Trauma from vehicle collisions caused the majority of documented deaths for the Pueo (Hawaiian short-eared owl), according to a led by researchers at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa. The findings represent the most extensive mortality assessment to date for this culturally significant raptor, which is native to the Hawaiian Islands.

The study was conducted by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM) in the (CTAHR). Researchers analyzed 32 years of records (1993–2024) from 10 organizations across the islands.

Researchers compiled 242 documented Pueo mortalities and found that trauma accounted for 62% of deaths. Within those cases, two-thirds were linked to vehicle collisions or occurred in close proximity to roadways. Wind turbines represented 13% of trauma-related deaths, while other identified causes included emaciation and disease.

“Our findings highlight that many Pueo deaths may be preventable,” said Melissa Price, an NREM professor and senior author of the study. “Reducing vehicle collisions and increasing awareness about rodenticide use can help all of us support Pueo conservation. This work is dedicated to University of �鶹��ý alumnus Stephanie Bell, whose work on this project for her undergraduate senior thesis made this statewide assessment possible.”

Complex factors in wildlife deaths

While trauma was often the immediate cause of death, researchers noted that many birds suffered from underlying health issues, including parasites, emaciation or suspected exposure to rodenticides.

“Wildlife mortality is often complex,” said Thierry Work of the U.S. Geological Survey, a collaborator on the study. “Perhaps owls are more likely to forage along roadsides because that is where prey are easily available, or other underlying conditions increase their risk of collision. Without systematic necropsies and toxicology testing, it can be difficult to untangle these contributing factors.”

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Olivia Wang noted, “This study adds to a growing body of research that indicates many native bird species in �鶹��ý are killed by vehicle and infrastructure collisions. Understanding the magnitude of impact of these threats helps us identify areas to target management and outreach efforts so we can minimize and mitigate the various threats Pueo face.”

The study provides the first statewide synthesis of Pueo mortality, identifying critical areas for future research and conservation action. While the number of reported mortalities has increased over time, researchers suggested this could reflect improved reporting efforts, more cars on the road or faster driving speeds. A statewide assessment of Pueo population size is a critical next step to understand how this level of mortality might affect the population over time.

Tucked away at the University of �鶹��ý at Manoa’s Komohana facility in Hilo, a small team of researchers from the (CTAHR) is building the clean seed pipeline that could help secure the future of the state’s sweetpotato industry. Clean seeds are vine cuttings that are free from harmful viruses.

The National Clean Plant Network (NCPN) Sweetpotato-�鶹��ý Center is part of the USDA-supported , a national network of clean plant centers, scientists, regulators, and growers. It is the only center in the network dedicated to Okinawan and Hawaiian heritage ʻuala (sweetpotatoes).

The center combines advanced tissue culture and diagnostics with strong partnerships among farmers, researchers, and cultural practitioners. Together, they are laying the groundwork for a reliable, local system for ʻuala and Okinawan sweetpotato health.

�Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s sweetpotatoes

While programs on the U.S. continent work with orange-fleshed varieties, the �鶹��ý center, led by CTAHR Extension Agent Sharon Wages, prioritizes purple-fleshed Okinawan types and traditional ʻuala that are central to local diets and markets.

“�鶹��ý has the corner on Okinawan sweetpotato in the U.S.,” she said, noting that continental U.S. climates often cannot match the crop’s performance in �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s tropical weather.

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) is a major crop in �鶹��ý, with 6.2 million pounds grown here in 2025, according to the USDA. Nine out of 10 ʻuala are produced on �鶹��ý Island, particularly along the Hāmākua Coast.

Establishing a virus-free foundation

Supported by researchers Achyut Adhikari and Elisa Urano Mow, a tissue culture specialist, the sweetpotato center uses meristem-tip tissue culture to clean infected plant lines for each kind of ʻulua and establish virus-free foundation material for growers. This clean stock can then be multiplied and distributed, giving farmers a healthier starting point for new plantings.

While all NCPN centers follow a standard virus testing protocol, CTAHR researcher Anna Halpin-McCormick has documented additional viruses in the state. The �鶹��ý center is now incorporating two of these locally significant viruses into its regular diagnostics, strengthening protection against region-specific threats.

The center has 11 unique sweetpotato varieties. The staff works closely with local growers to advance lines that are both nutritious and marketable, including several Okinawan-type selections and important heritage ʻuala.

A lifetime of service to �鶹��ý agriculture earned retired University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa professor and former Maui County administrator Harold Keyser the 2026 Maui Legacy Farmer award. The retired soil microbiologist with the (CTAHR) was recognized for his contributions to agricultural education and community partnerships.

The honor was presented on May 30, 2026, during the 17th annual Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair. Held at the War Memorial Special Events Field, the celebration kicked off at the beloved Maui Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast.

