Senate panel approves resolution to prioritize agricultural projects in Central Oʻahu corridor

The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, sitting April 15 in Conference Room 225, voted to pass HCR 77 SD1, a resolution requesting that the Agribusiness Development Corporation identify and prioritize potential agricultural improvement projects in Central Oʻahu and statewide.

Cedric Gates of the Department of Agriculture told the committee the department "stands on its written testimony, offering comments, supporting the intent, and deferring to ADC." Supporters from the agricultural community described the corridor as a potential concentration of farmland, water infrastructure and treatment systems that could support expanded production.

Stephanie Wheeling of Kuneo Village Holding Corporation (Zoom) told senators that the corridor between the H‑1 Freeway and Waialua contains a mix of small, medium and large farms, multiple water systems and conservation easements that could sustain long-term agriculture. "All these elements that agriculture needs to be a successful industry are present," Wheeling said during her testimony.

Committee discussion emphasized coordination across county water and environmental services, electrical utilities and planning agencies to prepare infrastructure for agricultural growth. The committee’s recommendation was to pass HCR 77 as SD1, which requests that ADC develop a prioritized list of potential infrastructure improvement projects for Central Oʻahu and other agricultural areas statewide.

On the record the chair voted aye; the vice chair was excused. Senators recorded in support included Senator Kanaga, and the chair announced the motion passed. The committee adjourned after the vote.

HCR 77 SD1 aims to support agricultural economic development by asking the Agribusiness Development Corporation to prepare a statewide list of priority projects, with the Central Oʻahu corridor identified as an immediate area of focus.