OAHU Soil and Water Conservation Districts
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Annual Report, 2016 Contents:
Ask the Experts
We love working with our NRCS field office. Learn from the pros and about some of the diverse systems we work with.
Page 2
Pg 1
Message from the HACD vice president
Pg 2
Working with Experts
Pg 3
South Oahu District -LHKH
Pg 4
West Oahu District -Kaala Farm
Pg 6
Windward Oahu District -Wong Farm
Pg 7
CAP 2015
Pg 9
Cooperator Highlight -Twin Bridge
Pg 10
The future of Farming
Pg 12
New Faces at SWCD
Message from the HACD Vice President Annual Report, 2016
Aohe hana nui ke alu ia.
This year, we would like to welcome Michelle to the West Oahu SWCD team, and welcome back Puaonaona as a conservation specialist. Conservation in Hawaii continues to be of prominent importance in preserving our unique landscape, and now more than ever,
No task is too big when done together.
we depend on the volunteer support of our SWCD board members and in the community. Mahalo for the support, and keep up the good work! --Nate
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Oahu SWCD
Annual Report, 2016
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Expert Advice SWCD is working with the experts to conserve natural resources
Are your forest lands managed to their full potential? NRCS and HACD can provide you with technical evaluations, recommendations and potentially financial assistance to enhance the sustainability of your resource management systems. By Michael Constantinides You can use agroforestry on a small scale, and benefits can include: increased crop production, soil conservation, atmospheric carbon sequestration, and increased biodiversity. Some producers are eligible for cost share for agroforestry project if they apply to an NRCS program. You can find more information on agroforestry on our NRCS Pacific Islands Area Website: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main /pia/technical/landuse/forestry/ South, West and Windward Oahu SWCD
Many types of modern agroforestry systems include: •
Trees to protect from wind (windbreaks and shelterbelts)
•
Trees growing over crops (forest framing, multistory, agroforestry, etc)
•
Trees growing with livestock and poultry (silvopasture) 2
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Oahu SWCD
Annual Report, 2016
SOUTH Ka Iwi Coast
Livable Hawaii Kai Hui Celebrates the Ka Iwi Land Purchase The Ka Iwi Coast Coalition, Livable Hawaii Kai Hui, the Trust for Public Land, and the Hawaii Kai community came together to raise funds for the purchase of 182 acres mauka of Kalanianaole Hwy. across from Alan Davis. Elizabeth Reilly, president of Livable Hawaii Kai Hui made significant efforts to push forward this acquisition in order to conserve the area for natural resources management. South Oahu SWCD cooperator Livable Hawaii Kau Hui has had great success in previous
restoration effort including the Maunalua Heritage Fishpond Center, Hawea Heiau, Pahua Heiau, HK Marina Wetland, Lucas Spring and Keawawa Wetlands at the Oahu Club. Elizabeth has seen great improvements in the restoration sites, including the return of the Alaeula and the dedication of “tallest tree” at the Oahu Club Keawawa Wetland and Hawea Heiau Complex restored wetland site. Keep up the good work, folks! Message from ORCD
O‘ahu RC&D provides technical assistance and conservation planning for local landowners and farmers.
Cost-share made available through Oahu RC&D’s Waiahole Watershed Project supported the removal of invasive species and the establishment of 500 koa trees on this 3acre parcel.
South, West and Windward Oahu SWCD
In 2015, we improved stewardship on 3,000+ acres, provided over 10,000 lbs. of locally grown sunn hemp seed, informed more than 2,500 people on the value of local agriculture, while also offering $90,000 in cost-share for conservation practices improving water quality. Learn more about these initiatives at: www.oahurcd.org. 3
Oahu SWCD
Annual Report, 2016
WEST Waianae
At the end of a long windy road in Waianae, there is an oasis, complete with historic loi. What blossomed into a partnership between
based on cultural and spiritual values from
three dedicated land stewards now preserves
Hawaii’s rich past.” They use Malama Aina, to
over 1,000 acres of landscape in the back of
engage in and experience what a reciprocal and
Waianae. Hoomau Ke Ola (HKO), Kaala Farms,
sustainable relationship offers. HKO offers
and Waianae Valley Ranch are partners in
treatment and rehabilitation for chemical
conservation.