“I appreciate the diversity of the agriculture industry,” Keyser said. “I’m grateful to have played a part in strengthening and perpetuating it during my career.”

Lifetime of service to Maui agriculture

After joining CTAHR in 2002 and serving as Maui County administrator, Keyser became a champion for the local farming community. He provided essential, science-based perspectives on complex community issues, ranging from water rights to agricultural biotechnology.

During a challenging period of declining institutional funding, Keyser led a county government funding partnership. This collaborative milestone brought together the Maui County Farm Bureau, CTAHR, and the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, securing long-term funding for cooperative extension programs and experiment stations.

In retirement, he continues to volunteer with community programs, offering pesticide safety training and helping establish the Kula School Agricultural Science Program at Kēōkea.

Today, Keyser’s deep agricultural legacy is carried forward by his son, Jonathan, who co-founded Native Nursery LLC in Kula, a business focused on native plant restoration.

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (ICS) students showcased innovative solutions to real-world challenges during their Spring 2026 Capstone Project Day in May 2026.

The event featured poster presentations and demonstrations from undergraduate and graduate students who spent the semester collaborating with government agencies, private industry, nonprofit organizations and UH departments on projects designed to address practical needs across �鶹��ý and beyond.

Projects ranged from integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools for legislative operations and developing cybersecurity training platforms for critical infrastructure systems to creating immersive educational experiences, analyzing environmental and fisheries data, tracking coffee provenance through blockchain technology and applying AI to agricultural research.

Capstone teams partnered with organizations including the �鶹��ý State House of Representatives, Department of Defense, MITRE, Business Solution Technologies, Pacific Economics, Kahuku Apps, Blockchain in Paradise and the Waikīkī Aquarium. Additional collaborations involved UH Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, Shidler College of Business, College of Engineering and College of Natural Sciences.

“Technology evolves quickly, but curiosity, creativity and collaboration remain essential skills,” said ICS Department Chair Guylaine Poisson. “These projects give students an opportunity to explore emerging technologies while developing the judgment and leadership abilities that will help them make meaningful contributions throughout their careers.”

Classroom knowledge, professional workplaces

The gives students opportunities to work directly with clients, define project requirements, develop software solutions and present their results to stakeholders. The experience mirrors professional workplace environments while allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to meaningful community, industry and government challenges.

Project Day also featured presentations from the Naval Information Warfare Center internship program at Kapiʻolani Community College and video games developed by students in the department’s Video Game Design courses.

The capstone program continues to serve as a bridge between the university and industry partners, providing organizations with innovative solutions while helping students build technical, communication and project management skills through hands-on experience.

The Department of Information and Computer Sciences is housed in UH Mānoa .

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (CTAHR) is central to a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant to protect the state from invasive plant threats. The $322,000 grant will fund two state projects to improve early identification of major hibiscus, banana, and citrus diseases before they gain a foothold in �鶹��ý.

CTAHR faculty will play a pivotal role in the detection and diagnostics of a statewide nursery and ornamental plant survey. Assistant Professors Jing Zhou, a specialist in plant virology, Marian Luis, a specialist in mycology, and Extension agent Alberto Ricordi, PhD, are serving as co-principal investigators on the survey grant.

Ricordi will assist in coordinating site visits statewide, while professors Zhou and Luis will do preliminary confirmation of suspected plant diseases. Initial screening will take place at the �鶹��ý Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (HDAB), while CTAHR‘s specialized laboratories will confirm the presence of diseases before samples are sent to the USDA.

“Building a relationship with CTAHR and UH in general is very important because they’re a great asset for the department,” said Josiah Marquez, HDAB’s Plant Pathologist and lead on the grant. “In terms of these faculty members being specialists in their fields, it’s important that we take advantage of that.”

In the second project, Assistant Professor Garrett Roell from CTAHR’s Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, and Assistant Professor Huaijin Chen from the Department of Information and Computer Sciences will use artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced computer programming to predict which plant diseases pose the biggest risk to �鶹��ý.

This joint initiative is scheduled as a one-year pilot project. A successful first year could pave the way for more funds and a larger scope to detect other invasive threats, such as destructive insect pests or animal pathogens, long before they reach �鶹��ý.

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (CTAHR) connected with hundreds of community members at the 17th annual Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair on May 30, sharing resources focused on agriculture, food security, youth development and community resilience.

Held at the War Memorial Special Events Field, the event brought together farmers, families and agricultural organizations from across Maui County. CTAHR faculty and extension agents showcased programs that support local food production, health and education throughout �鶹��ý.

