Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Friday (June 15) that the state was not able to secure a location for the Haleiwa Farmers Market to continue.

The market had operated on state land at the junction of Kamehameha Highway and Joseph P. Leong Highway, but restrictions on vending and safety concerns ended operations there.

The governor said the proposed new locations were unsatisfactory for the organizers of the market.

On a “positive” note, according to Abercrombie, he signed into law two bills relating to agricultural that he said were the “epitome” of where the state needs to go in terms of being progressive on food sustainability.

Senate Bill 2375 authorizes agricultural-based commercial operations in agricultural districts to help farmer sell their products and promote food sustainability for the islands.

Senate Bill 2646 is “intended to promote and support diversified agriculture by exempting certain nonresidential agricultural buildings that are on commercial farms from county building permit requirements.” 

The governor also signed into law a number of other bills, many related to agriculture.

Sen. Clarence Nishihara, Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Rep. Gil Riviere and Sen. Ron Kouchi.