Hawaii to Lose Major Dairy Producer

The Hawaiian island of Oahu will lose Pacific Dairy, its last dairy operation, on Feb. 15, forcing 910,000 island residents to rely on imported milk.

The dairy industry in the island state has declined in recent years because of rising costs, environmental regulations and stagnant sales, USA Today reported Wednesday.

As recently as 1980, two dozen dairies produced all the milk Hawaii needed. But, the state has lost seven dairies since 1999.

When Pacific Dairy closes Hawaii will be left with just two dairies, both on Big Island. Those operations currently only serve Big Island customers. The disappearance of dairies leaves the state’s residents vulnerable in emergency situations, said Chin Lee, a Hawaiian dairy extension agent.

The closing has also triggered fears of milk prices rising in the state. Whole milk prices already range between $6.50 and $8 per gallon in Honolulu, the report said. The price of whole milk in California, Hawaii’s biggest milk supplier, is about $3.50 per gallon.