Issue 35   |   November 07, 2014   |   Archive   |   Subscribe

News & Events

To the Food Future and Beyond

CTAHR’s 2014 Outstanding Alumnus of the year, Thomas Lumpkin, will discuss “Global Food Security by 2050: Challenges and Opportunities” on Monday, November 10, at 4:00 p.m. at the Architecture Auditorium 205. In addition to population growth and climate change, challenges to food security include changing diets, rising prices, depletion of natural resources, soil degradation and erosion, falling water tables, and urban-rural competition for surface water, Dr. Lumpkin says. But promising technologies can help address the threat. Since 2008, Dr. Lumpkin has been director general of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, an organization dedicated to sustainably increasing agricultural productivity to ensure global food security and reduce poverty. For those not on the Manoa campus who would like a remote connection to the talk, please email events@ctahr.hawaii.edu.

Keeping Our Kiwikiu

Meet the woman who cares for the kiwikiu (Maui parrotbill)! Hanna Mounce, interim project coordinator for the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, will present “Recovery of the Kiwikiu” on Wednesday, November 12, at 3:30 p.m. in Sherman 103 as part of the NREM ‘Imi ‘Ike Series. The presentation will describe her hands-on experiences working with Hawaiian honeycreepers and report on key research findings about factors limiting the kiwikiu population. This is also your last chance to purchase plush kiwikiu toys! Your $15 purchase goes towards habitat management for the kiwikiu as well as to NREM GSO. To purchase a kiwikiu stuffed animal, contact Katie Wilson at kawils65@hawaii.edu or Jody Smith at smithjos@hawaii.edu.

Bring a Little Tree Into Your Life

Ever feel the need for more greens? How about a new tree? The Urban Garden Center celebrates the trees with their 21st Arbor Day Tree Give Away on Saturday, November 8, starting at 7:00 a.m. and continuing until all the trees have happy homes. UCG volunteers have propagated over 2,700 appropriate trees and shrubs for this year’s Arbor Day distribution. Trees available include native species such as a‘ali‘i and koki‘o ‘ula ‘ula and other trees such as Meyer lemon, fig, and Tahitian lime. O‘ahu Master Gardeners and certified arborists will be on hand to assist the public with the tree giveaway as well as a mini plant sale. This year’s partners include Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), the Kaulunani Program, the Urban Garden Center, the Wahiawa Botanical Gardens, and the Waimea Valley Audubon Center. The trees are first come first served, and in past years, the trees were gone within a few hours after the 7 am opening. Come down and get a tree!

Grants & Awards

Food Behavior Guidelines on Limited Means

Jinan Banna (HNFAS) and Opal Vanessa Buchthal (Public Health Studies) were awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health to fund the project “Development of a Food Behavior Checklist for Limited-Resource Filipinos.” As Filipino Americans are the most rapidly growing population of immigrants in the U.S. and suffer disproportionately from a number of chronic health conditions, culturally tailored nutrition education efforts are necessary, as well as use of evaluation tools appropriate for this audience. The proposed research seeks to adapt and assess the face validity of a food behavior checklist in Tagalog using a multi-step method involving translation of an English-language tool, evaluation of content by a panel of experts, and cognitive testing with the target population. Following this study, additional assessment of validity and reliability will be performed to yield a rigorously tested tool that may be used to evaluate the USDA’s nutrition education programs and culturally tailored health interventions.

Fighting Fire with Advanced Training

The Roy A. Goff Memorial Endowed Fund has awarded a $500 scholarship to Clay Trauernicht (NREM) to support his participation in a weeklong wildland fire training session on Kaua‘i. While Clay won’t be working on the front lines, this training will help him better communicate the responsibilities, needs, and limitations of wildland firefighters to the many landowners and land managers who are concerned with mitigating wildfire impacts. The Roy A. Goff Memorial Endowment supports professional development for CTAHR Extension faculty and staff. Applications for the next scholarship are due December 5. For information, contact Julia Zee at zee@hawaii.edu or Naomi Kanehiro at nkanehir@hawaii.edu.

