In �鶹��ý County, a new Extension Master Food Volunteers program is filling a void in community food education by training volunteers to deliver practical, research-based food education to keiki, adults, families and kūpuna. A team of Extension agents at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa finished training 15 community members in May.

“The reason we did it was that we could not meet the demand for cooking and nutrition education in the community, especially after federal funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) ended,” said Marielle Hampton, a UH Extension agent who leads the initiative along with Extension Agents Heather Greenwood and Hallie Cristobal. “There was so much interest in it and so much need for it, both for adults and for kids as a life skill.”

The program uses curriculum adapted from North Carolina State University and connects �鶹��ý with a growing national network of Master Food Volunteer programs. This pilot project was supported by an impact grant from the County of �鶹��ý Department of Research and Development.

Meeting communities where they are

The program provides culturally relevant, realistic guidance rather than rigid diets. Instead of asking families to eliminate traditional foods or adopt unfamiliar diets, volunteers teach manageable, nutritious changes.

“White rice is a great example,” she said. “We’re not going to come in and tell people they need to stop eating white rice. What we might suggest instead is, ‘Oh, could you add edamame to your white rice to add a little bit more fiber and protein?’”

Hampton added that in an era dominated by internet nutrition trends and misinformation, providing science- and evidence-based education helps community members wisely evaluate their food choices.

Reaching keiki, families, kūpuna

Greenwood brings expertise in working with kūpuna while Hampton and Cristobal focus on families and youth, with an emphasis on teens who can build lifelong cooking skills. Building on the early success of the �鶹��ý Island pilot, the team has submitted a federal grant application to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture with plans to expand the program to Maui and Kauaʻi.

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (CTAHR) signed a memorandum of understanding with Nani Mau Gardens to expand agricultural education, research and community outreach on �鶹��ý Island. The 22-acre botanical site in Hilo will serve as an outdoor classroom and research facility for CTAHR students, faculty and the �鶹��ý Island community.

“This agreement connects our academic, research, and extension programs with a magnificent botanical resource on �鶹��ý Island,” said CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal. “Our students will be trained in real-world settings, while our faculty work alongside community partners to address urgent agricultural challenges facing tropical island ecosystems.”

“Nani Mau has been part of Hilo’s story for more than 50 years,” said Cindy Cui, CEO of Nani Mau Gardens. “Working with CTAHR lets us preserve this landmark while giving it a new purpose: teaching the next generation how to care for our water, our plants and our island.”

More than 2,000 species of tropical plants

Founded in 1970, Nani Mau Gardens houses more than 2,000 species of tropical plants, including flowering trees, palms, fruit crops and native Hawaiian flora. Under the agreement, CTAHR faculty and Cooperative Extension agents will use the botanical grounds for workshops and field research on pest management, soil health, biosecurity and plant propagation techniques suited to island microclimates.

In addition to student learning, the collaboration will support workforce development across the local agricultural sector. CTAHR and Nani Mau Gardens plan to host joint public events, workshops for local farmers and educational tours for school groups throughout the year.

What began 15 years ago as a federally funded research, training and outreach program has grown into an uplifting public health movement across the Pacific. The (CHL), based at the University of �鶹��ý at ��ā�ԴDz�’s , is celebrating a decade and a half of pioneering work in childhood nutrition, health, and community empowerment.

The center launched in 2011 with a $25 million USDA grant to create partnerships and build capacity across the region. Since then, it has worked with communities to improve the health and nutrition of thousands of children in �鶹��ý, Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Freely Associated States in Micronesia.

Putting communities first

“Our whole philosophy is really around promoting health and finding things that work, to always focus on the positive,” said Rachel Novotny, director of CHL. “The real work is with people: collaborating with communities on new playgrounds, adopting new policies about what kinds of foods are in schools, and working with kids on how to garden and grow their own fruits and vegetables, for example.”

A signature of CHL‘s impact is its . National health surveys often overlook �鶹��ý and the remote Pacific jurisdictions; the center stepped in to track data on children’s diets, physical activity and early physical signs of conditions like prediabetes.

