Agriculture and Environment
Sugarland Farm Tour - July 8, 2015
As the newly appointed Senate Ag chair in 2015, Senator Gabbard spent the morning of July 8, touring Larry and Jonathan Jefts’ farm in Kunia to see how the Jefts’ model of large-scale farming is done. Sugarland Growers began in 1971, in Molokaʻi, and then expanded to the old Oʻahu sugar cane and pineapple farm lands, and is now one of Hawaiʻi’s largest diversified crop operations. Larry proudly proclaimed being an 18th generation farmer. His son Jonathan has been farming since he was 6 years old. They grow bananas, broccoli, green bell peppers, cabbages, Chinese cabbages, cucumbers, several varieties of tomatoes, and several varieties of watermelons.
Sugarland Farm Tour - July 8, 2015
ʻAina Ola Farm, Maui - December 4, 2016
Senator Gabbard toured ʻAina Ola Farm on Maui on Dec. 4, 2016. (Pictured: Sen. Gabbard with Simon Russell, Chairman of Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United Legislative Committee; Vincent Mina, President of Hawai'i Farmers Union United; and Bobby Pahia, world-class taro farmer)
Kaʻū Coffee Farm, Hawaiʻi Island - November 25, 2016
Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United 7th Annual Convention - October 7, 2017
Senator Gabbard met Peter Sallares, an Australian farmer and expert on V-trellis fruit production, on October 6, at the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United convention. Also pictured here with Vincent Mina, HFUU Pres., Tulsi Gabbard and his wife, Carol.
Windward Zero Waste School Hui - November 9, 2017
Senator Gabbard toured the Windward Zero Waste School Hui on Nov. 9, with Mindy Jaffe, Lindsey Whitcomb, and Senator Laura Thielen. The school “hui” or group is made up of three schools: Kaʻōhao School: A Public Charter School, K-6 (formerly named Lanikai Elementary), Kainalu Elementary School and Kaelepulu Elementary School Elementary schools in Kailua, Hawaiʻi.
It was exciting to see keiki (grades K-6) participating in a school-wide recycling and zero waste effort... all learning about how to use hot composting and vermicomposting to divert food waste. Senator got to see first-hand, as food went from lunch, to buckets of leftovers, to hot composting piles. Table to farming!
The schools reduce non-compostable waste and minimize excess plastic bag use by stacking trays and bowls, and compacting milk cartons. They transform tons of food waste that would normally be collected in dumpsters and tossed into landfills, and turn it into beautiful, organic compost for growing food.
Nature’s Path Organic Foods - June 19, 2018
Senator Gabbard visited Nature's Path Organic Foods CEO, Arran Stephens, at his home and organic permaculture farm Mana Ohana Kai Orchard in Makena, Maui on June 19, 2018 and planted a Wili‐wili sapling. Also pictured is Tim Page, manager of the farm.
Bill Signing Ceremony for Toxic Chemical Ban in Sunscreen(SB2571)
July 3, 2018
Senator Gabbard with Governor David Ige and Representative Chris Lee.
Keokea Farms, owned by Gail and Henry Cho
Hawaiʻi Ulu Cooperative Farm Tour - September 27, 2018
Senator Gabbard was invited to tour the Hawaiʻi ‘Ulu Producers Cooperative (HUPC) processing facility and two member farms, Mala Kaluʻulu and Keokea Farms, in Kona to learn more about their work supporting ʻulu (breadfruit) production in Hawaiʻi.
HUPC is a local, farmer-owned business whose primary goal is to develop a sustainable breadfruit industry in Hawaiʻi that supports farmers and the community. It was formed in the summer of 2016 with nine pilot farmer-members from all around Hawai‘i Island and now has over 50 members.
HUPC is the first and largest breadfruit farmer organization in Hawaiʻi and is pioneering the development of the burgeoning breadfruit industry globally. HUPC purchases fruit directly from farmers and then aggregates, processes, and markets ʻulu for local consumers. Their main product line consists of steamed-frozen cuts sold primarily to food service establishments, including local schools and hospitals. They also offer ongoing technical assistance and training opportunities to support their farmer-members and help grow a sustainable ʻulu industry for Hawaiʻi.
Dana Shapiro, Hawaii Ulu Producers’ Cooperative Manager, led the tour of the facility in addition to two of the member farms: Mala Kaluʻulu, owned by Dana and husband Noa Lincoln (CTHAR professor, who has worked closely with Senator Gabbard on ulu legislation); and Keokea Farms, owned by Gail and Henry Cho.
“Mahalo Dana for the ono grinds, all made from ʻulu!!”
(Pictured L-R: With Rep. Creagan, Henry and Gail Cho, Meg Turner (Leg Asst.), Mike Greenough (Sen. Ruderman’s Committee Clerk), and Alec Ikeda (Sen. Nishihara’s Committee Clerk).
Senator Gabbard at Sunscreen Press Conference - January 30, 2020
Following on the success of Senator Gabbard’s bill in 2018 to ban toxic chemicals in sunscreens, companion bills – Senate Bill 2278 and House Bill 2248 — proposed legislation that would only allow sunscreen products with ingredients that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration generally recognizes as safe and effective, to be sold or distributed in Hawaiʻi, starting Jan. 1, 2023. Learn more here.
(Pictured L-R: Sydney Williams, Sen. Gabbard’s Asst. Committee Clerk; Rep. Gene Ward; Dr. Joe DiNardo, Research Scientist and Toxicologist; Lisa Bishop, President, Friends of Hanauma Bay; and Senator Sharon Moriwaki.) - Photo courtesy Star Advertiser
Mike at home in his “Victory Garden” 2020
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We did it during World War I and World War II, and as the coronavirus continues to rampage its way across the U.S., it is time we roll up our sleeves and do it again….”