Lots of Love for Larvae

Samir Khanal (MBBE) is leading the joint effort between CTAHR’s Bioenergy and Environment Research group and the bioconversion company ProtaCulture, an alum of the Ag Incubator, to convert food waste into biodiesel products and animal/fish feed through harvesting black soldier fly larvae. The partnership was selected for a grant from Energy Excelerator, a non-profit group focused on helping startups solve the world’s energy challenges. “The major challenge of producing renewable energy, especially biofuel and animal feed, is the availability of local bioresources,” says Samir. “However, Hawai‘i produces a significant amount of food wastes, which primarily go to the landfill. This innovative project not only aims to provide biodiesel locally at different islands using various organic wastes, but also to produce feed for local poultry and aquaculture industries.” Sounds like a win-win! Find out more here.

Spotlight on Our Community

Digesting for Science!

On October 25, Punahou School hosted the 13th annual Astronaut Lacy Veach Day of Discovery, promoting STEM to 4th- through 12th-grade students and their parents. 600 participants from 70 schools statewide attended the event. Maria Stewart (HNFAS) and two CTAHR undergrad students, Christine Badua (pictured with two students) and Jennifer Lum (both FSHN) presented two hands-on workshops for the participants in which they explored how the digestive system breaks down nutrients. This marks the second year that HNFAS participated in this event. Great job, current CTAHR and future scientists!

Guiding Hawai‘i’s Agribusiness

Former CES Assistant Director Yukio “Yuki” Kitagawa has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation. The mission of the ADC is to acquire and manage, in partnership with farmers, ranchers, and aquaculture groups, selected high-value lands, water systems, and infrastructure for commercial agricultural use, as well as to direct research into areas that will lead to the development of new crops and markets and lower production costs. Yuki currently serves on the Hawaii Agriculture Resource Center Board of Directors and the City & County of Honolulu Agriculture Development Task Force.

United Against the Ants

Volunteers from the GoFarm Hawai‘i program surveyed areas in Waimanalo for little fire ants on November 1, which was designated as Stop Little Fire Ant Day. In addition to looking for the invasive pest, volunteers also tested areas to make sure current infestations don’t spread. Experts believe the invasive species found its way to O‘ahu from the Big Island, but they don’t want it to find its way around this island! Infestations in both Waimanalo and Mililani-Mauka have already been discovered. Watch KHON’s video about LFA and the brave GoFarm Hawai‘i volunteers.

Exploring the Poamoho Fields

More than 50 people attended the Poamoho Research Station's field day on October 25. The field day was coordinated by CTAHR’s Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program (SOAP) and Center for Rural Agricultural Training and Entrepreneurship (CRATE), and the USDA NRCS. NRCS Acting Director of the Pacific Islands Area Craig Derickson presented CTAHR's Cooperative Extension with a certificate of appreciation for working with farmers and ranchers to implement cover crops and soil health practices. Participants got to see the great work being done at the station and learned about soil health and pest management. Check out the pictures here!

Celebrating Aquaponics

The fall issue of UH Magazine features aquaponics expert Clyde Tamaru (MBBE) and new Waimanalo community coordinator Ilima Ho-Lastimosa and their work with sustainable agriculture. The article talks about several successful aquaponics ventures including Mari’s Garden, Ho‘oulu Pacific, and the Waiawa Correctional Facility farm. UH Magazine is a bi-annual publication that is distributed to more than 145,000 readers, all of whom also got a chance to see the full-page ad CTAHR placed in this issue, featuring six exceptional stories celebrating our students and alumni.

Remember When Everything was Covered in Mud?

It’s hard to believe that it’s been ten years since the Great Manoa Flood, and it is amazing how the UH community (and campus) has recovered. Check out Doug Vincent's images from the damage caused by the flood of 2004 and read about the cleanup effort. It’s a great reminder of how the CTAHR ‘ohana can come together in times of unexpected adversity.

CTAHR Blooming Strong on Maui

The recent Maui County Fair showcased a strong CTAHR presence, from Master Gardeners, who checked in exhibits for the competitions and sold plants and honey, to the speakers providing talks throughout the fair on topics including plant health care, fruit fly management, container gardening, little red fire ants, the coconut rhinoceros beetle, and the creative uses of flowers. And less than a week after the excitement of the Fair, on Friday, October 10, Maui Extension conducted a Centennial Celebration, complete with the ceremonial planting of two hibiscus plants: the ‘Minnie Lee II’, the designated Centennial flower, and the ‘Charlotte Nakamura’ hibiscus honoring the retired Extension agent after whom it was named. ‘Charlotte’ (the hibiscus) was bred by Mrs. Edith Izumi, member of the Maui University Homemakers Organization, as a gift to Charlotte (the person) for her many years of service to the community. The Centennial Planting event was attended by Dean Gallo; numerous Extension supporters; Master Gardeners; 4-H’ers; current and retired Maui CTAHR faculty and staff; neighbor island guests; and representatives from the Maui Farm Bureau, Maui Association of Family and Community Education, Maui Office of Economic Opportunity, and Maui Aquaponics. Check out the Maui Centennial celebration and the two new lovely hibiscus plants!

