works closely with producers to offer financial assistance and facilitate access to critical infrastructure, such as roads, water systems, and markets, which are vital to agricultural operations.
Staple Food Commodities
For staple food commodities, the county government’s involvement is centered around infrastructure development and regulatory support. Producers have voiced concerns over slow and complex permitting processes, especially for farm-related construction, land use changes, and water access. These delays have impacted the ability of small-scale and mid-sized producers to expand operations and implement necessary improvements. While the county provides grants and financial incentives, many producers feel that these are often inaccessible due to bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, the county is working on promoting food security by supporting local food production through various initiatives.
Export Commodities
The county government’s focus on export commodities largely revolves around infrastructure development, including improvements to roads, ports, and cold storage facilities, which are critical to maintaining product quality during transport to international markets. The county is also tasked with enforcing local regulations that govern land use and environmental protection, both of which have significant implications for large-scale export producers seeking to expand operations. In this capacity, the county plays a vital role in balancing the needs of producers with environmental and land use concerns.