Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation CASE STUDY

Hawaiʻi, Kōkua Learning Farm, part of the Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation founded by Kim and Jack Johnson in 2003, is a renowned educational and agricultural destination dedicated to inspiring learners of all ages to actively support local food systems and sustainable agriculture.

For years, Kōkua integrated composting into their operations using a traditional 3-bin composting system. The Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation also collaborates with Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii and 11th Hour Racing on a long term program to increase composting programs and infrastructure in Hawaii. 

In 2024, they sought to expand and upgrade to a high-performance composting solution capable of producing premium quality compost in a matter of weeks—specifically three to four weeks—compared to the six to nine months required with their existing setup.  

A core motivation for adopting a new composting system was Kōkua’s ambition to become a community food waste composting destination, aligning with Hawaii’s evolving food waste infrastructure and waste diversion goals. Their goal was a hot aerobic in-vessel composting system capable of processing hundreds of pounds of food waste daily, with operational simplicity to engage both staff and visitors actively in the composting process.

Quality finished compost remained a top priority—essential for farm sustainability, seedling production, and educational programs. Additionally, effective odor control, complete leachate containment, and reliable operation in diverse weather conditions were critical to ensure seamless, eco-friendly operations.

Drawing on proven success with the Earth Flow composting system at Full Circle Farm since 2021, Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation decided that the Earth Flow was the optimal choice for their needs.

They selected an Earth Flow IM20, which was successfully commissioned in spring 2025. This hot aerobic in-vessel composting system provides rapid processing, superior odor control, and complete containment of leachate, making it an ideal fit for Kōkua’s mission to process and repurpose larger volumes of food waste sustainably. 

The Earth Flow’s user-friendly operation and engaging design allow visitors and staff alike to better understand and participate in composting activities, reinforcing Kōkua’s educational goals and commitment to community resilience.

The Hawaiʻi, Kōkua Learning Farm is Hawaii’s second permitted food waste composting facility, with Full Circle Farm being the first. Kōkua’s composting of food waste from off-site will be focused primarily on regional schools. 

Food waste from regional schools is being diverted and brought to Hawaiʻi, Kōkua Learning Farm for processing, at no cost to the schools. Finished compost is given back to each school and integrated with garden programs. 

Many public schools in Hawaii place special emphasis on agriculture and local food sovereignty, which is a high priority in general given that Hawaii imports most of its food. The food waste composting programs at Hawaiʻi, Kōkua Learning Farm and Full Circle Farm have become foundations for the growth of composting in Hawaii.