Hawaii's floriculture industry, ranking among the top 10 in the nation, has been grappling with significant challenges including the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and the COVID-19 pandemic. These hurdles have led to a decrease in revenue. According to a recent press release by Howzit Kohala, florists on the Island of Hawaii have emphasized their heavy reliance on the hospitality sector and called for local support to ensure future viability of the industry. They also underscored the cultural significance of lei in Hawaii.
The Howzit Kohala website reported that from 2018 to 2020, Hawaii's floriculture industry witnessed a five percent decrease in revenue. This downturn particularly affected nurseries associated with tourism and hospitality venues. The report further identified land costs, off-island competition, insect control issues, an aging workforce, and climate change as ongoing challenges for the state's 291 floriculture producers. It highlighted that most of these producers are based on the Island of Hawaii, especially in south Hilo or upper and lower Puna areas due to favorable weather conditions.
In this context, Eric Tanouye from Green Point Nurseries and president of the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association (HFNA), stressed on supporting local growers by purchasing island-grown products. Tanouye said, "When possible, buy flowers grown in Hawai‘i first to support our local growers. Our floral products also promote Hawai‘i’s sense of place, which indirectly helps our visitor industry."
According to Howzit Kohala's release, companies like Ainahua Florals located in Waimea rely heavily on nearby growers for fresh flowers used in lei and floral arrangements. The company prioritizes quality and availability by sourcing from local farms to ensure freshness and timeliness. The release also listed other local products used in lei-making such as ‘ākulikuli, lehua, ti leaf, bird of paradise, hydrangea, protea, and dahlias.
Ka‘iulani Blankenfeld, director of Hawaiian culture at Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, also featured in the release. She highlighted the significance of lei in Hawaiian culture and encouraged the practice of lei-making, wearing, and gifting to perpetuate this tradition. Blankenfeld said, "Whether gifting, wearing or placing a lei somewhere special, the love and intentions that come with the lei is the greater significance and gift." With May Day annually on May 1, she urged everyone to participate in this cultural practice.
According to HFNA's website, its goal is to enhance the prosperity of its members' businesses by advocating for legislation that supports their shared interests. It also provides education, marketing research services and strives to foster conditions conducive to a thriving floral and plant industry. Furthermore, it aims to stimulate the cultivation and exportation of flowers and plants from Hawaii.