In the wake of catastrophic flooding caused by two consecutive kona low storms, Hawaii’s small farmers are confronting a daunting path to recovery. Oahu, the third-largest island, was particularly hard-hit, with some areas receiving nearly 50 inches of rain, resulting in extensive damage to crops and infrastructure. As farmers assess the impact, the community’s resilience and commitment to rebuilding are shining through amidst the chaos.
The Storms’ Devastating Impact
The initial storm struck Oahu on 10 March, unleashing torrents of rain that submerged fields and decimated crops. Eddie Oroyan and his wife, Jessica Eirado Enes, who had only recently established LewaTerra Farm, found their burgeoning enterprise in ruins. Despite their initial optimism and quick efforts to clean and replant, the arrival of a second, even more ferocious storm soon after proved catastrophic.
“The crops were completely covered and had already been underwater earlier that week. The disease was already setting in,” Oroyan recalled, reflecting on the devastating consequences of the relentless rainfall. With estimations of damage exceeding $1 billion across the state, the plight of farmers has been particularly severe, with the Hawaii Farm Bureau reporting that over 300 farms have incurred about $17.5 million in losses.
Community Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Farmers throughout Oahu, including Haley McKinnon of Ahiki Acres, had braced themselves as forecasts warned of the impending storms. “This is not our first rodeo with intense flooding,” McKinnon said, underscoring the challenges that Hawaiian farmers have historically faced. However, the severity of the recent events has surpassed previous experiences, bringing unprecedented destruction.
Blake Briddell and Brit Yim, who operate an eight-acre farm on land previously used for sugarcane, had taken precautions to protect their crops. Yet, as the storm approached, they found themselves evacuating from rising waters that threatened their home. “We knew we were stuck at that point,” Briddell said, describing the harrowing moments as the water levels escalated alarmingly.
As farmers return to their properties, the scale of devastation is staggering. Oroyan reported that his equipment was swept away, and nearly all of his crops were lost. For Briddell and Yim, the fate of their citrus and mango trees hangs in the balance as they grapple with the realisation that root rot will likely claim the majority of their plants.
The Road to Recovery
In the aftermath of the storms, recovery efforts are ramping up, but the challenges are formidable. The state has initiated a $500,000 emergency relief fund aimed at supporting farmers, allowing them to apply for grants of up to $1,500. However, the long-term outlook for agriculture in Hawaii remains uncertain, particularly given the ongoing decline in the sector over the past decades.
Brian Miyamoto, Executive Director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau, expresses concern about the future of farming in the state. “Unless we can find resources to assist them in their recovery, the long-term impact could be we have less farms and ranches and we have less food production in the state of Hawaii,” he stated, highlighting the precarious nature of agriculture in a region that imports up to 90% of its food.
Despite these challenges, farmers are determined to persist. Many have expressed a commitment to enhancing food security on the islands and are resolute in their efforts to rebuild. Oroyan noted the significant support from the community, which has rallied to assist those affected by the disasters. “There’s just like an amazing ground effort by the people who live here. And so we definitely don’t feel alone in this,” he said, reflecting on the power of community solidarity.
Why it Matters
The recent flooding in Hawaii serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change. As farmers navigate the immediate aftermath, the long-term implications for food security and agricultural resilience in the region are profound. With the community’s unwavering support, there lies hope for recovery, but the challenges ahead will test the determination of Hawaii’s agricultural sector in unprecedented ways.