dependence, and integrates concepts of
HKO believes that, “..,change is more likely to
sustainability and land stewardship in their Continued on pg 6 Message from NRCS Field Office
The Natural Resources Conservation Service Field Office has settled into our new location at the Federal Building in Honolulu. We have been making every effort to meet with our valued agricultural producers in the field to alleviate the hassle of getting downtown and into the Federal Building. We have also welcomed 2 new soil conservationists. Marie Faatuala joined our team in July of 2015. She brings 4 years of experience from Kansas along with her values from her American Samoan heritage. Morri-Ann Nagata has also joined our team in April of 2016. She has relocated from the Kauai Field Office where she had been for 6 years. South, West and Windward Oahu SWCD
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Oahu SWCD
Annual Report, 2016
HKO, continued Kaala Farm also offers hands on service learning for families, young children, and high school groups. With the restoration of cultural resources and historic loi, the farm has been able to create a learning and gathering center for their community. As they maintain their operations, these groups recognize that working together and forming partnerships is the most successful tool for conservation. You can tell us about your conservation project or partnerships at the West Oahu SWCD meetings, every fourth Tuesday at the HARC/CPS office in Kunia, at 12:30 PM.
Top to bottom: The golden landscape of Waianae Valley; Uncle Eric points to the natural water systems; Eric also shows off the abundant water
South, West and Windward Oahu SWCD
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Oahu SWCD
Annual Report, 2016
WINDWARD
Wongs Taro Leaf Farm is keeping the traditions alive. Clifford Wong of Wongs Taro
Currently, Cliffords farms also
Now its much faster to use a
Leaf Farm is one of the oldest
need to grow Ti leaf because
tractor to get the same amount of
and last taro leaf farms in the
they are sold along with taro
work done. ” The water buffalo
state. As one of the largest
leaf, and it has become more
are currently retired, but their
producer of luau leaf on Oahu,
difficult to find it locally. He has presence evokes memories of
he has seen the decline of the
also been exporting taro leaf to times past.
taro leaf industry over the past
the mainland to locals who have
few decades.
left the islands, but still need a
“It used to be, this whole valley was growing taro leaf. Now I
taste of home. As he tries to keep the old
This traditional taro leaf farmer is adapting to the modern times, but still recognizes the need for more farmers in Hawaii. He asks, “After
might be the only one still using traditions alive, Clifford also
I retire, who is going to keep
my water rights.” Clifford
growing the food?”.
houses the last herd of water
reminisces about the “good old buffalo on the island. “We used days”, catching fish in the
to lend out the buffalo for the
streams as a small boy in
day at the price of 2$ per day
Waihee.
(half of a workers daily wage).
