Dec. 28, 2016

Contributed by Crystal Kua

Aloha ‘Āina – Love of Hawai‘i – is a KS cultural principle that honors traditional Hawaiian perspectives of land stewardship. In alignment with this principle, KS dedicates more land to sustainable agriculture than any other private landowner in Hawai‘i, and is deeply committed to keeping its Hāmākua lands in productive agriculture and forestry.

Kamehameha Schools will conduct a search in early 2017 for a new tenant to oversee operations and harvesting of more than 10,000 acres of forest on the Hāmākua Coast of Hawai‘i island. 

“We appreciate the community’s support as we continue working to develop a post-sugarcane era forest industry,” said Marissa Harman, Kamehameha Schools Director of Asset Management for Hawaiʻi island.

LHF Lopiwa LLC (LHF), the current tenant who owns the eucalyptus plantation lease in Hilo and Hāmākua, recently notified Kamehameha Schools that it will not seek an extension of its lease which expires on Dec. 31, 2016.

On Jan. 3, 2017, KS will seek qualifications from interested bidders to enter into a new agreement for the plantation forest. Minimum desired qualifications include operators with plantation forest management, marketing, modeling and harvesting experience.

“Kamehameha Schools remains committed to the forest industry and the stewardship of our lands, and we will harvest the existing eucalyptus forest.” Harman said. “We envision adjustments to our forest leasing and management practices in Hāmākua in response to lessons we have learned since acquiring the former Hāmākua Sugar property in 1994, and from input and suggestions shared by the Hāmākua community. Adjustments will include some lands being re-purposed for diversified agricultural use and community use, where appropriate.” 

STRATEGIC PLAN 2020
SP2020 is a five-year strategic plan that will guide Kamehameha Schools from 2015 to 2020. The plan marks a starting point toward KS’ Vision 2040, which envisions success for all Native Hawaiian learners.

The prudent stewardship Pauahi’s legacy lands supports Action 6 of Kamehameha’s Ten Actions for fiscal year 2017, which calls for land planning consistent with KS cultural principles and regional plans.

We appreciate the community’s support as we continue working to develop a post-sugarcane era forest industry.
Marissa Harman, KS Director of Asset Management - HI island