In the 1980s, there were 21 commercial egg farms in the Islands, which supplied 85% of the eggs consumed. Now, there are 4 egg farms. One is Maili Moa in Wai'anae.
They collect approximately 5,000 eggs a day, which they bathe and scrub, sort by hand, place into delivery trays, load in cases, and refrigerate. This process takes about 6 hours.
Until this year, the state had been providing a feed subsidy up to 50% to help support local farmers, but it was cut in 2010. The subsidies had helped not only pay for the feed but also the shipping costs (Hawaii doesn't have a feed mill).
As an alternative, owners of Maili Moa formed a partnership with the public through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). For $22.25/month, consumers can pick up 60 eggs, in various increments, at 4 locations on the island of Oahu, and directly at the farm. One of these is the Hawaii Kai Farmer's Market held at Kaiser High School.
To order, contact Juanita Kawamoto, CSA coordinator, 808-330-6224 or email farmfresshawaii@yahoo.com.
For more information on this Farmer's Market (there are several held in Hawaii Kai), visit www.MakekeOMaunalua.com. Makeke O Maunalua Market is open Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kaiser High School, 511 Lunalilo Home Road, Hawaii Kai. Admission is free.
They collect approximately 5,000 eggs a day, which they bathe and scrub, sort by hand, place into delivery trays, load in cases, and refrigerate. This process takes about 6 hours.
Until this year, the state had been providing a feed subsidy up to 50% to help support local farmers, but it was cut in 2010. The subsidies had helped not only pay for the feed but also the shipping costs (Hawaii doesn't have a feed mill).
As an alternative, owners of Maili Moa formed a partnership with the public through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). For $22.25/month, consumers can pick up 60 eggs, in various increments, at 4 locations on the island of Oahu, and directly at the farm. One of these is the Hawaii Kai Farmer's Market held at Kaiser High School.
To order, contact Juanita Kawamoto, CSA coordinator, 808-330-6224 or email farmfresshawaii@yahoo.com.
For more information on this Farmer's Market (there are several held in Hawaii Kai), visit www.MakekeOMaunalua.com. Makeke O Maunalua Market is open Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kaiser High School, 511 Lunalilo Home Road, Hawaii Kai. Admission is free.
Let's support our local farmers and shop at these Farmers' Markets. Here's a good blog about other markets in Hawaii Kai.
Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.combarbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.barbarshawaii.com
www.activerain.com/blogs/abeb
(resource: Honolulu Magazine)
