Hawaii Dairy Farms Publishes Draft Environmental Impact Statement

News Release from Hawaii Dairy Farms, Junes 8, 2016

Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii – Hawaii Dairy Farms, which will be the first pasture-based, rotational-grazing dairy in Hawaii, today announced the publication of its draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Draft EIS shows analysis for both the committed herd size of up to 699 mature milking cows, as well as the full potential of the farm of up to 2,000 mature milking cows.

“We promised the community of Kauai that we would prepare an EIS for Hawaii Dairy Farms, not because we have to, but because it is the right thing to do to help answer community questions,” said Amy Hennessey, APR, Hawaii Dairy Farms spokeswoman. “We’re proud of this project and its potential to help our islands be more food secure in a financially and environmentally sustainable way.”

The findings of the Draft EIS demonstrate that Hawaii Dairy Farms will be protective of the environment and serve as a model for sustainable agriculture in the Islands. A concise summary of dairy impacts can be found beginning on page 4-103 of the Draft EIS document, a link to which is provided below. Topline findings are:

• Soil quality will be improved
• Water resources will be protected
• A long-standing agricultural industry will be revitalized, creating jobs
• Home values and resort areas will not be negatively impacted
• Archaeological and cultural resources will not be affected
• Cows will be treated with a high standard of care

“After more than 15 months of painstaking work by environmental experts, the completion of the Draft EIS is a key milestone in making Hawaii Dairy Farms a reality and providing more fresh, locally produced milk to Hawaii families,” Hennessey added.

Hawaii-based planning firm Group 70 International prepared the Draft EIS in consultation with numerous experts.

Publication of the draft EIS document begins a 45-day public comment period. The deadline for all comments is July 25, 2016. Anyone who wants to submit comments should do so in writing to HDF@Group70int.com or by mail to Group 70 International or the Hawaii Department of Health to be considered a formal comment for consideration.
The Draft EIS document can be found online at the Hawaii State Office of Environmental Quality Control: 2016-06-08-KA-5E-DEIS-Hawaii-Dairy-Farms.pdf.

About Hawaii Dairy Farms
Hawaii Dairy Farms will be the state's first pasture-based, rotational-grazing dairy, located on approximately 557 acres of designated Important Agricultural Lands in Mahaulepu Valley on Kauai's south shore. The farm will play a vital role in creating a more sustainable Hawaii by increasing current local milk production and bolstering the state’s declining dairy industry. For more information, visit HawaiiDairyFarms.com.

http://bit.ly/1UfPuBS - View of future location of Hawaii Dairy Farms in Mahaulepu Valley on Kauai's south shore

http://bit.ly/1UAWR2p - Map of Kauai showing location of Hawaii Dairy Farms

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