Dole Food Company Responds to City’s Landfill Selection, Emphasizes Agricultural Priorities and Pending Irrigation System Transfer

Dole Food Company Hawaii (Dole) has issued a statement in response to the City and County of Honolulu’s announcement regarding the selection of its lands as a potential site for Oʻahu’s next landfill. While Dole was surprised by this announcement and needs time to discuss the decision with its partners and community stakeholders, the company looks forward to discussions with city officials to learn more about the proposal.

“Our immediate priority remains safeguarding Central Oʻahu’s agricultural community,” said Dan Nellis, General Manager, Dole Food Company Hawaii. “The Wahiawā Irrigation System (WIS) is the lifeblood of our region’s farmers, providing essential water for agriculture and flood control. The transfer of this system to the State of Hawaiʻi, as outlined in Act 218 (2023), is critical to ensuring the continued viability of agriculture on Oʻahu. Protecting our farmers and the community remains our top priority at this time.”

Dole has been actively working with state agencies to finalize the donation of the Wahiawa Irrigation System from Dole, including Lake Wilson and the Wahiawā Dam, to the State of Hawaiʻi. This initiative, supported by Act 218, which passed in 2023, will enable necessary upgrades to meet safety standards and unlock federal funding opportunities for agricultural and water security.

“We urge the City and the State to recognize the urgency of finalizing the Wahiawā Irrigation System transfer,” the spokesperson continued. “The irrigation system supports over 50 farmers and more than 500 agricultural jobs in Central Oʻahu. It also provides critical flood protection to Central O‘ahu and the North Shore. We appreciate the importance of the landfill discussion, but ensuring the longevity of agriculture on O‘ahu remains our focus at this time.”

Dole emphasized that discussions regarding the proposed landfill site will need to take place after the implementation of Act 218 and the completion of the Wahiawa Irrigation System transfer. “As stewards of this land, we are committed to protecting Hawaiʻi’s food security, water resources, and agricultural future,” the company stated.

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