The Hawai'i Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), and the University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center (UHCDC) are conducting a proof-of-concept study to explore a farmer’s market in Waiāhole Valley to strengthen local agriculture, improve access to fresh and affordable food, and support economic development in the region.Small farmers in the valley identified the need for a hub for processing, aggregation, distribution, and cooking, to allow them to focus on food production instead of deliveries and sales.

Project Goals

• Strengthen agricultural viability : Increase the feasibility and productivity of diversified agriculture in Waiāhole Valley.

• Expand access to local food sources: Provide residents with greater access to affordable, fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and value-added products.

• Establish a commercial farmers market site: Develop a proof-of-concept study and pursue necessary land use amendments to establish a commercial farmers market in Waiāhole Valley.

To learn more about this project, click here.

Client: Hawai'i Housing Finance and Development Corporation
Principal Investigator: Cathi Ho Schar FAIA, Priyam Das PhD
Project Staff: Kaimana Tuazon
Student Project Assistant: Thanh Nguyen