A Vietnam veteran and graduate of UH’s accounting program, Richard Ha is the pioneering president and founder of Hamakua Spring Country Farms in Pepe’eko. Beginning with 25 acres of his father’s farm, some chicken manure, recycled boxes, and a credit card with a $300 spending limit, Ha fostered the state’s largest banana farm. His farm is the first banana operation in the world to receive “Eco-OK” certification following his implementation of sustainable agricultural practices.

In addition to running Hamakua Springs Country Farms, Ha serves on the Hawai’i State Board of Agriculture Executive Board and as CTAHR’s 2015 delegate for the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching. Some of his past roles include the CTAHR Advisory Council and UH Hilo’s Advisory Board, as well as activity in numerous business and civic organizations.

The ever busy Ha also speaks on agricultural sustainability issues, organized support for the Thirty Meter Telescope project on Mauna Kea, co-chairs the Geothermal Working Group, and participated on a steering committee seeking to form an energy co-op on the Big Island.

via Big Island Farmer to Receive Ka Lei Hana Heritage Award | Big Island Now.