HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0372.109 2024-2026From: Gary Rosenberg
Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2025 2:04 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Please accept the following as testimony regarding the agricultural sections of the
county plan
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From: Gary Rosenberg, �" C
garvrosenberaCg)gmail.com '=
510-849-9808
17-4722 South Road, Kurtistown, HI 96760
To: Members of the Hawaii County Council & Mayor Kimo Alameda
Re: The Future of Agriculture in Hawaii County
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Dear Friends thank you for your continued service to our community.
The geopolitical situation we now face will bring about a new reality requiring us to become largely self reliant in the next 5 to 10 years. If we
begin now to focus on food sovereignty we will be much better off 5 years hence than if we wait to be inspired by crisis. I hope the County Plan
in its final form will reflect the need to focus on local agricultural resiliency and climate change adaptation.
Climate change presents both challenges and opportunities. Intensive land management practices, including terraforming, management of
hydrology and intensive animal management present opportunities to create novel employment opportunities for meaningful work for our young
people in regenerative practices both with plants and animals.
Although the County Plan (herein after "the Plan") contains a comprehensive overview of past and present agricultural activities on the Island it
makes no mention of adapting to the unique moment in which we find ourselves. As the global economy contracts and is replaced with a more
nationally -focused paradigm our systems will need to adapt. We will also need to adapt to changing employment, energy and technological
paradigms.
We have been living in a unique period of environmental and geopolilical,stability. However, evidence strongly suggests we are now entering
into a new era that will require us to re-examine our relationships with the land and with each otherwith a focus on adaptation to changing
climate and a reduced dependency a globally -connected economy. Building local resiliency and robust systems to sustain our community
should be the focus of our outlook and planning. This includes regenerative farming practices that reduce reliance on external inputs and local,
small-scale industry to provide for food, fuel, fiber and energy for our people and non -human life. It will require us to exhibit leadership by
maximizing the productive capacity of all our our resources including our land and our people.
Working through a framework of watersheds - Coordinating by way of Ahupua'a:
A food system can and should be the social container for a community inspiring and supporting community cohesion. Encouragement and
support of local food systems can bring about the added benefits of increasing community cohesion, local workforce development and at diet
that benefits the physical and emotional well being of our community.
The Island and County of Hawaii is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the introduction of new social narrative which reconnects
humankind to stewardship of place and community - re -introducing the concept of the "commonwealth" as a substitute for what is now thought
to be of as "public" assets, that of which we care for collectively not neglect as the responsibility of those whom our taxes fund. We have a
tradition which is still quite vibrant of "watershed thinking." The legacy of Ahupua'a relationships both to the land amongst one another can
serve as the basis for campaign to organize a small -farm, cooperative future for our island.
Such a focus can center around our keiki, a youth -centered educational endeavor to begin to prepare our young people, starting now, to step
into leadership roles with a focus on promoting local self-reliance: the production and distribution of local resources and maximizing the
potential creative contribution of every member of our community towards long -tens increased self reliance. Pre -colonial agricultural systems
supported a far larger community than our current population all without industrial inputs and without degradation to the land and natural
resources.
Our industrial food systems rely entirely on fossil energy at every turn. This does not have to be the case, technology to maximize the value of
human contribution can underwrite a faster -than -expected transition to food systems that both mitigate climate change and catalyze a transition
to bioregional economies. We have access to experts in the history of watershed management on our Island on whom we can call for guidance.
Comm. NoNAU
Ban Glyphosate. Neonlcotlnoids and all pesticides as soon as possible:Ref. To:�fief. date 0 20
Novel realizations regarding the long-term adverse effects of glyphosate are becoming more apparent. Also, there has been a realization that in
the recent decades up to 75% of insect populations are in catastrophic decline including bees and other pollinators. Even small amounts of
neonicotinoids, even in micro quantities are disastrous for pollinators. The use of pesticides and herbicides of any kind in any capacity and at
any level poses a threat to our entire community through ran off. Any poison we introduce ends up in the ocean. Challenges facing the oceans,
degradation of our estuaries and costal resources must be a priority.
Fish populations must be allowed to recover:
Traditional diets and our Island culture heavily relies on the ocean and fishing. However these traditions are under heavy threat both by rising
ocean temperatures, commercial fishing methods and water quality degradation through the introduction of microplastics and other pollutants. It
has been estimated that up to 90% of global fish stocks have vanished. Rising ocean water temperatures result in 10% less oxygen saturation
per degree of increase. Fish catches are decreasing at an alarming rate as fish migrate poleward and away from our fishing waters so they can
breath.
Legislation protecting our costal fishing waters to whatever extent possible is a step in the right direction but potentially more effecting is
encouraging a cultural narrative which temporarily supports a reprieve from fish consumption and a switch to terrestrially -sourced protein. Even
a two-year reprieve would make a dent in ocean stock recovery
To this end, it is possible to reconsider protein sources currently regarded as "invasive" as a intensively managed, free-range protein. Pigs,
deer, sheep, wild cattle wild goats all can provide meaningful substitutes affording a period of ocean recovery.
