Food Security - Senator Dan Inouye "Believe in Yourself" - video

 Sustainability of Local Communities - "The money stays here" - video

 Buy Local, It Matters - Sustainability - video 

Hawaii has the most fragile food security in the country – importing 85 percent of its food supply.  Hawaii’s small land mass and isolation are the primary reasons for the high proportion of imported food.  Any disruption in shipping would leave Hawaii with a four to seven day food supply. 

4 Ag Hawaii's goal is to assist the nearly 7,000 struggling small business farmers with “getting the product to market”. We need to expand our markets for locally produced food products so as to increase and sustain food production in Hawaii.

We need to conintue our support of Tourism and help our visitors understand all that is available from Hawaii's Bounty.

Buying local keeps the money flowing through our community and directly and indirectly supports our island families, friends and neighbors. 

Many times, this means just a little change in our buying habits that may not cost you any more and may even cost you less.  For example, instead of purchasing expensive boxes of mainland fruits to send as gifts, send local fruits that have been pre-inspected for export such as pineapple, papaya and even apple bananas are now able to be exported commercially. Send jellies and jams that were made from local fruits rather than those that were imported from elsewhere.  Hawaii-grown coffees, like those pictured above, and macadamia nuts are always a special gift appreciated by anyone, anywhere.

Instead of sending a holiday bouquet made of roses from South America, ask your florist to send a tropical holiday bouquet made of locally grown flowers and foliage. You may be surprised at the new types of tropical arrangements that floral designers are producing today. Or, instead of purchasing a pine wreath that was imported from the mainland, look for holiday wreaths that feature Hawaii protea, anthuriums and other tropicals or purchase a locally grown poinsettia or chrysanthemum plant.  Our local nurseries grow the best quality flowers and foliage, especially for our climate.

When planning holiday get-togethers, prepare meals using locally grown beef, eggs, fruits and vegetables. If you’re bringing a fruit salad to a potluck, choose to use sweet and fresher local fruits.  If you’re looking for holiday recipes, look for those that use locally grown fruits and vegetables.  In addition, think about substituting local produce in your favorite recipes.

We must support our Ohana for the sustainability of Hawaii's future.