BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR FRESHNESS The journey of Waialua Fresh began with a mission: to support Hawaii’s sustainability goals by producing fresh, local eggs and reducing the state’s reliance on imports. For nearly a decade, the site underwent careful development, with the first four barns and a modern packaging plant completed in 2022. By the end of 2024, Waialua Egg Farm will reach a major milestone; 10 fully operational barns housing approximately 500,000 egg-laying hens. Each day, Waialua Fresh hens lay their eggs in the early morning. Within hours, those eggs are collected, cleaned, sorted, and packed, ensuring that what hits store shelves the next day is some of the freshest commercial eggs Hawaii has ever seen. EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY Waialua Fresh has always taken pride in being more than a farm. It also serves as a community. The farm operates on its own independent power and water systems, including a solar-powered electrical grid and a closed-loop water management system that eliminates runoff and maximizes efficiency. This self-reliant infrastructure also plays a vital role in disaster preparedness.Through partnerships with the Hawaii Foodbank and the Department of Emergency Management, the farm has established a designated North Shore Disaster Response Zone. Waialua Fresh has secured 1,500 “PreCovery Pods,” each containing over 120 servings of food, ready to deploy in case of natural disasters or emergencies. Waialua Fresh also directly supports the community through its popular roadside farm store, where locals can purchase affordable, cage-free eggs every weekend. The farm’s impact reaches beyond food, extending to work force development. Waialua Fresh has taken the lead in creating lasting career paths. From entry-level hires to managerial roles, the farm trains and mentors local residents, building a workforce rooted in Waialua and dedicated to sustainable agriculture. INNOVATION THROUGH COLLABORATION Waialua Fresh isn’t just focused on production. It is also redefining what agricultural sustainability looks like in Hawaii. One standout initiative targets the staggering volume of chicken manure imported into the state each year, over a million pounds, often shipped in plastic bags. In response, Waialua Fresh has partnered with certified local composting facilities to process its own manure into nitrogen-rich fertilizer. This not only eliminates waste but creates a local alternative for Hawaii’s farmers. The farm recently completed construction on a dedicated composting 33 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 08 WAIALUA FRESH
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