Revving Up the Fields: Farmer’s Unlikely Drag Racing Spectacle Brings Unexpected Joy to the Farm

The Unconventional Way to Tame 25 Acres of Land: A Hawaiian Farming Story

When you need to till 25 acres of land, what’s the quickest and most fun way to do it? For one Hawaiian farmer, the answer was to organize a mud drag race, and it was just as unique as it sounds. This unconventional approach proved to be a massive hit, but it also raised some eyebrows.

Scott Wong, the farmer behind the event, said it was a fun day out for him and his community. He had leased the 25-acre plot in Whitmore Village, Central Oahu, from the Agribusiness Development Corp. (ADC), a state agency responsible for transforming former plantation fields into agricultural and food production areas.

Wong’s event, which was originally intended to be an employee fun day out, attracted more than twice as many people as initially planned. Modified ATVs, dragsters, and even Miatas showed up to the event, which was designed to help contractors, their families, and friends till the soil. The day featured a range of activities, including a mud drag race, with all the necessary safety measures in place.

However, the event’s popularity caught the ADC off guard, and they were initially keen to shut it down. "It was going to be a riot," said ADC Executive Director Wendy Gady. "We couldn’t stop the traffic, couldn’t stop people coming in. It was not for lack of trying, but it was something that could not get controlled."

Despite the massive turnout, no serious injuries or arrests were reported. The Honolulu Police Department used pepper ball guns to disperse a small fight, and at least two people were treated for minor injuries, but these occurred later in the day, towards the end of the event.

The state plans to hold a meeting this month to discuss the event and any potential repercussions for Wong. One aspect that’s unclear, however, is the terms of his lease agreement. The ADC claims the land is zoned for food production, while Wong insists his lease is for managing brush, which he has done.

The land in question was once one of the worst in the ADC’s portfolio, according to Wong. However, he had already cleared the area of overgrown brush, invasive albizia trees, and a range of other debris, including abandoned vehicles. Regardless of the lease, the ADC has acknowledged that Wong has done an excellent job with the cleanup.

Wong’s plans for the land include maintaining it as a grassland with the potential to grow hemp in the future. He has a conservation plan and a license to back it up. It’s possible that Wong’s innovative approach might just be the key to unlocking a more sustainable future for the community.

Key Takeaways:

• Unconventional methods can lead to unique and fun community events.
• Safety should be prioritized, even in unexpected situations.
• Land use and zoning regulations can be complex and open to interpretation.
• Innovative approaches can lead to sustainable outcomes and positive change.