Kīlauea group hears Ag Center plan; USDA grant to be filed by July 25

Kīlauea Neighborhood Association members were briefed on June 6 about progress on the Kīlauea Ag Center, including permit work and imminent grant applications. President Yoshi L’Hote said Ian Jung is finishing permit and exemption paperwork for construction of a farmers market and food‑court phase and that an application for a USDA grant should be submitted by July 25. The project is also pursuing an ART grant from a New York group.

Yoshi reported the project has hired Jill Lowry as a part‑time development director to pursue grants and organizational stability, and that staff are working to secure adequate surface water and Water Department meters. He said the center is partnering with Verizon on agricultural technology and that the half‑acre incubator‑farm program is nearly full, with farmers growing turmeric, papaya, ginger, tomato, pineapple, banana, lettuce and broccoli. No vote or formal action was required on the update.