Agricultural Resource Management

The Agricultural Resource Management Division administers the development and management of key agricultural resources.

Land and water are two ingredients essential to sustaining agricultural operations. In recognition of Hawaii’s limited land and water resources, the State Department of Agriculture is charged with preserving these important resources to ensure the viability of Hawaii’s diversified agricultural industry.

Through its Agricultural Resource Management Division, the department operates the State’s Agricultural Park Program. The major objective of this program is to assist people who are interested in leasing land for farming ventures by providing irrigation water, reasonably priced farmland with infrastructure and facilities to encourage competition within the industry.

The program is composed of three separate sub-programs:

 

PROGRAM NEWS:

February 3, 2023
PUBLIC NOTICE OF NEGOTIATION FOR LEASE OF WAIMANALO AGRICULTURAL PARK, PAHOA AGRICULTURAL PARK, AND PANAEWA AGRICULTURAL PARK ON THE ISLANDS OF OAHU AND HAWAII

The Department of Agriculture (“DOA”) is accepting applications to negotiate for agricultural leases. Applications and information regarding the lease dispositions are available at the DOA’s Agricultural Resource Management Division (“ARMD”), 1428 South King Street, Honolulu, and 16 East Lanikaula, Hilo, or by calling the following toll-free numbers from:  Kauai, (808) 274-3141, ext. 39473; Maui, (808) 984-2400, ext. 39473; Molokai and Lanai, 1‑800-468-4644, ext. 39473; Oahu, (808) 973-9473; or on Hawaii island, (808) 974-4150, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Information is also available on the DOA’s website at http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/arm/.

Application forms shall be filed with the ARMD at 1428 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 or 16 East Lanikaula Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720 no later than 3:00 p.m.,March 24, 2023. The DOA will review all applications, verify applicant  qualifications, and determine those qualified. All applicants shall be notified in writing of the results. Any questions or inquiries should be directed to the toll free number(s) above.

Eligibility of Applicants: 1. Any person shall be eligible to apply if they are a U.S. citizen who has resided in the State for 3 years; or 2. Is a permanent alien who has resided in the State for 5 years; and 3. Is a bona fide farmer or new farmer as defined in §4-153-1,

Definitions, Hawaii Administrative Rules (“HAR”). 4. In the case of agricultural cooperatives, associations, partnerships, corporations and limited liability companies, the residence requirement must be met by 75% of the associates, partners, stockholders, officers, directors, and members, as applicable, who are bona fide farmers, new farmers, or qualified aquaculturalists. 5. No person shall be eligible to lease agricultural lands who, during the 5 years preceding the date of this notice, has had a previous sale, lease, license, permit, or easement pertaining to public lands that was canceled for failure to satisfy its terms and conditions, or who is in arrears in the payment of taxes or other obligations to the State or any of its counties. 6.    All persons interested in applying for the available farm lot(s) shall comply with §4-153-5, -13 & -15, HAR (Application requirements) and be subject to §4-153-16 and -17, HAR (Preference rights and proof).

Submission of Proposal: Upon notification by DOA that an applicant is qualified, a proposal for lease shall be submitted within 30 days after receipt of notification.  The Board of Agriculture (“BOA”) shall review all proposals received and shall accept the proposals with the best negotiated terms.  All applicants shall be contacted by the ARMD regarding the disposition of their proposals, of which the successful proposals shall be subject to the satisfactory completion of the conditions stated in §4-153-32, HAR (Additional terms and conditions).  The awardee (qualified applicant) who successfully completes all of the requirements for a lease shall pay the costs incurred in the administration of the lease disposition, pursuant to §4-153-6, HAR (Fees and charges), which may include negotiation, appraisal, notices, publications, and closing costs. A Right-of-Entry shall be issued to the awardee enabling access for the limited purpose of meeting the conditions.  Upon successful completion of the conditions, the lease will be executed and issued.  Until then, the awardee shall have no real property interest in the subject lot(s).  In the event the conditions are not satisfactorily met within 6 months after a proposal is accepted, then the award shall be rescinded.

Summary of Significant Lease Provisions: 1. Uses will be permitted only as shown on the list of parcel(s). 2. Lessee will be required to support the operations and maintenance costs of the irrigation project, as applicable.  Lessee shall become a participant in an irrigation project as may be created under Chapter 167, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and abide by the irrigation project’s rules, rates and charges. 3. No residential dwellings shall be allowed, except as approved by the BOA. 4. Transfer, assignment or sublease of an agricultural land lease shall be only to persons or entities which satisfy qualification requirements and §4-153-33, HAR (Lease restrictions; generally). 5. For the purposes of this disposition, no lease shall be transferred, assigned or subleased for the first five (5) years of the initial lease term.

