14-05-2025
4th generation Kona coffee farmer seeks moʻolelo, naʻauao for grad studies
HONOLULU (KHON2) — From invasive insects to agricultural theft, counterfeit products and beyond, Hawaii farmers face diversity in many forms.
That has led a fourth-generation coffee farmer to pursue a masterʻs degree, at Fresno State, with an interdisciplinary focus on sustainability and feasibility in agricultural environments.
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Her thesis 'aims to investigate the historical decline of Hawaii's agricultural sector and uncover pathways for its revitalization, both new and current ones that are actively occurring throughout Hawaii.'
Keahilele Mattson, whose storied college softball career garnered her countless awards and accolades, such as Conference Player of the Year as a freshman and who, according to Fresno State, closed out 'one of the most impressive softball careers in recent memory for Fresno State Athletics' intends to take over her grandparentsʻ Kona coffee farm once she completes her studies.
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Mattson is seeking information from Hawaiiʻs multi-generational farmers and new agricultural entrepreneurs about the challenges and innovations of the agricultural sector.
'The question that I am asking is: Why? Why must Hawaii rely on external sources for sustenance when we have the land, knowledge, and history of self-sufficiency?'
Mattson has created a survey that will help her connect with interested parties so interviews can be coordinated. The survey should take no longer than five to 10 minutes and can be found by scanning the QR code or clicking the link above. Responses are due by June 1.
Interviews will take place throughout the summer and interviewees will receive a small gift valued at $15 from Fresno Stateʻs student farm operation.
'The goal of doing interviews is not just data collection—it is advocacy. By compiling the voices of Hawaii's farmers, my hope is that the research will shed light on the obstacles Hawaii's farmers face while proposing tangible policy changes and support structures that can help them thrive. We are very capable of sustaining our aina and despite many challenges, we have persevered and are still here amongst vacation resorts, invasive species, and the greed of those who wish to extort Moku O Keawe for their own needs,' Mattson told KHON2.
Among the issues Mattson will analyze are the impact of tourism on local agriculture; land and water rights; government policies and their effect on farming; economic sustainability for small farms; and strategies for fostering a more self-sufficient Hawaii.'I hope this work inspires a new generation of young farmers to step forward and reclaim Hawaii's legacy as a land of abundance, resilience, and self-sufficiency.'
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