During a recent government committee meeting, representatives from the Waimanalo Agricultural Association and the Hawaii Farmers Union presented their concerns regarding agricultural practices and land use in Waimanalo and Honolulu County.

Shannon Alibado, speaking on behalf of the Waimanalo Agricultural Association, emphasized the unique challenges faced by local farmers due to the small size of agricultural lots and their proximity to residential areas and schools. Alibado highlighted the importance of considering the impact of proposed amendments to Bill 10 on farming operations, particularly regarding the placement of schools near active agricultural lands. While supportive of agricultural education, Alibado cautioned against locating classrooms adjacent to working farms, citing potential conflicts and operational challenges.

Hunter Hevelin, the advocacy director for the Hawaii Farmers Union, addressed concerns related to vertical farming. Hevelin distinguished vertical farming from traditional crop use, noting that it often involves enclosed structures that could restrict future agricultural activities on valuable land. He urged the committee to involve the Land Study Bureau in regulating land use and to consider modifications to confined animal standards to align with Environmental Protection Agency guidelines, particularly regarding concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and their community impacts.

Both testimonies underscored the need for careful consideration of agricultural land use policies to balance the interests of farming communities with residential and educational developments. The committee is expected to deliberate on these issues further, taking into account the feedback from local agricultural representatives.