Rogerene ‘Kali’ Arce sworn in as first director of Maui County’s Department of Agriculture

Rogerene "Kali" Arce took the oath of office today as the first director of Maui County's new Department of Agriculture.

Arce is a Molokai resident and Hawaiian homesteader with more than three decades of experience in Hawaii's agriculture industry. Mayor Michael Victorino's appointment of Arce was confirmed last month by the full Maui County Council.

"Under Kali Arce's leadership, we are making progress toward re-establishing agriculture as a key segment of our economy," Mayor Victorino said. "With support from our new Department of Agriculture, farmers are helping to provide our residents with fresh produce and higher-paying jobs, apart from the hospitality industry."

Kali Arce took on her new position in July of this year and has been meeting with farmers and ranchers throughout the County's three islands to determine needs and priorities.

In 2020, voters overwhelmingly approved a Maui County Charter amendment to create a new Department of Agriculture to help farmers and ranchers succeed in their businesses while increasing locally grown foods.

The Department of Agriculture office is at 2154 Kaohu St. in Wailuku. Its phone number is (808) 270-8276. Email is [email protected]. For more information, see www.mauicounty.gov/2473/Department-of-Agriculture.