Sumida Farm has been called "the most unexpected farm in all of Hawaii," literally miles from other agricultural land and in the heart of the urban corridor. The farm is a tiny green oasis between massive Pearlridge Mall and busy Kamehameha Highway. This family farm has existed since 1928 and remains in existence today through sheer determination and hard work.
Sumida Farm is part of Kalauao Ahipua'a ("Kalauao" means "abundant clouds" in Hawaiian http://kalauao.betterperson.net/about_website.html). Many years ago, the Aiea area was divided into seven ahupua'a (land subdivisions). The area nearest Pearl Harbor was marshland and contained many desirable resources, such as natural springs for kalo and fishponds; the harbor had shellfish.
The battle of Kuki'iahu, a conflict between the chief of Kaua'i, Ka'eo, and the chief of O'ahu, Kalanikupule, was over this land. In late 1794, a great battle occurred on the site that is today Sumida Farm. It was then that Ka'eo and his forces were ambushed by Kalanikupule with the help of the British Navy.
Aiea changed drastically by the 1900's, when much of the land was converted to sugar plantations. The marshlands that were once kalo lo'i were diminished to the small area where Sumida Farm now sits. Areas surrounding Kalauao springs are now covered over with concrete buildings and roadways.
Sumida Farm is currently the largest watercress farm both in size and productivity in Hawaii, producing fully half of the state's crop. Current owner David Sumida indicated that the farm produces five tons of watercress per week yet cannot meet demand. David speaks of his farm with pride, stating that they have received international recognition for the quality of their produce.
Sumida Farm not only supplies Hawai'i with delicious, nutritious watercress, it also represents a connection to our rich Hawaiian history during a time when people would live close to the land. The farm honors this heritage with its sustainable practices, innovation, and efficiency. The farm demonstrates the value of preserving agricultural land within the city and inspires us to better stewardship of our land. To learn more about Sumida Farm, watch "Roots in Water," a PBS video production at http://video.pbs.org/video/1487905974/.
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