Department planning staff and the Kaʻala Farm consultant presented a draft environmental assessment (EA) for expansion of the Kaʻala cultural learning center and community farm in Waiʻanae and recommended a Finding of No Significant Impact.

Sherry Hiroka (Townscape Inc.), the consultant, and Keolo Mosman (planning office) walked the Commission through the draft EA, which covers proposed agricultural expansion (additional loʻi and dryland fields, aquaponics), modest built elements (a bunkhouse for educational overnight stays, a barn and field shelters), and best management practices to reduce potential impacts to threatened species, wildfire risk and invasive species spread. The EA process produced several substantive agency comments — from the City Department of Planning and Permitting, the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and the Commission on Water Resource Management — all of which the consultant said had been addressed with mitigation measures or by committing to standard permitting steps.

Eric Enos and a substantial public contingent described decades of Kaʻala Farm programming, restoration work, and community education. Supporters said the farm provides cultural, vocational and behavioral health benefits to youth and vulnerable populations, and several speakers recounted personal rehabilitative experiences connected to the site. The planning office emphasized that Kaʻala Farm holds water rights and a long‑term license for the DHHL parcel and said the EA is the step needed before negotiating a long‑term disposition to secure the operation and enable future permitting.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about visitor numbers, traffic impacts and agency coordination for permits. The consultant said the site has managed bused school groups and encouraged carpooling; staff noted that wastewater permitting from the Department of Health will be required for certain facilities. Several commissioners and public testifiers praised the farm as an example of cultural stewardship and requested continued partnership between DHHL and Kaʻala Farm as the project moves through EA/permits.

Staff recommended the Commission review the final EA and consider a FONSI; the presentation established the environmental record and public support for the proposed expansion, but staff noted that necessary permits and final land disposition would return to the Commission for subsequent action.