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HCDA authorizes executive director to join Act 237 food and product innovation network
Summary
The Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority on June 3 authorized its executive director to enter a memorandum of agreement supporting the Act 237 food and product innovation network, a two-year MOA intended to support facilities for value‑added agricultural product development; the motion passed by roll call.
The Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority on June 3 voted to authorize its executive director to enter into a memorandum of agreement to support the food and product innovation network established under Act 237 SLH 2022.
CFO Garrett Sasaki told the board the MOA and supporting documents were in the meeting packet and that the responsibilities outlined were consistent with HCDA’s experience in development and project management. Board members asked for clarification on how many innovation hub sites were expected and whether facilities could be outside existing HCDA districts; staff said the program envisions possibly one hub per island or one per county and that sites could be outside current districts.
Member Gordner drew attention to MOA provision 5B, which conditions party cooperation on the availability of resources; staff and other members discussed that appropriations and legislative support would affect implementation. Staff noted the MOA would be effective for two years if executed, from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028.
There was no public testimony on the MOA. Member Yamasaki moved to authorize the executive director to enter the MOA; Member Anderson seconded. Garrett Sasaki conducted a roll-call vote and the chair announced the motion passed with 16 yes votes and one vacant seat.
The authorization directs the executive director to finalize the MOA and to keep the board updated on Act 237 projects and any site or funding developments.
