Hurricane Lala Damages Coffee Farms in Hawaii Just Before Harvest Season – CoffeeTalk

Severe storm damage from Hurricane Lala has profoundly impacted coffee farms in the rural southern region of Hawaii, primarily in Kau, just before the harvest season. The storm washed away crops and destroyed crucial infrastructure—roads and bridges—hampering access to communities. As a result, many residents are currently without power and water, relying on supply deliveries.

Coffee industry losses are becoming clearer, with reports of uprooted coffee trees and interrupted power and water services. Alla Kostenko, co-owner of A Coffee Farm, highlighted extensive damage with thousands of trees down and destroyed roads. Initially cut off by highway closures, Pahala has regained access to Hilo, but many areas remain inaccessible, complicating recovery efforts.

The dire situation has forced locals to rely on community efforts to clear paths and maintain access. There are concerns over water supply as critical lines have been damaged. Kau’s coffee production spans about 500 acres, primarily on smaller farms, where estimates suggest that half of the coffee trees may be lost. As the harvest season approached, the storm has jeopardized the fruits still on the trees, which farmers fear could have been washed away. Shawn Steiman, a coffee scientist, noted losses of both cherries and leaves, which are vital for coffee tree health.

Even surviving farms face significant challenges in getting produce to market. Damage to buildings and infrastructure, alongside disruptions in utilities, limits the processing and selling capabilities of farmers. Steiman shared a firsthand experience illustrating how essential services were interrupted, preventing a local farmer from roasting coffee.

At Rusty’s Hawaiian, co-owner Joan Obra expressed urgency in harvesting ripe coffee before the onset of more severe weather. Concurrently, the region faces long-term implications as it strives to establish a unique coffee identity separate from the famous Kona.

Kau’s coffee cultivation dates back to at least 1894 and gained prominence following the closure of the Kau sugar plantation in 1996, with former plantation workers turning to coffee farming. Over the years, Kau has developed its brand and garnered awards, attracting visitors eager to experience local coffee.

To support Kau farmers amid these challenges, Kostenko urged the community to purchase Kau coffee directly from roasters or farms and emphasized the resilience of local farmers, who are determined to continue their work despite the setbacks.

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