Hoʻolako
(v.) to supply, to equip, specifically to provide necessary items, goods, food, or resources
A food systems campus designed to increase food security, expand education, and strengthen community resilience
The Challenge
Hawai‘i’s food system is at risk. We believe that everyone deserves access to healthy, nutritious food, and that a resilient, community-driven approach is essential to the well-being of our islands.
of Hawai‘i County households are food insecure
40%
+25%
increase in The Food Basket’s clients since 2022
85-90%
of Hawaiʻi’s food is imported
These numbers are more than statistics—they represent a call to reimagine how Hawai‘i grows, distributes, and sustains its food future.
The Path to Resilience
Short-Term Objective
Relieve hunger and food insecurity.
Provide nutritious food to individuals and families in need through expanded capacity and distribution systems.
Intermediate-Term Objective
Build food independence.
Encourage access to fresh, locally grown produce through innovative programs that connect consumers and local farmers.
Long-Term Objective
Transform Hawaiʻi’s food future
Build a permanent hub for education and innovation that drives local agriculture and Hawai‘i’s economic resilience.
Hoʻolako Farmers Market
We’re looking for local vendors to sell produce, plants, locally produced products, proteins, flowers, and wellness/botanical products at the Hoʻolako Farmers market.
Vision: Hoʻolako Campus
Development of Hoʻolako’s campus is already underway. Once complete Hoʻolako will offer facilities to support our local food system from beginning to end—from growing, to processing, to getting healthy local food to local families.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $86,000,000
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A centralized hub for storage, cold-chain logistics, and food distribution — serving both emergencies and everyday food access.
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A commercial-scale facility where small farms aggregate, process, and package produce for retail and institutional markets.
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Demonstration plots for regenerative farming, soil restoration, and crop innovation — supporting new growers and resilient food systems.
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A public marketplace connecting farmers, food entrepreneurs, and the community through local, farm-to-table products.
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Hands-on education in food science, culture, and sustainability built with partners like UH, DOE, and Native Hawaiian organizations.
Features that drive impact
Integrated Food Bank & Community Network
Connects farms to families by directing surplus food to The Food Basket, kupuna care, and CSA programs.
Aggregation & Processing for Small Farms
Shared facilities that boost farm efficiency, certification, and access to larger markets.
Economic & Workforce Development
Creates 200+ jobs, trains residents in agri-tech and logistics, and keeps $300M circulating locally.
Island-Wide Food Resilience Hub
Disaster-ready, solar-powered operations ensure food access even during outages or disruptions.
Circular & Sustainable Systems
A zero-waste campus powered by renewables — with composting, water reuse, and biodegradable packaging.
Redefining Excellence
Innovation, Education, and Integration
Ho’olako Innovation Park is more than a community food bank — it’s an engine for transformation. Designed as a food systems campus, the park brings together food security, agricultural innovation, and community education in one integrated location.