A global success story

CHL has accomplished something rare: proven success in lowering childhood obesity. Participating communities saw a 4% drop in child overweight and obesity rates during the two-year program compared to non-participating areas. Six years later, that difference widened to 12%, showing the program’s long-term power.

The program has also become a centerpiece for mentoring and professional development for community health. Former CHL staffers and students now serve as deans, directors and lead researchers throughout the Pacific and the world, multiplying the positive impact on global food security.

CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal noted, “This is a remarkable example of a collaborative innovation success story, where CTAHR faculty have taken an impactful, community-based and data-driven approach to address nutritional security challenges in �鶹��ý and the Pacific. I commend Rachel for her leadership in building such a broad coalition to conduct place-based research while also training the future workforce.”

“One of our advisors said to me, ‘You know, Rachel, this isn’t so much a research trial anymore, it’s a movement,’” Novotny said. “I considered that a positive thing. It’s true that we’re after real societal change, and I think we have been able to accomplish that because of the people and the communities.”

Last fall, University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa researchers asked the question: Can �鶹��ý grow rice again? Now, a new study has given a data-driven answer: Yes, and the quality might be higher than expected.

The report is the work of scientists from the UH Mānoa (CTAHR) and the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. They found that high-quality Japanese rice types can thrive in fields with traditional irrigation systems, instead of traditional flooded paddies.

The collaboration evaluated two of Japan’s premier short-grain varieties, Koshihikari and Hitomebore, during the 2025 summer season.

The team tested upland cultivation in fields in Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi, owned by farmer Jerry Ornellas, a former CTAHR field technician. Yields in Kapaʻa reached 3.79 to 4.01 tons per hectare, comparable to many fields in Tokyo. Surprisingly, while the crops in Japan required 134 days to mature, �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s crops were harvested in 97 days. Shorter tropical daylengths accelerated their growth.

“This was an excellent start to the collaborative research to explore the potential of bringing back rice farming to �鶹��ý,” said Professor Tomoaki Miura of CTAHR’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management.

�Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s stable temperatures and abundant sunshine generated heavier grains, yielding an outstanding grain-filling rate of up to 93.9%. The island-grown rice also achieved a superior whole-grain ratio and a lower protein content, a trait highly prized for creating a softer, stickier eating texture.

�鶹��ý imports 100% of its rice, totaling 140 million pounds a year. Because residents consume three times the national average, establishing local production can play a major role in the state’s food security.

�鶹��ý 4-H youth showcased their hard work and growing self-confidence at the 2026 �鶹��ý State 4-H Livestock Show on July 11. Held during the �鶹��ý State Farm Fair, the event put a spotlight on the program’s role in training the next generation of agricultural leaders.

�鶹��ý 4-H is offered through the University of �鶹��ý at ��ā�ԴDz�’s ’s (CTAHR) Cooperative Extension team, helping young people build life skills to meet modern challenges. During the show, youth competitors evaluated and presented market hogs, goats, cows and steers that they raised throughout the season.

One of this year’s standout competitors was Nydia Robleto, a senior at James Campbell High School in ʻEwa Beach. After losing her first goat to the severe Kona Low storms earlier this year, Robleto persevered with support from the 4-H community and raised a new goat that went on to win first place in the goat show.

Robleto’s commitment to agriculture also extends into the classroom as part of CTAHR’s Summer Research Institute, which prepares young leaders to address critical challenges in food systems and environmental sustainability. She credits �鶹��ý 4-H and CTAHR for fostering her personal growth and confidence.

“Honestly, it’s been amazing,” Robleto said. “There are many people who will always support your decisions, and if you feel like you could do it, then they will help you out.”

National judge caps 50-state quest

Adding to the excitement of the event, national livestock judge Ryan Rash served as the official judge for the show, capping off a historic personal milestone. Rash completed his lifelong dream of judging livestock in all 50 states during his appearance at the �鶹��ý State Farm Fair.

He took great care to offer the young 4-H competitors candid and supportive evaluations of their animals’ appearance and performance.

“It has been quite the event to get here, and a very monumental achievement for me,” Rash said. “And so, very, very blessed to be able to get to do what I love and what I’m passionate about.”

