The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 (CTAHR) celebrated the faculty, staff and community leaders who advance the college鈥檚 vision of a more resilient Hawaiʻi at its 2026 CTAHR Banquet in May. The high-energy night showcased collective work to strengthen the state鈥檚 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 东精影业 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. 东精影业ees 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 Hawaiʻi are what drive us forward every day.”

Honolulu Community College鈥檚 Ganesan Srinivasan was recognized with the 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (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 东精影业 M膩noa. 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 Hawaiʻi truly began鈥攁s an East-West Center grantee and 东精影业 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鈥檚 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鈥攖o 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 Hawaiʻi and beyond,” Srinivasan said.The post CTAHR honors Honolulu CC dean with Outstanding Alumnus Award first appeared on University of Hawai驶i 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 Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) program reached its diamond jubilee with its 60th annual fashion exhibition, “Kaleido: Fragmented Illusions.” Held at the 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 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鈥檛 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鈥檚 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 东精影业 M膩noa fashion exhibition celebrates 60 years first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>

This week鈥檚 东精影业 News Image of the Week is from 东精影业 M膩noa’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 Waim膩nalo station as part of exploring if Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has strategically reorganized the , moving it to strengthen research collaborations while upholding its vital commitment to conserving Hawaiʻi’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,” 东精影业 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鈥檚 largest collection of endangered native Hawaiian plants, has transitioned to the (CTAHR).

“Lyon Arboretum鈥檚 world-class botanical resources will further enhance CTAHR鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 东精影业 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 Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (CTAHR) is reopening the (ADSC). Local farmers will once again have access to soil and plant testing here in Hawaiʻi at a reasonable cost, instead of sending samples to the U.S. continent.

The center鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 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, Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Molokaʻi and Kauaʻi accepting samples at the .

Temporary in-person collection site until July 21, 2026

To increase accessibility for 翱ʻ补丑耻鈥檚 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.
• 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 东精影业 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鈥檚 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鈥檓 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鈥� 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鈥檝e 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鈥檚 just like home,” he said. “You can always come here, and you鈥檒l be taken care of.”

Delos-Santos will attend the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa in fall 2026 to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree in human development and family studies with a focus on child and family services. His goal is to earn a master鈥檚 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 Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s (CTAHR) and retired epidemiologist Dan Galanis with Hawaiʻi State Department of Health Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch, the revealed how occupational context is associated with suicide risk in Hawaiʻi, 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, Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi of Hawaiʻi Statewide Food System Coordination including Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farm Union United, Maui Farmer Support Network, Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance, Hawaiʻi 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.

Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

The 东精影业 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 东精影业 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 Hawaiʻi, 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, 东精影业 researchers hosted a workshop in Honolulu with Professor Wei-Cheng Yang from National Taiwan University鈥檚 Veterinary School to train stranding responders and scientists from across the Pacific.

Participants included staff from the Taiwanese Cetacean Society, and representatives from the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resource鈥檚 Division of Aquatic Resources, NOAA Fisheries, the U.S. Geological Survey鈥檚 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 Hawaiʻi, 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 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 Department of Land and Natural Resources and involves collaborators from Taiwan, the Philippines, Spain, and Brazil.

Fourteen University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa academic subjects were ranked among the world鈥檚 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鈥檚 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,” 东精影业 Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “They showcase the university鈥檚 global standing and reinforce that 东精影业 Mānoa offers outstanding educational opportunities and experiences for both our local community and those joining us from around the world.”

东精影业 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鈥檚 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

东精影业 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 Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi.

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 S谩nchez Bezos is supporting University of Hawaiʻi-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鈥檚 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 东精影业 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 (东精影业ERO) housed in 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 , 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 ʻ膩ina (land)-based organizations across Hawaiʻi.

“Insufficient investment in land care across former plantation lands has left large areas of Maui vulnerable to wildfire,” said Kimberly Burnett, a specialist with 东精影业ERO. “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 Hawaiʻi.

The gift builds on existing support from the Bezos Maui Fund to restore the island鈥檚 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 东精影业 who continue to face economic hardship following the fires.

“We are profoundly grateful to our donors for their continued commitment to Maui,” said 东精影业 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.”

Students from Maui鈥檚 Lahainaluna and Baldwin High Schools traveled to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for a hands–on immersion into the future of fashion technology in February. Hosted by the Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) program, these visits show students how traditional skills such as sewing merge with cutting-edge innovations like Computer-Aided Design and electronic textiles (e-textiles).

The events are a part of the 鈥檚 outreach strategy to introduce high school students and their teachers to educational paths and career opportunities in the fashion industry.

