FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Aside from special shipping rates, what other benefits will HFNA offer to offset the dues?
The key benefit for all concerned will be unification in order to receive discounts on cost of goods sold, transportation costs, legislative issues, etc. HFNA as a unifying voice can cut out the redundancy with organizational meetings, in negotiating and maintaining better shipping rates, and with education of industry personnel. HTFC will bring to HFNA their box and sleeve programs, educational materials (posters, brochures, and guides), marketing efforts, and advertisements in major publications. It is anticipated that HFNA will obtain programs with allied suppliers as well. HFNA will be partnering with CTAHR on surveys, introduction of new invasive pests and control methods for invasives.
Please elaborate on the partnership with CTAHR.
Statewide CTAHR CES personnel work closely with HFNA. UH CTAHR Researchers work closely with industry on entomology issues. It’s been mentioned that government agencies would prefer to deal with one organization instead of all the individual groups. HFNA can be the vehicle that all industry persons can bring their issues to. HFNA will address the issue to the correct government agency for answers. HFNA’s R&D committee will take a major facilitative role by providing feedback from industry on pertinent research projects to the UH researchers and will give support to industry, breeding programs, etc.
What about agro tourism?
Hawaii is very supportive of agro tourism, which can add additional revenue for farmers. It was suggested that Ag tourism should be added to HFNA’s documentation, perhaps with the PR & Education committee.
What marketing and promotion programs will HFNA offer?
Collaboration with wire services and media, national organizations, trade shows and conferences, HVCB, other floral and nursery associations, as well as local, national and international trade publications to drive sales to the growers.
How will HFNA work closely with LICH?
President Tanouye had discussions with LICH past-President Boyd Ready about mutual organization memberships which will not merge the two organizations together but will create opportunities for the groups to network on educational conferences and other pertinent issues.
If a joint political force is the goal, wouldn’t one organization be better than two?
Yes; Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA) is the best example of this in the US. This type of merge is premature at this time, but could be explored in the future. As HFNA grows, both organizations should keep each other informed and come together to approach Farm Bureau.
Will organization boards or general memberships decide about joining HFNA?
No groups are willing to dissolve now, but in future some groups may decide to dissolve if their members can receive all similar or better benefits from HFNA.
With regard to commodity groups making the decision to join HFNA, what should their boards of directors say to their members as encouragement, especially those that don’t use discounted transportation rates?
Many organization members may not know about HFNA. It is hoped the Presidents and Boards of Directors will share this informational booklet with the members to help them make an informed decision to join..
What are the term limits for HFNA election of officers and board?
Under Article IV, Section 2 of the HFNA By Laws, the term of each director shall be initially for one and two years to ensure the composition of the board is staggered, then the term will be two years.
What if no one wishes to run for President after the two years?
Per Article VI, Section 2 of the By Laws, the officers of HFNA shall hold an office for a term of one year or until his or her successor has been appointed, until his or her death, or until he or she resigns or was removed by the board of directors.
Does the board of directors elect the officers?
The directors are elected by the general membership. The board will create the electoral slate of officers and the board of directors will vote.
How will each commodity be treated equally in HFNA?
HFNA can promise to be as fair as possible within the spirit of cooperation and unification and the By Laws and will always be fair, but can’t be totally equal.
Can an unbiased (outside independent) group be hired to run HFNA?
An Executive Director will be hired; that person needs to come with a neutral background and needs to handle everyone fairly and as equal as possible. An Executive Director is the base of an organization that interacts with political and regulatory agencies, but not limited to only these functions.
