Farmers And Ranchers Buoyed By New Contingent Of Food-Focused Politicians 0 A cohort of farming legislators looks to bolster Hawaii’s food systems and build on momentum from 2022.
As Michelle Galimba overlooks Kuahiwi Ranch’s coastal pasture, the past few years’ drought is evident: Just a few cattle graze, grass is thin on the ground.
Like many in Hawaii the family operation is contending with persistent drought. Galimba and her brother Guy – who co-manages the ranch – are juggling their entirely grass-fed herd between pasturelands.
Galimba now also has Hawaii County Council District 6 constituents on her mind as one of a cohort of newly minted lawmakers. The inclusion of Galimba and others like her holds promise for Hawaii’s agricultural sector after what many consider more than a decade of political inaction.
Among Galimba’s priorities is ensuring there are incentives and subsidies for farmers across Hawaii County, whether they are big or small or focused on broccoli or beef.
