Rogerene "Kali" Arce, a Molokai resident and Hawaiian homesteader with decades of experience in Hawaii's agriculture industry, has been tapped to lead the newly-created Maui County Department of Agriculture, it was announced this week.
Her appointment is subject to confirmation by the Maui County Council.
Weston Yap, who most recently served as the Hawaii Produce Safety Program manager for the state Department of Agriculture has been named deputy director, a position that does not require council confirmation.
According to an announcement from the county, Yap has a decade of experience in food production, risk management and safety experience.
Maui County on July 1 became the first county in Hawaii to establish its own Department of Agriculture after voters in 2020 approved a charter amendment for its creation.
According to the county, the department's mission is to:
- Support the development and continued management of a regional agricultural system for Maui County;
- Promote resident and ecosystem health and well-being;
- Create a thriving agro-economic system that can serve as a model for the rest of the world; and
- Advocate for local farmers and ranchers and increase opportunities to create a sustainable future and build economic resiliency for Maui.
“Putting leadership in place for this new department is an important step forward in restoring a viable, sustainable agriculture economy for Maui Nui and Hawaii,” Mayor Michael Victorino said in a statement. “From the start, I directed my administration to ensure that the department focuses its goals toward being an advocate for agriculture and not to add additional regulations and burdens on farmers and ranchers.”
“I am honored to have been selected by Mayor Victorino to lead this newly created department,” Arce said in a statement. “Today we honor the will of the people and begin the work of creating a truly sustainable agricultural system for Maui County. Mayor Victorino has directed our department to help farmers and ranchers do what they do best -- put food on our tables and help us become more self-reliant.”
According to information from the county, Arce most recently served as acting program manager in the Natural Resources Management Division of Kalaupapa National Park on Molokai. She is "well-versed" in sustainable agriculture management as well as Native Hawaiian plants and traditional farming practices.
Arce is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapalama, earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture from the University of Hawaii at Hilo and received a master's degree in agriculture from Washington State University in 2020. She also received a certificate in sustainable agriculture.
Yap is a graduate of Punahou School and the University of Washington. In addition to his other work, Yap also has experience in legislative and policy development as a former bill analyst for the state Senate Ways and Means Committee and an economic development specialist for the DOA, according to the county.
For his part, Victorino said he's confident the department's efforts will lead to more locally-grown food for the residents of Maui.
“To do that, the department will listen carefully to local farmers and ranchers to determine what they need to thrive," he said. "For the future of agriculture to be bright in Maui County, we need to mentor our youth and show them that farming and ranching are rewarding careers for their families and the community.”
The Maui County Department of Agriculture office is located at 2154 Kaohu St. in Wailuku, next to the rear parking lot of Kalana O Maui.
Visit the department's website at mauicounty.gov/2473/Department-of-Agriculture for more information.
