January 2017

A technical assistance program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Transportation, Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention, Appalachian Regional Commission, and Delta Regional Authority 

Local Foods, 

Local Places

A Community Driven Action Plan for 

Honolulu and the Kakaako District
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 1

Local Foods Local Place Program

Local Foods, Local Places helps people create walkable, healthy, economically vibrant 

neighborhoods through the development of local food systems. The program is sponsored by 

the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department 

of Housing and Urban Development, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Delta 

Regional Authority, with support from the White House Rural Council. Local Foods, Local 

Places aims to boost economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses, improve access 

to healthy local food, and promote childhood wellness. For each partner community selected 

to receive assistance from the Local Foods, Local Places program, a team of experts works 

with community members to set goals and plan projects. Projects include farmers’ markets, 

local food cooperatives, community gardens, and other food-related enterprises that can 

boost local economies and drive downtown and neighborhood revitalization. In 2015, the 

Honolulu applied for assistance through Local Foods, Local Places and was one of 27 

communities selected.

Community Story

Traditionally, Hawaiian land use patterns and food systems were organized around 

watersheds (ahupuaa), with food closely connected to the path of water from mountains to 

sea. Today, Honolulu’s urban area is rapidly redeveloping, as is the 600-acre Kakaako 

Community Development District, which will be home to 30,000 new residents by 2030.1 The 

region is striving to achieve Smart Growth principles, but development and land use are 

disconnected from food systems, neighborhoods are disconnected from each other, and the 

rapid growth threatens remaining agricultural land on Oahu.

Honolulu and Kakaako have many of the ingredients in a strong food system, but they aren’t 

yet connected. Hawaii has longtime agricultural roots, but about 90% of food in Hawaii is 

imported from at least 2,500 miles away, and offers a supply chain inventory of only 10 

days.2 This is a critical issue for the island given the need to have food supplies when a 

natural disaster hits. The Hawaii Emergency Management Administration estimates, at a 

 

1 Simonich, Daniel. “Advancing Local Food Systems Planning in Kakaako Makai Area: A Primer to a 2016 EPA Smart Growth 

Process to Develop and Implement an Action Plan for Local Foods.” December, 2015.

2 Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) state data book 

(dbedt.hawaii.gov/economic/databook)
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 2

minimum, the state should have 30 days worth of food supplies to be able to feed residents 

after a major hurricane. 

While a bike path connects many of the local food assets in the area, disconnection is the 

region’s greatest problem. Kakaako’s two zoning districts are separated by Ala Moana 

Boulevard, a six-lane urban arterial, and are very different in character and in levels of 

investment. Area plans for both districts call for redevelopment that builds vibrant places 

and walkable, transit-oriented neighborhoods. The Mauka Area (mountain-side) is developing 

quickly and advancing those goals with projects that include a 21-station, 20-mile rail transit 

system. The Makai Area (ocean-side) has seen limited progress and is in need of solutions that 

kickstart redevelopment while honoring the character and culture of the area and 

acknowledging the realities of climate change and rising sea levels.3 Both districts are prime 

for reconnections between destinations, and from people and neighborhoods to food systems.

Left: Active evening use along Kewalo Harbor waterfront with pop-up food trucks and vendors by Makers & 

Tasters. Right: Preliminary work to start a community garden on a sliver parcel along Ilalo Street by Urban 

Farm Hawaii. (Photos: PlaceMatters)

The Makai Area is large with great potential to be a vibrant, urban waterfront, with more 

than 200 of its 221 acres owned by the State of Hawaii. It stretches from the Kewalo Basin (a 

harbor for charter boats and small fishing vessels) to the Fort Armstrong commercial piers 

which serve Honolulu Harbor, the state’s largest commercial port. Residential development is 

prohibited in the Makai Area, which has primarily retail, industrial, and commercial office 

 3 Simonich, Daniel. “Advancing Local Food Systems Planning in Kaka’ako Makai Area: A Primer to a 2016 EPA Smart Growth 

Process to Develop and Implement an Action Plan for Local Foods.” December, 2015.
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 3

uses. It is also home to the Children’s Discovery Center, the University of Hawaii medical 

school complex, and several sizeable parks. The 30-acre Kakaako Waterfront Park provides 

key recreational access to the waterfront, paths and hills, a waterfront promenade, 

amphitheaters, and a central public parking lot. The park includes approximately 300 parking 

stalls, which are largely underused, and surface parking currently comprises a majority of the 

surrounding land use.4

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Hawaii Community Development Authority have been 

important leaders of planning and redevelopment work in the area. The Kamehameha Schools 

have also led redevelopment efforts on their land holdings, and a group of engaged citizens 

(the Kakaako Community Planning Advisory Group) has actively offered input on plans.

Honolulu County Agriculture 2007 2008

Total Farms 967 999

Land in Farms (acres) 60,408 69,168

Vegetables Harvested for Sale (Acres) 4,446 5,242

Average Market Value of Ag Products per Farm $130,897 $161,650

Farms by Size 2007 2012

1-9 acres 699 743

10-50 acres 177 162

>50 acres 91 94

Figure 1. Agriculture data for Honolulu County. Source: 2014 USDA Ag Census 

Demographic Profile in Honolulu 2000 2010 2014

Population 372,279 382,622 398,714

Housing Units 158,867 162,760 164,175

% Living in Poverty 11.8% 10.2% 10.9%

%<18 Years 21.6% 20.1% 20.3%

% >65 Years 17.8% 18.1% 18.6%

 4 Ibid.
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 4

Hawaii & Honolulu Demographic Comparison Honolulu CCD Hawaii

Median Household Income $64,353 $68,201 

High School Diploma or Higher 89.4% 90.7% 

Population in Ag, Forestry, Fishing/Hunting, and Mining 0.3% 1.6% 

Figure 2. Demographic data. Source: 2014 American Community Survey (ACS) & census.gov

Challenges

There is demand for local food on Oahu, but all elements of the supply chain face challenges. 

