Grand Hyatt of Kauaʻi Resort and Spa’s dining menus will soon feature freshly grown produce from their own hydroponics garden. The resort is partnering with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and Kauaʻi Community College to design, construct and operate a hydroponics garden unit on the grounds of the resort in Poʻipū.

“This fits into the global sustainability mission of food thoughtfully sourced, carefully served,” said Keith Butz, Hyatt’s general manager.

The Hyatt is also sponsoring two internships for Kauaʻi CC students. The students will gain valuable hands-on learning experiences in both construction and operation of a local innovative food producing method.

Their Tennis Court 3 will serve as a data gathering and training site during the preliminary phase of the project. The estimated cost for this phase is $300,000.

“What a sensible way to create local jobs in growing local food literally on-site in a very progressive way with the use of hydroponics,” said Eric Knutzen, Kauaʻi CC ’s executive director of Hoʻouluwehi: The Sustainable Living Institute of Kauaʻi.

Read the Kauaʻi Community College news release for the full story.