Hands-on resources promote resilience

At the CTAHR Community Resilience booth, Extension Agent Heather Greenwood shared resources to the Sage Heart program, an initiative funded by the Maui County Department of Agriculture that promotes wellness through growing kitchen herbs and encourages healthier eating habits for keiki.

Junior Extension Agent Gwen Morinaga-Kama shared a collection of limu (seaweed) gathered from Maui shorelines and discussed efforts to restore a traditional limu fishery in partnership with the Kēōkea Farm Lots Association.

Edible Crops Extension Agent Rosemary Gutierrez-Coarite provided information on local turmeric production and distributed planting materials for four turmeric varieties, along with virus-free banana seedlings to help combat banana bunchy top virus.

Maui County Youth Development Extension Agent Nancy Ooki highlighted opportunities through the �鶹��ý 4-H program, including sustainable gardening activities, cultural food education and the upcoming teen disaster preparedness training.

Maui AgFest 2026 was co-presented by the Maui County Farm Bureau and the County of Maui Department of Agriculture.

Taren Bouwman and Landon Wong, researchers in the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (CTAHR), have been named 2026 ARCS Scholars by the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation’s Honolulu chapter. This award honors outstanding U.S. citizens pursuing higher education in STEM fields.

Green energy, climate solutions

Bouwman is exploring ways to create a microscopic net that traps algae in the sea and harvests them for energy. His work earned him the H. Keith and Sue Ernst ARCS Award.

In CTAHR’s Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Bouwman looks into the relationships between marine algae and earth-bound fungi to overcome a roadblock in the green energy sector: the steep cost of harvesting biofuels, a promising energy source.

“More than half of the cost of biofuel from algae comes from trying to filter the algae out of the water,” Bouwman said. “Fungi can act as a cheap bio-filter to capture the algae so we can extract them together as an energy-rich fuel source.”

Protecting �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s coffee industry

In CTAHR’s Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, Wong was awarded the Helen Jones Farrar ARCS award in Tropical Plant Pathology and the Dr. Jacqueline Maly ARCS Scholar of the Year award for his research on the taxonomy of coffee root-knot nematodes. This tiny, destructive pest is devastating coffee production across �鶹��ý Island, Central and South America.

Wong’s project clarified the true identity of the Kona coffee root-knot nematode (tiny pest) (Meloidogyne konaensis) by incorporating genetic, physical and protein-based testing. Wong’s work determined Meloidogyne konaensis is widely distributed across the coffee-growing regions of Central and South America.

“Traditional diagnostic procedures could take over two months,” Wong said. “This research has facilitated a faster identification method to protect local coffee growers from this pest and allow regulators to accurately screen and identify the nematode pest at ports of entry and in field samples in under a day using a simple genetic test.”

He also discovered a new species of root-knot nematode in Brazil, Meloidogyne pseudokonaensis, named for its similarity and previously mistaken identity as Meloidogyne konaensis.

Spring 2026 graduates of the (GES) undergraduate program at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa took with them a bachelor’s degree and real-world, hands-on experiences with research that benefits communities and ecosystems in �鶹��ý and far beyond.

Through the GES program in the at the UH Mānoa (SOEST), students including Makana Andrade and Micah Soriano, engaged in original research, wrote a senior thesis and presented their findings at a research symposium.

“I congratulate all our spring graduates on successfully completing their required faculty-mentored thesis experience,” said Michael Guidry, chair of the GES Program. “As with all our GES graduates and their thesis work, Makana’s and Micah’s findings demonstrate how the research efforts of UH Mānoa undergraduates provide new insights and solutions to important issues and train the next generation of problem solvers.”

Makana Andrade

Andrade was born and raised on Oʻahu, �鶹��ý. During his second year of transfer to UH Mānoa, he started working on his thesis with his mentor, Travis Idol, associate professor in the in the UH Mānoa . His thesis focused on the response of Acacia koaia, a tree endemic to �鶹��ý, to nursery practices done on similar species, specifically Acacia koa. Andrade’s study examined koaiʻa’s growth patterns from seed to seedling to determine its preferred soil type, nutrient uptake, and watering requirements, in an effort to ensure they are readily available for population revitalization.

After graduation, Andrade hopes to continue pursuing his passion for the conservation of Hawaiian endemic species and working in the wilderness.

Micah Soriano

As a GES student with a passion for chemistry, Soriano reached out to SOEST oceanography professor Nick Hawco and joined the Hawco Lab the summer after his sophomore year. Since then, Soriano has helped with various projects, gaining valuable experience. For his senior research thesis, Soriano explored how vitamin B12 availability in the Southern Ocean limits how effectively diatoms, a type of phytoplankton, can process and use essential metals for growth.

After graduation, he plans to work for a year or two before continuing his academic studies.

