Former banana farmer Richard Ha and Shelby Floyd of Hawaiian Ethos LLC, have been selected to open Hawaii Island’s first medical marijuana dispensaries. ADVERTISING Former banana farmer Richard Ha and Shelby Floyd of Hawaiian Ethos LLC, have been selected to
Former banana farmer Richard Ha and Shelby Floyd of Hawaiian Ethos LLC, have been selected to open Hawaii Island’s first medical marijuana dispensaries.
The state Department of Health announced the two Big Island winners, chosen from a pool of 14 applicants, at a news conference Friday in Honolulu.
Ha, who applied under the name Lau Ola LLC, closed his longtime banana operation this year after discovering banana bunchy top virus on his farm. He previously told the Tribune-Herald he would offer his former workers jobs at the dispensary, which would be an enclosed facility with security measures in place.
Hawaiian Ethos is registered under a Waimea mailing address.
A four-person panel scored applicants based on merit — they were judged on their ability to operate a business, their plan for opening a dispensary, proof of financial stability, among other criteria.
Statewide, eight licenses were granted from a pool of 66 applications, according a list posted on the DOH website. Each license allows up to two dispensaries and two production centers. Those chosen can open as soon as July 15.