Mealani Magic!

Mealani’s Taste of the Hawaiian Range successfully held its 19th annual celebration of local agriculture at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on September 26, with more than 2000 participants. This event is more than just about grinding on delicious dishes made by approximately 30 local chefs – it’s about educating the public, chefs, and students about the sustainability, health, and environmental benefits of eating locally raised meats, fruits, and vegetables. The event is also the largest zero-waste event on Hawai‘i Island, with all generated waste separated into recycling/reuse streams. Extension Agent Glenn Fukumoto presented a “Primer on Local Beef” to Hawai‘i Community College culinary students about the challenges facing ranchers trying to sustainably raise cattle on Big Island pastures. Then, later during the main food-grazing event, pre-veterinary program students Jessica Wood, Tyler Smith, and Melissa Dumas (left to right) conducted a consumer survey to determine whether attendees had developed an increased awareness of Island-raised animal products and other locally produced vegetables and fruits. The survey indicated that 91% of respondents agreed that this event raised their awareness of locally produced animals and that 80% do buy locally produced meats, even if they cost more. Sixty-four percent indicated that they eat beef several times a week. For more information about pasture-raised beef, sustainability, and recipes, go to the Taste It Blog!

4-H Blasts Off for Science!

If you thought you saw small spacecraft flying through the air around the Extension offices on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui, Kona, and Hilo on Friday, October 10, you weren’t imagining things; you were witness to young aerospace engineers building and testing their rockets. The 4-H participants were given the task of building a rocket that they could launch and that would hit a target many miles away so they could deliver food to a remote area in case of a disaster. Sixty-five budding scientists and humanitarians from Hawai‘i joined the million other 4-H kids from across the nation in participating in the 4-H National Youth Science Day. This was also the first statewide Polycom conference: each office set up their Polycom system so 4-H’ers could gather around the TV for an overview of this national project that gathered youth from all states. They were given instructions on building the launcher and how to make their rockets, and then each group of three 4-H participants was given a kit to build a launcher and the materials to build a rocket. The fun part was testing their skills at flying their rocket so it would hit their designated target. And the next time a hurricane leaves part of the state stranded, perhaps the students will be sending them rockets with aid!

Representing Hawai‘i in China

Retired CTAHR food science professor Wai-Kit Nip is representing the Chinese community in Hawai‘i at the 2014 Commissioners’ Conference of the Overseas Community Affairs Council, a major annual event bringing together overseas Chinese leaders from around the world. Wai-Kit is in his third year as a commissioner, having been appointed by President Ma Yin-jeou of the Republic of China (Taiwan). At the conference, more than 200 commissioners and overseas representatives from around the world will meet in Taipei, Taiwan to contribute suggestions on overseas community affairs policy. This year, for the first time, the commissioners will visit ministries focusing on national issues of particular interest to discuss their opinions and ideas. Region-based discussions will also be held during the conference, allowing for focus on local issues pertinent to overseas Chinese in different areas. In addition to his international community work, Wai-Kit was honored last year as an Outstanding Alumnus by the National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan. Congratulations, Wai-Kit, on your international honor!

Cleaning/Composting Combo

Sometimes green can get even greener! On September 27, a group of students from NREM/PEPS 210 Introduction to Environmental Science participated in a clean-up event that removed invasive algae from Kane‘ohe Bay. More than one ton of algae was gathered and taken to the Waimanalo Research Station for use in compost. These algae are high in minerals that are difficult to find in the environment and can be used to make some sweet, bioactive soil amendment. In fact, CTAHR has been employing these algae for more than 3 years—and helping to make the bay a happier place for native sea creatures and plants at the same time. The student group enjoyed their day at this service learning activity. Great job!