Rapid growth and development on the island threaten the remaining agricultural land, 

making it even more critical to conserve land by encouraging dense development and 

improving access to foods in urban areas. There is also little connection between the supply 

chain, distributors, and consumers. A 2011 study showed that Hawaii residents want local 

food, even if it costs more, but the community needs improvements in retail distribution, 

consistent quality and quantity, and information or marketing that helps to identify what’s 

local.5

Like many regions in the midst of transition, Kakaako has a number of interrelated challenges 

that can be addressed by careful planning and redevelopment, including food systems 

planning. Despite some parks and facilities, the Makai Area is not yet an attractive 

destination. It has many vacant buildings, chain link fences, and numerous associated 

problems: vandalism, some drug use, panhandling, and a sizeable homeless presence. It also 

has few amenities (art, playgrounds, food, music) and attractive destinations. These 

problems can contribute to a situation where visitors feel unsafe and parkland is underused 

or is inactive, undermining vibrancy and a strong sense of place. While planning efforts have 

created a strong vision and even conceptual designs, there have been few efforts to establish 

long-term programming and support that would activate the parks and public facilities.6

Accessibility and land use pose additional challenges. While these destinations and 

neighborhoods are not far from each other, Ala Moana Boulevard serves as a significant 

 

5 “Local Food Market Demand Study of O’ahu Shoppers.” December 2011. Commissioned by Ulupono Initiative and conducted 

by OmniTrak Group Inc.

6 Simonich, Daniel. “Advancing Local Food Systems Planning in Kaka’ako Makai Area: A Primer to a 2016 EPA Smart Growth 

Process to Develop and Implement an Action Plan for Local Foods.” December, 2015.
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 5

barrier: there are few crossings and access points and few options for multimodal 

transportation. Much of the surface area is covered by streets and parking lots, which add to 

runoff and flooding problems, and the Makai Area is disconnected from the Mauka Area and 

other parts of urban Honolulu. Adjacent to the ocean, the Makai Area is also threatened by 

coastal flooding and sea level rise due to climate change. Future development must both 

accommodate this reality and work to reduce the impacts of runoff, flooding, and rising seas.

Assets & Opportunities

Honolulu’s existing food hubs, producers, and land base are a great asset, and serve as the 

potential bones for a strong food system infrastructure network. Small efforts can have major 

impacts for Hawaii: a 2012 study estimated that replacing just 10% of food imports with 

locally grown food would contribute $313 million in local spending annually and could add 

2,300 jobs.7

Two primary assets in Kakaako include the land itself, which is prime for redevelopment and 

has great potential to become a vibrant local food destination, and the significant resources 

(both planning processes and financial investments) that are underway or have been 

earmarked for planning redevelopment. The new HART transit system will serve as a critical 

link for neighborhoods in the Mauka Area and will increase opportunities for transit-oriented 

development and active transportation.

Current planning efforts are underway in the Makai Area for several distinct parcels. They 

include Makai Area parks, Lei of Green, Ala Moana Beach Park, Kewalo Basin Harbor, and 

Cultural Public Market. Area plans envision extending and connecting linear parks with multiuse paths and providing access to the HART rail system under construction in the Mauka Area. 

A new public-private partnership has also restarted conversations for an integrated greenway 

network called a “lei of parks,” which would connect a series of parks along the coast. 

Planning is also underway—and $2.3 million has been allocated—to develop a cultural public 

market that would include facilities for retail outlets, ethnic businesses and products, 

restaurants, and theaters and museums to showcase cultural artists. This is an ideal time to 

integrate food destinations into transit stops and other projects, and to integrate food system 

planning overall into land use planning and redevelopment. 

 

7 Cited in Day 2 presentation, slide 12 (from www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/EI-16.pdf p. 6, referenced in 2012 Increased 

Food Security and Food Self-Sufficiency Strategy by DBEDT Office of Planning)
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 6

Recent food-related events and initiatives in Kakaako have been very popular; coupled with 

the current planning and redevelopment initiatives underway, there is great interest in using 

local foods to catalyze change in the Makai Area in particular.

Project Assistance

As a result of local input, the Hawaii Community Development Authority requested assistance 

through the Local Foods, Local Places program in 2015 to develop an action plan for achieving 

its vision. The program is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Transportation, the Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Delta Regional 

Authority. Implementing the actions described later in this plan can bring several benefits to 

the community including:

● More economic opportunities for local farmers and food business.

● Better access to healthy, local food, especially among disadvantaged groups.

● Making the connection between smart growth, local food, and transit oriented 

development. 

● Revitalized neighborhoods and places that can serve as economic anchors of the 

community. 

Figure 3. The diagram above lays out all of the steps leading to this action plan.

Engagement 

Leading up to the workshop, the community steering committee and federal partners 

convened three times by conference call and webinar to discuss the community’s goals and 

plan the event. The local steering committee was comprised of the following participants:
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 7

● Daniel Simonich, POC Hawaii Community Development Authority 

● Justine Espiritu Oahu Fresh

● Hunter Heaivilin Urban Farm Hawaii

● Ruth Leau Hawaii Public Health Institute

● Tina Timai Hawaii Department of Health

● Brent Kakesako Hawaii Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development

● Pamela Boyar Hawaii Farmers’ Union United

● Aki Marceau Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation

● Michael O'Keefe Honolulu Dept of Environmental Services - Refuse/Food Recovery

● Toby Beckelman Hawaii Department of Health

● Danielle Schaeffner Hawaii Department of Health

The main sessions of the Honolulu and the Kakaako District workshop were held over three 

days at the Sullivan Conference Center at the University of Hawaii located in Kakaako Makai. 

Around 80-90 people attended the public workshop the first evening, with 30-40 people 

participating during the second and third days. In addition to local government staff, elected 

leaders, and residents, farmers, food product producers, and restaurateurs attended. See 

Appendix A: Workshop Agenda and Participants for details on the program agenda and 

attendees. 

Prior to the workshop’s first general session, the technical assistance team (TA team), 

community steering committee, and federal partners participated in an informal lunch and 

tour of food system sites in Honolulu, including a walk through parks, neighborhoods, and 

proposed sites in Kakaako. See Appendix B for a map of the tour destinations.

Driving Tour Destinations

● Pacific Gateway Culinary Incubator and Community Kitchen 

● Oahu Fresh Food Hub

● Institute for Human Services, Rooftop Education and Training Center Urban Agriculture

Walking Tour Destinations

● Kakaako Waterfront Park 

● Urban Farm Hawaii 

● Vacant lots/proposed sites 

● Street Grindz/Makers & Tasters 

● Kewalo Basin Harbor 
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 8

● MetroGrow Hawaii

● Feeding Hawaii Together Food Pantry 

Top row, left and middle: Pacific Gateway Center Culinary Business Incubator; top right: Feeding Hawaii 

Together; bottom row, left to right: Chinatown Market, Institute for Human Services, and Oahu Food Hub 

(photos: Chris Freda, Sasaki)

The workshop began with a kick-off the program that included an introduction to the project 

background and goals. The first session started in the evening with introductions of attendees 

and a “show and tell” session that allowed people to learn from each other, reflect on goals 

for the project, and reveal the community’s values and vision. Workshop participants 

discussed where we are now and where we want to be in the future.
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 9

Left: Workshop participants use arts & crafts to build models of how they would like to see local food 

integrated into future projects. Right: Workshop participants share what they would like to see incorporated 

into the initiative. (photos: Chris Freda, Sasaki)

Day two began with a recap of the prior day’s themes, followed by a session on considering 

options for strengthening the local food system and accomplishing the goals and vision 

identified by the group the prior night. Steering Committee members shared context and 

history of local food planning efforts in Hawaii and recapped conversations held in the 

previous year. The TA team presented case studies of innovative food and agriculture 

projects from around the United States and led an exercise to help the community identify 

the components of its local food system and specific strategies. At the same time, a design 

team worked on alternative design solutions to present to the group. The session closed with 

a brainstorming session on potential actions and solutions.

