Community projects & improvements

This comprehensive security overhaul was essential to reclaim our farmlands from vagrants, homeless encampments, and troublemakers who had compromised the safety of our farming families. The upgraded system features individual lot codes, vehicle identification stickers, and 24/7 monitored access that prevents unauthorized entry and illegal dumping while ensuring legitimate users can access their property efficiently.

Phase II (completed): gate codes and vehicle stickers have been distributed to owners. Phase III (in progress): RFID tags and key fobs will be distributed once the newly renovated gate security facility is completed. The new system will include a digital database tracking all owners, renters, visitors, family members and employees.

KLRF has developed a fully customised DPP structure packet designed to streamline the building approval process for our community members. This comprehensive, nearly plug-and-play template eliminates the guesswork and waiting that owners previously experienced when applying for building permits.

Instead of navigating the complex permitting process alone, owners now have a professionally prepared template that addresses agricultural property requirements and City & County regulations.

KLRF restructured our water billing system to ensure fair cost distribution among all farm members while maintaining reliable service. The overhaul was necessary to comply with Hawaii HOA statutes and KLRF Bylaws, which require adequate advance notification for assessment changes, while also providing significant savings to water users.

The structure is a fixed water fee of $7.78 per acre monthly (charged by Kunia Water Association to KLRF and divided among owners), usage charges reduced to $3.00 per 1,000 gallons — a 33% cut from $4.50 — and an unchanged farm maintenance fee of $110 per acre covering security, payroll, insurance and capital improvements.

KLRF has launched our community farmers market, giving farm owners direct access to sell fresh produce, value-added products and agricultural goods while strengthening connections between our farming community and the public.

The market showcases the quality and diversity of what is grown at Kunia Loa Ridge Farmlands, from vegetables and fruit to specialty crops and artisanal goods. It serves as both an economic opportunity for members and a platform to promote sustainable agriculture.

This project gives KLRF members a clean, professional office and a community centre where we can hold meetings, host get-togethers and run functions such as the farmers market.

Completed so far: public parking, road paving and gravel smoothing for better access, a new bathroom facility, and beautification with landscaping and planting.

Critical repairs became necessary after extensive damage was found that was causing significant water waste and raising costs for all owners. Reservoir #2 suffered multiple holes, cuts and tears in both the base and the liner, a financial drain on the whole community.

The restoration covers complete liner replacement, base repair, and future installation of enhanced shut-off valves. The work costs approximately $150,000 but is essential to stop the waste and secure reliable water for farming operations.

Beyond safety, the new front gate design addresses access problems that have long affected the community. The facility gives large trucks and delivery vehicles space to turn around without entering the property, easing congestion and presenting a more professional face for KLRF.

The beautified entrance houses updated security facilities so guards can monitor and track suspicious activity effectively — protecting agricultural operations while keeping the entrance welcoming for legitimate business.

This became critical after arsonists threatened to destroy our fields, endangering the way of life, families and livelihood of every KLRF member. Those deliberate acts required an immediate and comprehensive response.

Suspects have been apprehended and we continue coordinating with HPD and HFD on investigations. Current work includes fire department standpipes for emergency water access, a Firewise partnership for community fire-proofing, and enhanced monitoring across the property.