Kaua’i billionaire wants to sell prime ag land. Hawaii might buy it

Apnews - Apr 14th, 2025

The state of Hawaiʻi is considering purchasing over 1,000 acres of former plantation land on Kauaʻi, owned by AOL co-founder Steve Case, to enhance local food production. The Agribusiness Development Corp. (ADC) aims to acquire this land as part of a broader initiative to support agriculture in the region. The decision hinges on approval of a $39 million allocation in the state budget, which will be reviewed by the Legislature later this month. If successful, this would mark ADC's largest land purchase in over a decade and potentially safeguard the land from development, addressing local concerns.

This prospective acquisition underscores the state's commitment to bolstering agriculture and underscores the importance of maintaining productive land for farming. The land's current use by over 20 tenants for agricultural purposes makes it a strategic asset that requires minimal transformation for continued use. While the $39 million price tag has raised eyebrows, farming advocates believe the investment is justified by the land's quality and existing infrastructure. The move aligns with Hawaiʻi's broader efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in food production and avoid the pitfalls of urban development on valuable agricultural land.

Sustainable Agriculture Hawaiʻi Kauaʻi Steve Case Agribusiness Development Corp. Local Food Production Land Acquisition

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a thorough and timely examination of the proposed purchase of Grove Farm land by Hawaiʻi's Agribusiness Development Corp. It effectively highlights the potential benefits and concerns associated with the transaction, offering insights into local agricultural policy and community interests. The use of credible sources and clear language enhances the article's reliability and readability, although further verification of certain details would bolster its accuracy.

While the article presents a balanced view, it could benefit from a deeper exploration of alternative perspectives and potential controversies. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at stake and engage readers in meaningful discussion. Overall, the article succeeds in addressing a topic of significant public interest, with the potential to influence policy and community discourse.

Accuracy

The story provides a detailed account of the potential purchase of over 1,000 acres of Grove Farm land by the state’s Agribusiness Development Corp. The claims about the land being owned by Steve Case, its size, and its current use for agricultural purposes are consistent with available data. The article accurately reflects the legislative process involving the $39 million budget allocation, although further confirmation from legislative records would enhance precision.

The story's mention of the ADC’s history of acquiring over 22,000 acres of agricultural land aligns with the organization's past activities, demonstrating truthfulness in reporting. However, the specific number of tenant farmers and the exact nature of their agricultural activities would benefit from additional verification. Overall, the article is factually sound, but some details could be further substantiated to ensure comprehensive accuracy.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the proposed land purchase, highlighting both the potential benefits and concerns. It includes perspectives from local farmers, community members, and officials, offering a range of viewpoints. The cautious optimism of Kauaʻi residents and the concerns about the price tag are well-represented, providing a nuanced view of the situation.

However, the article could benefit from more detailed perspectives from those opposed to the purchase or those who might favor alternative uses of the land. While it mentions concerns about potential development, it does not delve deeply into the arguments of those who might oppose the ADC's acquisition. This omission slightly detracts from the overall balance.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey complex information about the land purchase and its implications. The logical flow from the introduction of the land deal to the potential impacts on local agriculture makes it easy to follow.

The use of quotes and specific figures helps to clarify key points, although some sections could benefit from additional context or explanation, particularly for readers unfamiliar with Hawaiʻi's agricultural policies. Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone, aiding in comprehension and objectivity.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including statements from ADC Executive Director Wendy Gady and Grove Farm Vice President Shawn Shimabukuro. These sources are directly involved in the land transaction, lending authority to the information provided. The inclusion of historical context from past news articles and the involvement of the Honolulu Civil Beat and Associated Press add to the reliability.

While the sources are authoritative, there is limited diversity in perspectives, particularly from independent experts or critics of the project. Including more external viewpoints could enhance the depth and impartiality of the reporting.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its presentation, clearly outlining the proposed transaction, the legislative process, and the potential impacts on local agriculture. It provides context regarding the history of Grove Farm and its acquisition by Steve Case, as well as the financial aspects of the deal.

However, the methodology behind certain claims, such as the valuation of the land and the specific benefits to local farmers, is not thoroughly explained. More detailed disclosure of how these assessments were made would improve transparency. Additionally, any potential conflicts of interest, such as the motivations of involved parties, are not explicitly addressed.