New agricultural park aims to innovate, accelerate Kauaʻi farming businesses

Mālama Kauaʻi looks for community input on Olohena ‘ĀINA Center, an agricultural park that will increase agricultural production and access for new and experienced farmers in Kauaʻi.

The first phase of the proposed 87-acre agricultural park includes 20 acres of sub-licensed farm plots, four acres of agroforestry, as well as an acre of shared facilities for farmers including a washing and packing area, greenhouses, walk-in cold storage, and a meeting and business space. The land is leased from My Kapa’a, LLC – owned in part by Bette Midler.

“We’re honored that the family trusts us with the land they so thoughtfully protected from development many years ago,” said Mālama Kaua’i’s Executive Director Megan Fox. “We’ve been dreaming about increasing land access for farmers for a long time, as it’s a key barrier to newer farmers starting or scaling their businesses. This center will be a great step towards diversifying our economy and becoming more food self-sufficient.”

Interested farmers are encouraged to get involved early in the center’s development process and provide feedback on the center’s design by sharing their interest via an online form available at MalamaKauai.org. 

Mālama Kaua’i is a hosting two more community meetings this month to see early site designs and gather feedback from the community. and answer questions:

• Friday, April 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Wailua Houselots Park Pavilion, 200 Lanakila Rd., Kapaʻa
• Monday, April 28 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. over Zoom

Light refreshments will be served for the in-person meeting. To RSVP, visit Tinyurl.com/Olohena, or call Mālie at (808) 828-0685 x6.

“The timing of opening depends on the success of our fundraising and water connection,” said Fox. “We’re unsure of the Federal and State funding landscape this year but remain hopeful we can gain support from others given how significant of an effort this is. We are in it for the long haul. We won’t stop until the center is a flourishing hub for our community.”

If you’re a farmer seeking a land lease to expand your production, submit an inquiry form here. Donations can be made online, or with a check called “Ag Park” in the memo to: Mālama Kaua‘i, 3-3204 Kuhio Hwy, Ste. 102, Līhu‘e, HI 96766.