Sumida Farm, one of the oldest multi-generational farms in the state of Hawai‘i was a vital partner in ‘Ike Wai project research. This partnership helped to better understand the effects of urbanization and climate change that impact local agriculture. Sumida Farmʻs spring-dependent watercress crops have faced historical and current challenges of urban agricultural systems.
The key findings in this study include that the Kalauao Springs that feed the farm are clean and pure, with no detectable traces of contaminates seen in urban area water runoff. The watercress additionally helps to provide important water quality protection from the surrounding community. Notably, there is social and cultural value to Sumida Farm as a green landscape that connects the community and creates a sense of place and heritage.
Read the full story on the Sumida Farm Blog: https://sumidafarm.com/blogs/blog/ike-wai
Read more about the study: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0235661