What if a shipping strike like the West Coast recently experienced prevented cargo from reaching Hawaii? Or a natural disaster? How long could we survive without incoming food? Should the state be doing more to make sure Hawaii has a sustainable food supply, including making the most of our land and climate to take care of our people?

Civil Beat is teaming up with the FarmLovers Farmers’ Market to present “How Can Hawaii Become Food Self-Sufficient?” — a robust discussion of Hawaii’s unique situation when it comes to sustainability. This special Civil Cafe is being sponsored by the Ulupono Initiative.

The event is scheduled for Monday, April 27, at Green Rows Farm in Waimanalo (41-756 Mahailua St). Panelists slated to participate in the discussion are:

Scott Enright, director of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Vincent Mina, president of Hawaii Farmers Union United
Sen. Russell Ruderman, agriculture committee member and owner of Island Naturals stores
Richard Ha, president of Hamakua Springs Country Farm

Civil Beat’s Nathan Eagle will moderate the panel.

The evening will begin with a tour of Green Rows Farm at 5 p.m., and then attendees will sit down for a potluck dinner starting at 5:45 p.m.  Bring a dish to share at the potluck, and you get in free! However, if you would like to eat but don’t want to bring food, there will be a charge of $10 for a full meal and beverage.

The sustainability conversation will begin at 6:30 p.m. sharp. If you would like to attend, please RSVP here.