Hawaii House Bill HR207

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

Urging Kamehameha Schools To Extend The Leases Of The Hawaii Kai Farmers For At Least Five Years.

Impact

The resolution's impact on state laws primarily centers around agricultural leasing practices and community engagement in decisions affecting local farmers. By urging Kamehameha Schools to extend these leases, the bill aims to prevent the discontinuation of agricultural practices that have historical significance for Hawaii Kai. Additionally, the resolution also calls for the forgiveness of a $10,000 fine imposed on farmers as a result of cesspool conversion regulations enforced by the EPA, which has exacerbated their financial struggles.

Summary

House Resolution 207 urges Kamehameha Schools to extend the leases of the Hawaii Kai farmers for at least five more years. The bill highlights that the current leases will expire in July 2025, posing a significant threat to the livelihoods of many farmers in the Kamilonui Valley, most of whom are in their seventies and rely on modest incomes from their agricultural activities. The resolution emphasizes the historical role of these farmers in the community and their contribution to local food resiliency, an increasing priority for the state legislature.

Contention

While the resolution expresses the community's concerns, it remains to be seen how Kamehameha Schools will respond to these requests. Notably, the proposal for community meetings suggests an indication of potential tensions between corporate administrative decisions and local agricultural needs. If Kamehameha Schools does not heed the resolution, the potential loss of farmland may alter the identity and sustainability of Hawaii Kai, further diminishing community control over local agricultural practices.