SA reporters and editors think like lawyers and bureaucrats, with little appreciation for the particular characteristics of particular lands (soil quality, topography, rain, irrigation), and with little appreciation for the details of farming. They also ignore how particulsr location and topogeaphy relate to "development". Thus, they miss the most important factors driving what happens with ag land,  instead casting about for villians. Sad.

Developers profit most from building on flat land with few rocks, near a water source and population center. These also happen to be the most valuable farm lands (think Hoopili). These places aren't always so great to live in. 

Dry, rocky, hilly areas with poor soils are impossible to farm profitably, costly to develop, but excellent to live in (Kunia Loa).

Large plantations can hire overnight worker to check, protect and care for crops, machinery and livestock at night.  Small farmers have to do this themselves.