The �鶹��ý 4-H summer livestock season comes to a close on August 22 with the 4-H Horse State Show at Kualoa Ranch on ��ʻ�����’s North Shore. To learn more about �鶹��ý 4-H, contact Asia Broussard at asiab9@hawaii.edu or (808) 956-2255.

When talking about �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s food security, the conversation often focuses on physical infrastructure — warehouses, cold storage, and doubling crop production to combat importing 90% of our food. A new by a University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa researcher contends that physical infrastructure and production are essential, but incomplete when looking at the challenges.

Published in Food Policy by Sothy Eng, an associate professor in the (CTAHR), the article emphasizes that cultural and social capital are under-recognized parts of achieving food self-sufficiency.

Cultural capital refers to the tastes, knowledge, and familiarity that influence what people value and consume; social capital refers to networks of trust, cooperation, and connection.

Eng, who teaches in CTAHR’s Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, states that expanding food production requires deliberate attention to culture, inclusion, and trust. His draws on a statewide survey of 313 farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than asking for fertilizer, soil, or fencing, local growers identified peer-to-peer networks, resource sharing, and community engagement as their most critical needs to sustain operations and morale.

Strongest driver of farming efficiency

Global data indicate that social capital is often the strongest driver of farming efficiency, outweighing both human and natural capital. Trust is vital for coordination, inclusion, and resilience across farmers, institutions, and consumers. Cultural and social capital help explain why production alone may not translate into local food consumption or stronger food security.

To bridge the gap between what �鶹��ý grows and what its communities actually eat, Eng advocates for investing in “relationship/symbolic infrastructure.” Practical solutions include expanding university campus farmers’ markets and recipe-sharing programs. These initiatives serve as cultural classrooms that build familiarity with local crops such as taro leaves and moringa, naturally driving local demand.

To achieve true food security, Eng concluded, food policy should grow relationships alongside crops. As he writes in the article, “Cultural and social capital are not substitutes for technology or infrastructure; they are the relational soil in which sustainability takes root.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the reclassification of the Aʻeo, or Hawaiian stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni), from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act, a rare and hopeful milestone for a native Hawaiian species. The change, published in the Federal Register alongside a species-specific 4(d) rule, reflects more than 50 years of conservation work that has brought the long-legged waterbird back from the brink. The recovery is documented in a new study led by researchers from the University of �鶹��ý at ��ā�ԴDz�’s (CTAHR) and their partners, published in .

Once abundant across the Hawaiian Islands, the Aeʻo dwindled to roughly 200 birds in the 1940s after decades of overhunting, the loss of wetlands to agriculture and development, and the spread of invasive predators. Following its listing as endangered in 1973 and sustained conservation efforts, the population has since climbed to more than 1,500 birds today.

Community partnering with conservation managers

The team analyzed more than five decades of data, representing more than 2,000 nests across nine wetlands on Oʻahu from 1963 to 2020. They found that nesting success and chick fledging success improved measurably over time, providing evidence that management actions such as predator control and habitat restoration are working.

“This is a bright spot story,” said Melissa Price, associate professor in CTAHR’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. “So many species across �鶹��ý are in decline. The aeʻo demonstrates how community can work in partnership with conservation managers to achieve recovery and rebuild relationships with our native species.”

A promising path

Expanding managed wetland habitat is the key to increasing the Aeʻo population. Aeʻo readily colonize restored and managed wetlands, and recent work has documented the birds nesting in restored Indigenous wetland agro-ecosystems. As sea-level rise threatens existing coastal wetlands, these community- and culturally-grounded restoration efforts offer both new habitat and a model for stewardship.

The new rule accompanying the reclassification is designed to keep the momentum going. It allows certain activities that benefit the Aʻeo to continue, including habitat management and restoration work, even where such activities would otherwise be restricted under the Act. This flexibility is intended to sustain the partnerships and on-the-ground care that the species still depends on as it progresses toward full recovery.

The authors are careful to call the Aeʻo a “conservation success story in progress.” Like many native Hawaiian species, it remains conservation-reliant: dependent on ongoing predator control, water management and habitat protection.

