Life After Sugar Along the Hamakua Coast

In May of 2004 a blessing took place for the new North Hawaii Education & Research Center (NHERC) at what was, a short time ago and for 53 years, the old Honoka‘a Hospital. On this day, the completely refurbished hospital began "a new half century.” This time, pursuing the nurturing of the “mind” as an education & research center. Attending the “Blessing” lead by Kahu Kauka of Imiola Congregational Church were dignitaries from the State, County, Hale Ho'ola Hamakua, Honoka‘a High School and the University of Hawai‘i System. Eddie Ku and Nu Kapuna O Manutea entertained the well-wishers with songs and the students from Kanu O Ka ‘Aina chanted an auspicious welcome. Gerald De Mello, Director of University Relations, UH Hilo and Master of Ceremonies introduced President of UH Manoa, David McClain who said this project was the “way to the future for citizens of the State.” He gave special thanks to Representative Dwight Takamine and Romel Dela Cruz for spearheading this “New Beginning.”

Years and many meetings before this day, Representative Takamine and a determined group of Hamakua citizens, worked tirelessly to bring this important new center to fruition. In l994 after Hamakua Sugar Company closed, one of the last sugar company closures on Hawai‘i Island, there was an incredible feeling of loss. Loss of jobs, loss of ability to provide for families, loss of housing possibilities and more importantly, loss of community. For a hundred years, its sugarcane fields, sugar housing, sugar workers, plantation dispensaries, plantation style stores and a layer of red dirt lightly tinting the entire community defined the history of this community. This was Honoka‘a, one of the vigorous worker’s communities along Hamakua Coast. Working people with worker’s lifestyle, which was early to bed and early to rise.

From this wellspring of anxious and willing workers, Representative Takamine took his cue. Rather than lie down and give up, workers fought for what they felt they deserved. Hamakua Sugar Company and the State reached an agreement to provide permanent housing at minimal cost to the displaced workers. Task forces were set up to help workers transition to other employment opportunities or with education. With positive forward thinking, Representative Takamine, his father Yoshito, who had served in public office before, and other agriculturally akamai “displaced” sugar workers worked to create the Hamakua North Hilo Agricultural Cooperative.

This Co-op, with a master state lease in hand, was able to grant long-term farming sub-leases to former sugarcane workers and others interested in farming. Although plagued by ditch water problems since l989 when a cliff-fall took a portion of the Hamakua ditch tunnel with it, the tunnel was temporarily repaired and water was flowing. However, as luck would have it, water stopped flowing in the Hamakua Ditch just after people began to farm.

Officials survey Hamakua Ditch operations

In an incredible case of “bad luck,” the ditch, which had been flowing for almost a hundred years, managed to be broken, covered, cracked, and filled by natural collapse of cliffs, storm floods and earthquakes. If a person wanted to write a scenario depicting farming and ranching community pitted against incredible odds, they couldn’t come up with a better script. During this period, every naysayer surfaced including people who wanted the ditch left to dust. However, most of the farming and ranching community knew the importance of this ditch. Not only important in the sense of water need, but also as a significant, historical, productive, living creation of the Hamakua people.

Against these odds, the community rose to the challenge. With consistent, active leadership of Representative Takamine, help from his staff and the incredible community and government support he received, water again flowed through the ditch. During this time, Dwight knew that his presence in the community was of vital importance. People needed to know that someone was listening to their concerns.

After the earthquakes hit, people were again overwhelmed. Not only were citizens concerned about infrastructure repairs, but they also needed to know that they could be made “whole” again. Water for the ditch was down, certain roads were closed and highways diverted away from cave-ins. Nursing home patients were moved around to keep them safe from affected structures. Certain areas of Hamakua suffered more damage than others and it was difficult to tell because much of the damage was within the buildings.

FEMA came and helped, but most people got “back on the horse” and fixed their own property.  The broader community had continued stress over water, roads and infrastructure repair. The community needed a standard-bearer and “Dwight” was it. Representative Dwight Takamine understood the people’s needs and how he could use his office and skills to help the community get back on its feet. People call him Dwight not only because he is a friendly kind of guy, they call him Dwight because he has earned that first name status. One does not have to say anymore than “Dwight” to know whom we’re talking about in Hamakua.

Left: Hale Hoola residents and staff at NHERC October, 2006 Right: Hale Hoola Residents in NHERC's Conference Room after earthquake

After this major earthquake in October 15, 2006, Dwight went into action, played his usual role of facilitator, and brought all the stakeholders to the table. Regular monthly (and at times, more often) meetings were called to keep the community updated on status of the repair of roads, buildings and most important to Hamakua- the Hamakua Ditch. The steep pali landslides caused by the earthquake covered the main weirs of the ditch, deep in the valley. These intake valves were covered with a slipping cliff slide. The danger in correcting this was extremely high and time would not be our friend.

Senator Akaka talks with Hamakua area residents at earthquake recovery meeting

Dwight brought in officials from the County, State and Federal governments and created a task force to help bring Hamakua’s farm and ranching community back to whole. Meetings were held to packed houses. Everyone had an interest in the effects of the earthquake. The feat seemed daunting at first, but having a leader who could bring together all aspects of government, including the National Guard made a real difference. This serious and sometimes dangerous work to repair the Ditch completely continues up to today, but water is running in the ditch and farmers & ranchers are still making a living in their traditional manners.

In July of this year, due to severe drought conditions, ranchers have asked for emergency assistance in obtaining use of water from the Hamakua Ditch for cattle and pasture. A representative from State Department of Agriculture was asked to attend a regular meeting of the Hamakua Ditch Working Group, chaired by Dwight. At the meeting, Dwight was adamant about getting water to cattle and asked that he wanted this resolved quickly. Due to a recent change in the law, the State DOA representative was able to offer ranchers applications to use ditch water for cattle and pasture and water should be flowing to some within three weeks time.

The use of the ditch water for cattle and pasture during emergency drought conditions in just another chapter in the struggle of the Hamakua community to maintain its character and identity. Dwight has played a central role in helping the agricultural communities along the coast transition from a sugar economy to diversified agriculture and many citizens of Hamakua hope Dwight will continue to play a key role into the future.

Paul Takamatsu