Community Visioning

Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural advocates on Hawaiʻi Island came together for an important discussion on the future of sustainable farming and land stewardship. The Kohala Agricultural Visioning event, hosted by the County of Hawaiʻi in collaboration with Kahua Paʻa Mua, and Vibrant Hawaiʻi provided a platform for the community to share ideas, learn from experts, and contribute to a long-term vision for agriculture in North Kohala.

A Gathering for Growth and Sustainability

Held at Hisaoka Gym on Saturday, March 25, the event brought together farmers, backyard gardeners, and agricultural stakeholders to discuss critical issues such as water use, energy efficiency, and land preservation. Through collaboration with local vendors and government agencies, attendees gained insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping agriculture in Kohala.

But this event was not just about farming techniques and economic viability—it also addressed a deeper concern in the farming community. Agriculture has one of the highest suicide rates among industries, and in response, organizers dedicated a booth specifically to farmer wellness and mental health. This initiative underscored the need for holistic support systems that recognize the emotional and psychological challenges faced by those working the land.

Redefining Agriculture: A Community-Centered Approach

At Kahua Paʻa Mua, we believe agriculture is more than just an industry—it’s a culture, a source of connection, and a foundation for community resilience.

David Fuertes, executive director of Kahua Paʻa Mua, shared this perspective:

“A lot of times when we think about agriculture, we always think that agriculture is strictly economic development—'You’ve got to make money to be in agriculture'—but not really,” Fuertes shared. “You can be a backyard gardener and produce food, and that’s agriculture as well. You can be raising taro in the streams just for your home use and giving to your neighbor—that’s agriculture too, and that needs to be honored.”

By broadening the definition of agriculture, we honored home growers, subsistence farmers, and those practicing traditional Hawaiian farming methods as integral parts of Kohala’s agricultural landscape.

The Impact of the Event

One of the key outcomes of the event was the creation of a community vision plan, which is set to be published within a month following the gathering. This document will serve as an updated framework built upon the North Kohala Community Development Plan, written over a decade ago. Attendees had the opportunity to contribute their insights, ensuring the vision reflects local priorities and values.

Adding a unique artistic touch, Kailua-Kona-based artist Susi Watson painted a mural inspired by the discussions, visually capturing the aspirations and hopes for Kohala’s agricultural future. This artistic representation serves as both an inspiring symbol and a historical marker of the community’s shared goals.

A Celebration of Kohala’s Agricultural Bounty

Following the morning’s seminars and discussions, the event concluded with a farmer’s market featuring locally grown produce. From 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., “A Taste of Kohala” allowed attendees to enjoy fresh, locally sourced food.

For more details on the event and its impact, read the full article by Zoe Dym, news producer at Hawaiʻi Public Radio, here: Kohala Agriculture Event Invites Hawaiʻi Island Farmers to Plan Their Future.