I’m up for reappointment to the state Department of Agriculture board.
If you’d like to send testimony in support of my reappointment to the nominating committee and the state senators, here’s how.
It can be brief. You would just say who you are, what you do, and why you support this to two places:
The nominating committee:
AGL@capitol.hawaii.gov
All state senators:
SENS@capitol.hawaii.gov
Thank you very much.
Here’s information about my qualifications:
Richard Ha
Confirmation Hearing for the Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture Board
Richard Ha has successfully represented Hawaii’s agriculture on the Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture Board, this is his second term promoting and protecting Hawaii agriculture and the people of Hawaii.
He proudly served his Country as US Army Captain Viet Nam; majored in accounting at UH Manoa and he brings 35 years of farming experience to the table. He has farmed in 4 distinct growing regions on Hawaii Island and understands farming and its impacts from field to fork.
As President of Hamakua Springs Country Farms a Six hundred acre fee simple banana and hydroponic tomato farm Richard understands beginning farming and the importance of protecting Hawaii’s Food security. His farm is operated by 70 workers together with 5 family members, this growth did not occur overnight nor has it all been easy. He watched as his banana operation was decimated by bunchy top virus despite using all available tools. He is a positive member of our community and a true agVocate, he understands all levels of agriculture and how important it is for Hawaii’s future generation to be sustainable.
His priorities include.
Food security—Agriculture and Energy is inextricably intertwined. Keeping production costs low is of vital importance to farmers and their customers.
Richard is a strong supporter of small farmers and the rubbah slippah folks, providing healthy, affordable food is important for Hawaii.
Scientific Method- Self adjusting and gives a solid foundation for future planning. I.e. less chance of fooling ourselves or making ourselves vulnerable; to unforeseen consequences.
He is a current and active Board member for the following Boards; The Hawaii Board of Agriculture, Kohala Center, Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB), Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) steering committee, Chair- Big Island Community Coalition and a Founding member of Hawaii Farmers & Ranchers United (HFRU).
Farming and Agriculture Milestones.
• Traded chicken manure for banana keiki to start banana farm
• Operated own tissue culture lab
• First banana farm in the world to be certified Eco OK
• Purchased 600 acres of land at Pepeekeo
• Top six in the country for the Patrick Madden, Sustainable Ag Research & Education (SARE) award.
• Started hydroponic tomato operation
• Food Safety certified
• Attended first of five Association for the Study of Peak Oil (ASPO) conferences.
• Installed 100KW hydroelectric generator
• Unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor banana crop