A “side session” over lunch allowed participants specifically interested in health impacts of 

local foods to connect and discuss their interest in food planning. About a dozen healthsector partners and community investors learned about case studies and discussed ways of 

advancing health in Honolulu.

Day two concluded with an afternoon session to identify specific actions and responsible 

parties and outline an action plan for Honolulu. Groups divided up to work on each individual 

goal and closed by sharing out their ideas for actions, timelines, milestones, responsibilities 

and next steps.
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 10

Day three of the workshop consisted of a mini-charrette. This hands-on session allowed a 

team of design professionals to advance the community’s ideas on integrating transitoriented development with local food. Designers spent the morning working on potential 

designs and plans for sites, receiving feedback from stakeholders, and refining their ideas.

Left: Participants sketch out opportunities to make the Harbor a more permanent location for local food and 

fish vendors. Right: Daniel Simonich and Hunter Heaivilin report the highlights of their group that worked on 

the actions identified under Goal 2. (Photos: Chris Freda, Sasaki).

Opportunities and Challenges 

During the first session, participating community members identified opportunities and 

challenges associated with strengthening the food system in Honolulu and connecting it to 

redevelopment of Kakaako.

Opportunities/Assets

● In addition to active spaces, residents benefit from passive park spaces that allow folks 

to enjoy the surroundings, rest, and find solitude.

Challenges

● Concentrated homelessness is persistent in the Makai Area, contributing to problems of 

vandalism, panhandling, and underutilization of public spaces. 

● Park space is inactive, under programmed, and underused, not yet attracting many 

people or serving as a vibrant public space. 
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 11

● There is a lack of connectivity between neighborhoods, destinations and amenities, 

and elements of the food system. 

● Polluted stormwater runoff, flooding, and sea level rise are increasing problems, 

especially along the urban waterfront.

See Appendix B for more details on the workshop exercises. 

Design Workshop

Given the development opportunities in the Makai Area, the local steering committee wanted 

to explore the potential to integrate local food into redevelopment projects. A design 

exercise on the third day of the workshop helped workshop participants explore different 

approaches. Based on a site tour organized and led by the steering committee and local point 

of contact for the project, the technical assistance team identified four prototypical 

development conditions in Kakaako. For each of the four sites, participants worked in groups 

to produce three design iterations imagining different ways in which the space could be used. 

Each team presented its thinking and design work to the larger group, revealing common 

themes and novel ideas for how the vacant and underutilized space within Kakaako could be 

redeveloped to reflect the goals of the Honolulu community. 

Action Plan

The following three overarching goals and action items were finalized at the workshop with 

input from all participants. Individuals and organizations listed in the Action Plan include 

participants and suggested potential collaborators.

1. Transit and Community Planning: Food Access

Integrate food and health initiatives with community planning and transit-oriented 

development in order to increase walkable, bikeable, and transit accessible local food in 

the Kakaako community.

Action 1.1 Complete mapping of existing (and future desired) food assets and 

resources in Kakaako 

Action 1.2 Locate fresh local food markets next to transit stops and distribution of 

food using multi-modal (rail, etc.)

Action 1.3 Build capacity for local food efforts through flexible, interim, or pop-up 

strategies
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 12

2. Environmental Stewardship: Food Security

Identify synergistic food-based actions that can increase food security for residents and 

promote environmental stewardship.

Action 2.1 Develop a distribution network to recycle food and reduce food waste -

research phase

Action 2.2 Implement policies to encourage rooftop gardens, community gardens, and 

urban agriculture

Action 2.3 Establish a local food coordinator position to advance local food initiatives 

and implement policies

Action 2.4 Adopt policies to allow edible landscapes in public spaces

Action 2.5 Establish a community composting service for residences and businesses in 

Kakaako

3. Redevelopment and Community Building: Food Equity

Revitalize the languishing Kakaako makai community to be an inviting and productive 

area by identifying catalytic food-based projects that will improve the health and wellbeing of [everyone] and seed greater investment. 

Action 3.1 Pursue and showcase local food demonstration project

Action 3.2 Develop social enterprise programs for local food jobs

Action 3.3 Coordinate venues where local food can be offered

Action 3.4 Encourage and develop indoor urban farming
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 13

Goal 1 - Transit and Community Planning (Food Access): Integrate food and health 

initiatives with community planning and transit-oriented development in order to 

increase walkable, bikeable, and transit-accessible local food in the Kakaako 

community.

Action 1.1.1 Complete mapping of food assets and resources - existing data 

resources

Why is this important? ● Gain better spatial understanding of opportunities and challenges 

linked to local food.

● Serve as a resource for farmers, distributors, and buyers to work 

together, and identify and market different interests.

● Track and update local food related efforts to prove progress, and 

overcome on-going churn in people and locations.

Measures of Success ● Strategically develop new, useful, and replicable local food 

database. Agree on set on practical indicators for collecting.

● Organize data in a way that identifies target areas, and further 

assists local food market penetration (such as inventory and 

distribution development).

● Provide online access to well-designed maps, for use by decisionmakers, businesses, and consumers.

● Establish new partnerships and networks.

● Increase awareness of issues, and offer research and extension 

opportunities.

Timeline for Completion Short: 0-6 months

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

$10,000 ● Staff support, and student/volunteer 

assistance to collect data and 

produce maps.

● Hosted platforms for 

crowdsourcing/updating map content 

and offering mobile access.

● Coders and civic hackers to develop 

creative uses and interventions 

derived from data and maps.

