Palawai Basin Agricultural Planning
Palawai Basin Agricultural Planning
FOOD SYSTEM INCUBATION ON THE FORMER PINEAPPLE ISLE
As part of an island wide sustainability plan, RANA collaborated with Lou Cooperhouse of Food Spectrum Inc., the University of Hawaii, and other specialists in designing a plan to integrate invasive Axis deer management with food system incubation, reforestation, and resource recovery for Lāna‘i. Currently, 20,000 acres of former pineapple fields lie fallow in the caldera, while 90% of food is imported, and costly. Furthermore, the aquifer is depleted, deforestation persists, and the landfill is nearing capacity. With an understanding of the deer population (16,000+), reproductive rates, hunting takes, cultural values, mobile processing unit capacity, market for high-quality venison, biomass calculations and applications of nutrients for agricultural soil generation and waste-to-energy recovery, aquifer recharge rates with relation to native forest cover, current and projected water availability, current and projected food production targets, and agricultural irrigation demand, RANA designed a system integrate island food production goals with invasive species management, groundwater recharge, reforestation, resource recovery and quality of life improvement for the community.
COMPLETED
2014
CLIENT
Pulama Lāna‘i
LOCATION
Lāna‘i, HI
TEAM
Pulama Lāna‘i, Lāna‘i Culture + Heritage Center, RANA The Cohabitat Co., Food Spectrum, Inc., Les Fuchigami, University of Hawaii, Mari's Gardens, RM Towill, Maui County