Description of Lands: The lots have access via paved roads; irrigation water and/or potable water service, telephone, electricity and other utilities shall be the responsibility of the awardee.  The lot(s) may require clearing and grading before any agricultural activity can commence and will be leased on an “as is” basis.  It is the awardee’s responsibility to inspect and develop the lot(s) in accordance with applicable county regulations and lease provisions. Parcels to be disposed of include:

ITEM I:  LOCATION:  Lot 14, Waimanalo Agricultural Park, 41-970 Mahiku Place, Waimanalo, Island of Oahu; 1st Div. (Oahu) 4-1-035:014; AREA:  4.665 gross acres (3.437 net useable acres); TERM:  35 years; UPSET MINIMUM ANNUAL RENTAL:  $6,923 per annum; payable semi-annually, in advance; or ADDITIONAL RENTAL:  1½% of gross proceeds, whichever is greater; RENT REOPENING:  To be determined; USE:  Diversified agriculture only.

ITEM II:  LOCATION:  Lot 1, Pahoa Agricultural Park, Island of Hawaii; 3rd Div. (Hawaii) 1-5-116:001; AREA:  10.193 gross acres; TERM:  35 years; UPSET MINIMUM ANNUAL RENTAL:  $1,170.00 per annum; payable semi-annually, in advance; or ADDITIONAL RENTAL:  1½% of gross proceeds, whichever is greater; RENT REOPENING:  To be determined; USE:  Diversified agriculture only.

ITEM III:  LOCATION:  Lot 3, Pahoa Agricultural Park, Island of Hawaii; 3rd Div. (Hawaii) 1-5-116:003; AREA:  10.000 gross acres; TERM:  35 years; UPSET MINIMUM ANNUAL RENTAL:  $1,150.00 per annum; payable semi-annually, in advance; or ADDITIONAL RENTAL:  1½% of gross proceeds, whichever is greater; RENT REOPENING:  To be determined; USE:  Diversified agriculture only.

ITEM IV:  LOCATION:  Lot 7, Pahoa Agricultural Park, Island of Hawaii; 3rd Div. (Hawaii) 1-5-116:007; AREA:  10.000 gross acres; TERM:  35 years; UPSET MINIMUM ANNUAL RENTAL:  $1,150.00 per annum; payable semi-annually, in advance; or ADDITIONAL RENTAL:  1½% of gross proceeds, whichever is greater; RENT REOPENING:  To be determined; USE:  Diversified agriculture only.

ITEM V:  LOCATION:  Lot 12, Pahoa Agricultural Park, Island of Hawaii; 3rd Div. (Hawaii) 1-5-116:012; AREA:  29.166 gross acres; TERM:  35 years; UPSET MINIMUM ANNUAL RENTAL: $2,590.00 per annum; payable semi-annually, in advance; or ADDITIONAL RENTAL:  1½% of gross proceeds, whichever is greater; RENT REOPENING:  To be  determined; USE: Diversified agriculture only.

ITEM VI:  LOCATION:  Lot 13, Pahoa Agricultural Park, Island of Hawaii; 3rd Div. (Hawaii) 1-5-116:013; AREA:  25.000 gross acres; TERM:  35 years; UPSET MINIMUM ANNUAL RENTAL:  $2,270.00 per annum; payable semi-annually, in advance; or ADDITIONAL RENTAL:  1½% of gross proceeds, whichever is greater; RENT REOPENING:  To be determined; USE:  Diversified agriculture only.

ITEM VII:  LOCATION:  Lot 15, Pahoa Agricultural Park, Island of Hawaii; 3rd Div. (Hawaii) 1-5-116:015; AREA:  19.596 gross acres; TERM:  35 years; UPSET MINIMUM ANNUAL RENTAL:  $1,850.00 per annum; payable semi-annually, in advance; or ADDITIONAL RENTAL:  1½% of gross proceeds, whichever is greater; RENT REOPENING:  To be determined; USE:  Diversified agriculture only.

ITEM VIII:  LOCATION:  Lot 17, Pahoa Agricultural Park, Island of Hawaii; 3rd Div. (Hawaii) 1-5-116:017; AREA:  15.000 gross acres; TERM:  35 years; UPSET MINIMUM ANNUAL RENTAL:  $1,470.00 per annum; payable semi-annually, in advance; or ADDITIONAL RENTAL:  1½% of gross proceeds, whichever is greater; RENT REOPENING:  To be determined; USE:  Diversified agriculture only.

ITEM IX:  LOCATION:  Lot 18, Pahoa Agricultural Park, Island of Hawaii; 3rd Div. (Hawaii) 1-5-116:018; AREA:  5.371 gross acres; TERM:  35 years; UPSET MINIMUM ANNUAL RENTAL:  $680.00 per annum; payable semi-annually, in advance; or ADDITIONAL RENTAL: 1½% of gross proceeds, whichever is greater; RENT REOPENING:  To be determined; USE: Diversified agriculture only.

