How does Hawaii Feed Millions of People Every Year?

How does the state of Hawaii feed the over one million people already living in the Hawaiian Islands, and the over seven million visitors arriving to Hawaii each year? Hawaii grows some of its food, but the majority of food and non-food items are shipped into the state--most of it arriving in Honolulu, then some of it being shipped to all of the other neighbor islands. Hawaii receives over 90% of its food and other goods by ocean in container ships.

The freight companies usually come out of a port located in California, stacked with 40 foot long containers loaded with everything imaginable.

Locals and visitors alike gripe about the high cost of living in Hawaii (the Paradise Tax), but things may be getting even more expensive for Hawaii consumers very soon.

In California, Senate Bill 974 (that has already been passed by the California Senate), will impose a $60.00 tax for each 40 foot container every time it leaves and returns to the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland.

The shipping companies will likely pass on the higher fees to consumers, as they have already done with the ever increasing fuel surcharges.

For more information, read article Ca Bill May Raise Prices of Hawaii Goods.