● Some overhead costs such as 

software, printing, etc.
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 14

Sources/ Contributions ● Data can be compiled from number of public resources:

● Hawaii Agriculture & Food Products Database 

(http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/add/products-database)

● Honolulu Open Geospatial Data Website 

(http://honolulu.cchnl.opendata.arcgis.com/)

● Hawaii Open Data Portal (https://data.hawaii.gov/)

● Online platforms such as Local Food, Local Places MyCommunity 

(http://mycommunity.sasaki.com/localfoods/)

Action 1.1.2 Complete mapping of food assets and resources - future desired

Why is this important? Develop a local food baseline to help focus efforts and measure 

progress.

Measures of Success Monitor progress towards increased capacity and improved food selfsufficiency goals.

Timeline for Completion Long: 1-2 years

Potential Collaborators Oahu Farm to School Network, Farm Link Hawaii, Sierra Club Oahu 

Group, Aloha+ Challenge, and University of Hawaii - Office of Public 

Health Studies.

Supporting Cast Hawaii Public Health Institute, University of Hawaii - Hilo, Spatial Data 

Analysis and Visualization Lab, University of Hawaii Department of 

Geography, State of Hawaii Office of Planning - Statewide GIS Program, 

Oahu ESRI User Group, City and County of Honolulu Department of 

Planning & Permitting - Honolulu Land Information System (HOLIS), Code 

for Hawaii, State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Green 

Growth, and Kohala Center.

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for 

implementation not yet 

developed.

Sources/ Contributions Coordinate and contribute to the food metrics and indicators being 

developed by the Aloha+ Challenge, and the Food Self-sufficiency 

Scorecard.
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 15

Action 1.2.1 Locate local food markets near future transit - improve connectivity

Why is this important? ● Link greenways ("Lei of Parks") to offer greater access to the 

Kakaako Makai Area (and planned future food destinations), while 

also serving multiple functions for travel, recreation, and other 

active uses.

● Consistent with the Kakaako Community Development District TOD 

Overlay Plan, which states that “mobility and access are not ends 

in themselves, but means for supporting community outcomes.”

Measures of Success Open gates and extend sidewalks that currently impede critical 

connections for pedestrian access to destinations offering local food for 

purchase or dining (such as waterfront at Kewalo Harbor, parts of 

Kakaako Waterfront Park, etc).

Timeline for Completion Short: 0-6 months

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for 

implementation not yet developed.

Surface treatments in right-ofway for safe, continuous 

sidewalks.

Sources/ Contributions Public Facilities Dedication and Capital Improvement funds

Action 1.2.2 Locate local food markets near transit - utilize vacant interim parcels

Why is this important? ● Build market base for accessible food businesses, as well as future 

transit ridership.

● Achieve APTA sustainability commitments by the Honolulu 

Authority for Rapid Transportation.

Measures of Success Utilize vacant parcels near planned transit locations during the interim 

of system construction (with estimated completion 2025).

Timeline for Completion Medium: 6-12 months

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for 

implementation not yet developed.

Obtain landowner permission 

and Conditional Use permits.

Action 1.2.3 Locate local food markets near transit, and also enhance transit to 

better connect to local food - underserved consumer support

Why is this important? Assure access for transit-dependent groups to critical food destinations, 

such as food pantries, food banks, etc.

Measures of Success Develop strategy for locating variety of public transportation systems 

(bike sharing, bus stops, etc.) to important food destinations.
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 16

Timeline for Completion Medium: 6-12 months

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for 

implementation not yet developed.

Coordination of re-routing bus 

service, and siting of planned 

bike share stations.

Action 1.2.4 Locate local food markets near transit, and also enhance transit to 

better connect to local food - producer support

Why is this important? ● Maximize profits for producers and also offer affordable food prices 

to consumers by optimizing access to distribution of local food.

● Implement "Strategy LU3" of the Kakaako Community Development 

District TOD Overlay Plan to work with developers and businesses 

to site "grocery stores" within proximity to transit, and to prioritize 

capital spending for the placement of key community amenities

Measures of Success ● Prove market demand in urban neighborhoods.

● Reshape the marketplace with advantaged opportunities for local 

food.

Timeline for Completion Long: 5+ years

Potential Collaborators Hawaii Community Development Authority, City and County of Honolulu 

Department of Planning & PermItting (TOD), Honolulu Authority for 

Rapid Transportation, and Hawaii State Department of Health - Chronic 

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division.

Supporting Cast City and County of Honolulu Department of Transit Services, State of 

Hawaii Office of Planning, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Bikeshare 

Hawaii, Feeding Hawaii Together, Hawaii Farmers’ Union United, 

FarmLovers Farmers Market, People's Open Markets, Hawaii Farm Bureau 

Federation, Oahu Fresh, other CSAs, Honolulu Clean Cities, Oahu 

Metropolitan Planning Organization, United States Green Building 

Council - Hawaii, United State Department of Transportation - Federal 

Highways Administration Hawaii, US EPA, HUD, and USDA.

Cost Estimate Monetary cost estimates for implementation not yet developed.

Other Sources/ 

Contributions

OHA may be interested in this due to previous conversations with HIPHI
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 17

Action 1.3 Build capacity for local food efforts through flexible, interim, or popup strategies

Why is this important? ● Catalyze active use with relative low-cost and simple 

improvements, and still allow flexibility to adapt to changes in use 

over time.

● Overcome current barriers to entry for those seeking to start or 

expand local food efforts.

● Create new opportunities for variety of diverse stakeholders to be 

directly engaged.

● Implement "Strategy LU4" of the Kakaako Community Development 

District TOD Overlay Plan to support creative interim uses, popups, food trucks and artist interventions. Consistent with the 

Kakaako Community Development District TOD Overlay Plan, to 

“integrate high quality pedestrian design into the interim use of 

surface parking lots”.

● Avoid unintended consequences from underutilized parks and 

streets (such as homeless encampments, vandalism, drug use, etc.)

Measures of Success ● Demonstrate demand for local food and serve as proof of concepts 

for strategies such as farmers markets, food trucks, etc.

● Expand on recent success with pop-up events (like Ward Farmer's 

Market, Night Market, Eat the Street, etc.).

● Invite new interest and ideas with cross-programming interaction 

between different users (such as artists, educators, sport and 

fitness enthusiasts, etc.).

● Program use of space with "light, quick, cheap" placemaking 

amenities (public furniture, art, pavilions, community gardens, 

etc.) as well as activities (markets, festivals, etc.).

● Evolve short-term solutions to eventually integrate more 

permanently in the neighborhood as major fixtures.

Timeline for Completion Short: 0-6 months

Potential Collaborators Street Grindz, Hawaii Farmers’ Union United, and Urban Farm Hawaii.

