This article highlights the devastating impact of Hurricane Lala on the Norberte family and other farmers in Pāhala, Hawaiʻi. Here’s a summary of the main points:
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Hurricane Damage: On August 15, Kauhuhuʻula Gulch overflowed, severely damaging the Norberte family’s home and coffee business. Their coffee operation, JN Coffee Farms, established in 1996, lost hundreds of coffee trees and faces substantial recovery challenges.
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Impact on Coffee Harvest: As fall begins, the coffee harvesting season confronts significant losses, with many farmers reporting damages. The Hawaiʻi Coffee Association is assessing the overall impact on coffee growers.
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Government Response: U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda and U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono are advocating for federal assistance programs to aid farmers. A variety of programs are available through the USDA to address immediate and long-term recoveries, such as the Tree Assistance Program and the Emergency Conservation Program.
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Community Support: JoAnn Norberte has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help her parents rebuild after discovering their insurance won’t cover flood-related damages. The campaign has raised nearly $23,000 towards a goal of $26,000.
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Wider Agricultural Impact: The article discusses the broader implications of the hurricane on agriculture in Hawaiʻi, detailing losses across various farms and the community’s efforts to reclaim their livelihoods amid the devastation.
The story emphasizes the resilience of the local farming community and their need for support as they navigate recovery from the disaster.
