In the News - Friends of Maha'ulepu

FOM Representatives Travel to Oahu

Ron Kouchi and FOM members

Three FOM representatives flew to Oahu due to pending amendments to the Farm Bill which, if passed, would produce even greater difficulty to keep HDF’s dairy from operating at Maha’ulepu.

FOM were joined by Oahu environmentalist, Carroll Cox, who was well known and welcomed throughout the State Capitol offices. We had productive meetings with Senator Ron Kouchi, Legislative Aide for Senator Mike Gabbard, Judiciary Committee Head, Representative Karl Rhoads, Kaua’i Representative Jimmy Tokioka and Assistant to our Kaua’i Representative, Representative Dee Morikawa. All of the meetings went well. FOM were especially appreciative for the length of time and interest shown by Senator Ron Kouchi and Representative Jimmy Tokioka. Both freely discussed our concerns about HDF’s proposed industrial dairy. At the end of our meeting Senator Kouchi expressed appreciation for what we are doing to preserve our water, our environment and our community.

The two bills linked below would amend Hawaii’s Right to Farm Act to ensure that counties cannot enact laws, ordinances, or resolutions to limit the rights of farmers and ranchers to engage in agricultural practices. (NOTE: HDF already has its agricultural exemption and building permits from Kauai County).

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2016/bills/HB849_.HTM
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2016/bills/SB986_.HTM

Similarly, SB 3046 Amends Hawaii’s Right to Farm Act to ensure that counties cannot enact laws, ordinances, or resolutions to limit the rights of farmers and ranchers to engage in agricultural practices.

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2016/bills/SB3046_.HTM

SB 985 clarifies the State’s policy to promote and foster an atmosphere of acceptance for agricultural practices. Guarantees the rights of farmers and ranchers to engage in farming and ranching practices no matter how large the endeavor or the suitability of the land.

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2016/bills/SB985_.HTM