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The University of �鶹��ý at ��ā�ԴDz�’s (CTAHR) celebrated the faculty, staff and community leaders who advance the college’s vision of a more resilient �鶹��ý at its 2026 CTAHR Banquet in May. The high-energy night showcased collective work to strengthen the state’s food security, ecosystems and local communities.

Top honors for community, alumni leadership

The college presented its highest honor, the Ka Lei Hano Award, to State Senator Donovan Dela Cruz. A longtime champion for local agriculture, Dela Cruz was recognized for securing support for the reopening of the Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center and his leadership in developing the Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center, among many accomplishments.

Professor Ganesan Srinivasan was named the 2026 CTAHR Outstanding Alumnus. Currently serving as the dean of communication and services programs at Honolulu Community College, Srinivasan was honored for his acclaimed career in maize breeding and marrying high-level scientific research with the practical needs of local farmers.

• Related UH News stories: CTAHR honors Honolulu CC dean with Outstanding Alumnus Award

Visit the CTAHR website for the complete list of the , including faculty, staff and student honorees.

A highlight of the evening were presentations by the student winners of the Showcase & Research Symposium. Attendees talked with the students about their award-winning posters, illustrating the cutting-edge research from the next generation of scientists within the college.

Honoring an icon

The evening also featured a special recognition of Surajit “S.K.” De Datta and his wife, Vijji, for establishing an endowed scholarship for CTAHR students. De Datta, a world-renowned scientist known for his pioneering work during the Green Revolution, was also honored as the college renamed its primary conference room in Gilmore Hall in honor of the couple’s legacy.

“Our students are the heart of this college,” CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal said at the banquet. “Tonight is as much about celebrating their future as it is our current achievements. Their energy and their passion for a more resilient �鶹��ý are what drive us forward every day.”

Honolulu Community College’s Ganesan Srinivasan was recognized with the 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s (CTAHR) annual awards banquet held in May.

Srinivasan, who serves as dean of communication and services programs, holds a PhD in agronomy and soil science from UH Mānoa. He was honored for his 40 years of leadership in agriculture, education and international research.

Over the course of his career, Srinivasan has contributed to global agricultural research and training, working with maize production systems across Asia, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. He has mentored more than 1,000 researchers from more than 40 countries and authored more than 180 publications. He is a fellow of both the Crop Science Society of America and the American Society of Agronomy.

“This recognition means a great deal to me because CTAHR is where my journey in �鶹��ý truly began—as an East-West Center grantee and UH graduate student, as a researcher, and as someone learning what it means to serve this community with humility and purpose,” Srinivasan said.

Foundation built at CTAHR

He currently oversees Honolulu CC’s career technical education programs. Srinivasan has also held senior academic leadership roles at institutions in California and served as principal scientist and associate director at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico.

Srinivasan credited his experience at CTAHR as the foundation for his knowledge of agriculture beyond the classroom.

“CTAHR shaped my understanding of agriculture not just as a discipline, but as a responsibility—to our ʻāina (land), to our local industries, and to the students and families who depend on strong educational pathways,” he said.

He also shared advice with current CTAHR students.

“You are receiving a world-class education in tropical agriculture from some of the best faculty in this field. Apply this knowledge to real-world conditions to develop diversified, resilient and sustainable agriculture systems for �鶹��ý and beyond,” Srinivasan said.The post CTAHR honors Honolulu CC dean with Outstanding Alumnus Award first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]> 234871 /news/2026/05/12/fashion-exhibition-60-years/ Wed, 13 May 2026 01:31:48 +0000 /news/?p=234167 Seven designers created their MINI collections, along with videographies, and decorative booths to present their collections before walking the runway.

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The University of �鶹��ý at ��ā�ԴDz�’s Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) program reached its diamond jubilee with its 60th annual fashion exhibition, “Kaleido: Fragmented Illusions.” Held at the UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s Campus Center Ballroom, the event showcased the technical skill and creative vision of student designers from the , emphasizing a future built on collaborative innovation and collective action.

Seven senior designers created their MINI collections, along with their videographies, and small, box-like, decorative booths to present their collections before walking the Kaleidoscopic runway.

Student to leader

Leading the production was senior designer Latisha Tong, whose personal journey mirrors the transformations on the runway. She served as production lead and president of the FDM student club, Stole Society, managing the progress of her peers while developing her own senior collection. Her designs, inspired by botanical growth, transitioned from “seed and soil” to a “sprout” and finally an “upside-down flower.”

This four-look progression served as a metaphor for her evolution from a student who knew nothing of sewing to a confident leader. Through this high-pressure role, Tong learned that true leadership involves advocating for others and accepting that sometimes, things don’t go as planned.

Technical rigor

The exhibition also showed the technical rigor required to move from concept to garment. Senior designer Roshini Joshua Monkin created a collection about the elegance of a wedding day by elevating simple garments into sophisticated wedding attire.