ITEM X:  LOCATION: Lot 20, Pahoa Agricultural Park, Island of Hawaii; 3rd Div. (Hawaii) 1-5-116:020; AREA:  10.000 gross acres; TERM:  35 years; UPSET MINIMUM ANNUAL RENTAL:  $1,150.00 per annum; payable semi-annually, in advance; or ADDITIONAL RENTAL:  1½% of gross proceeds, whichever is greater; RENT REOPENING: To be determined; USE:  Diversified agriculture only.

ITEM XI:  LOCATION:  Lot 62, Pahoa Agricultural Park, Island of Hawaii; 3rd Div. (Hawaii) 1-5-116:062; AREA:  13.428 gross acres; TERM:  35 years; UPSET MINIMUM ANNUAL RENTAL:  $1,340.00 per annum; payable semi-annually, in advance; or ADDITIONAL RENTAL:  1½% of gross proceeds, whichever is greater; RENT REOPENING:  To be determined; USE:  Diversified agriculture only.

ITEM XII:  LOCATION:  Lot 7, Panaewa Agricultural Park, Island of Hawaii; 3rd Div. (Hawaii) 2-2-056:033; AREA:  10.170 gross acres; TERM:  35 years; UPSET MINIMUM ANNUAL RENTAL:  $3,440.00 per annum; payable semi-annually, in advance; or ADDITIONAL RENTAL:  1½% of gross proceeds, whichever is greater; RENT REOPENING: To be determined; USE:  Diversified agriculture only. The BOA has approved the acceptance of up to five (5) “back-up” proposals in the event the initial awardee fails to complete the leasing process. The general lease conditions describing the terms and conditions, property map, lot descriptions, and Chapter 4-153, HAR, are available on the DOA’s website or may be examined at the DOA offices. The disposition of lease(s) may be canceled, postponed or continued from time to time, as may be deemed necessary, by publication of notice to that effect by order of the Chairperson of the BOA.

The DOA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability, or any other class as protected under applicable federal or state law, in administration of its programs, or activities, and, the DOA does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected, or oppose action prohibited, by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights. If you have any questions about this notice or any of the DOA’s non-discrimination programs, policies, or procedures, you may contact Morris Atta, Acting Non-Discrimination Coordinator, at (808) 973-9560 or email: [email protected]. If you believe that you have been discriminated against with respect to a DOA program or activity, you may contact the Non-Discrimination Coordinator identified above. To request language or accessibility for applications for DOA agricultural leases, please contact the Office of the Chairperson, at (808) 973-9560 or email: [email protected]. Please allow sufficient time for DOA to meet accommodation requests. Sharon Hurd, Chairperson, Board of Agriculture.

Attachments: 
Maps of parcels open for lease negotiations: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-public-notice-maps.pdf

Application form: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Application-for-Farm-Lot-REV.2016.pdf

To view the public notice as posted in the newspapers, go to: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1401327_SA_Proof-3.pdf

 

November 18, 2022
SCALABLE AND REPLICABLE LIVESTOCK HARVESTING FACILITY MASTER PLAN AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

The State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has completed a Master Plan, Feasibility Analysis, and Conceptual Design for a Scalable and Replicable Livestock Harvesting Facility.  The effort was completed with the coordination, support, and guidance of the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, Inc. (HCC).  The goal of the project was to create a facility model that serves the sustainability needs of Hawaii’s livestock industry and discusses the socio-economic and environmental factors of such a facility.

This project could not been completed without the expertise and valuable input from industry experts, stakeholders, and the HCC. The HDOA is grateful for their time and cooperation.

The final master plan and feasibility analysis, and the conceptual plans (60 % design drawings) can be found at the links below:

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Agricultural Water Use and Development Plan Update

The Agricultural Water Use and Development Plan Update, December 2019, Revised 2021 (AWUDP 2021 Update) is now available online.

The Department of Agriculture prepared the AWUDP 2021 Update in accordance with Hawaii Revised Statutes 174C-31(e), and incorporated public comments to the December 2019 Agricultural Water Use and Development Plan Update.  This document is an accompaniment to the original AWUDP published in 2003 and revised in 2004 (2004 AWUDP). Both the 2004 AWUDP, and the AWUDP 2021 Update, work together as a living document that will continue to be revisited, revised, and updated in years to come.

