Rates, expanded biography, and references  provided upon request.

After our State Legislature authorized a second research project in 2014 (Act 56), I was fortunate to join the University of Hawai'i at Manoa's research team as the lead grower and cultivator.  In 2017 the University was awarded one of three hemp seed development contracts by the Hawai'i State Dept. of Agriculture (HDOA), the goal being to develop a local seed bank to supply prospective hemp farmers being licensed under Hawaii's nascent pilot program (Act 228, SLH 2016).  I coordinated the University's project and conducted all levels of fieldwork, reporting, and compliance in which we (along with our colleagues on the other two teams) worked to multiply several varieties of hemp for HDOA in 2017-2018. I continue to stay abreast of current and pending regulations and am versed in navigating the compliance process as well as authoring reports.

I first learned about industrial hemp while working at the Hawai'i State Legislature in 2001, assisting in efforts to renew Hawaii's first industrial hemp research project (Act 305, SLH 1999).  Since then, I have continued to advocate for industrial hemp's environmental and economic benefits and its great potential for Hawai'i.

~ Melody Heidel 

About

This unique knowledge and experience is the hallmark of my consulting services.  I am passionate about hemp's multi-purpose industrial applications (such as bioplastics, insulation, erosion control, absorbents, etc.) and in particular phytoremediation: the ability to cleanse soil of contaminants from previous agricultural, industrial and military use.

Please contact me regarding  growing hemp in Hawai'i.  I look forward to helping you transform your land and build our future!