Senior designer Elliana Abcede highlighted four princess looks as her own dreams inspired by her cultural roots in the Philippines. With dual roles as a senior designer and the exhibition’s audio-visual manager, she managed venue logistics, noting that the road to the final show is paved with trial and error. Reflecting on her growth since 2023, Elliana shared that the program taught her to embrace failure as a necessary step toward success. Her advice to future students is to stay focused, as the technical demands of the exhibition prepare them for the professional world.

The post UH Mānoa fashion exhibition celebrates 60 years first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from UH Mānoa’s Patrick Williams, of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR).

Williams shared: “A team of researchers and students harvested rice at CTAHR‘s Waimānalo station as part of exploring if �鶹��ý can grow rice again. Rice is a local tradition, but instead of growing it in the islands, we import more than 100 million pounds of it a year.”

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The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa has strategically reorganized the , moving it to strengthen research collaborations while upholding its vital commitment to conserving �鶹��ý’s unique natural environment.

The public will continue to enjoy the same educational programming, conservation activities, and community engagement offered by Lyon Arboretum. The changes will strengthen operations and better align their public missions with university research.

“This reorganization represents a commitment to ensuring a resilient future for the Lyon Arboretum,” UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “This change maintains the excellence the community has come to expect from the Arboretum, while strengthening the research and conservation framework within our organized research units.”

Lyon Arboretum joins CTAHR

The Lyon Arboretum, home to the world’s largest collection of endangered native Hawaiian plants, has transitioned to the (CTAHR).

“Lyon Arboretum’s world-class botanical resources will further enhance CTAHR’s research, teaching, and Extension excellence in agriculture and natural resource management,” CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal said. “It gives our students and faculty an expanded living laboratory, fostering the next generation of leaders in tropical conservation and resilient agriculture. The Lyon Arboretum will benefit from CTAHR‘s faculty expertise, staff and student engagement, and marketing and communications capability.”

This alignment is expected to align conservation, cultivation and education work at the 193-acre arboretum with CTAHR’s existing research and extension operations.

“The integration of Lyon Arboretum into CTAHR will enhance our shared research, education, and outreach missions in ways that will benefit both UH and people throughout the state,” Lyon Arboretum Interim Director Don Drake said.

The reorganization from the Office of the Provost is reported to be cost-neutral, with no additional funds or positions requested. Current employees at Lyon Arboretum will remain in their existing positions and structures, ensuring continuity of service for the public and the university community.

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (CTAHR) is reopening the (ADSC). Local farmers will once again have access to soil and plant testing here in �鶹��ý at a reasonable cost, instead of sending samples to the U.S. continent.

The center’s reopening also allows CTAHR to offer free soil and plant testing through July 21, 2026 to farmers whose land and crops were affected by Kona low flooding in March and April.

Every affected farmer can submit up to three free samples for each of the following services:

• Soil nutrient analysis: To determine if essential minerals were leached.
• Plant tissue nutrient analysis: To assess the current nutrient uptake and health of surviving crops.
• Plant disease diagnostics: To identify plant pathogens/outbreaks that may impact crops following flooding.
• Insect identification: To monitor for shifts in pest populations following the storms.

The ADSC will continue to provide soil and plant testing services at reasonable prices to farmers who were not affected by the floods.

“The reopening is a pivotal moment in CTAHR’s mission to support stakeholders and food security across the state,” said CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal. “Fortunately the timing of the reopening also means we can deliver more support to farmers recovering from the floods. We are providing these tests at no cost for the next three months to help our agricultural partners get back on their feet.”

“ADSC has reopened with an improved customer experience, including online payments, rapid turnaround of results, and interpretation of results and recommendations by CTAHR experts,” Parwinder said.

Brian Miyamoto, executive director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau, noted, “The reopening of the ADSC, along with three months of free testing, comes at a crucial time and helps farmers move forward with recovery and replanting. CTAHR is truly stepping up for our farmers, and we appreciate their leadership and commitment to supporting �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s agricultural community during this critical time.”

CTAHR is working to further expand its services to include seed testing, heavy metal testing, animal health diagnostics and food nutrient content analysis for food product labeling. ADSC is also expanding its seed production capacity and will add clean seedling production, which are young plants that are free from germs or disease.

Order soil, plant tests online

Farmers can order tests, find sampling instructions, and a list of CTAHR facilities on Oʻahu, �鶹��ý Island, Maui, Molokaʻi and Kauaʻi accepting samples at the .

