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Committee unanimously advances bill recognizing coconut palm as a sustainable staple food source
Summary
The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment voted to pass SB1582, a measure that recognizes the coconut palm (niu) as an official sustainable staple food source in Hawaii. Testimony from cultural practitioners, community groups and the Farm Bureau highlighted cultural, nutritional and biosecurity reasons for recognition.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment voted to pass SB1582, a bill that recognizes the coconut palm (niu) as an official sustainable staple food source in the state.
Twenty testifiers spoke in favor during the hearing, according to the chair, including community growers, cultural practitioners, representatives of grassroots groups and the Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters emphasized the coconut's cultural significance, nutritional value and role in local food resilience.
Heather McMillan, Urban and Community Forester with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, said she stood on DLNR's written testimony “in strong support” and said she was available to answer questions.
Indrajit Gunasekara, co‑founder of Niu Now, described coconut as “a relationship rooted in the Aloha ʻĀina and the community,” calling it food, culture and ecology. Multiple speakers described traditional uses of the tree and urged protection and recognition to help preserve practices and secure seed stock amid threats from the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB).
Brian Miyamoto, representing the Hawaii Farm Bureau, supported the bill and urged continued funding for invasive species control and biosecurity programs to combat CRB. He said the bill “emphasizes the importance of continued funding from invasive species control and eradication” and asked the committee to address funding needs for the Department of Agriculture and its partners.
Several testifiers shared personal and cultural stories about niu and asked the committee to recognize the tree's role in nutrition, ceremony, materials and community well-being. One speaker recommended practical measures such as seed saving as CRB affects coconut stands.
The chair recommended passing SB1582 as is. The committee recorded a unanimous voice vote in favor; the chair announced the motion adopted with five votes in favor.
SB1582 advances from the committee with a recommendation to pass; testimony and remarks in the hearing emphasized cultural recognition and the need for continued funding for pest control efforts.