Animal Agriculture: intensive management of ruminants and ungulates to restore viable ecosystems:
In addition to our historical connection with our Island in relation to watershed management we are also potentially advantaged by addressing
our lineage as ranchers through our Paniolo heritage. By introducing animal management of multiple species on large parcels based on an
equestrian culture, supported by technology to optimize the process we can simultaneously provide meaningful employment for our youth,
provide terrestrial proteins for our population and begin to cultivate Ponc, free-range, humanely raised with Aloha product for export to
supplement the County tax base. There is essentially an infinite market for anything we can produce labeled as: "Hawaii free-range, humanely
raised with Aloha."
Prior to the introduction of confinement agricultural practices a transitional period between hunter/gatherer society and agrarian society
dominated. Pastoralism, the management of animals in motion as a tool for fertility and cultivation in coordination to crop cultivation was
dominant. This process is exemplary in that it required the management of animals nourished without additional calories provided by industrial
farming, relying solely on moving animals in conjunction with landscapes, providing the framework for relationships which supported both
animal and landscape well being. Although migratory routes are no longer available, synthetic migration can be introduced both on large
parcels and in subdivisions comprising small lots, using the roads to graze ruminants as a source of regeneration and improvement.
The intensive management of animals on subdivision roads also introduces the possibility of catalyzing cultural connections among small
farmers.
The Hawaii Belt and Road Initiative:
Perhaps you are familiar with China's investment efforts in Africa and other parts of the world. China is anticipating major disruption to the
global economy, all of which is focused on the US dollar as reserve currency. China is acknowledging the need to diversify beyond dollar -
denominated investments into alternative forms of capital including: social, human, natural, technical and relational capital. They are laying the
global foundation to assist in the creation and control of assets which will have value in a post American hegemony. They are onto something.
We are in the enviable position to emulate on a small scale what China is doing locally on Hawaii.
If we now begin to focus on improving as many plots of land on our Island from the vantage point of production: food, fuel, fiber, energy, genetic
capital, protein, and biological capital we could lay a foundation for a future that safeguards us, at least to some extent from imminent
fundamental global economic changes underway. t
A new way of relating to food production, one which focuses not on export, but on a diet which aligns the well being of the soil, the body and
community is possible and was practiced for millennia in pre -colonial Hawaii with intensive watershed management and with regard to
maintaining the health of the Island. We can use Ahupua a managment as a foundation fora novel approach to agriculture, supported by
technology.
With this approach, the County can begin to enlist landholders within the context of the Ahupua'a and engage from the perspective of water
management. This presents a potential framework to engage without overtly threatening property rights or designation.
Also, we will need to develop trusting relationships to begin to gravitate towards more cooperative farming models: we will need to engage
many more small fanners to anticipate climate change adaptation to create resilience as whether patterns become less familiar. By creating
opportunities for small farmers to grow and aggregate small lots
Hawaii as a proof -of -concept testing grounds:
Depending on how you slice it, 11 of 13 global microclimates are represented on the Island of Hawaii. This presents the possibility of running
the same experiments at different microclimates potentially resulting in a evolving body of knowledge to serve as a tool for climate mitigation
better enabling the ability to "hit a moving target."
Technology affords the potential to leverage human capacity to restore ecosystems with far greater effects than is commonly understood.
Everything from satellite mapping to NOAH weather forecasting to
An agricultural system is an energy system which processes solar energy into life. It is all connected and continuously evolving toward greater
abundance. Colonial, corporate, industrial agriculture has interrupted that cycle and put us on a trajectory toward growing scarcity and
vulnerability to catastrophic disruption. Every industrial input: all fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides both decrease long-term
productivity and degrade the land and waters health. Every time we grow and export a commodity crop within the commodity food paradigm we
are exporting our water, our soil fertility and our community well being because that water, soil labor all can and should first be allocated
towards community well being in the form of food crops grown sustainably emphasizing Malama Aina and the well being of our people. Even if
we create a vibrant export market for our produce and it comes at the cost of importing foods to replace locally -grown food and degradation of
our Island and the health and well being of our people we are at a net loss.
A holistic approach to farming which accounts for the health of the people and the land has the potential to in the not so distant future to
become much more profitable in the real sense.
Throughout the world, in Africa and China as examples, peoples are engaged in large-scale efforts to to mitigate desertification and begin the
long-term process of ecosystem remediation. The United States is behind schedule in beginning the process of repairing our soils, aquifers and
waterways. It will have to happen, but beginning the process on the Continent presents a myriad of sociopolitical obstacles, and yet it needs to
happen. The Island of Hawaii presents the potential to coordinate with corporations, academic institution, governmental entities and individuals
to test novel agricultural techniques.
incorooratlno the use of GIS and other technolo
Sequestered within the bowls of our Public Works Department, hidden a one more uniform cubicle the County is in possession of a resource
with amazing potential. Scott Sweet is a GIS analyst who flies drones and uses computer modeling to generate topographical images in fine
detail with the ability to overlay an assortment of data. His capacity could enable the County to embark on large scale restoration and
remediation projects, using AI to project into the future to anticipate the results of our efforts. This is to say, we have the capacity to increase
food production and re -balance hydrological cycles with intensively managed agricultural endeavors- again, resulting in greater food security for
our Island and creating meaningful, interesting jobs for our people. I would strongly encourage the Council to request Scott make a presentation
of his work and outline the potential of how it could be beneficial.