Supporting Cast Kanu Hawaii, Permablitz Hawaii, Hawaii Farmers’ Union United, Farm 

Lovers Farmer’s Market, People's Open Markets, Hawaii Farm Bureau 

Federation, Oahu Food Hub, State of Hawaii Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 

Kamehameha Schools, and Howard Hughes Corporation.
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 18

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates 

for implementation not 

yet developed.

● Initial seed funding and small grants.

● Eventually leverage multiple funding 

sources to support and sustain variety of 

efforts that have proven fruitful enough 

to warrant further investment.

Sources/ Contributions Ward Village Foundation: $15,000-$100,000

○ http://www.wardvillagefoundation.org/info/faqs

National Association of Realtors

● Placemaking Micro Grant

○ http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/for-associations/

smartgrowth/placemaking/placemaking-micro-grant.html

● Smart Growth Action Grant

○ http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/for-associations/

smartgrowth/smart-growth-action-grants.html

Goal 2 Coastal Adaptation and Environmental Stewardship (Food Security): Identify 

synergistic food-based actions that can adaptively transform coastal lands to reduce 

damaging stormwater runoff to communities and nearby reefs and mitigate 

vulnerabilities from sea level rise to low-lying areas.

Action 2.1.1 Develop a distribution network to recycle food and reduce food 

waste - research phase

Why is this important? Reduce waste

Measures of Success ● Understand the magnitude of the problem

● Build partnerships with an increasing number of organizations.

● Convene network of statewide and county representatives to 

continue the work.

● Document people and organizations served

Timeline for Completion Short: 0-6 months

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for implementation 

not yet developed.

staff/volunteer time

Sources/ Contributions ● Volunteers

● Kupu food waste interns
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 19

Action 2.1.2 Develop a distribution network to recycle food and reduce food 

waste - early deployment phase

Why is this important? Create jobs and training opportunities

Measures of Success ● Online platform for gleaning

● Replicate app

● Pounds of food gleaned

● Amount of food waste redistributed

Timeline for Completion Medium: 6-12 months

Cost Estimate Monetary cost estimates for implementation not yet developed.

Action 2.1.3 Develop a distribution network to recycle food and reduce food 

waste - institutionalization phase

Why is this important? ● Coordinate surplus food streams to neighborhood collection points 

and community feeding programs

● Improve affordability of local food, by lowering shared costs 

incurred from food waste.

● Locate services near transit to improve access

● Capitalize on food and resources that already exist in Kaka’ako

● Increasing usage of fruits and vegetables

Measures of Success Facility up and running

Timeline for Completion Long: 1-2 years

Potential Collaborators Feeding Hawaii Together, City and County of Honolulu Department of 

Environmental Services - Refuse/Food Recovery, and Aloha Harvest.

Supporting Cast University of Hawaii Food Recovery Network, Blue Zones Project, Oahu 

Community Recycling, GreenWheel Food Hub, Friends with Farms 

Agricultural Cooperative, Hawaii Department of Health Office of Solid 

Waste Management, Down to Earth Natural Foods, Whole Foods and 

other supermarkets, Hawaii Food Industry Association,, Kakaako 

Improvement Association, Hawaii Appleseed, U.S. EPA (Region 9 for 

Hawaii and DC), Kupu, Waikiki Health Center (Next Step shelter), 

Institute for Human Services, Hawaii Department of Education Child 

Nutrition Program, and Center for Food Safety.

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for implementation 

not yet developed.

Building

Storage/cooling

Sources/Contributions TBD
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 20

Action 2.2.1 Implement policies to encourage rooftop gardens, community 

gardens, and urban agriculture - network phase

Why is this important? Make urban agriculture more affordable and accessible, resulting in 

increased capacity for local food production

Measures of Success Convene interested parties

Timeline for Completion Short: 0-6 months

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for 

implementation not yet developed.

Engage Neighborhood Boards.

Sources/ Contributions ● Volunteer time

● Donated meeting space

Action 2.2.2 Implement policies to encourage rooftop gardens, community 

gardens, and urban agriculture - policy phase

Why is this important? Offer incentives for development of gardens and urban agriculture.

Measures of Success ● Follow through with enacted legislation (Act 202 SLH 2013) to 

develop an incentive program for incorporating urban gardens in 

residential development.

○http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/HB560_CD1_.htm

● Propose new policy for creating “urban agriculture incentive zones” 

within an Enterprise Zone (EZ).

Timeline for Completion Medium: 6-12 months

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for 

implementation not yet developed.

Draft program offering urban 

gardening credits.

Action 2.2.3 Implement policies to encourage rooftop gardens, community 

gardens, and urban agriculture - project phase

Why is this important? Transform rooftops, surface lots, or unused space into permeable and 

productive urban gardens to mitigate stormwater flooding and urban 

heat island effect, replace current fields of parked cars and weedy 

trash-filled corners, and engage community members’ “kuleana” 

(responsibility) to reclaim, restore, and be active stewards of the land.

Measures of Success ● Realize pilot projects to showcase potential value.

● Demonstration projects

Timeline for Completion Long: 1-2 years
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 21

Potential Collaborators Hawaii Community Development Authority, Hawaii Housing Finance and 

Development Corporation, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development 

Corporation, Surfrider Oahu - Ocean Friendly Garden, City and County of 

Honolulu Department of Parks & Recreation, Community Garden 

Coordinator, and Urban Farm Hawaii.

Supporting Cast Community Garden Council, Friends of Kewalo, Institute for Human 

Services, Kanu Hawaii, University of Hawaii School of Ocean and Earth 

Science and Technology, University of Hawaii - Master Gardener 

Program, Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, State Office of Planning -

Coastal Zone Management, University of Hawaii College of Tropical 

Agriculture and Human Relations, City and County of Honolulu 

Department of Planning and Permitting, Hui o Ko`olaupoko, Sierra Club 

Oahu Group, Kohala Center, Hawaii Homegrown Food Network, Oahu 

Food Hub, Sacred Hearts Catholic Church, Neighborhood Board, No. 11-

Ala Moana/Kakaako, Diane Ragone, Ken Love, RPAD, and DBEDT.

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for 

implementation not yet developed.

Maintenance of trees/ landscaping 

by people participating in social 

enterprise program

Sources/ Contributions Demonstrations at pilot level

Action 2.3.1 Establish a local food coordinator position to advance local food 

initiatives and implement policies - exploratory phase

Why is this important? ● Coordinate efforts

● Building partnerships with the increasing number of organizations 

involved

● Help to coordinate and direct efforts

Measures of Success ● Draft full-time local food coordinator position description.

● Research examples of initiatives and policies in other places that 

have removed barriers and added incentives to develop local food 

systems.