Tradition meets high tech

Students from Baldwin High School鈥檚 Poʻo Academy participated in intensive workshops designed to show the cycle of modern garment creation. Associate Professor Ju–Young Kang taught students about using Optitex design software to create fashion concepts, the first step in a garment鈥檚 life.

Professor Minako McCarthy expanded on this cycle by providing a design curriculum overview and how fashion collections are developed. She took students on a tour of the design and sewing labs, where they talked with current junior and senior FDM students.

“The students and their teachers were very engaged from the first sketch to the actual outfit presented at the fashion exhibition and show,” McCarthy said.

In a session with Assistant Professor Olaitan Adeleke, students from Lahainaluna High School experimented with innovative e-textile technologies, creating their own stitched LED “smiley” circuits. These students rounded out their experience with a traditional sewing workshop.

“It鈥檚 one thing to simulate things on software, but it鈥檚 another thing to really build it hands-on,” said Adeleke. “Connecting that physical integration with software is a beautiful one.”

FDM faculty work with high schools across Oʻahu and Maui as part of a broader recruitment and outreach strategy started by Professor Andy Reilly. Adeleke expects more than 40 students from other schools to participate in the coming weeks.

From locally grown orchids, plumeria and ornamental flowers to high-tech vertical farming systems, local agriculture took center stage at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol Agriculture (Ag) Day on February 26. The event featured more than 40 organizations, with a strong showing from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 (CTAHR).

At the event, CTAHR Professor Brent Sipes and his colleagues shared strategies for pest management and crop protection, while experts Mark Thorne and Yanghua He discussed livestock sustainability and food security. Additionally, researchers detailed the science behind 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 unique environment and soil health, and teams from Hawaiʻi 4-H and GoFarm Hawaiʻi showcased how CTAHR is mentoring the next generation of farmers and leaders.

Voices from the field

The heart of the event was the exchange between researchers, industry leaders and policymakers. Tessie Amore, an associate researcher at CTAHR, presented the critical link between research and the ornamental plant industry. Anthuriums have become one of the state鈥檚 most valuable cut flowers, generating millions of dollars in annual sales and serving as a visual icon of 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 agricultural identity.

“I’m here to talk about the research we鈥檙e doing to help the Hawaiʻi growers,” said Amore. “By showing our work, it shows the legislature that we’re thankful for the support they’re given to our growers, and our growers are supporting us.”

Jeff Goodwin, Hawaiʻi 4-H state lead, spoke about the organization鈥檚 role in empowering keiki with life skills. “Our main mission is positive youth development, and the 4-H projects are just the vehicle to get us to positive youth development,” he said.

Kerry Kakazu, of MetroGrow, is working with CTAHR to push the boundaries of vertical farming and help students get ready for the high-tech, commercial realities of modern farming.

“Our vision of vertical farming is commercial level production with a high-tech indoor greenhouse that is also an active teaching site,” said Kakazu. “When you build it and people are researching and learning about it, they’re learning what can be done commercially.”

Agriculture Day was sponsored by the agriculture committees of the Hawaiʻi State Senate and House of Representatives and organized by the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau.

For Cooperative Extension agents at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (CTAHR), language access is vital to being a good neighbor to farmers and communities.

“In Hawaiʻi we have this beautifully diverse community, and we want to make sure the services we鈥檙e providing are accessible even if someone may not feel comfortable accessing information in English,” said Emilie Kirk, an associate extension agent on Kauaʻi and a member of the 东精影业 Language Access Committee.

The LIFE Program: A legacy of caring

The (LIFE) program was initiated more than 20 years ago when former Associate Extension Specialist Sabina Swift recognized that pesticide safety information was not reaching non–English speaking farmers, leading to health risks.

Today, the LIFE program and extension agents continue this legacy of grassroots support with long–term relationships and the trust of their communities. The LIFE program is supported by USDA funding through the 2501 grant program through September 2026.

During the past three years, the program team has worked with partners to:

• Lead or support more than 60 workshops and outreach events across six islands.
• Deliver one–on–one consultations in many languages.
• Create on drip irrigation basics and pesticide safety.

Tools for connection

CTAHR provides 24/7 access to a telephone interpreter service capable of identifying and translating dozens of languages, including ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Ilocano, Thai, Lao and Mandarin, within seconds. All state and county agencies should also be able to provide this service, as required by state and federal law.

The LIFE program also facilitates on–farm interpretation through multilingual agents or contracted local professionals for field–based support; CTAHR鈥檚 initiative hosts hands–on workshops directly in languages other than English, moving from translation to provide accessible programming.

