Ola i ka Wai. Water is life.
The State of Hawaii is poised to acquire the Wahiawā Irrigation System (WIS), which is main water source for central and north O'ahu. This system is also essential to protecting the livelihoods of the many farmers who keep agriculture alive in this region.
The aging system needs to be upgraded. Dole Foods Hawaii, the current owner of the system, has offered the irrigation system to the state for free, as long as the state takes on the responsibility of making the necessary upgrades.
Fresh water is a public trust resource. This water rightfully belongs with the state and under state management. Should the state fail to accept the donated irrigation system, the alternative is for the system to be decommissioned, which would effectively close Dole Food Hawaii operations and agriculture water distribution to farmers in central and north O'ahu. The loss of agricultural activity in this region would be devastating to Hawaiiʻs local food industry and sustainability goals.
Please help inspire our new Governor Josh Green to become a champion for local agriculture and food security in Hawai'i by saving the Wahiawā Irrigation System and agriculture in central and north O'ahu.
