COM 0604.037 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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PL~A'ALA F'.4RNdS ~ ~ ~ ~ Zacl: Gibson -manager for ~ ~ ' ' pfd. Bill ~ Kohala Ann Gibson apprx. 1,000 acres (FS) ~lev:200'-1.000' ,i Crops: organic medicinal herbs R, ~ ~ cattle i ne farm was started 3 years ado after the land was released from Hamakua Sugar lease. The land was granted to the Cooper Ohana during the 1800's. Zack has 3~ acres under cultivation at present and has 100 acres in reserve until he can mitigate the N~ater duemtna. Right no~~ they are relying on the i=iatnakua witch. Zaci< faeis t.:a~ this is ven unstable and is looking into a well. But he admits, "we need the ditch to sur- vive and be profitable sin: e the costs of pumping water is so high." They are plaurting a reservoir and have been helping tine Farm Bureau to lobby the State Legislature for funds to repair the ditch. Zack also has 6~0 acres in pasture where he is helping the Jniversiry study the use of perinnei peanut for nitrogen fixing and feed. They also lease 1~0 acres of Bishop ;=state for pasture which runs the length of either side of their property to the gulches. The farm has hired 15 employees with benefits. Zack is a member of the Farm Bureau and soon the Ag Coop. He is vern concerned about diversified as in Hamaktta and feei~ fnat this is our most desired future. When asked about the Count<~ lands eoina to the Ag Coap. Zack answers, "if given the opportunity we can farm it The State prom- ised to keep Hama[cua ir. diversified ag with the demise of sugar, how can they raise tine leases of the Ag Coop to $125. an acre^" Zack shakes his head "There are so mam onnortunities happening with the two incubator Kitchens now ir, place and mar- kets opening up for cocaa and coffee as well s hot pepYers and medtcinal he: bs. i wish the State and County would believe in the people and farmers out here and sup- port us instead of pulling the tug out from under us." trt~-No._ ~L G' tier. F"'.area.: C - x.r, nec~ !Stp o Z iayd