As a graduate faculty member of the Department of Entomology, Dr. Hara is stationed at the Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station (Beaumont Agricultural Research Center) and the Cooperative Extension Service in Hilo, Hawaii, known collectively as the Hawaii Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (HITAHR). He is an ornamental entomologist focusing on the development of pest management programs for tropical floricultural crops such as anthuriums, orchids, flowering gingers, birds of paradise, heliconia, protea and foliage (palms, dracaena).

Major research activities include 1) identifying major insect and mite pests of tropical floricultural crops and elucidating their bionomics; 2) investigating nonchemical control methods such as biological, cultural and microbial control; 3) developing and implementing integrated pest management programs on major floricultural crops; and 4) screening chemical and biorational insecticides for efficacy and phytotoxicity on tropical floricultural crops.

Dr. Hara specializes in developing postharvest treatments of export floricultural crops to meet stringent interstate and foreign quarantine regulations. He is investigating nonchemical treatments, such as vapor heat, which will ensure insect-free and high quality flowers and foliage. He is also interested in the biological control potential of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae & Heterorhabditidae) against tropical pest species.

When Dr. Hara serves as chairperson of a thesis or dissertation committee, graduate students may elect to complete their coursework at the Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences in Honolulu, Hawaii, and conduct their research at Beaumont Agricultural Research Center in Hilo, Hawaii.