By Robert Block
What I am proposing may be the easiest, most fulfilling, and possibly the most rewarding endeavor of your entire life. It can and will be fun, delicious, and nutritious.
We probably can’t fix the debacle happening within our federal government, but we can address our island state’s most pressing and real problem – food security – easily, with your help.
You may have noticed that much of the continent, and indeed the entire world, is suffering from climate change and other difficulties.
For decades we have depended on outside sources for almost all our food. Over 90% of every morsel we consume is imported. If the ships stopped sailing due to an unforeseen natural or man-made calamity, we would be woefully unprepared. At best, we would have enough food to feed fewer than 10% of our residents.
And most of our sustenance originates in regions facing weather-related difficulties due to the current climate crisis. Add to this the increasing risks of labor disputes. For Hawaiʻi to remain dependent on these potentially unreliable food sources is both unwise and dangerous.
This is especially concerning because we live on islands blessed with ideal growing conditions. Our various elevations and exposures, coupled with ample sun and water, allow us to grow food year-round. We are abundantly blessed. Should we ignore this gift?
Historically, Hawaiʻi was a nation of plantations. Nearly all arable land was clear-cut and bulldozed for cash crops (primarily sugar) cultivated, harvested, and exported by the megaton across the seas.
As much as I love pipe dreams, this is not one of them. With your participation, we can grow enormous amounts of food here once again – enough to feed both ourselves and many others overseas. I can only imagine the benefits resulting from this effort, and virtually no detriments.
Perhaps even having a governor with medical expertise will help, as all doctors know that good health begins with good, fresh nutrition.
Our islands have nearly all the climates of the world, which means we can grow almost anything here.
This is where you, the people, come in. Getting a million-plus residents to agree on anything may seem improbable, but that means it is possible. Let us embrace that possibility, express our kuleana, and make this vision a reality for the sake of our keiki and kūpuna.
Depending solely on tourism – a fickle mistress – is shortsighted. Relying on the military as a source of income has already proven costly to our environment. Billions of dollars could instead be made (and kept) here at home, rather than be sent to the mainland.
Your kuleana is to buy local first. Only import food when no local options remain. Honor our farmers who work daily with aloha and diligence. This movement will create countless noble jobs on small farms for our local families and friends.
Please roll up your sleeves and get on board for the ride of our lives.
Aloha nui, and once again – mālama pono.
Robert Block lives in Captain Cook, Kona, Hawaiʻi Island.