Temporary in-person collection site until July 21, 2026

To increase accessibility for ��ʻ�����’s heavily affected north shore community, a temporary collection site has been set up at Twin Bridge Farms in Waialua:

• Soil and plant samples can be dropped off at Twin Bridge on Mondays between 8 a.m and noon
• Soil samples can also be dropped off on Thursdays between 8 a.m. and noon.

Farmers should call CTAHR at (808) 453-6050 or ugc@hawaii.edu to confirm they are dropping off samples at Twin Bridge Farms.

Permanent collection sites

Drop off sites for samples on Oʻahu are:

• The Urban Garden Center in Pearl City on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 955 Kamehameha Hwy., behind the Home Depot.
• Farmers should contact (808) 453-6050 or ugc@hawaii.edu to confirm they plan to drop off samples.
• UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s Sherman Lab, room 115, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1910 East-West Rd., Honolulu HI 96822.
• Farmers should call (808) 956-5437 or adsc@hawaii.edu to confirm they plan to drop off samples.

Visit the ADSC of drop off locations, including the neighbor islands.

For Lauro Delos-Santos Jr., graduating from Honolulu Community College in 2026 with an associate of arts degree in Hawaiian Studies is more than just an achievement—it’s a life-changing triumph he never imagined.

Before enrolling at Honolulu CC, Delos-Santos and his wife were living at the Keahou Emergency Homeless Shelter. In September of 2020, a team from Honolulu CC’s Hawaiian Center visited the shelter to teach Hawaiian studies. For 12 weeks, Delos-Santos engaged in Hawaiian history, mythology, navigation, biology, politics, hula and even taro growing. By the end of the program, he was invited to consider returning to school—with financial aid support.

‘You can do it’

Meet more amazing UH graduates

Despite initial hesitation—Delos-Santos had been recently released from prison, was on probation, and had a history as a convicted felon—Niuhelewai Program Specialist Kapulani Tuifanu and Native Hawaiian Counselor Kahale Saito persisted. They kept telling him, “You can do it.” They guided him through financial aid applications, course selection and introduced him to computers—something Delos-Santos had never used before.

With financial aid and careful planning, Delos-Santos was able to save money, obtain a driver’s license, buy a car, secure an apartment, and obtain a GED. He got his identifications in order, registered to vote, and maintained sobriety—milestones he once thought impossible.

“Ever since I came to Honolulu CC, nothing but good things have happened,” he said. “Angelic forces definitely were involved here. I’m so grateful.”

Six months after Delos-Santos started at Honolulu CC, he was given early release from probation, and his felony convictions were exonerated due to good behavior.

Hawaiian Studies helped Delos-Santos find himself through learning about his Hawaiian culture—gaining confidence, engaging with the community, and exploring self-discovery and wellness. He continued to see his substance abuse counselor, whom he credits as one of the influential factors in his recovery.

Helping others

Delos-Santos’ commitment extends beyond academics. He serves as a peer mentor at the Hawaiian Center, seeking to aid other students. He also led the Honolulu CC Math Society as 2024 president, preparing fellow students for quizzes and exams.

“Now, I want to be the person who helps others, like how I’ve been helped,” he said.

Delos-Santos credits much of his success to the supportive culture at Honolulu CC.

“Anytime you need some help with anything, you can find it here. It’s just like home,” he said. “You can always come here, and you’ll be taken care of.”

Delos-Santos will attend the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa in fall 2026 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies with a focus on child and family services. His goal is to earn a master’s degree and become a licensed social worker, giving back to the community that supported him.

He has advice for current and prospective students, “If you have doubts, remember these four words: ‘You can do it!’ The support you need is here.”

—By Iris Greges

Based on all recorded suicide deaths from 2013 to 2023, those in construction, agriculture, and the arts, males and especially those under 40 years old showed the highest suicide rates. Led by Thao Le of the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa’s (CTAHR) and retired epidemiologist Dan Galanis with �鶹��ý State Department of Health Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch, the revealed how occupational context is associated with suicide risk in �鶹��ý, particularly occupations where people experience chronic uncertainty and low control.

Farmers are consistently exposed to invasive pests, volatile market prices and extreme weather such as the recent Kona low storms. Beyond the physical destruction of crops and infrastructure, the storms have left a trail of mental and emotional exhaustion.

For an occupation already battling thin economic margins, these storms represent more than financial loss—they are challenging farmers’ sense of purpose and identity.

“A farmer’s mental health is tied to the health of their land,” said Le. “When the ‘āina is inundated and the crops and livestock are lost, the emotional toll is immediate and profound. Our farmers are essentially first responders to our food needs, so we need to act as first responders to them now. They are essential to our own livelihood.”

Without immediate concrete support, in the way of streamlined access to financial aid, supplies and temporary housing for displaced farmers, �鶹��ý risks losing its agricultural workforce, which is the backbone of the state’s food security and sustainability goals.

