HONOLULU — The state Department of Health has approved the growing and sale of molluscan shellfish by Kauai Clams in Kekaha, Kauai’s Westside. The company, operating under Sunrise Capital, also the parent company of Kauai Shrimp, is the first operation
HONOLULU — The state Department of Health has approved the growing and sale of molluscan shellfish by Kauai Clams in Kekaha, Kauai’s Westside.
The company, operating under Sunrise Capital, also the parent company of Kauai Shrimp, is the first operation in the state in 26 years to receive DOH approval to farm and sell shellfish. The company is currently growing clams.
“Having locally-grown products is always a great benefit for both consumers and businesses,” said Mike Turner of Kauai Clams. “We are excited about the future of our new product Kauai clams, and soon will introduce locally-grown oysters into our product line.”
DOH Deputy Director Gary Gill said DH will continue to do its part to promote food sustainability and economic development while ensuring the safety of Hawaii food products.
“Gov. (Neil) Abercrombie asked the department to help bring a thriving shellfish industry back to Hawaii,” he said in a press release. “Our laboratory and food safety staff worked hard to get the federal certification required to allow Hawaii businesses to raise clams and oysters for sale.”
The last shellfish operation in the state was Hawaiian Seafood Gardens, which closed in 1997 for financial reasons. After its closure, local interest in shellfish farming seemed to disappear, and DOH allowed its U.S. Food and Drug Administration laboratory certification to lapse in 2000.
In recent years, local interest to revive shellfish production gained momentum, and the DOH Food Safety Program, State Laboratories Division, and the fledgling shellfish industry undertook rigorous measures to bring the sanitary shellfish permit program in Hawaii back to life.
The raising and sale of shellfish requires strict state and federal regulatory requirements to ensure food safety and prevent serious food borne illness.
Over the course of 16 months, DOH laboratory and food safety programs underwent intense evaluation and training by the FDA to receive federal certification and ensure industry compliance to meet safety standards.
Turner said the company’s initial sales will be on Kauai and, with time, he anticipates distribution to be statewide as they increase production at the facility.
