Statewide the production of flowers and other nursery products in Hawaii are worth more than $77 million, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Orchids make up almost 20 percent of that value.
But the state’s orchid industry has been struggling in recent years.
"The state of orchids is declining," said Robert Speer, the president of the Kunia Orchid Society. "It’s sad to notice but it's consistent with a lot of the ag industry issues, trying to diversify agriculture."
Ten years ago, Speer said there were 20 or so growers in orchid production to sell.
"...Today we have between eight and 10 on Oʻahu, and in another six, eight, or 10 years there may not be any because all of the growers are just aging and we're not seeing younger generations come in to take over those businesses."