“If structural forces and policies continue to contribute and exacerbate distress, farmers may feel a sense of moral injury, feeling unsupported and abandoned by the systems purported to support them, and distress in inability to uphold their commitment to their land and livelihood due to factors beyond their control,” Le said.

Holistic approach

Beyond concrete material resources, immaterial recognition is equally essential. Elevating respect for farmers, ranchers and fisheries’ hard work and recognizing their role in community wellbeing is a vital form of psychological “capital” that can foster their wellbeing. The Seeds of Wellbeing (SOW)-CTAHR, and Culturally-Based Community Connections project aims to prevent suicide risk through a holistic, community-integrated approach of care that includes a peer mentorship model, incorporating ‘āina-based modalities and Native Hawaiian contemplative practices and free mental health vouchers. Planning is in the works to provide a 3-day immersive leadership and mental mindset training/seminar experience for ag mentors and leaders, an investment for advanced mental health skills building.

SOW–CTAHR is only a small contributor in the larger network of ag supporters led by Agriculture Stewardship �鶹��ý of �鶹��ý Statewide Food System Coordination including �鶹��ý Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farm Union United, Maui Farmer Support Network, �鶹��ý Good Food Alliance, �鶹��ý Agricultural Foundation, Pacific Gateway and many more.

The is the major statewide, community-driven suicide prevention/mental health collaborative in the state. Valuing life and preventing suicide is everyone’s responsibilities.

�鶹��ý CARES 988 is a 24/7, free support service for help with crisis, mental health and substance use. Dial 988 or text “ALOHA,” no judgement, just help. .

A breakthrough in marine mammal health surveillance can now detect deadly diseases in whales and dolphins in oceans, beaches and remote locations, thanks to new research from the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa.

The UH Health and Stranding Lab at the (CTAHR) worked together with international researchers to validate a portable, field-deployable molecular diagnostic tool for Cetacean Morbillivirus (CeMV). The study was published in .

Rapid detection in the field

CeMV has caused mass deaths of thousands of marine animals globally. Traditionally, detecting such pathogens required sending samples to specialized laboratories, often resulting in delays of weeks to months.

“This is the first application of a field-deployable system for rapid testing for whales and dolphins,” said Kristi West, director of the UH Health and Stranding Lab. “It breaks down barriers to detection because it can be used remotely, even without a traditional lab nearby.”

The portable unit delivers results in about an hour, aiding decision-making during mass stranding events. It is designed for hot, humid environments, making it essential for detecting outbreaks early and potentially preventing larger epidemics. The system uses high-speed testing to provide rapid, on-site results. It proved effective across multiple divergent strains from �鶹��ý, Europe and Brazil, even in archived tissues up to 28 years old.

“We want to train others so we can increase what we know about disease in many other areas of the world,” West said.

Global collaboration and training

To ensure this technology reaches those who need it most, UH researchers hosted a workshop in Honolulu with Professor Wei-Cheng Yang from National Taiwan University’s Veterinary School to train stranding responders and scientists from across the Pacific.

Participants included staff from the Taiwanese Cetacean Society, and representatives from the �鶹��ý Department of Land and Natural Resource’s Division of Aquatic Resources, NOAA Fisheries, the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center, biologists from Guam and Saipan and CTAHR graduate students.

During the workshop, researchers ran tests on known positive and negative samples for diseases impacting dolphins and Nene, the endemic Hawaiian goose. The Taiwanese team also shared their insights from a mass stranding of 11 pygmy killer whales they had responded to just days before arriving in �鶹��ý, which resulted in the successful release of seven whales.

The project is supported by U.S. Pacific Fleet Environmental Readiness Division and a joint zoonotic disease grant with the state of �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s Department of Land and Natural Resources and involves collaborators from Taiwan, the Philippines, Spain, and Brazil.

Fourteen University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa academic subjects were ranked among the world’s best in the 2026 , released on March 25.

Four subjects placed in the top 22 in the nation and top 100 in the world. Leading the way was geology (No. 19 in the U.S. and No. 51–100 in the world), geophysics (No. 19 in the U.S. and No. 51–100 in the world), Earth and marine sciences (No. 21 in the U.S. and No. 51–100 in the world) and linguistics (No. 22 in the U.S. and No. 61 in the world).

Ten additional subjects placed in the world’s top 2% (within top 500 in the world out of ):

• English language and literature: No. 28 U.S., No. 101–150 world
• Agriculture and forestry: No. 30 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• Anthropology: No. 31 U.S., No. 101–200 world
• Modern languages: No. 41 U.S., No. 251–300 world
• Environmental sciences: No. 66 U.S., No. 351–400 world
• Communication and media studies: No. 68 U.S., No. 251–275 world
• Physics and astronomy: No. 70 U.S., No. 401–450 world
• Education: No. 78 U.S., No. 351–400 world
• Medicine: No. 99 U.S., No. 451–500 world
• Biological sciences: No. 100 U.S., No. 451–500 world

“These rankings highlight the exceptional work and commitment of our faculty, students and staff,” UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “They showcase the university’s global standing and reinforce that UH Mānoa offers outstanding educational opportunities and experiences for both our local community and those joining us from around the world.”

