After nearly two years of extensive evaluation and meticulous technical work by experts, Hawaii Dairy Farms last week submitted its final environmental impact statement (FEIS) to the Department of Health for determination of acceptability for the state’s first pasture-based dairy.
This is not only a significant milestone in bringing fresh, local milk to Hawaii families, but we hope also a positive turning point in local agriculture and the future of food security in the islands.
We have spent years in dialogue, listening and working with the community and regulators to plan a better, more sustainable model of dairy that is specifically suited for Hawaii.
We understood there were concerns, so we paused and took the time, energy and resources to fully evaluate the impacts of our proposed dairy model on our selected location in Kauai’s Mahaulepu Valley, a special place with rich agricultural heritage.
The FEIS filed with regulators last week is the result of that extensive effort.
We are proud to say that at the committed herd size of 699 mature dairy cows and any future possible expansion, the EIS demonstrates that Hawaii Dairy Farms’ pasture-based model will have no significant impact on the environment, public health, and Kauai’s unique way of life — while helping to improve the quality of life for all residents of the state.
Hawaii Dairy Farms is a leading example of regenerative agriculture, using natural elements to restore the soil to its prior fertility. The active management of the pasture will ensure there is minimal runoff, and we have incorporated additional measures into the design of the farm to appropriately safeguard Kauai’s precious water resources.
This farm will help revitalize the state’s flagging dairy industry and make productive use of agricultural lands that have a long history of ranching and farming. At our committed herd size of 699 mature dairy cows, Hawaii Dairy Farms will produce 1.5 million gallons of milk per year, which is enough to meet the needs of approximately 60,000 people, equivalent to the entire population of Kauai.
However, this dairy is just one piece of the puzzle. If Hawaii is to meet its ambitious food production goals, we must encourage choice in the marketplace by supporting local farmers.
Agriculture is a relatively small — and shrinking — part of the economy, but it is the single industry that affects every person living in and visiting the islands. People in Hawaii must come together to make sure we can produce enough to feed our families, in a way that is better for the environment and economy. That is exactly what Hawaii Dairy Farms is striving to achieve.
We have always been transparent throughout the process of developing the farm and preparing the EIS, yet misinformation and fear spread by a small group of vocal individuals put the dairy in question and exposes the barriers to viable food production in our state. What’s more, the resulting legal challenges threaten the ability of even small farmers and ranchers to continue growing food.
Without broad community support for agriculture throughout the state, our food production goals may prove to be unattainable. However, those goals can become reality if we acknowledge the importance of producing our own food and support those who are trying in good faith to make it happen.
Amy Hennessey is communications director for Hawaii Dairy Farms and Ulupono Initiative.
