Aloha State News

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has released new data comparing retail egg prices in Honolulu from December 2021 to 2024. According to the report, the cost of a dozen locally produced eggs increased by 28.4%, rising from $6.91 to $8.87. In contrast, the price of imported mainland eggs saw a more significant increase of 51.8%, climbing from $5.50 to $8.35.

The rise in mainland egg prices is primarily attributed to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which has affected egg production across the continental United States.

Data collected between 2023 and 2024 shows that local egg prices rose by 2.7%, while mainland egg prices increased by 6.2%.

Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture, commented on these findings: “The increase in local production of eggs has been closing the price gap with imported mainland eggs,” she said. “The avian influenza outbreak on the mainland is another example of why food security in Hawai‘i is so important. Supporting local farmers and ranchers helps to ensure our food supply.”

In early November 2024, HPAI was detected at two locations on O‘ahu; however, no further detections have been confirmed, and no Hawai‘i egg production facilities have been affected. Hawai‘i was the last state in the nation to detect HPAI, with migratory birds via the Pacific flyway being identified as a likely transmission route.

The HDOA continues its collaboration with local poultry industries to prevent HPAI infections among flocks.