COM 0604.034 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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II Y III I i ~I I ~ PUA'ALA FARMS Zack Gibson -manager for Bill & Kohala Ann Gibson apprx. 1,000 acres (FS) Elev: 200'-1,000' Crops: organic medicinal herbs & cattle The farm was started 3 years ago after the land was released from Hamakua Sugar lease. The land was granted to the Cooper Ohana during the l 800's. Zack has 35 acres under cultivation at present and has 100 acres in reserve until he can mitigate the water dilemma. Right now they are relying on the Hamakua ditch. Zack feels that this is very unstable and is looking into a well. But he admits, "we need the ditch to sur- vive and be profitable since the costs of pumping water is so high." They are planning a reservoir and have been helping the Farm Bureau to lobby the State Legislature for funds to repair the ditch. Zack also has 650 acres in pasture where he is helping the University study the use of perinnel peanut for nitrogen fixing and feed. They also lease 150 acres of Bishop Estate for pasture which runs the length of either side of their property to the gulches. "fhe farm has hired I S employees with benefits. Zack is a member of the Farm Bureau and soon the Ag Coop. He is very concerned about diversified ag in Hamakua and feels that this is our most desired future. When asked about the County lands going to the Ag Coop, "Z,ack answers, "if given the opportunity we can farm it. The State prom- ised to keep Flamakua in diversited ag with the demise of sugar, how can they raise the leases of the Ag Coop to $ 125. an acre?" Zack shakes his head. "T'here are so many opportunities happening with the two Incubator Kitchens now in place and mar- kets opening up for cocoa and coffee as well as hot peppers and medicinal herbs. [ wish the State and County would believe in the people and farmers out here and sup- port us instead of pulling the rug out from under us."