Gabe Johnson said that running for council is imperative now — despite all the pandemic stressors — because it’s an opportune time to ensure food security.

“COVID-19 has shown us the weak side of our tourism-based economy,” he said. “We have but a short time to pivot before it gets worse, so we must act now. My farming background as well as my passion for helping common folk get ahead will give local workers a choice at the council level.”

Johnson said the island is confronting several issues. For one, Lanai is dependent on a weekly barge of goods from around the world, yet it’s zoned mostly for agricultural land.

All that ag land offers a “great opportunity” for Lanai’s youth, as well as entrepreneurs, he added.

“I believe the county can help set up an ag park that would create a myriad of new jobs,” he said.

Beyond just Lanai, the entire county can benefit from investing more in agriculture, he said.

“It creates more than just farmers,” he said. “We need the technology, education, cultural practices and marketing tools to successfully farm. A whole economy can be created by agriculture. As a farmer, I’m often told we have the best brand in the world — everyone wants to buy ‘Made in Hawaii’ products.”

Johnson, an organic farmer, said he sees more consensus in the county’s farming community than he sees division. He supports the county’s proposed Department of Agriculture and said it can assist with soil sampling, grant writing and partnerships with nonprofits.

“This is where the government can come in to help,” he said. “Large issues that the farmers cannot solve alone must be handled by our local government.”

For the countywide housing issue, Johnson said it’s unfortunate the issue has been “politicized.”

“So the simple answer is that we just need the political will to get it done,” he said. “My affordable housing plan is to use land trusts, nonprofit developers like AmeriCorps, and to give grants to local credit unions in order to secure mortgages for our community.”

Johnson said he’s recognized as a farmer and a father. He’s also known for working with people with disabilities and fought for their rights.

“I believe my message rings true to the voters of Maui County and I will work hard to make sure their needs are met,” he said.