“It鈥檚 not just about providing written translations of material that can be quite technical.” Kirk said. “It鈥檚 providing one–on–one or small group hands–on activities in their preferred language to really bring a subject to life.”

CTAHR works with its extension colleagues at , and (formerly the Oʻahu Agriculture and Conservation Association), , , and others on language access.

With Hawaiʻi facing a critical shortage of public health professionals, the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 is strengthening the public health workforce pathway—starting in high school classrooms.

Lightbulbs go off when participants realize how much public health shapes their daily lives.
—Yuka Polovina

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (DOE) offers a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Health Services pathway that includes a focus in public health, but only five schools statewide currently offer it. Limited awareness of public health careers among students—and limited familiarity with foundational public health concepts among teachers—have slowed expansion.

To help address this gap and increase the number of schools offering the pathway, Yuka Polovina, a faculty member in the (DPHS) at the Thompson school, developed “” (PH101-CTE). The workshop builds awareness of public health careers and equips educators with foundational concepts and classroom strategies, showing how public health principles can be integrated into lessons, activities and assessments.

“When I meet students who are interested in health fields, more often than not they say it鈥檚 because they want to help their communities,” said Polovina, who also serves as a workshop instructor. “It then surprises me when they say they want to become a nurse or doctor. Few know that public health is another powerful way to make an impact, and once students learn about it, they get excited.”

Real-world learning in action

The first PH 101 training, held in October 2025, brought together Windward District teachers in health services and agriculture pathways. Organized by Windward District CTE Resource Teacher Trisha Kim, the workshop highlighted connections between sustainability, food systems and public health.

“This is the best form of teacher professional development,” said Kim. “We are grateful for our partnership and the positive impact for our Windward District students.”

The day included a session at Kailua High School, facilitated by Polovina, and a site visit to the . The visit was led by Jane Chung-Do, acting chair of DPHS, along with Ilima Ho-Lastimoa and Ted Radovich from the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR). Participants learned about the , offering a hands-on and place-based example of public health in practice.

“Lightbulbs go off when participants realize how much public health shapes their daily lives––from the clean air we breathe to the simple fact that we don鈥檛 have to boil water before drinking it,” said Polovina. “They immediately see how their students will connect to it too.”

The PH 101 training is open to DOE CTE teachers statewide, with another session tentatively planned for this spring. Teachers interested in participating can request a workshop by emailing hiphwork@hawaii.edu.

This initiative builds on efforts from the and is supported through collaboration with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health鈥檚 Public Health Infrastructure Grant.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers identified 10 new species and seven new groups (genera) of Hawaiian leaf-roller moths. While new species are frequently discovered, the description of a new genus of insects is a much rarer event; seven groups at once is almost unheard of. Discovered by (CTAHR) graduate student Kyhl Austin and Professor Daniel Rubinoff, this research highlights how much Native Hawaiian biodiversity remains a mystery.

Some species are brilliantly colored—almost iridescent—while another species from Hawaiʻi Island is potentially the largest member of its family in the world.

“Hawaiʻi is a world-renowned laboratory for evolution, but these moths have been hiding their true history in plain sight,” said lead author Austin. “By identifying these seven new genera, we are showing that these insects crossed thousands of miles of open ocean to reach Hawaiʻi far more frequently than we ever imagined.”

Despite their small size, leaf-roller moths have proven to be one of the most effective long-distance travelers among any native Hawaiian animals. Evidence suggests they arrived in the islands through as many as 20 independent natural colonization events over several million years, an unprecedented number for any animal group in Hawaiʻi.

Honoring Hawaiian ecology, culture

This work also reorganizes species that had been incorrectly grouped together, creating a roadmap for future conservation and research.

The researchers have proposed several new names that honor Hawaiian ecology and culture:

• Genus Iliahia: Named for its host plant, the endangered ʻiliahi (sandalwood). One new species, Iliahia pahulu, is considered critically endangered and is known only from a small grove of approximately 30 sandalwood trees on Lānaʻi.
• The discovery includes Paalua leleole, which exhibits a rare “flightless” form in females, and Iliahia lilinoe, named after the goddess of the mists on Haleakalā.

Many of the newly described species are already on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss and the decline of their specific host plants. Some species described in the paper are noted as “presumed extinct,” as they have not been seen in the wild for more than 100 years. Protecting these uniquely Hawaiian animals requires a wide effort to restore native habitats and eliminate invasive species.

The discovery is a “testament to what was here and what we’ve lost,” said Rubinoff. “We are naming species just as they are disappearing.”

