KALIHIWAI — The second Kauai Farmer Expo is about to kick off at the Kalihiwai Community Farm in Kilauea, and it will be the last one in Kalihiwai for a while.
As they’re planning their speakers and panel presentations for the expo, the nonprofit Malama Kauai is also gearing up to move out of their space in May because the land is going up for sale.
Kalihiwai Community Farm is located on Wai Koa Plantation property. Tenants and leaseholders were notified the land was going up for sale in July, and of the need to relocate.
Malama Kauai is continuing their work on the community garden and continuing events through May, and announced Monday they found a place to relocate.
“Since you last heard from us about the loss of our Kalihiwai Community Farm in 2020 due to its sale, we’ve found an amazing 22-acre historic cattle ranch on the east side that is the perfect spot for an ag park with housing,” Megan Fox, executive director of Malama Kauai said in a Monday announcement.
In order to buy the property, Malama Kauai needs more money, though, and they’re currently in the running for a $1 million Legacy Lands Conservation grant that would help the situation.
Currently, Malama Kauai is asking for help in the form of support letters, as well as donations for matching funds. Contact Malama Kauai for more info on the grant.
The Kauai Farmer Expo, set from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, pulls together experts on everything ag for chances to learn about food safety, mosquito control, record-keeping, accounting and bookkeeping, financing and loans, and livestock management.
Farmers are encouraged to bring pictures, samples, or their laptop for these hands-on sessions designed to help strengthen their specific business.
Speakers include a keynote address from Kiana Frank, who will be sharing research on molecular biology, bioenergetics, geochemistry, and culture in a presentation entitled, “Kanaka Maoli AgriCulture &Microbiomes of Hawaii.”
This year, there will also be a “Consulting Corner” where farmers can receive free one-on-one time with service providers to address their needs.
Children under 12 are free and Kauai Animal Education Center will be providing their petting zoo.
It is sponsored by the County of Kauai, Agrilogic Consulting, USDA, Ulupono Initiative, and others.
Tickets are available online and at the door.
For more information on the event visit MalamaKauai.org or contact Mahiai Technical Assistance Program Manager, Bryna Storch, at mahiai@malamakauai.org or 828-0685 x15.
