State leaders break ground on new Central Oʻahu agriculture and food hub
Nov 14, 2025 Updated Nov 17, 2025
State leaders broke ground Friday on a new agriculture and food hub in Wahiawā, a project aimed at boosting local food production and reducing Hawaiʻi’s reliance on imports. The Central Oʻahu Agriculture and Food Hub is part of a statewide effort to increase locally sourced meals in public schools and expand the market for Hawaiʻi farmers and food producers.
WAHIAWĀ, Hawaiʻi (Island News) -- State leaders broke ground Friday on a new agriculture and food hub in Wahiawā, a project aimed at boosting local food production and reducing Hawaiʻi’s reliance on imports.
The event, held in Whitmore Village, featured remarks from First Lady Jaime Kanani Green, Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz and other state officials. A blessing was performed before the ceremony, and local vendors showcased products that the hub is designed to support.
The Central Oʻahu Agriculture and Food Hub is part of a statewide effort to increase locally sourced meals in public schools and expand the market for Hawaiʻi farmers and food producers. Officials say the project is expected to help feed keiki, create jobs and give farmers the infrastructure they need to grow and scale their businesses.
First Lady Jaime Kanani Green thanked lawmakers for setting statewide goals for local food sourcing, saying the hub will help Hawaiʻi move closer to meeting them. “Mahalo to our legislators, not only for their vision calling for 30% of locally sourced school meals by 2030 and aiming for 50% locally procured food by 2050, but also for providing the resources we need for the infrastructure like this food hub to achieve our goals,” Green said.
“We can create local jobs, pathways for our students, help expand exports — so many compounding effects that will revitalize the community,” Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz said.
The hub is also intended to help reduce dependence on imported foods by supporting more locally grown fruits, vegetables and value-added products. Speakers at the event said they hope the project will inspire innovation and strengthen rural communities statewide.