The research was conducted through the Entomology Section in CTAHR. The team used advanced “automontage” photography to create highly detailed, 3D-like images of the specimens, which will be used to help conservationists identify these rare insects in the field.

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University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa graduate student Koa Grabar has been named a recipient of the (GSPA). The award, sponsored by the Ecological Society of America, honors graduate students who demonstrate a strong interest in the intersection of biological sciences and public policy.

Farm to conservation

Grabar鈥檚 journey into the world of natural resources began in Hilo. Surrounded by chickens and the unique biodiversity of Hawaiʻi Island, his upbringing sparked a lifelong fascination with 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 bird populations.

“Growing up on a farm and hiking a lot in Volcano and seeing all the forest birds really [sparked] my interest in this kind of stuff,” Grabar said. This interest eventually led him to pursue studies at the 鈥檚 Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, where he focused his research on the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife.

Grabar鈥檚 current research investigates human—wildlife interactions, specifically focusing on how endangered waterbirds adapt to different wetland settings. His work helps wetland managers understand how human presence affects these sensitive species.

Advocating for research resources

As a GSPA winner, Grabar will travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in policy training and meet with congressional staff on Capitol Hill. The award focuses on lobbying for research funding in biology and ecology, advocating for the resources necessary to sustain vital research in Hawaiʻi and across the nation.

He expects to graduate in May 2026 and then take a private sector job in environmental land planning. However, his long-term goal remains rooted in the field that raised him: wildlife conservation and wetland protection. For students who are still finding their way, Grabar offers a simple piece of advice.

“Reflecting on what your interests are and what you care about is the most important thing,” he said.

To celebrate Charles Darwin鈥檚 217th birthday, the University of Hawaiʻi (CTAHR) Insect Museum in Gilmore Hall buzzed with scientific discovery on February 12. Darwin Day 2026 honored the importance of evolution and science in daily life showcasing a dynamic range of research from across the islands.

Scientists from the Kewalo Marine Laboratory showcased “tide pool critters,” including corals and various marine invertebrates.

“Darwin Day is about raising awareness of how science has a positive impact on everybody鈥檚 lives,” said Dan Rubinoff, 东精影业 Insect Museum director and CTAHR professor. “It鈥檚 really fun for us because it鈥檚 collaborative. We have so many other labs sharing their research with the public in this context”.

The Honolulu Zoo Society presented an educational display of skulls and “biofacts” to illustrate the impact of the environment on animal evolution.

The event also featured planthoppers from the 东精影业 Chong Lab, mantis shrimp from the 东精影业 Porter Vision Lab, Darwin鈥檚 finches presented by Luke Campillo, Native Hawaiian plants from Lyon Arboretum and endemic snails from the Bishop Museum.

Education and outreach

The event is part of the museum鈥檚 broader mission to support research and engage the public through tours and seasonal outreach events.

“We want people to take away that science is important and that they should support it,” Rubinoff said.

For more information on the museum and its collections, .

For Laurie Au and her family, the journey to a thriving garden was only a five-minute drive from their front door.

“My son really loves gardening, and at a young age has shown an interest,” Au said at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 鈥檚 (CTAHR) recent Second Saturday at the Garden event. “It鈥檚 nice to be able to connect children with green spaces, especially knowing that we live in Hawaiʻi and the importance of having a place to grow food.”

The Au family was one of many who came to trade city life for a morning in the soil at the Urban Garden Center in Pearl City. Before heading home, they were gifted a tomato plant to continue their connection to agriculture in their own backyard.

The event also addressed environmental threats facing the islands. Conservation Dogs of Hawaiʻi provided live demonstrations, showing how their trained canines sniff out the invasive Little Fire Ant. Members of the Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee complemented this by teaching residents how to properly screen their own plants to prevent the spread of this destructive pest before it becomes established as the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle.

Science and youth development

Second Saturday at the Garden brought forward the fun side of science and the power of youth development. From crafting wooden dolphin pendants to participating in a “white elephant” fundraiser, the 4-H section was a hub of energy.

“We have ʻwacky inventions鈥� that encourage kids to think out of the box and get creative with creating a product,” said Christine Hanakawa, assistant extension agent with the Hawaiʻi 4-H program.

The funds raised will support an overnight educational experience for Hawaiʻi 4-H youth for grades 4–12 and their mentors aboard the Battleship Missouri, further bridging the gap between local history and youth education.

While keiki explored, adults had access to professional agricultural knowledge. The Oʻahu Master Gardeners answered “plant doctor” questions, while specialized sessions covered everything from the technical side of tree grafting to the best flowers for supporting local bee populations.