AGRICULTURE INFO

The Waimea 400 property has a history of being utilized for agriculture. The site was once a part of the extensive Mana wetland system that spanned approximately 1,700 acres from Polihale to Waimea. The communities that lived in the area employed ingenious methods to grow food. In the 1800’s small-scale sugar cane and rice cultivation began. The land was also used to pasture cows for the Waimea Dairy. Eventually, an irrigation system was developed on the site for intensified sugar cane crops until 1989. After this time, the Waimea 400 parcel and agricultural lands to the west were leased by companies like Pioneer and Syngenta for seed corn production. Currently, Hartung Brothers leases a large portion of the property for alfalfa.   

Are there any current agriculture projects that might impact Waimea 400? 
The Office of Economic Development (OED) is exploring all possible ag opportunities for the site but has no firm plans currently. Some projects they are considering include: ​​

• Interim leases for agricultural uses 
• Possible long-term leases, such as for ag co-ops or parks (depending on the outcome of the master plan for the property) 
• Soil testing to check the suitability for farming   
• Exploring the potential for a food forest on the Waimea 400 property 
• Potential for a hydroponics or aquaponics component 
• Exploring innovative ways to incorporate traditional cultural growing methods to meet the needs of today’s community 
• Support for produce aggregation and certification
• Support for value-added, Kaua`i-made ag products

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​Waimea R-1 Recycled Water Project: 

• The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), located in the middle of the eastern half of the property, is in the process of updating from R-2 water to R-1 water (considered the highest grade of recycled water)*. They will be constructing a new storage and distribution system to be able to produce about 200,000 gallons of R-1 recycled water a day. The first phase of the project will provide irrigation water for the Waimea Athletic Field to eliminate the use of potable water. Later, the County will likely expand the distribution of R-1 water to more locations in the area. ​

*Compared to R-2 water, which may only be used for limited drip irrigation uses, R-1 water has a wider range of suitable uses approved by the Hawai‘i State Department of Health. These include all landscaping and agricultural irrigation and drinking water for livestock amongst others. This creates the potential for the WWTP to provide the necessary water for future agricultural uses on site. A full list of the suitable uses for R-1 water can be seen HERE.  

What are some of the agricultural ideas that have come up for Waimea 400? 
Many different agricultural uses have been proposed by the community members that took the initial survey, and those who attended the community meetings in March of 2021. They are listed below: 

• Ag Co-op 
• Ag Park 
• Edible Landscaping 
• Educational Ag
• Farmers Markets

• Hemp 
• Native Plant Restoration 
• Organic Farming 
• Small Farms 
• Become the "breadbasket" for Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi

Other useful resources:  

• What is Organic Certification? See information HERE.
• More information on Recycled Water Projects from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH), including definitions and allowed uses, can be seen HERE.