The Hawaii Oil Seed Producers Cooperative, The Oasis Collective and Ulu Cooperative:
Additional invaluable resources that should be supported in the Plan include many local farmers and farmer organizations that are working to
support a cooperative, small farm future for our Island. As imported resources become more scarce we willneed to transition to reliance on
local production. Bill Stiener and the Hawaii Oil Seed Cooperative could provide fuel for tractors and other agricultural implements through the
introduction of oil palms which could be grown on the roadside in addition to more traditional plantation production. Noah Lincoln and the Ulu
Cooperative are working to develop Ulu as a staple, perennial starch crop that can replace traditional wheat flour. The Oasis Collective is a
group of of young volunteers who are working to transition local schools into food hubs. These type of endeavors build local resilience and
support community continuity and should be considered in the Plan.
Reimaainina schools as food hubs and communitv resilience hubs:
Our lifestyle is contingent on cheap, available transportation fuels. If that changes we will need to transition to lifestyles reliant on fewer miles
traveled: economic and social localization. This will require a reimagining of our communities and neighborhoods with a focus on local
production of food. There is a long history of plantation towns on our Island which were semi -autonomous and made due in large part through
small-scale agriculture. it is not suggested that this is a model to be emulated only that alternative social relationships more local in nature
might well serve us in the coming geopolitical landscape.
A study of the District of Puna reveals that the existing subdivisions: HPP, Orchidland, Hawaiian Acres, Fern Acres and Fern Forest are
already ideal proof -of -concept grounds to initiate a transition to localization and might be well supported through the development of community
resilience hubs, interconnected in what will amount to a federated trading alliance. The idea is to inspire local relationships based on local
production beginning with food.
A diet allanlna planetary, and personal well being:
When discussing agriculture diet should be central. Our population has become acclimated to a diet too heavily reliant on imported, processed
and ultra -processed foods. By focusing on engaging our youth as producers and advocates for a transition to a diet consisting of locally -
produced, minimally -processed foods we can simultaneously address food security and encourage a healthier population. A transitional
Hawaiian diet with a focus on perennial plants, fruit and locally -sourced protein can well serve our people and provide a degree of food
sovereignty. If we are to create a more cohesive community, which we must do, coming together at table to break bread is the foundation. A
diet can either incentivize community of individuation. Pot lucks and seed swaps bring people together.
Reimaainina absently, -owner, pasture land as a commonwealth resource:
The Lahaina Fire demonstrates the importance of including all vacant land within the planning and management paradigm. It is suggested that
the Countyarrive at a highest and best use for all absently agricultural land and insist that the land be managed for the benefit of the
commonwealth. This could include management of the hydrology and development of the grasses as either fodder for livestock or beading
- both of which we will need to produce locally . If we are to consider a greater focus on raising more animals locally as a protein we need to
provide substitutes for imported calories and for bedding which ultimately be used as a planting medium.
Enlisting the assistance of weallhv residents In the establishment of technical research Incubators:
In the past, wealthy members of a community would translate financial capital into social capital by building a church or library or funding other
commonwealth assets. This tradition has for the most part gone by the wayside not because a lack of wealthy people, but because it has
become more difficult to define 'community" within which to invest. This is true in general, but we on our Island are in the enviable position that
we have a plethora of wealthy residents whom would value the opportunity to become further entwined with our community through a form of
organized private support for a transition to a more regenerative future for our Island.
The following are some of the specific components to creating a holistic food system. Each of these is a stand-alone enterprise, however in
concert they are symbiotic - forming a holistic system of inputs and outputs which have the potential of together laying the foundation for a
local, regenerative food system which can sequester carbon, provide local food sovereignty, underwrite community well-being, provide a tax
base through export, repurpose agricultural waste and provide meaningful employment to our youth.
Keyline Design and hydrological management
Soldier Fly and Insect Larvae cultivation
Mushroom and mycorrhizal cultivation
Food forest and Permaculture design principals
Equestrian training as a source of transportation and for drayage:
Poultry management for insect control and eggs as a ready source of protein
Civics as the foundation for cooperation within the community
Civilizations and land management in the context of history
Management of fiber crops as bedding material
Repair and maintenance of tools and equipment
Butchery and meat processing skills
Beekeeping
Nursery management
Methane digestion as a fuel source ,
multi -species, intensive animal management
Management of wild pigs as a food source for pets and humans
Humbly submitted for your consideration,
Gary Rosenberg