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HCDA authorized to assist Agribusiness Development Corporation on Whitmore Village food hub
Summary
The Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority authorized staff to act as owner's representative/project manager for ADC’s Central Oʻahu Agricultural and Food Hub in Whitmore Village, approving entry into a memorandum of agreement describing respective responsibilities.
The Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority voted Dec. 3 to authorize the executive director to allow HCDA, under Act 252 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2025), to assist the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) as owner’s representative and project manager for the Central Oʻahu Agricultural and Food Hub in Whitmore Village, Wahiawā.
“The Central Oʻahu Agricultural Food Hub is the centerpiece of the project,” Executive Director Craig Nakamoto said while describing the proposed mix of facilities: a DOE centralized kitchen, agricultural warehouses, a high‑pressure processing (HPP) facility to extend shelf life, an EPMF test kitchen, and envisioned workforce housing.
Nakamoto said the project covers both Whitmore South and Whitmore North parcels and listed multiple Oʻahu tax map key (TMK) numbers for the parcels. Staff described anticipated uses across roughly 34 acres for the central agricultural hub, and additional nearby parcels for farm fairs and a reserve site for Leeward Community College’s agriculture program.
Board members supported the authorization while pressing staff for concrete performance metrics and clearer scope and price estimates before the project proceeds. Member Gordon urged periodic updates so the board can assess whether the new project‑review policy is functioning as intended.
The board moved to authorize HCDA to assist ADC, allow HCDA to enter a memorandum of agreement that memorializes respective responsibilities, and take actions necessary to effectuate the purpose. The motion was moved by Member Leong, seconded by Secretary Lidstone, and passed by roll call (recorded as passing; staff recorded 11 yes, five excused).
