Item List

The export commodities value chain in Hawaiʻi is fragmented, characterized by weak institutional frameworks and a lack of effective collaborative mechanisms among stakeholders.

Hawaiʻi's energy sector is heavily reliant on imported fuels, resulting in some of the highest energy costs in the nation. This dependence affects the agricultural sector significantly, particularly for producers engaged in energy-intensive activities like drying, processing, and cold storage of export commodities such as macadamia nuts and coffee.

Persistent underinvestment in agricultural education, training programs, and extension services has led to significant gaps in workforce development and skill acquisition.

Systemic barriers make it challenging for new and young farmers to enter the agricultural sector on Hawaiʻi Island.

The decline of the sugar plantation industry was not accompanied by adequate investment and policy support for developing a diversified agricultural services sector.

The absence of integrated and accessible market information systems leads to information asymmetry and inefficiencies in the agricultural value chain.

Insufficient funding, coordination, and enforcement of biosecurity measures have led to inadequate pest and disease management services on Hawaiʻi Island.

The high cost of living, lack of affordable housing and low agricultural wages create significant barriers to attracting and retaining a stable farm labor force.

This misalignment results in disproportionately high compliance costs and complexities for small farms, restricting their ability to expand infrastructure and meet food safety standards.

Chronic underinvestment by both public and private sectors in critical agricultural infrastructure has led to significant gaps on Hawaiʻi Island.