Agriculture and Food Security

The Challenge

Hawaiʻi imports the vast majority of its food, making our islands vulnerable to shipping disruptions, natural disasters, supply chain interruptions, and rising transportation costs.

At the same time, thousands of acres of agricultural land sit underutilized while local farmers face challenges accessing land, water, labor, infrastructure, processing facilities, and markets.

Food security is not just an agricultural issue. It is an economic issue, a public safety issue, and a cost-of-living issue.

A stronger Hawaiʻi requires a stronger local food system.

Daniel’s Position

Daniel believes Hawaiʻi should increase local food production, support local farmers and ranchers, protect agricultural lands, and build a more resilient food system for future generations.

Agriculture should be viewed as critical infrastructure.

The goal is simple: produce more food locally, strengthen rural communities, and improve Hawaiʻi’s long-term self-sufficiency.

Action Plan

Increase Local Food Production

Support policies that help farmers expand production and bring more locally grown food to Hawaiʻi families.

Protect Agricultural Lands

Preserve productive agricultural lands for farming and ranching while discouraging the loss of agricultural resources to incompatible development.

Improve Water Access and Agricultural Infrastructure

Support investments in irrigation systems, water storage, roads, processing facilities, and other infrastructure that enables agricultural success.

Support Agricultural Innovation

Encourage research, education, technology, and best practices that improve productivity and environmental stewardship.

Strengthen Food Security Planning

Incorporate food resilience and local production goals into statewide emergency preparedness and long-term planning efforts.

Measuring Success

Daniel supports annual reporting on:

  • Active agricultural acreage

  • Local food production levels

  • Agricultural water availability

  • Number of active farms and ranches

  • Agricultural employment

  • Food import dependence

  • Agricultural infrastructure investments

  • Food security and resilience indicators

A stronger food system should be measured by production, participation, and resilience.