UH Mānoa was ranked in three broad subject areas and 14 narrow subject areas. The QS World University Rankings by Subject are calculated using five criteria: academic reputation (measures the reputation of institutions and their programs by asking academic experts to nominate universities based on their subject area of expertise), employer reputation (measures the reputation of institutions and their programs among employers), research citations per paper (measures the impact and quality of the scientific work done by institutions, on average per publication), H-index (measures both the productivity and impact of the published work of a scientist or scholar) and international research network (measure of an institution’s success in creating and sustaining research partnerships with institutions in other locations).

The 2026 edition of the rankings by global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds analyzed the performance of more than 18,300 university programs, taken by students at more than 1,700 universities in 100 locations around the world.

Other rankings

UH Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2025 U.S. News and World Report best online programs, January 27, 2026
• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, January 21, 2026
• 2025 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, January 4, 2026

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa sophomore Lawrence Linton has secured a vendor spot at Riot Fest 2026 in Chicago—a national rock festival—less than a year after launching his own clothing line, Low Life Streetwear Company.

This achievement marks a career pivot for the 22-year-old Army veteran, who originally moved to �鶹��ý last summer to pursue marine biology.

“There were many times when I was in my biology and chemistry lectures where I just didn’t get it,” Linton recalled. “My heart wasn’t into it. Whenever my mind would wander… I’d be thinking about design. I’d be thinking about my business.”

Linton formally switched his focus to the Fashion Design and Merchandising program within the . His entrepreneurial drive began after he struggled to find clothing that felt authentic to his identity. Dissatisfied with corporate brands, he started designing his own streetwear during his time at community college before arriving in �鶹��ý.

Linton’s family roots also played a significant role in designing his clothing line, as his father was a graphic designer who screen-printed clothes throughout Linton’s childhood.

Low Life Streetwear Company focuses on graphic tees, hoodies and general streetwear.

A $2-million gift from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos is supporting University of �鶹��ý-led research aimed at restoring fire-prone grasslands on Maui and reducing the risk of future wildfires, building on and long-term recovery following the devastating 2023 fires.

Much of Maui’s former sugar plantation lands are now unmanaged and dominated by invasive species, such as guinea grass, that create more fire-prone vegetation and intensify wildfire risk. Several UH units are collaborating to address that vulnerability through land stewardship research designed to inform policy and guide on-the-ground management decisions.

The effort brings together researchers from the (UHERO) housed in UH ����ԴDz�’s , the , and the Ecosystems and Land Care Program in the Department of (NREM) in the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience. The work will be conducted with watershed partners, ranchers and ʻāina (land)-based organizations across �鶹��ý.

“Insufficient investment in land care across former plantation lands has left large areas of Maui vulnerable to wildfire,” said Kimberly Burnett, a specialist with UHERO. “This work builds on evidence that actively managed lands, including forests, well-managed rangelands and agriculture, can significantly reduce fuel loads and support outcomes like erosion reduction, food production, biodiversity and community resilience.”

Data-driven strategies for wildfire prevention

In the early stages of the project, researchers will work closely with partners to co-develop research questions and products that are directly useful for land managers and decision-makers. Anticipated outcomes include statewide wildfire risk and probability maps to help guide fire reduction strategies across a range of land uses, as well as analyses of different wildfire mitigation scenarios over space and time.

Those scenarios may include forest restoration, green breaks, agroforestry, grazing and mowing, with researchers assessing the benefits and costs of each approach.

“We want to look at options beyond just mowing brush given how well these different actions align with other things people value and contribute to public safety,” said Clay Trauernicht, a specialist with NREM.

The project will also examine policy and market-based tools that could help finance and support land-use transitions that advance multiple ecosystem services, including wildfire risk reduction, across �鶹��ý.

The gift builds on existing support from the Bezos Maui Fund to restore the island’s watersheds and reduce wildfire risk, and reflects a broader strategy that links environmental recovery with community resilience. That land-based work is complemented by a separate $1.5-million investment to support Lahainaluna High School graduates enrolled at UH who continue to face economic hardship following the fires.

“We are profoundly grateful to our donors for their continued commitment to Maui,” said UH Foundation CEO and Vice President of Advancement Tim Dolan. “Their support is making a lasting difference for the people and places that define this community.”