State Government

State Government agencies supporting and regulating agriculture and food production.

The state government plays a central role in regulating food safety, land use, and agricultural policies. State agencies provide grants, loans, and technical assistance, but there are ongoing concerns about bureaucratic hurdles that hinder timely access to these resources. The state’s commitment to food security and self-sufficiency could be strengthened by reducing regulatory burdens and expanding financial support for local farms.

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.