Hawaiʻi needs more locally grown food, but plans for a vertical farm and aquaculture operation near Sunset Beach Park violate zoning rules and threaten the community character, critics say.

Hawaiʻi program leaders say there are few alternative funding options available to local farmers who want to increase and improve operations.

During 16 months on the job, Parwinder Grewal has hired more faculty, secured millions in funding and started setting up a new undergraduate degree in farming.

The governor had put the legislation on his intent-to-veto list, but ended up signing the measure last week.

Aquaculture is projected to become Hawaiʻi’s strongest food industry, but the state may not be doing enough to ensure there are good jobs in the future for local teens already preparing for the field.

A machine meant to extend the shelf life of Hawaiʻi-grown products hasn’t been used in the year it’s been at the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center.

Opponents of the measure said the bill would hurt the industry it was intended to help.

Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture will soon invite the public to weigh in on what farmers should be allowed to do on land they lease from the state.

Last year, food producers invested less in security than in 2019 — and the results were somewhat predictable. The data only scratches the surface, according to agricultural leaders.

Lawmakers are pushing for a comprehensive plan to address Hawaiʻi’s overreliance on imported foods and the growing number of residents who can’t afford groceries.