South, West and Windward Oahu SWCD
Let us know what you think at the Windward SWCD meetings, every third Thursday at Key Project in Kahaluu, at 6 PM. 6
Oahu SWCD
Annual Report, 2016
CAP 2015 Leilehua HS takes 1st place This year CAP contest was a great success! The Oahu Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) partnered with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) to host the Oahu Conservation Awareness Program at the CTAHR Waimanalo Ag Research Station. With the support of the Department of Education, high school students from across the island came with their teachers to compete for cash prizes. Students also heard from specialists on soil science, natural resource management, and careers in agriculture and conservation. Generous financial support was provided by the Windward Oahu SWCD. Volunteer support also provided by farms of Pioneer, SOAP, HAF and Kiloanui Farm, and the NRCS, SWCD and CTAHR programs. Congratulations to Leilehua High School for winningteam group score! We also recognize the teachers and students from Castle, Nanakuli, Olomana, Kalani, and Waipahu High Schools that competed in the Oahu contest. Thank you to our generous donors
South, West and Windward Oahu SWCD
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Oahu SWCD
Annual Report, 2016
Message from Hawaii Farm Bureau Farmers and Legislators. Farming and education. To many people these words don’t often go together. Farmers are commonly connected to food, soil, land, and an idyllic lifestyle. The Hawaii Farm Bureau (HFB) helps to build understanding of Hawaii’s diverse farming systems by connecting policy makers and the general public to the successes and challenges of farming. To ensure agriculture’s long-term survival and viability, HFB works with government, the private sector, local communities and individuals. Education, research, advocacy and cooperative ventures are priority initiatives that HFB works on to support membership. In addition to hosting the annual “Ag Day at the Capitol”, “Farm Fair”, and coordinating a multitude of farmers markets, the Hawaii Farm Bureau is active in government affairs. Some of our legislative Goals include: • Adoption
of sensible land use policies which will preserve agricultural lands currently in use and suitable for use in the future. • Adoption of State and County governmental policies that will give farmers manageable water rate price structures and assure them of reliable water sources and adequate supply for their farms. • Adoption of continuing State and County support of farmers marketing programs to expand the export of local crops and promote greater local consumption of locally produced commodities. • Increase awareness of the economics and social contributions that agriculture makes to the State. Join the Hawaii Farm Bureau today to help further these and other education, research, and cooperative goals. Visit www.hfbf.org to learn more. Mahalo, Brian Miyamoto, Executive Director South, West and Windward Oahu SWCD
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Farmers, Ranchers, Fishermen and Country Home Owners NEED AN AGRICULTURAL LOAN? To purchase open land, build a dwelling, operating loans, line of credit, equipment purchase, truck or automobile purchase, livestock purchase, refinance a mortgage or an agreement of sale. Both the Federal Land Bank Association of Hawaii, FLCA and Hawaii Production Credit Association can custom design a loan to meet your needs. We offer long term loans, short term loans, competitive interest rate programs, flexible repayment schedules, and excellent loan servicing options.
CALL ONE OF OUR LOAN OFFICERS
OAHU OFFICE • 99-860 Iwaena Street, Aiea, HI 96701• Phone: 808-836-8009 • Fax: 808-836-8610 • www.hawaiifarmcredit.com HILO OFFICE • 988 Kinoole Street, Hilo, HI 96720 Phone: 808 836-8009 • Fax: 808 961-5494 NEIGHBOR ISLANDS • Toll Free 1-800-894-4996 FCS of Hawaii, ACA is part of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide system of leading agricultural financial institutions which started in 1917. FCS of Hawaii, ACA has been doing business in Hawaii since 1966 through its subsidiary the Federal Land Bank Association of Hawaii, FLCA. The FCS of Hawaii, ACA is not a Federal Agency of the Federal Government. Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System ID# 613610
Oahu SWCD
Annual Report, 2016
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SWCD Highlight Twin Bridge Farm Al Medrano, along with Milton Agader, and
In addition to producing the rare commodity of
Milton’s son Derek, started Twin Bridge Farms
local asparagus, they also are behind the
about 15 years ago when Dole Corporation shut
beautiful displays of sunflowers that are so
down its Waialua Sugar Mill. As former Dole
popular on the North Shore in the summer
employees, they began to do what they knew
months.
best, farming. Twin Bridge Farms currently grows sweet potato, green onion, specialty potatoes, and most popularly, asparagus. As one of the few producers of asparagus in the state, they face a
Tourists visiting the North Shore are sure to take a photo nest to their new farm stand, which sells the farm’s organic and conventional produce.
high demand for their locally grown asparagus
Twin Bridge Farms also practices regular crop
and vegetables. These veggies supply local
rotation, cover cropping, and conservation
restaurants and grocery stores.
tillage. Keep up the good work!
