DuPont Pioneer breaks ground on shade house project in Kekaha, Hawaii

DuPont Pioneer broke ground recently on their shade house project in Kekaha, Kaua`i, Hawai`i. The blessing and groundbreaking ceremony was held after the company received approval from the State Department of Agriculture for the project in late January.

The new structures will increase capacity and incorporate new, more efficient technologies. Expansions and improvements estimated at nearly $12 million in total will enhance the DuPont Pioneer Waimea Research Center and the former DuPont Pioneer Kekaha Parent Seed location, which are now part of the research network.

“This project will expand our capacity to conduct research operations indoors, providing environmental benefits and reducing the need for additional lands,” Judith Rivera, Hawaii Research Lead for DuPont Pioneer. “We are pleased that Mayor Bernard Carvalho and Council Chair Mel Rapozo were able to join us. We would also like to thank the Kauai State legislative delegation for their support of the project.”

During the first phase of the project, four new structures will be built. Additional structures will be built over the next few years. Other improvements are also planned, including renovations to the office building in Kekaha to create more work areas.