Fellows mentioned in this story: Keoni Lee

From GreenMoney Journal:

Nestled in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean, Hawai’i is often romanticized as a paradise — the perfect island getaway for tourists seeking pristine beaches and lush tropical landscapes. Yet, the realities of its food system tell a different story, one marked by instability, over-dependence, and the urgent need for sustainable transformation. Despite its ideal growing climate, Hawai’i imports 85-90% of its food, making it susceptible to supply chain disruptions given its geographic isolation 2,400 miles from the nearest landmass.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Hawai’i residents saw empty food shelves for the first time. This shock daylighted the urgency food system leaders have warned about for decades. With renewed focus and momentum, these leaders gathered to envision a new horizon of possibilities by investing in something different: relationships. Aligned by a vision of food sovereignty and a shared aloha (love) for their island home, each other, and future generations, this movement is poised to tackle the seemingly intractable challenges that have hindered large-scale food and agricultural change.

Continue reading at GreenMoney.com.