“Downlisting doesn’t mean the work is done,” said lead author Jessica Idle, a manager with the UH Mānoa Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit. “It means the work is paying off. Continued monitoring and management, especially expanding protected wetland habitat, will be essential to keep the population growing.”

The research was a collaboration among UH Mānoa, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the �鶹��ý Department of Land and Natural Resources, Tufts University and other partners, reflecting the coordinated, cross-agency effort behind the bird’s recovery.

In a state where land is expensive, and the tropical heat can be a hurdle for certain crops, researchers at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa’s (CTAHR) are looking up.

Kyle Marcelino, a PhD graduate from the Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering (MBBE) at CTAHR, conducted this research under the mentorship of Professor Samir Kumar Khanal, principal investigator, and Surendra K.C., PhD, a research scholar on Professor Khanal’s team. Together, the team is exploring new ways to strengthen local agriculture through a hybrid controlled environment system. By combining vertical farming with advanced aquaponics, they are developing a sustainable path for more commercial food production in the islands.

The tech behind the tower: Nano bubbles

At the heart of this project is the integration of nanobubble technology. Traditional aquaponic systems can struggle to maintain enough dissolved oxygen for healthy plant roots and beneficial bacteria. This system injects pure oxygen directly into the water using nanobubble technology.

“One of the most important parts of aquaponics is trying to maintain dissolved oxygen,” Marcelino said. This boost in oxygen serves several critical functions:

• It reduces root decay or root rot caused by harmful bacteria.
• It supports the natural bacteria that convert fish waste into plant-available nutrients.
• It encourages bacteria to break down organic solids, preventing the buildup of sludge that can choke a system.

A system built for �鶹��ý

With limited agricultural land available in �鶹��ý, growing vertically offers an efficient alternative. The hybrid greenhouse system uses technology to regulate temperature, UV exposure and water quality.

While the system is ideal for leafy greens, researchers are expanding their horizons to include high-value crops like strawberries that struggle in �鶹��ý’s humidity. It can also be used for radishes and other highly nutritious root vegetables.

The ultimate goal is to help move the technology from research to commercial use, giving local farmers another tool to grow fresh food more efficiently.

“The whole big goal is to try to eventually build this controlled environment system where farmers can control temperature, water quality, and oxygen levels to grow high-value crops and feed communities,” said Marcelino.

This research is supported by the CTAHR CARES Initiative and the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, and conducted under the leadership of Professor Khanal and K.C.

Nine forest landowners from �鶹��ý Island and Oʻahu officially graduated from the 10th annual Forest Stewards program on June 28, following an immersive three-day workshop in Pāhoa on �鶹��ý Island.

Housed in the University of �鶹��ý at ��ā�ԴDz�’s (CTAHR), the initiative helps people master the fundamentals of sustainable forest management, then design and implement community projects that bring this knowledge to their local neighborhoods.

Blending science, business and worldviews

Led by CTAHR Extension Forester J. B. Friday, the program covers practical, ecological and cultural dimensions of land stewardship. This year’s curriculum delved into the forest history of �鶹��ý, strategic tree selection, aggressive weed control and agroforestry practices — the practice of combining trees and shrubs with crops or livestock to create more productive, sustainable and diverse land-use systems.

Participants also learned how to navigate the layers of local government to maximize property tax incentives for designated forest lands. They learned Hawaiian words for the land and explored how modern land management in �鶹��ý is shaped by both Western and traditional Hawaiian worldviews.

While the newest cohort of graduates is currently designing their projects, they follow a legacy of alumni who have transformed conservation in their communities. Past Forest Stewards program achievements include:

• Hosting public educational field days in their personal forests for friends and neighbors.
• Outplanting native species in highly visible community spaces.
• News articles highlighting the critical role of regional forests.
• Working with county officials to expand property tax incentives for active reforestation projects.

“It has been really gratifying to see all the contributions the graduates of our program have made in educating their communities on how to care for our forests,” said Friday.

Get involved

The program is expanding its network of dedicated land managers who protect �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s fragile ecosystems. Forest landowners, managers or conservation enthusiasts interested in joining the 2027 cohort are encouraged to contact Friday directly at .

