Kilauea Ag Park Approved, Plans Underway

The Kilauea Agricultural Park Complex agreement was unanimously approved during Thursday’s County Council meeting. Malama Kauai, the Kilauea Agricultural Committee and the Kilauea community will work together to develop this 75-acre parcel over the coming months and years.

“We commend the county on making good on a 31-year promise,” said Kilauea Agricultural Committee representative Yoshito L’Hote. “It’s a day to celebrate as we can now demonstrate the community and county working together to create opportunities to beautify our island.”

The plan is to provide diversified agricultural opportunities to small scale farmers, as well as the creation of community resources, such as a 4-acre renewable energy park, a 3-acre compost and recycling facility, a community garden, and farm incubator program. The park will also be the new home to the Kilauea Sunshine Market. 

Malama Kauai Executive Director, Keone Kealoha, will discuss further information with interested parties during the April 9th Kauai Farmers Union meeting in Anahola at the Anahola Clubhouse, 6pm. “This is a project for the community, by the community,” says Kealoha. “We’re encouraging community input and interest, as well as support and engagements in the areas of fundraising and administration.” 

Malama Kauai is not new to land stewardship. The group established the Kalihiwai Community Garden, co-founded the Kalihiwai Permaculture Food Forest, created the Kauai School Garden Network, and will be managing the County Office of Economic Development’s EBT/SNAP program for five farmer’s markets this year.

Kealoha continues, “Our organization and projects are growing rapidly. It’s inspiring to see the community become increasingly invested in our local food security while caring for the `aina. ”