Bringing food to the table: Exploring the potential of urban agriculture in Honolulu

Abstract

The growing interest in local food production coupled with the social, environmental and economic benefits associated with agricultural uses in urban areas has spawned numerous small-scale agriculture projects. These range from individuals’ backyards to community gardens and urban farms. Local governments have devised policies and plans to support such endeavors, or in some cases, regulations to sanction them (e.g. local zoning codes that do not permit urban agriculture). This qualitative study explores the potential for urban agriculture to support local food production and the factors that influence the implementation of projects in Honolulu. The topic of urban agriculture was chosen as Honolulu is not food secure, however looking at local food production could help to increase food security. Drawing on stakeholder interviews, a review of existing literature and precedent cities, and policy and planning documents on the topic, it looks at how different stakeholders (public, private, and non-profit) are engaging in urban agriculture in Honolulu. The findings will deepen our understanding of urban agriculture within the broader context of local food production, highlighting some of the opportunities and challenges for its implementation. Through this study it was found that urban agriculture could be a possibility in Honolulu, however the current policies and regulations need to be updated to allow projects to be implemented. Looking at the Kaka‘ako Special Design District can shed light on how the zoning regulations could be changed to allow for urban agriculture. Finding available land to use is another hurdle that needs to be overcome in order for urban agriculture to be implemented in Honolulu.