For centuries, plants like māmaki and noni have been used to heal and restore. Now, a researcher at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa is using bioengineering to better understand how these plants produce their healing power and how to naturally boost those medicinal properties for the future.

Nan Jiang, an assistant professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering in the (CTAHR), is leading a first-ever study to map the genetic and chemical blueprints of some of �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s most significant medicinal plants.

Bio-factories

His research focuses on the anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds found in noni, māmaki and moringa.

“We are looking at the ‘bio-factory’ inside the cells,” Jiang said. “If we can identify the limiting steps in how a plant produces an antioxidant, we can use natural breeding or environmental triggers to boost that production.”

To decode these complex processes, Jiang uses a new ally: Nicotiana benthamiana, a relative of tobacco, as a research tool. His lab tests specific enzymes from plants such as noni and moringa in Nicotiana plants, using them as natural incubators to see which genetic combinations yield the highest medicinal value.

The research has practical applications for �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s economy. Many local entrepreneurs produce teas, powders and supplements using native plants, and Jiang’s research has the potential to increase the potency and quality of these health products.

Growing resilience

The project, which has been underway for more than a year, is an example of the mission of the CTAHR. By focusing on plants that are uniquely suited to the islands’ environment, Jiang is helping to build a more resilient future for both local agriculture and community health. This research is supported by the CTAHR CARES Initiative and the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation.

“Our greenhouse and lab work is designed to honor the plants that are native to this place and find ways to make their healing properties more accessible to everyone.”

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

Williams shared, “Students Samantha Iha (left) and Yanli He (right) in Assistant Professor Nan Jiang’s lab working with noni extracts.”

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A cohort from the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa’s (CTAHR) was recognized out of 16 schools by the Western Extension Directors Association (WEDA) and agInnovation-West for leadership in education, research, and Cooperative extension.

“At CTAHR, we are building a movement rooted in collaborative innovation,” said CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal. “These honors reflect our commitment to bringing out the best in our students and faculty as they lead the way in creating solutions that support families and communities, food producers, and the natural environment.”

WEDA presented its Award of Excellence in Programming for a Team to the Organic Sweetpotato Integrated Pest Management and Soil Health Management Team. Led by Koon-Hui Wang of the Department of Plant & Environmental Protection Sciences, the �鶹��ý team includes Amjad Ahmad, Thao Le and Brent Sipes, along with collaborators from Auburn University’s College of Agriculture.

The combined team has secured more than $1 million in competitive funding and developed tools for pest management and soil health, on-farm research trials, and educational resources that strengthen organic farming systems.

The 2026 Excellence in Agricultural Research Innovation Award – Lifetime was presented to Professor Rachel Novotny of CTAHR’s Department of Human Nutrition, Food & Animal Science.

Novotny has dedicated her career to building scientific evidence and policies to improve the nutrition of underserved communities throughout �鶹��ý and the Pacific. Her signature achievement is establishing the college’s in 2011. This initiative has played a major role in helping thousands of children and families lead healthier, more active lives.

The Western region’s land-grant network awarded the 2026 Western Region New Teaching Award to Professor Andy Reilly.

Reilly is a professor in CTAHR‘s Fashion Design and Merchandising program whose academic research explores the historic and cultural aspects of the fashion industry in �鶹��ý. He has authored seven books and 40 academic papers, and is now writing a comprehensive book on fashion in �鶹��ý.

The awards were presented at the 2026 Western Region Joint Summer Meeting, hosted by CTAHR in Hilo, from June 22 to 25.

Coral reef decline driven by climate change could cost �鶹��ý residents between $1.8 billion and $3 billion in lost reef-related activities by 2100, according to a published in Ecological Economics. The research projects these burdens will not fall equally, with lower-income and disadvantaged communities in the state facing disproportionate impacts.

The study was led by researchers at the University of �鶹��ý at ��ā�ԴDz�’s (CTAHR), alongside scientists from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences and the University of Trento. It is one of the first studies to combine detailed ecological models with community-level economic data across the state.

