Mar. 17, 2015

Contributed by Kau'i Burgess

At a recent public hearing, the State Land Use Commission approved a Kamehameha Schools petition to designate 9,592 acres of its O‘ahu land as Important Agricultural Lands (IAL). That land includes 9,171 acres in Kawaialoa and 421 acres in Punaluʻu.

This special state designation, established in 2005, was created to conserve and protect agricultural lands, promote diversified agriculture, increase agricultural self-sufficiency, and assure the availability of suitable agricultural lands in Hawaiʻi.

“Kamehameha Schools is pleased with the commission’s recognition of nearly 10,000 acres of our O‘ahu properties as important agricultural lands,” said KS Land Assets Division Director Sydney Keli‘ipule‘ole.

“The underlying purpose of IAL legislation is consistent with the goal-based strategy and vision of Kamehameha Schools’ Strategic Agricultural Plan – to conserve and protect agricultural lands,” said Keli‘ipule‘ole. “We believe the approval of our petition moves us another step closer towards food sustainability for Hawai‘i.”

KS sought the designation for two reasons: to preserve agricultural lands so that the lands continue to provide food and sustainable energy for Hawai‘i’s people; and to increase the production of fruits, vegetables, meat and other food products on its lands for the local market.

During its decision-making hearing, the Land Use Commission praised KS’ holistic planning approach to agricultural development throughout Hawai‘i, which was initiated by the trust’s Strategic Agricultural Plan, North Shore Plan, and Punalu‘u Ahupua‘a Plan.

KS received additional accolades for investing more than $17 million in infrastructure for farmers at both locations, including plans for processing facilities to increase future marketing opportunities. 

In addition to its IAL lands on Oʻahu, the trust has an additional 190 acres of Important Agricultural Lands on the north shore of Kaua‘i.

KS is restoring and revitalizing traditional Native Hawaiian agricultural systems in Hawaiʻi. As part of that ongoing effort, KS supports agricultural education, agricultural business, and agricultural markets, all of which play a critical role in Hawai‘i’s agricultural industry and are a part of the schools’ Strategic Agricultural Plan. To learn more about the stewardship of KS land visit the Land Assets Division website.

The State Land Use Commission approved a Kamehameha Schools request to designate 9,592 acres of its O‘ahu land as Important Agricultural Lands, including 9,171 acres in Kawaialoa, home to the ‘Ōpae‘ula reservoir pictured above.

KS’ Important Agricultural Lands on Oʻahu include land in Kawaialoa and Punaluʻu. Click image to enlarge.