UH, Meadow Gold in talks over Waimanalo farm
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward Bureau
WAIMANALO — The University of Hawai'i and Meadow Gold Dairies Hawai'i are trying to strike a deal on the company's Waimanalo farm that would mean expanded agricultural research opportunities for the university.
The dairy is negotiating to transfer its facility and land lease for the 360-acre farm to the university's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.
In a move away from milk production to milk processing, Meadow Gold decided to close its last farm but in the process wanted to give a boost to agriculture research, said Glenn Muranaka, president and general manager.
Knowing that the college was interested in getting back into milk production after being out of it for 2 1/2 years, he proposed to offer the Waimanalo facility to the college in exchange for services.
"This is a great opportunity to not only build on their education program, but on their training and research program," said Muranaka, who has proposed that the college continue the majority of the milking operation in Waimanalo and move its North Shore animal science program to the farm.
The college already operates a 128-acre crop development experimental station adjacent to Meadow Gold.
The agreement could include cattle pens, barns and milking equipment. The college also could receive some of Meadow Gold's 1,000 cattle. The company would purchase any milk produced, providing a source of income for the college and a supply of Hawai'i milk for the company.
Andrew Hashimoto, dean of the college, said representatives will attend the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board meeting and explain their vision, adding that he also hopes to find out what the community wants.
Last week, a Waimanalo vision team said it would like to obtain about 80 acres of the Meadow Gold facility to build a community equestrian park, which would be a central location for a trail system that would connect Makapu'u to Mount Olomana.
But concerns about potential disease transmission, location of the equestrian park and proposed activities there would have to be addressed before any agreement can be made, said Hashimoto.
"I'm open to it, but there's no commitment at this point," Hashimoto said. "I'm hopeful we can come up with a workable situation to accommodate the needs of everyone."
Joe Correa, champion for the park project, said the site has sufficient land for the university's research and the equestrian park. Although the park is a Waimanalo project, the vision group is discussing expanding the trail system that would connect the entire Windward coast and Koko Crater.
"That's exciting that the dean is open," Correa said.
The UH-Meadow Gold deal would affect 26 company employees. Four have been transferred, and the others would be laid off. The company is helping them with the transition, Muranaka said.