Rooted to Tradition

High temperatures didn’t keep a crowd of taro growers and enthusiasts from participating in the recent 2014 Moloka‘i Taro Variety Field Day, where they were able to evaluate the taste of 9 different varieties of taro and the poi made from them, as well as kulolo made from 7 varieties. The favored variety for taro and kulolo was Haokea; the best poi was made from Piialii. Participants also were able to take home more kalo to eat, huli to grow their own, and even some young ulu trees to plant. Extension agent Alton Arakaki, the organizer of the event, stressed that everyone should think about increasing their intake of the indigenous carbohydrate food sources that were highlighted during the Field Day. “Many of the varieties I select for my taste testing are relatively unknown to consumers today,” Alton explains, because when poi-making moved to factories, manufacturers wanted only certain varieties. However, he adds, “By reintroducing traditional varieties that have lost their presence today, we might find value in producing them in gardens and farms for their commercial, health and cultural values.”

Bringing the Community Together

The Waimanalo Research Station welcomes Ilima Ho-Lastimosa as the new community coordinator for the Waimanalo Learning Center. Ilima is a lifelong resident of Waimanalo and a Master Gardener, and she has extensive hands-on experience in community development. She is already busy strengthening our existing relationships and developing new ones. In addition to her duties as the community coordinator, Ilima is currently a master’s candidate in the UH School of Social Work with a focus on behavioral and mental health, as well as the executive director and director of operations for God’s Country Waimanalo, the Waimanalo Ahupua‘a coalition that works to perpetuate traditional Hawaiian culture. Welcome, Ilima! CTAHR and the Station are lucky to have you!

Keeping Diets Healthy

Alumna Shelley Wong (FSHN) is keeping her eye on what people eat. She works as a clinical dietitian at the UCSF Medical Center, where she previously did an internship as a dietetics graduate. Her internship included rotations in adult and pediatric units within the medical center as well as outpatient, community, and management/food service rotations. In September she passed her Registered Dietitian Exam to become Shelley Wong, RD. She’s enthusiastic about the change: “I’m responsible for my own learning and must make decisions using my best judgment. It’s a big change from being an intern but an exciting and necessary step forward in my journey to becoming a proficient RD!”

New Publications

Nobel Laureate's Contributions to Natural Resource Management

Chennat Gopalakrishnan (NREM, Emeritus) has edited a symposium on economist Elinor Ostrom, 2009 Nobel Laureate in Economics, in the Journal of Natural Resources Policy Research. The symposium highlights Ostrom’s pioneering contributions to multiple aspects of natural resource management and policy, with special reference to common-pool resources such as fisheries and forests. It features seven original papers by leading natural resource economists and policy analysts, offering their thoughts and insights on Ostrom's contributions, in which they examine how her work has impacted the discourse on natural resource management, planning, governance, and institutional design. The papers should be of special interest to CTAHR researchers who are engaged in research pertaining to natural resource and environmental management. Free access to some of the papers is available at the journal website.

Global Food Access and GMOs

The new issues of Biotech in Focus look at global access to food and GMO use worldwide. Issue 18, Hunger in a World of Food, discusses the imbalance of food access around the world and the issues that create and perpetuate food insecurity. Issue 19, GMOs Go Global, addresses how GM crops have altered the agricultural landscape around the world. And as always, check out the many informative back issues at the Biotech in Focus website.

How We Feel About Renewable Energy

The Center on the Family recently published a research brief entitled “Public Attitudes About Renewable Energy in Hawai‘i” that is now available for download. The report, using data gathered in the course of a project by Andrew Hashimoto (MBBE) to research high-yield feedstock and biomass technology, highlights findings from a representative survey of 1,214 Hawai‘i residents conducted for the purpose of assessing public attitudes about different technologies for generating electricity. Renewable energy (RE) technologies were very highly favored: 97% of the public supported increased development of at least some forms of RE in our state. Solar and wind power were the most widely accepted forms of RE (garnering 92% and 86% favorable opinions, respectively), followed by hydroelectric (76%) and geothermal power (75%). Municipal waste (58%) and biomass combustion (53%) were less widely endorsed but were still acceptable to the majority of residents. Only a small segment of the public endorsed conventional sources of energy generation—nuclear (22%), oil (13%), and coal (12%). There were modest differences in attitudes as a function of age, gender, and education, but no differences across counties. Support for RE was motivated by concerns for environmental protection, sustainability, and energy independence and by frustration with local energy prices. Let’s hope that the powers-that-be in the state are listening!

If you would like to modify or end your subscription to CTAHR Alumni & Friends, please click here.