Honoka'a Ag Country Roots Event

From left - Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, Sen. Dwight Takamine, Gubernatorial Candidate Neil Abercrombie, LG Candidate Brian Schatz, US Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Mayor Billy Kenoi, Rep Mark Nakashima, Rep Cindy  Evans.

U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye brought his newly inherited security entourage and several other Democratic leaders to Honoka'a School Cafeteria to join North Hawaii residents in celebrating the community’s “Ag Country Roots.”


The event was paid for and authorized by the Democratic Party of Hawaii and spotlighted many of the hard-working food producers of the region and included samplings of grilled grass-finished beef and a new sausage of Kahua mutton, Hamakua mushrooms and farm fresh Waimea Greens, offerings from Hamakua Springs Farms, other foods grown or produced in Hamakua, Waimea and Kohala.

Informational exhibits also featured in-school programs to grow the next generation of farmers and introduce the benefits of fresh, locally grown foods from farms and ranches in the region as well as back-yard gardens.


Senator Inouye was recognized for directing federal programs to the area following the close of Hamakua Sugar in 1994.  Many of the displays featured various agricultural entities that have grown to help fill the void in agriculture left by the departure of the sugar industry from the Big Island.  It was also an opportunity for the Senator to affirm his support for the Democratic ticket of Abercrombie and Schatz.

Former Mealani Extension agent Milton Yamasaki was also recognized for his part in promoting agriculture in North Hawaii with development of green tea, blueberries, and grass finished beef.