South, West and Windward Oahu SWCD
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Oahu SWCD
Annual Report, 2016
“Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise.” -George Washington Carver
2015 Recap: Looking to the Future of Farming. This past year has been
been quite the ride. We think
better land stewards and
exciting year for agriculture.
about what these events could
preserve Hawaii’s natural
With the closure of some major
mean for the future of Hawaii’s
resources and farming
operations such as HC&S and
Ag industry, and what role the
industry. Working with
Richard Ha, the debates
Soil and Water Conservation
cooperators from all over the
regarding the distribution of
Districts can play in it.
island of Oahu, we are
our local water supplies, and the new horizon of hemp production and fruit exports to the mainland in prospect, it has
Moving forward, our goal is to support farmers and conservationists to become
continuously inspired at the potential of our community, and motivated to continue our service to the industry.
Message from CTAHR The Oahu Pearl City Urban Garden center is available for the public, and aims to answer plant questions, provide hands-on training opportunities, maintain garden displays and conduct public demonstrations at their 30acre garden. You can call our Plant Helpline, available for calls or walk-ins 9AM-12PM, Monday – Friday (808) 453-6059
South, West and Windward Oahu SWCD
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Oahu SWCD
Annual Report, 2016
HACD 2015 Annual Meeting We would like to thank the organizers of the 2015 HACD Annual Meeting in Hilo this past year. In addition to providing us with an abundance of lychee, the presentations and site tours were a great experience. Oahu had representatives from all three districts, and we were lucky to get to know our neighbor island counterparts and talk story. You can read about our adventures at the 2015 HACD annual conference on our blog at our new website www.oahuswcd.org
IMO pig. A cute piglet stares back from the smell & fly free piggery in Mountain View
We are really looking forward to the 2016 HACD Annual Meeting, and can only hope for the abundance of fruit and knowledge that we were lucky enough to partake in last year. Thank you!
Rick (Windward SWCD chair) and Karen (South SWCD chair) enjoy the view from Rainbow Falls South, West and Windward Oahu SWCD
Kalani (CREP planner) and Kylie (Maui CS) share their lychee harvest 11
Oahu SWCD
Annual Report, 2016
SWCD Faces For Oahu We would like to welcome a new asset to the SWCD team, Michelle, and welcome back returning SWCD Conservation Specialist, Puaonaona. With a background working with non-profits and the state, Michelle is a welcome addition to the West Oahu SWCD. Puaonaona will be providing her much needed farming and conservation expertise as a conservation planner with all three SWCD Oahu districts. Welcome Michelle and Puaonaona!
Michelle Gorham comes from a background in family farming, forestry, conservation, and a love for nature. She is the Outreach Coordinator for the West Oahu SWCD, and looks forward to serving the farmers of Oahu. South, West and Windward Oahu SWCD
Puaonaona Stibbard, is a kupuʻāina of Kahuku and a person deeply committed to the management of Hawaiʻiʻs natural resources with the guidance of cultural knowledge. She is grateful and excited to rejoin the Oʻahu SWCD as their conservation planner. 12
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Oahu SWCDs:
Thank You! We appreciate your continued support
• South • West • Windward
“To coordinate and facilitate partners and governmental agencies, in identifying and implementing projects and practices with cultural sensitivity to assure the protection of Hawaii’s environment.”
Thank you to our SWCD Directors and Associates: South: • • • • •
Karen Ah Mai (Chair) Lisa Z. Rhoden Cid Inouye Iris Iwami Dudley Kubo
Windward:
West: • • • • •
Larry Jefts (Chair) John McHugh Alan Gottlieb Peter Gibson Taylor Kellerman
• • • • • •
Rick Towill (Chair) Nate Miranda David Morgan Tyler Jones Shawn Wilcox David Ringuette
Oahu SWCD
Annual Report, 2016
our website: www.oahuswcd.org or via email: info@oahuswcd.org You can find more information about the Oahu SWCD Districts at
Contact Us!
+ SWCDs of Oahu NRCS Pacific Islands Area State Office P.O. Box 50004 Honolulu, Hawaii 96850
Cooperator Address
South, West and Windward Oahu SWCD
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