A planned Kauai dairy received approval this week for county building permits.
Hawaii Dairy Farms announced Tuesday the state Department of Health has completed its review, which allowed for the approval of the building permits.
Investor Ulupono Initiative is planning the state’s first dairy of only grass-fed cows on 578 acres in Mahaulepu. Plans call for starting with 650 to 699 cows before expanding to 2,000 cows.
The project did not require an environmental assessment. But in response to odor and other environmental concerns, Ulupono general partner Kyle Datta says the project will voluntarily conduct an environmental impact statement.
He said there will be no construction until after regulators have accepted the environmental review.
"By going directly to an EIS, we are demonstrating our commitment to work with the community to address its concerns based on facts, not fears. As a matter of good faith, we pledge not to undertake the construction of the dairy buildings, utilities or effluent ponds until after the regulators have accepted the EIS," he said in a news release.
"We know some members of the community are concerned about the perceived impacts of the cow manure. We will work with experts from across the state, along with the community, to do an EIS to confirm that our farm is a superior method of farming that will regenerate soil quality and improve overall environmental quality of our area," he added.
Backers of the dairy hope it will reduce Hawaii’s dependence on milk from the mainland.
The county planning department approved four permits to construct two barns, a milking parlor and an equipment shed. The approval came after the Health Department completed a review of thefarm’s revised waste management plan.
During the review of the EIS, the farm plans to maintain its pastureland and install fencing.
Amy Hennessey, spokeswoman for the dairy farm, said the EIS will take about six to nine months to complete. She maintains the farm’s plan will negate a lawsuit filed by Kawailoa Development Inc., owner of the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa and the Poipu Golf Course, located within 3 miles of the proposed dairy site.
"We will have to wait for the court to make that decision," Hennessey said.
In July, Kawailoa filed the lawsuit against the dairy farm and called for an environmental assessment. The suit alleges odor from the farm would diminish the quality and value of Kawailoa’s properties and pose a health risk to employees and guests.
Lisa Bail, one of the attorneys representing Kawailoa in the lawsuit, said they are pleased the farm has listened to the community’s concerns.
"Kawailoa Development trusts that the agencies will use the information in Hawaii Dairy Farms’ EIS in their decision-making to rigorously protect our environment and community," she said.
The lawsuit is still pending.
"We will evaluate our litigation claims with our attorneys in light of the agencies’ permit approvals and Hawaii Dairy Farms’ announcement that it will prepare an EIS," Bail said.
There were concerns raised in the community that up to 2,000 cows would show up at the farm at the same time. In response to those concerns, the dairy farm modified its plan.
The first phase will use 650 to 699 cows to demonstrate the viability of the operation and allow time to establish the pastures. The second phase is expected to have a full operation of 2,000 cows.
Ulupono Initiative, established by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, is providing $17.5 million for the project.
