The Silent Invasion: Protecting Hawaiʻi's Agriculture Through Biosecurity

Hawaiʻi’s $673 million agricultural industry is under siege. From the Coffee Berry Borer, which has devastated local coffee farms since 2010, to the Little Fire Ant, which could cause an estimated $194 million in damages annually, invasive species are threatening our food security, ecosystems, and economy. Managing just five invasive species over five years could cost over $82.9 million, highlighting the urgent need for stronger biosecurity measures to protect Hawaiʻi’s farms.

Join Hawai‘i Agricultural Foundation and Central Pacific Bank for EAT THINK DRINK, where we will explore how the state, industry stakeholders, and the public can collaborate to strengthen biosecurity policies, enhance enforcement, and build community support.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Mike Inglis
Regional Commissioner at the Ministry for Primary Industries in New Zealand
A global biosecurity expert from New Zealand, a country leading the fight against invasive threats, Mike has spent years working to protect New Zealand’s $54 billion agricultural industry. He will share insights on how New Zealand has successfully managed invasive species through strict policies, early detection, and rapid response protocols — offering valuable lessons for Hawaiʻi.

EXPERT PANEL
Following the keynote, Ulalia Woodside Lee of The Nature Conservancy will moderate a conversation with industry leaders, policymakers, and farmers who will discuss the economic and ecological impacts of invasive species and how collaboration is key to strengthening Hawaiʻi’s biosecurity efforts.

Chelsea Arnott, Invasive Species Coordinator, Department of Land and Natural Resources - Division of Forestry and Wildlife

Sharon Hurd, Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture

Mark "Uncle Mark" Paikuli-Stride, Generational Kalo Farmer of Luluku

Ku‘uhaku T. Park, Senior Vice President - Government and Community Relations, Matson

The next EAT THINK DRINK is an extraordinary opportunity to hear from a global leader who has successfully fought back against some of the very threats Hawai‘i now faces.

Learn more about:

• How New Zealand’s strict biosecurity policies keep destructive pests OUT
• What Hawaiʻi can learn and apply TODAY to defend local farms
• How community action + smart policy can turn the tide against invasive species

PLUS — Enjoy a one-of-a-kind grazing experience where Hawai‘i chefs will transform invasive species into delicious dishes.

Chef Kealoha Domingo, Nui Kealoha

Chef Ed Kenney, Chef & Restaurateur

Chef Jon Matsubara, Feast

Chef Jeremy Shigekane, Prince Waikiki

EARLY BIRD PRICING - SEATS ARE LIMITED!

DON’T MISS OUT! Secure your seat, join the conversation, and be part of the movement to protect Hawai‘i’s agriculture.

SPECIAL PRICING

With support from Ulupono Initiative, a limited number of specially priced tickets are available to agriculture and food industry professionals. First come, first served. Email [email protected] to receive promo code.

$95 EARLY BIRD TICKETS | $120 GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS

All tickets include a two-hour grazing event featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared by Hawaiʻi’s favorite chefs and two drinks from a selection of beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Please advise us of any special dietary requirements when completing the ticket purchase form or contact us at [email protected]. We'll do our best to accommodate.

Doors open 5:30 p.m. | Program begins 6:00 p.m.

Parking with validation at Prince Waikiki: $5 self-parking. $10 valet.

ABOUT EAT THINK DRINK (ETD)

Good things happen when we come together to EAT THINK DRINK! We learn, share, and gain inspiration from thoughtful conversations that happen over the dining table. The quarterly series was developed by the Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation in response to the need to provide better information to the community on important food issues. It aims to build and engage a larger network of younger generation consumers and create new opportunities to learn about the food we eat and the people who grow it.

The goal is to find and develop areas of common ground – such as increasing awareness and support for local farmers and developing better infrastructure and consumer demand for value-added products – to empower Hawaiʻi’s next generation of community and industry leaders. View recordings of past EAT THINK DRINK presentations, here.

EAT THINK DRINK is presented by Central Pacific Bank with support from Alexander & Baldwin, Bayer, Hawaii Longline Association, Kamehameha Schools, Lendlease, Prince Waikiki, State of Hawai‘i, Ulupono Initiative, United Airlines, United Fishing Agency Ltd., and Y. Hata & Co.

TICKET PURCHASER CONDITIONS

Proceeds from EAT THINK DRINK benefit Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation’s education and community outreach programs.

As a reminder:

• MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. No one under the age of 21 will be admitted to the Event, unless noted otherwise. Please bring valid government-issued photo I.D.
• ALL SALES FINAL/NO REFUNDS, NO EXCHANGES, NO REPLACEMENTS Events, presenters, venues, dates and times are subject to change without notice.
• RIGHT TO USE YOUR NAME, VOICE, IMAGE AND LIKENESS By attending the Event, Holder grants the Event and its affiliates and licensees the right to publish, print, display, record and use the Holder’s name, voice, image and likeness while at the Event in any and all media.

For complete details on Ticket Purchaser Conditions associated with attending and otherwise participating in EAT THINK DRINK, click here.

Host or Publisher Hawaii Agricultural Foundation