The AWUDP 2021 Update is a tool that may be used by irrigation system managers, farmers, ranchers, planners, and others who rely on agricultural water to support diversified agriculture.  Some highlights of the AWUDP 2021 Update include:

  • Inventory of irrigation systems that were not covered in the 2004 AWUDP,
  • Update of irrigation systems that were covered in the 2004 AWUDP,
  • Update of the agriculture planning water demand rate and water demand forecasts, and
  • Short- and long-term plan to manage irrigation systems in the state.

Farmers are often interested in the Agricultural Water Demand Planning Rates. In this AWUDP 2021 Update, this value is revisited through extensive data gathering and research, including additional farm surveys and historical data.  This AWUDP Update determined that multiple water demand planning rates are necessary to represent different conditions and crop types. These rates are summarized below.

  • 3,900 gpd/acre for diversified agriculture for usable acreage that is 50% planted (e.g. leafy vegetables and truck crops)
  • 7,800 gpd/acre for diversified agriculture for usable acreage that is 100% lands planted (e.g., nursery, feed, and forage crops)
  • 8,100 gpd/acre for diversified agriculture, for usable acreage that is 50% planted, under drought conditions or in dry areas.
  • 16,200 gpd/acre for diversified agriculture, for usable acreage that is 100% planted, under drought conditions or in dry areas.
  • 8,000 gpd/acre for irrigated pastures (usable acreage that is 100% planted)

Please note that these water demand rates are for statewide planning purposes for agricultural water demand.  If a specific site is being studied, a site-specific water demand analysis should be completed.

This AWUDP 2021 Update could not have been completed without the support and cooperation of the farmers, ranchers, and irrigation system owners/operators that took the time to talk with us about agriculture.  The document contains input from over a hundred different farmers across the state, and we are greatly appreciative for their input and knowledge.  The AWUDP 2021 Update would not be the same without them!

The AWUDP 2021 Update can be viewed at the following links:

Final AWUP with Appendices B – F

Appendix A Maps 1-13

Appendix A Maps 14-32

Appendix A Maps 33-39

Appendix A Maps 40-46

Appendix A Maps 47-60

Appendix A Maps 61-72

Appendix A Maps 73-90

Appendix A Maps 91-102

Appendix A Maps 103-114

Appendix A Maps 115-126

Appendix A Maps 127-132

Appendix A Maps 133-145

Appendix A Maps 146-147

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Janice Fujimoto, HDOA Agricultural Resource Management Division at [email protected] or (808) 973-9473.

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  • East Maui Water Systems Improvement Project
    In 2018, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature appropriated funding for capital improvement project (CIP) funding for plans, design, and construction for irrigation and water delivery systems in East Maui to support agricultural purposes.  The legislative intent was to primarily support the small farmers in East Maui in furtherance of the State’s goals of food security and self-sufficiency.In May 2019, the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and its Project Team introduced the East Maui Water Systems Improvement Project (Project) to the community, and specifically the East Maui community.  Phase 1 of the Project entailed the Project Team meeting with key stakeholders to gather relevant input to identify and assess potential projects for HDOA’s consideration.  During this phase, we also conducted site visits of potential projects and held two public meetings to update the community and gather additional input.Based upon the community engagement, the Project Team conducted site assessments for the potential projects, taking into consideration the feasibility of completing each proposed project based upon a matrix of key factors.  The Project Team prepared a prioritization matrix to assist HDOA in determining which proposed projects should proceed to the design phase.  We are currently in the design and regulatory process phase to ensure timely use of the CIP funds.This process is detailed in the East Maui Water Systems Improvement, Proposed Project Summary Report dated December 16, 2019: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/arm/files/2020/01/East-Maui-Water-Systems-Improvement-Proposed-Project-Summary-ReportCompressed.pdfShould you have any questions, please contact Janice Fujimoto with HDOA at 808-973-9473 or via email at [email protected]. or Dawn Chang with Kuiwalu at [email protected].

  • Hamakua North Hilo Agricultural Cooperative – The HNHAC subleases state agricultural lands and manages about 100 small farms in the Pauuilo-Honokaa area. Go to the HNHAC website for more information on farm leases.

 

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Molokai Irrigation System

REPORTS:

  • Map 1 East Kauai Irrigation System
  • Map 2 Kekaha Ditch Irrigation System
  • Map 3 Kokee Ditch Irrigation System
  • Map 4 Pioneer Mill Irrigation System
  • Map 5 Waiahole Ditch Irrigation System
  • Map 6 Lower Hamakua Ditch Irrigation System
  • Map 7 Molokai Irrigation System
  • Map 8 Upcountry Maui Irrigation System
  • Map 9 Waimanalo Irrigation System
  • Map 10 Waimea Irrigation System
  • Map 11 East Maui Irrigation System
  • Map 12 Kauai Coffee Irrigation System
  • Map 13 West Maui Irrigation System