THE CARROLL COX SHOW

“Turtle Bay Resort is in the process of laying the foundation to implement GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) mandated by Federal and State Law, which goes into effect on October 15, 2015. We have been meeting and educating these farmers for more than two years to help them understand how to transition their operations to comply with Federal, State and City regulations and guidelines. We have provided drafts to the farmers of a master plan that includes leaving land rent the same as it has been for over five years but implementing a common area maintenance and capital contribution program to ensure that these farms are viable and compliant. Turtle Bay Resort has been requesting feedback from farmers on the plan and has not received any formal written feedback.

“Turtle Bay Resort is also in the process of implementing a master plan for its 468 acres of farmlands that will bring them into compliance with State and City regulations, along with land plan and food safety guidelines approved by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Compliance is needed to complete the conservation easement that Turtle Bay has been working toward for nearly four years to permanently preserve these lands for agricultural uses. Significant infrastructure improvements need to be made to ensure that viable, sustainable agricultural operations are in place to support food security goals for Oahu and the North Shore for years to come. We are funding the bulk of expenses needed to make these planned improvements including more than $350,000 in upgrades to the irrigation system. Turtle Bay Resort has been subsidizing most of these farmers for years and is discussing with them about paying a portion of the total costs needed going forward.”

Scott McCormack

Vice President of Real Estate

Turtle Bay Resort

TURTLE BAY'S RESPONSE TO STORY