● Report recommendation to Legislature, State and County agencies, 

and other interested institutions.

● Explore myriad ways to support short-term staffing, such as 

internships, fellowships, etc

Timeline for Completion Short: 0-6 months
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 22

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for 

implementation not yet developed.

Internship or fellowship.

Sources/Contributions ● Americorp

● 100 Resilient Cities Network

Action 2.3.2 Establish a local food coordinator position to advance local food 

initiatives and implement policies - implementation phase

Why is this important? ● Implement the plan

● Sustain momentum

● Help institutionalization and ensure longevity and continuity

Measures of Success Years of funded position

Timeline for Completion Medium: 6-12 months

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for 

implementation not yet developed.

Sources/Contributions USDA

Action 2.3.3 Establish a local food coordinator position to advance local food 

initiatives and implement policies - expansion phase

Why is this important? Provide policy and organizational support, consistent with the 2012 

"Increased Food Security and Food Self-Sufficiency Strategy" by the 

Office of Planning

Measures of Success Improved food security for residents of Honolulu

Timeline for Completion Long: 1-2 years

Potential Collaborators Hawaii Community Development Authority, City and County of Honolulu 

Department of Planning and Permitting, and Whitmore Project.

Supporting Cast University of Hawaii - West Oahu, Sustainable Community Food Systems, 

American Planning Association - Hawaii, American Society of Landscape 

Architects - Hawaii, Sierra Club Oahu Group, Trust for Public Land, 

Hawaii Food Policy Council, Hawaii Alliance for Community-Based 

Economic Development, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii's Thousand Friends, 

Hawaii Green Growth, Promise to the Pae‘aina o Hawaii, The Nature 

Conservancy, and Hawaii Conservation Alliance.

Cost Estimate Monetary cost estimates for implementation not yet developed.

Sources/Contributions TBD
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 23

Action 2.4.1 Adopt policies to allow edible landscapes in public spaces -

exploratory phase

Why is this important? ● Integrate food production with environmental and aesthetic value.

● Promote connection to food for residents of urban neighborhoods.

● Preserve open space while also producing food.

Measures of Success ● Develop findings on the potential social, economic, environmental, 

and health benefits.

● Identify opportune places to accommodate edible landscaping, and 

partners to assist with management. Propose promising plant 

species depending on different growing scenarios.

Timeline for Completion Short: 0-6 months

Cost Estimate Monetary cost estimates for implementation not yet developed.

Sources/Contributions Encourage apartment associations to plant and maintain fruit trees

Action 2.4.2 Adopt policies to allow edible landscapes in public spaces - on site 

preparation

Why is this important? Make sure identified locations are safe for growing food

Measures of Success Test for soil contamination and remediation potential in brownfields.

Timeline for Completion Medium: 6-12 months

Cost Estimate Monetary cost estimates for implementation not yet developed.

Action 2.4.3 Adopt policies to allow edible landscapes in public spaces -

implementation phase

Why is this important? Activate passive park space and create vibrant, unique places.

Measures of Success Edible landscapes actualized

Timeline for Completion Long: 1-2 years

Potential Collaborators Hawaii Food Policy Council, Urban Farm Hawaii, The Outdoor Circle, and 

The Cut (Connecting Us Together).

Supporting Cast State of Hawaii Department of Health - Hazard Evaluation and 

Emergency Response, City and County of Honolulu, Honolulu 

Department of Parks & Recreation - Urban Forestry, Neighborhood 

Board, No. 11- Ala Moana/Kakaako, Permablitz Hawaii, Landscape 

Industry Council of Hawaii, Hawaii Homegrown Food Network, Ho'oulu 

Ka Ulu, Foodscapes Hawaii, and The Ulu Breadfruit Initiative.

Cost Estimate Monetary cost estimates for implementation not yet developed.

Sources/Contributions TBD
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 24

Action 2.5 Establish a community composting service for residences and 

businesses in Kakaako

Why is this important? ● Prevent and divert waste, helping address trash problem

● Generate environmental and economic benefits from otherwise 

costly waste.

● Lower the cost of food production inputs by creating regional 

nutrient cycling centers.

● Promote regenerative practices for building healthy soil, especially 

in the Kakaako Makai Area with former industrial and landfill sites.

Measures of Success ● More composting

● Evaluate the viability 

● Create a business plan

● Establish composting services

Timeline for Completion Long: 1-2 years

Potential Collaborators University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human 

Resources Cooperative Extension Service, Surfrider Foundation - Oahu 

Chapter, Styrophobia, City and County of Honolulu Department of 

Environmental Services - Refuse/Food Recovery, Hawaii Farmers’ Union 

United, and Urban Farm Hawaii.

Supporting Cast Kokua Worms, Worm Waikiki, Island Topsoil, Kakaako Improvement 

Association, Neighborhood Board, No. 11- Ala Moana/Kakaako, Hawaii 

Foodservice Alliance, Hawaii Restaurant Association, 808 Cleanups, 808 

Cleanups, 808 Cleanups, and 808 Cleanups.

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for 

implementation not yet 

developed.

● Infrastructure

● Training

● Identify deposit locations, and 

management oversight.

Sources/Contributions ● Food recovery hierarchy

● Seek legislative support for starting nutrient cycling pilot program 

(similar to Maui).
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 25

Goal 3 Redevelopment and Community Building (Food Equity): Revitalize languishing 

Kakaako Makai community to be an inviting and productive area by identifying 

catalytic food-based projects that will improve the health and well-being of everyone 

and seed greater investment.

Action 3.1.1 Pursue and showcase local food demonstration project - network 

phase

Why is this important? Recognize proposed developments of a cultural marketplace, fish 

market, and other food-related concepts envisioned in the 2011 Makai 

Area Conceptual Plan, aimed to "celebrate and preserve a historic sense 

of place, Hawaiian cultural values, and our unique island lifestyle for 

present families and future generations".

Measures of Success Convene interested stakeholders, and landowners, to progress action 

toward proposed food-related facilities.

Timeline for Completion Short: 0-6 months

Cost Estimate Monetary cost estimates for implementation not yet developed.

Action 3.1.2 Pursue and showcase local food demonstration projects -

implementation phase

Why is this important? Highlight food as a focus of Hawaiian values and local identity.

Create unique sense of place, appealing to locals & visitors, that offers 

daily sea catch from small-commercial operations at Kewalo Harbor.

Measures of Success ● Develop a Cultural Public Market

● Community gardens established

● Develop a Fish Market

● Farmers’ Market

● Community Center

Timeline for Completion Medium/Long term: 6 months to 2 years

Potential Collaborators Hawaii Community Development Authority State of Hawaii Office of 

Hawaiian Affairs, Agribusiness Development Corporation, and Kakaako 

Makai Community Planning Advisory Council.

