Hawaii’s agricultural community is beginning the long process of recovery after a pair of powerful Kona low storms in March brought record rainfall and catastrophic flooding to the islands—especially on Oahu. What once were thriving fields and family farms were left inundated, with crops lost, soil conditions damaged, and infrastructure in need of repair. This has had a major impact on farmers who operate on very tight margins and are critical to local food supply.
Storm Impact on Farms and Crops
Farmers like Eddie Oroyan of LewaTerra Farm and others on Oahu witnessed unprecedented levels of rainfall—nearly 50 inches in some areas—submerging fields, washing away crops, and damaging equipment. The scale of the flooding was so severe that longstanding harvests were wiped out entirely, forcing farmers to start cleanup and recovery from scratch.
More than 300 farms reported about $17.5 million in agricultural losses as a result of the storms. Many farmers now face additional challenges, such as soil degradation and disease issues like root rot, and the full ecological and economic impact may take years to unfold.
Efforts Underway to Support Recovery
State and local organizations have mobilized to assist growers. Hawaii has established a $500,000 emergency relief fund specifically for farmers, while agriculture groups such as the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation and the Hawaii Agricultural Foundation have created relief funds to provide additional support. These resources aim to help with critical needs like replanting, repairing infrastructure, and restarting operations.
Despite the setbacks, farmers remain resilient and determined to rebuild. Many are already clearing debris, replanting crops, and relying on community support and donations to keep their operations going.
Why This Matters
Hawaii imports roughly 90% of its food, making local agriculture essential for food security and economic diversity. The storms have highlighted how vulnerable this sector can be to extreme weather events—a pattern that is expected to worsen with climate change. Supporting local farmers is not just about helping individual businesses recover, but also about strengthening community resilience and long-term sustainability.