“Coral reefs are foundational to life in �鶹��ý culturally, ecologically and economically,” said lead author Ashley Lowe Mackenzie, an affiliated faculty member in the CTAHR Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM). “Our work makes visible something that is often invisible in policy conversations by valuing real welfare losses that residents will experience as these ecosystems degrade.”

Mapping future losses

The research team used a sophisticated biophysical simulation called the Atlantis ecosystem model to project how coral cover will change across nearshore reef systems through the year 2100. They tested three different climate pathways representing low, mid-range and high global emissions scenarios.

By connecting these ecological shifts with a recreation demand model, they mapped potential economic losses for residents at a precise 1-kilometer resolution. Because the figures only capture local recreational use—such as swimming, snorkeling and diving—the authors emphasize that the $1.8 billion to $3 billion estimate represents a lower end of total economic damage.

Key findings include:

• The earliest and most severe losses are projected along the leeward (west and south) coasts of �鶹��ý Island and Maui.
• Recreational losses are expected to spread northward to Oʻahu by mid-century.
• Under a high-emissions climate scenario, nearshore reefs face a near-total collapse by 2100. Under a low-emissions scenario, some windward (east and north) coastlines show signs of partial recovery late in the century.

Disproportionate impacts on local communities

Using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s environmental justice tool (EJScreen), the researchers discovered that disadvantaged communities often face higher per-person welfare losses. Traditional economic methods usually project lower monetary losses for lower-income groups, making this finding particularly striking. The data indicate that vulnerable communities are disproportionately exposed to the specific areas experiencing the steepest reef declines.

“This study puts numbers to what our communities have long understood—that losing our reefs means losing the recreational opportunities, cultural practices, and quality of life that define what it means to live in �鶹��ý,” said Brian Neilson, administrator of the �鶹��ý Division of Aquatic Resources. “Reef-based recreation is deeply tied to traditions of fishing, gathering, and caring for our nearshore waters.”

A call for local action

The findings connect directly to local state-led efforts such as �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s Holomua Marine Initiative, which works with communities and Indigenous knowledge holders to design site-specific reef management.

“The magnitude of those potential losses should be a wake-up call to take action now to protect our nearshore environment,” said senior author Kirsten L.L. Oleson, NREM professor. “Our lab’s research suggests that a lot can be accomplished through local action, particularly by reducing land-based pollution and over-harvesting.”

The research was supported by NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program.

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa’s Chelsea Miller has received national recognition for expanding access to hands-on genomics education.

Miller, a PhD student in the Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering in the (CTAHR), earned the Outstanding Poster Award at the (NISBRE), held June 17 in North Bethesda, Maryland.

Breaking barriers in science education

Her award-winning poster, “Genome on the Go: Decentralizing Molecular Biology Education through Portable Genomics Tools and Near-Peer Mentorship,” highlights a training model designed to reduce barriers to advanced laboratory instruction for students in �鶹��ý and other geographically isolated regions.

Developed through the (�鶹��ý INBRE) program with support from U.S. Department of Agriculture workforce development initiatives, the project brings portable DNA sequencing tools and graduate student mentors directly to learners, enabling a full “sample-to-sequence” workflow in classroom and field settings.

Over the past year, Miller and her team conducted 11 workshops across �鶹��ý, the Pacific and the continental U.S., training 72 participants using Bento Lab and Oxford Nanopore technologies.

Strengthening biomedical workforce development

The approach helps prepare the next generation of biomedical workforce while giving students access to modern molecular biology techniques typically limited to well-equipped research laboratories.

“This award reflects the incredible efforts of our graduate student instructors and the vision of making genomics accessible to every student, regardless of location,” said Jon-Paul Bingham, �鶹��ý INBRE PATHways director and co-author of the project.

Miller was one of three �鶹��ý INBRE-affiliated researchers recognized at the biennial NISBRE meeting, which highlights national research and training supported through the IDeA program. Also honored were Li Tao, professor at the , who received the Outstanding Mentorship and Teaching Award, and Natalie Graham, assistant professor at UH Hilo, who earned the Scientific Merit Award.

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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.