Supporting Cast Kakaako Kuleana Association, University of Hawaii Agribusiness 

Incubator Program, Kupu, Local I’a, Friends of Kewalo, Urban Farm 

Hawaii, and Kokua Hawaii Foundation.
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 26

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

● $2.3 million for Cultural 

Public Market

● $0.7 million for 

community gardens

● $4 million for Fish 

Market

● $8 million for Farmers’ 

Market

● $10 million for 

Community Center

● Commitment for Public Market site

● Commitment for community 

garden sites

● Commitment for fish market site 

(10,000 sqft/one-story)

● Commitment for 20,000 sqft, 

open-air pavilion

● Commitment for Community 

Center project site. (25,000 

square feet, two-story)

Sources/Contributions $2.3 million has been allocated for a 6,000 square foot, 2-story Cultural 

Public Market.

Action 3.2.1 Develop social enterprise programs for local food jobs - capacity 

building phase

Why is this important? ● Addresses food equity, food access and offers dignity to those in 

need

● Addresses critical needs, such as educational and employment 

mentorship opportunities for adults and children

● Invests in expansion and development of both local food and social 

initiatives.

Measures of Success ● Work with job skills and other social service programs to teach 

gardening and farming skills, connect these as feeders to farming 

training programs like GoFarm

● Offer educational and employment mentorship opportunities to 

homeless individuals transitioning to a more stable living situation.

● Publish plan

● Afford new jobs and food programs that will yield numerous 

benefits to homeless individuals and other community members.

Timeline for Completion Medium: 6-12 months

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for 

implementation not yet 

developed.

● Training for participants in food safety 

(4 hours)

● Community partners

● Incentives 

Sources/Contributions Build food-related workforce as part of the “Green Jobs Initiative”
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 27

Action 3.2.2 Develop social enterprise programs for local food jobs - construction 

phase

Why is this important? Enable value-added processing of local food products.

Measures of Success Construction of commercial community kitchens

Timeline for Completion Long: 1-2 years

Cost Estimate Monetary cost estimates for implementation not yet developed.

Sources/Contributions Grant in aid (GIA) for community resource center

Action 3.2.3 Develop social enterprise programs for local food jobs - programming 

phase

Why is this important? ● Provide investment incentives and loan programs.

● Leverage nonprofit hospital community benefits to support 

programs that address identified health needs.

Measures of Success Establish revolving fund for strategic investments aimed at local food 

enterprises, incubators, and diversified facilities

Timeline for Completion Long: 1-2 years

Potential Collaborators Hawaii Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development, City and 

County of Honolulu Office of Economic Development, and City and 

County of Honolulu - Homeless Initiatives.

Supporting Cast Agribusiness Development Corporation, Pacific Gateway Center, Waikiki 

Health Center (Next Step shelter), University of Hawaii Department of 

Geography, University of Hawaii Department Urban and Regional 

Planning, University of Hawaii Agribusiness Incubator Program, GoFarm, 

Jeremy Mendoza, University of Hawaii Shidler College of Business, Aloha 

United Way, Catholic Charities, Word of Life, Kapiolani Community 

College, Kaiser Permanente, Papa Ola Lokahi, Hawaii Community 

Foundation, H J Weinberg Foundation, Harold K. L. Castle Foundation, 

Hau'oli Mau Loa, Hawai‘i Pacific Health, Pali Momi Medical Center, 

Wahiawa General, and Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for 

implementation not yet 

developed.

Potential legislation

Sources/Contributions TBD
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 28

Action 3.3.1 Coordinate venues where local food can be offered - outreach phase

Why is this important? ● Invigorate local food programs with expanded outreach.

● Increase availability of local food in shops by developing 

partnerships with farmer's markets, community-supported 

agriculture organizations, etc.

● Celebrate local food at community events.

Measures of Success ● Inventory and promote retailers and restaurants who already carry 

and clearly market locally produced foods.

● Support aggregation efforts and distribution hubs that get product 

to different vendors.

● Develop outreach tools (mailing list, social media, website, etc.) to 

update and market the availability of local food at businesses and 

community events.

Timeline for Completion Short: 0-6 months

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for 

implementation not yet developed.

Outreach

Sources/Contributions Offer recognition through the State Department of Business, Economic 

Development and Tourism's Green Business Program.

Action 3.3.2 Coordinate venues where local food can be offered - programming 

phase

Why is this important? ● Strengthen local food market by increasing supply distribution.

● Capitalize on strong consumer preferences for "freshness as well as 

trust in local businesses," as reported in 2011 Honolulu study by 

Ulupono Initiative.

Measures of Success ● Develop institutional buying practices for large community 

organizations that encourage the use of local food.

● Implement consumer incentive programs such as "Healthy Corner 

Store", "Double Bucks" or "Give It Fresh".

Timeline for Completion Medium: 6-12 months

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for 

implementation not yet developed.

Advertise local foods

Sources/Contributions Build on the Local Food Market Study completed by Ulupono Initiative. 

DOH has a healthy corner store program called "Choose Healthy Now" -

Toby Beckelman is contact with hiphi.org/choose-healthy-now.
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 29

Action 3.3.3 Coordinate venues where local food can be offered - expansion phase

Why is this important? Increase demand for and access to locally grown foods, consistent with 

the 2012 "Increased Food Security and Food Self-Sufficiency Strategy" by 

the Office of Planning

Measures of Success ● Track market growth for local food sales from farmer's markets, 

community-supported agriculture organizations, etc.

● Estimate yield from community gardens

Timeline for Completion Long: 1-2 years

Potential Collaborators City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Development, and State 

of Hawaii Department of Health - Chronic Disease Prevention and Health 

Promotion Division.

Supporting Cast Hawaii Public Health Institute, State of Hawaii Department of 

Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative, Farm Link Hawaii, Friends with Farms 

Agricultural Cooperative, Hawaii Organic Farmers Association, Hawaii 

Food Industry Association, State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture -

Island Fresh: Buy Local, It Matters, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 

Nutrition Support Shared Resource, University of Hawaii John A. Burns 

School of Medicine, University of Hawaii - Office of Public Health 

Studies, Living Better Together, Oahu Fresh, Oahu Food Hub, State of 

Hawaii Department of Economic Business Development and Tourism -

Green Business Program, The Pili Group, and Hawaii Ag & Culinary 

Alliance.

Cost Estimate Monetary cost estimates for implementation not yet developed.

