Farmer Robert ‘Bobby’ Pahia interviews for East Maui Regional Community Board seat; committee takes no legislative action

The committee on Aug. 4 received a presentation and answered questions from applicant Robert Hale “Bobby” Pahia, owner and manager of Hawaii Taro Farm, who seeks appointment to a council‑appointed seat on the East Maui Regional Community Board. The Independent Nomination Board transmitted the application; the council’s 30‑day window to act runs through Aug. 17 and staff said the item is slated for the Aug. 12 full‑council agenda for consideration.

Pahia told the committee he has about 40 years of agricultural experience, grows taro and other culturally important crops, runs a nonprofit and works on regenerative practices. He said he sees stewardship of water as a kuleana (responsibility) tied to food security and community wellbeing, and he emphasized collaboration with stakeholders and respect for kupuna knowledge.

Topics covered in questioning Committee members asked Pahia about the public‑trust doctrine for water, how to balance water allocation between agriculture and stream ecology, the role of water capture (reservoirs) and the biggest obstacles to local food production. Pahia said capturing rainfall to increase storage capacity is important but must be done without harming stream ecosystems, and he said community consensus and greater civic engagement are needed to prioritize resources.

Pahia also described his involvement with local agricultural organizations and homesteader support: he said he is a member of the Kula Ag Park committee, lives on Waiohuli Hawaiian Home lots in Kula, and is working with Common Ground Collective on installing orchards for Hawaiian homesteaders (the first installation at no cost, with sliding‑scale follow‑ups).

Time commitment and conflicts Pahia told the committee he has structured his farming operations and crews so he can meet board time commitments and does not foresee conflicts of interest. He said the board role is a priority and that he would attend meetings and collaborate with other board members.

Process note Staff noted the Independent Nomination Board transmitted the applicant list for a vacancy; the committee recorded the applicant’s testimony and posed clarifying questions but did not take legislative action. Members may place the nomination before the full council during the council’s 30‑day consideration window; staff indicated the item will be posted for council consideration on Aug. 12.

Why it matters The East Maui Regional Community Board helps shape water‑management recommendations and local priorities. The committee’s discussion focused on balancing agriculture, environmental flows and community needs — issues that affect food security and cultural practices.

Taper Committee members thanked Pahia for volunteering and for his emphasis on community collaboration and stewardship. The nomination will proceed through the council’s process for appointment; any final appointment will be decided by the full council.