Board consents to assignment of General Lease S‑4802 to Catalina Tiamson

The Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity approved the consent to assign General Lease S‑4802 from Robert Y. Fujitake to Catalina Tiamson. Staff reported that the lease, originally awarded in 1983 and subsequently transferred to the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, contains a 5‑acre cleared site plus a 30,000 sq. ft. shade house and irrigation infrastructure. Staff said Mr. Fujitake is unable to meet lease obligations due to health and economic hardship and that Tiamson, who has approximately four years’ experience working on the farm, qualifies as a bona fide farmer under the applicable HRS provisions.

Public testimony: Catalina Tiamson testified in person, described a plan to cultivate a mix of food and ornamental crops (passion fruit, bamboo, bananas, coconuts, papaya, cassava, ornamental potted plants, and Hawaiian cotton for artisans), and described partnerships with University of Hawaii researchers. She said she will develop an invasive‑species plan informed by those partners.

Board action: Following staff recommendation and the public testimony, the board voted to approve the consent to assignment.

Next steps: Staff will prepare the consent documentation for recording as required by board procedures.