Sources/Contributions TBD

Action 3.4 Encourage and develop indoor urban farming

Why is this important? ● Lowers cost of healthy food with more efficient production 

measures.

● Reduces food miles travelled, decreasing distribution costs and 

carbon impacts.

● Increase production of locally grown foods, consistent with the 

2012 "Increased Food Security and Food Self-Sufficiency Strategy" 

by the Office of Planning

Measures of Success ● Develop new skilled workforce for operations of vertical farming, 

greenhouse, and aquaponics.

● Grow capacity to reach new markets and customers.

● Sustain profitable operations
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 30

Timeline for Completion Long: 1-2 years

Potential Collaborators Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association.

Supporting Cast MetroGrow Hawaii, Small Kine Farm, and Urban Farm Hawaii.

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for 

implementation not yet 

developed.

Aerobic digester to combine with system

Sources/Contributions TBD

Action 3.5.1 Secure spaces for local food, with particular focus on long-term and 

shared-use arrangements - partnerships and coordination phase

Why is this important? ● Consider local food and processed goods to be a social and 

economic driver that fosters community networks and contributes 

to revitalization efforts.

● Encourage layering of food uses (and non-food uses) to improve 

economic viability.

● Consider cooperative arrangements to reduce costs.

Measures of Success ● Convene meetings to coordinate space needs and cooperative 

opportunities among local food groups to share space and 

resources.

● Complete local food hub study to prove viability.

● Prepare procedures for securing and sharing spaces for local food 

groups.

Timeline for Completion Short: 0-6 months

Cost Estimate Dollars Other (Time, Space)

Monetary cost estimates for 

implementation not yet 

developed.

Make available lease agreement 

templates.

Sources/Contributions Hawaii Food Policy Council local food hub study

Action 3.5.2 Secure spaces for local food, with particular focus on long-term and 

shared-use arrangements - physical spaces phase

Why is this important? Provide stable, reliable spaces for storage, processing, distribution, sale 

and consumption of local food, such as farmers markets, food pantries, 

food hubs, restaurants, community kitchens, etc.
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 31

Measures of Success Prioritize finding places for critical community assets at risk of being 

displaced due to redevelopment, such as food pantry (Feeding Hawaii 

Together) and community garden (Na Lei Hulu Kupuna).

Timeline for Completion Medium: 6-12 months

Cost Estimate Monetary cost estimates for implementation not yet developed.

Sources/Contributions Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program $125K/year or 

$400k/4 years for projects & $35k planning

Action 3.5.3 Secure spaces for local food, with particular focus on long-term and 

shared-use arrangements - social and physical infrastructure

Why is this important? ● Revitalize existing communities with targeted community 

investment in local food infrastructure.

● Create social and physical environments that support healthy living 

and ensure that healthy choices are easy and accessible.

Measures of Success ● Support multi-functional facilities capable of handling aggregation, 

processing, and distribution.

● Enable and assist tenants to make improvements that will improve 

access, safety, and productivity. 

● Assist in the upkeep of infrastructure that is depended on by local 

food groups.

Timeline for Completion Long: 1-2 years

Cost Estimate Monetary cost estimates for implementation not yet developed.

Sources/Contributions Public Facilities Dedication to cover shared facilities such as cold 

storage, commercial kitchen, etc.

Action 3.5.4 Consider using open spaces for local food, with particular focus on 

long-term and shared-use arrangements - sustainable land use

Why is this important? Encourage sustainable land use practices.

Measures of Success Solicit active and productive uses for local food on vacant or 

underutilized lands.

Timeline for Completion Long: 1-2 years

Potential Collaborators Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawaii Food Industry 

Association, and Hawaii Food Policy Council.
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 32

Supporting Cast Hawaii Community Development Authority, Kakaako Improvement 

Association, Urban Land Institute, Feeding Hawaii Together, FarmLovers 

Farmer’s Market, People's Open Markets, Hawaii Farm Bureau 

Federation, Hawaii Farmers’ Union United, Aloha Harvest, MetroGrow

Hawaii, Pacific Gateway Center, Oahu Food Hub, CSAs, community 

kitchens, and Cookspace.

Cost Estimate Monetary cost estimates for implementation not yet developed.

Sources/Contributions Public agencies to incorporate local food programming when leasing 

public-owned lands and facilities, when it is feasible.

Priority Actions

During the sixth steering committee call, the group identified actions they would like to see carried 

out in the next year and/or receive priority attention. 

○ In support of Goal 1 on improving access to local healthy food, increase in the number of days 

the Kakaako Farmers’ Market is open and increase the frequency of local food tours in Kakaako 

to get the community more interested and involved. (Potential collaborators: Hawaii Public 

Health Institute and Pam Boyer)

○ Urban Farm Hawaii is interested in helping to complete mapping of existing (and future 

desired) food assets and resources in Kakaako (Action 1.1).

○ In support of Goal 2 on food-based actions, implement policies to encourage rooftop gardens, 

community gardens, and urban agriculture; establish a local food coordinator position to 

advance local food initiatives and implement policies; and adopt policies to allow edible 

landscapes in public spaces. (Potential collaborators: Urban Farm Hawaii)

○ In support of Goal 3 on redevelopment and equity, continue to expand social enterprise 

programs for local food jobs, specifically low-income populations (Action 3.2) (Potential 

collaborators: Tina Tamai). 

○ Feeding Hawaii Together is working on getting new facilities up and running since the closing 

of the food pantry (Action 3.1 and 3.2). Feeding Hawaii Together and Oahu Fresh are 

interested in partnering with Helping Hands Hawaii, IHS, HPHI, and Aloha Harvest on actions 

related to food hubs, food security, and health related actions (Actions 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.5).

○ MetroGrow Hawaii is working on Action 3.4 to development more indoor urban farming with 

the search for larger space.

○ Hawaii Public Health Institute can continue to provide technical assistance, and capacity 

building. With funding from the Department of Health, they can be supportive of many of the 

actions in this plan, increasing the number of venues for local food (Action 3.3.1), including 

local food near transit (Action 1.2).
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 33

Appendices

● Appendix A – Agenda and Contact List

● Appendix B – Workshop Tour and Workshop Exercises

● Appendix C - Funding Resources
Local Foods, Local Places Action Plan – Honolulu and the Kakaako District

Page 34

Steering Committee Additional Resources

● Workshop Photos

● Workshop Presentations

o HCDA Local Foods, Local Places Introductory Presentation

o Day 1 Local Foods, Local Places TA Team Presentation

o Day 2 Local Foods, Local Places TA Team Presentation

o Presentation to Local Food and Health Committee