UH Manoa Seal

county overview & history button
faculty and staff button
classes & events button
nav bar rule
counties main button
counties leadership button
directory of resources button
nav bar rule
office of cooperative extension button
office of research button
nav bar rule
contact us button
nav bar rule
Maui County InfoBlock
Maui County Banner

MAUI COUNTY OVERVIEW & HISTORY
horizontal rule

Photo by David Oka
Click here to learn more about the Maui Agricultural Research Station in Kula, Maui.
horizontal rule
Maui County is a dynamic, rapid developing county. During the past decade, Maui County's communities have experienced transitions with shifts in the economic foundation from agriculture to tourism. Economic and social change have and continue to impact the social structure and highlight the need for human resource programs that build strong family units and enable individuals to participate in community decisions that will impact their future.

Transferring technology to Maui County's agricultural industry remains the major role for CTAHR. Tropical agriculture programs remain to target vegetable, fruit, and flower producers, livestock producers as well as landscapers and farm/commodity organizations. Additionally, homeowners get expert help from the agents and have a very active Master Gardener Program, which include over 12 volunteers.

Human resources programs reach out to help individuals, families, community organizations and agencies. Extension educators provide educational programs on family resource management and community development with emphasis on food and nutrition, consumerism, human and family relationships, health and safety, leadership development, and 4-H and Youth development programs.

STATEMENT OF MISSION
Maui is the only island in the State where sugar and pineapple is still alive and well. However, on most of the other islands, diversified agriculture is replacing lands where sugar and pineapple once grew. On Maui, both the sugar and pineapple companies are working with diversified agriculture to insure that all aspects of agriculture will survive.

CTAHR Maui is committed to the preparation of students and all the citizens of Maui for life in the global community through research and educational programs that foster viable communities, a diversified economy, and a healthy environment. CTAHR needs to improve learning environments to provide superior quality education to learners participating in the College’s formal (Academic) and non-formal (Extension) instructional programs on Maui. CTAHR Maui needs to create new opportunities through research, develop innovative opportunities for economic, social and environmental and resource management and enhance options that meet existing and future needs. We need to reach out to the citizens of Maui through outreach processes that enhance opportunities for clients to participate in the College’s programs.

The College will continue to provide professionals and educate students and clients who can create technology and help formulate policies that support and sustain Maui’s natural, cultural, and agricultural resources. We need to use critical thinking and problem solving skills to develop creative and proactive initiatives to address consumer, business, and environmental concerns.

For Maui County to be competitive in the global economy, the continuous discovery of knowledge, development of technology, and transfer of science-based information is essential. The science and technology necessary to support economic activities in Maui’s unique setting are not readily transferable, making a state-assisted research and learning program essential to enable Maui’s agriculture to be economically viable, environmentally compatible, and sustainable for rural communities and families.

GOALS
Maui County’s goals are streamlined towards CTAHR’s mission, which is to improve learning environments and provide superior quality education to learners participating in CTAHR’s non-formal (extension) instructional programs here in Maui County. In the near future, collaboration with Maui Community College (MCC) will bring formal education degree programs to Maui. We need to create new opportunities for Maui and the State of Hawaii through research, develop innovative opportunities for economic, social, environmental and resource management and enhancement options that meet existing and future Maui and State needs. Outreach to Maui’s population through processes that enhance opportunities for clients to participate in CTAHR’s programs.

Unlike other Counties in the State, Maui still has a strong influence in agriculture by the strong presence of sugar and pineapple. However, these companies (Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar (HC&S) and Maui Pineapple Company) work closely with the small-diversified farmers through the Maui County Farm Bureau. As a result, both small and large agricultural enterprises work together to keep agriculture viable on Maui.

Goals for Maui County in the next year:
    • Work with the Department of Hawaiian Home Land (DHHL) Homesteaders in preparing them to occupy their agricultural lots in the near future. DHHL Homesteaders are one of the underserved here on the Island of Maui. DHHL agents from Hawaii, Molokai and Kauai will provide assistance.
    • Improve Learning environments and provide superior quality education to learners participating in CTAHR's non-formal (extension) instructional programs.
    • Promote CTAHR’s presence in the community by keeping a high profile and encouraging faculty to participate in many community activities such as fairs and community events.
    • Continue to work closely with the Maui Community College in collaborating with programs both on Maui and Molokai and Lanai.
    • Continue to work with the agricultural community and encourage staff to keep an active role with community and farm organizations such as the Maui County Farm Bureau, 4-H, The Maui Onion Growers Association, The Maui Master Gardeners, The Family Community and Education (FCE) organizations, and the Maui Landscape Professionals.
    • Outreach to Maui’s population through processes that enhance opportunities for clients to participate in CTAHR’s programs.

OBJECTIVES OF THE UNIT:
  1. Strengthening Diversified Agriculture - Maui County’s agricultural industries will be provided the needed support to be competitive with the rest of the State and world.

  2. Strengthening Families and Communities - Maui County’s people (adults and youth) will gain skills and receive information to make sound decisions for a more satisfying quality of life.

  3. Protecting Our Environment - Maui County residents will develop an appreciation for the environment and adopt sound conservation practices.

  4. Urban Horticulture Program - The County of Maui is one of the fastest growing counties in the State of Hawaii. To meet the demands of the residents and agricultural retail businesses that deal with the general public, educational programs will be developed to teach the applied aspects of horticulture (Master Gardener Program).
horizontal rule
Last updated on 12/26/02