Empowered Hawaiʻi: From Farm to Future

Hawaiʻi imports nearly 90% of the food we eat, creating a major disconnect between local farmers and the people they feed. In this episode of Empowered Hawaiʻi, we explore two promising efforts working to close that gap and build a more connected, resilient food system across the islands. The journey begins with longtime agriculture leader Dean Okimoto, who shares why supporting local producers matters now more than ever, especially when outside disruptions can quickly affect what reaches our shelves. From there, we look at the state’s growing farm-to-school movement with Superintendent Keith Hayashi, who explains how Hawaiʻi’s public schools are working to increase local food purchasing, improve student meals, and create stronger, more reliable markets for local farmers. The episode highlights the ambitious push to get more island-grown food into school cafeterias, while also showing how better meals can help students stay healthy, energized, and ready to learn. We also visit the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center, where local entrepreneurs are getting the tools and support they need to turn Hawaiʻi-grown ingredients into market-ready products. From new technology that helps extend shelf life to success stories like a local salsa maker scaling up his business, the episode shows how innovation can create more opportunities for farmers, food producers, and future generations alike. This episode of Empowered Hawaiʻi is all about what becomes possible when agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship work together, helping keep more local food in Hawaiʻi, supporting local families, and strengthening food security for the future. Hawaii News, Hawaii Weather, Hawaii Sports See more of the team that is Working for Hawaii on our website: https://www.khon2.com Stay informed about Hawaii news, weather, sports and entertainment, subscribe to the KHON2 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/KHONNewsHawaii?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our morning news podcast: https://khon2.com/khon-2go Sign up to receive the latest Hawaii news in your inbox: https://nxslink.khon2.com/join/6sd/signup Stay informed about Hawaii news, weather, sports, and entertainment! Follow KHON2 on our social channels: https://www.youtube.com/user/KHONNewsHawaii/ https://www.facebook.com/khon2news https://twitter.com/KHONnews https://www.instagram.com/khonnews/