Seminar 4 - Day 2 Maui!

Started our morning with sweets from Komoda Bakery and coffee...all revved up and off to start our day!

Seminar 4 - A Sweet First Day on the Valley Isle

A sweet first day on the Valley Isle.

Our first day on Maui started off at Hawaii Commercial & Sugar Company, Hawaii’s last sugar plantation.  We heard about everything HC&S from Rick Volner, Plantation General Manager.

Rick Volner, Plantation General Manager.

This 37,000 acre plantation produces sugar, molasses, mud, and… labor.  Rick told us about their nationally recognized apprenticeship program, training welders, electricians, mechanics, and more, providing a great opportunity for their employees to move forward in their careers.

Robert Lu’uwai, VP of Farm Operations led us on an extensive, but not long enough tour of the mill.  

You could feel, hear, and smell the mill at work.  HC&S has truly embraced technology, from the automation of some processes allowing for a reduction in labor costs, investment in computer software to monitor mill mechanical efficiency and safety, and use of new methods in the field.

Robert showing us the evaporators, which consume the largest amount of energy in the plant.

Every time I pour some raw sugar in my coffee, I’ll think about all the processes involved to get to that little brown packet of sugar in Starbucks. 

After returning to the meeting room, we had a few short minutes to hear from Garret Hew from East Maui Irrigation.  The 75 miles of ditch and tunnel irrigation system serves not only the plantation but the Kula Ag Park and thousands of upcountry residents as well.  Maui's dependence on surface water is such a huge factor in the future of agriculture on the island.

Garret Hew of East Maui Irrigation.

This was a great transition to our visit with Skippy Hau, Aquatic Biologist at DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources.  The venue was perfect, nestled in the valley with 'Iao stream flowing nearby.

'Iao Stream. You rarely see water that clear and clean looking on O'ahu!

Skippy Hau describing the different species of o'opu found in Maui streams.

Skippy shared with us about the effects of channelization and stream diversion on the native biota.  It’s amazing to think that aquatic fauna like o’opu, ‘opae, and hihiwai, with the effects so evident, will probably never be listed as a threatened or endangered species.  He stressed that this was why stream restoration is so vital to their recovery.

Hihiwai.

“Humans don’t have the patience to wait for change, we want it to happen all at once.”

We headed up to Makawao to the baseyard for Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) and the East Maui Watershed Partnership.  While we waited for Dr. Leary to arrive, Chuck Chimera, Weed Risk Assessment specialist, gave us a quick tour of the small but growing native garden for use in helping determine which native species axis deer are most attracted to.

Tour of the native garden at MISC with Chuck Chimera.

Dr. James Leary from CTAHR arrived back at the baseyard from morning in the field utilizing an innovative application method termed “Herbicide Ballistic Technology” or HBT.  HBT is basically using an herbicide diluted with surfactants and encapsulated in a “paintball” applied from a helicopter.  Using this method allows precise applications in hard or sometimes impossible to reach areas – this has been so important in controlling incipient populations of Miconia.  What a unique and exciting strategy in controlling spread of one of Hawaii’s most invasive pests, combining surveillance and treatment!  Tyler suggested adding ecotourism into that mix.  I think I’ll suggest that to Dr. Leary and volunteer to be the first test subject!

Dr. James Leary describing the HBT application method.

Dr. Leary even let us have a shot (yes, pun intended) at this “application method”, with some people showing off their shooting skills and others just wanting to hear the sound of the gun on full automatic (ahem, Jennica).

Brandi and Kirby first to give it a try.

Brandi Kirby - HBT

After returning to the yurts, we had the opportunity to hear from Teya Penniman, Manager at MISC, which receives over $1 million in funding from Maui County, by far the most of any county invasive species committee.  On the top of the list for MISC is control of invasive pests such as the Little Fire Ant, Coqui frog, banana bunchy top.  Teya mentioned that most instrumental in their efforts is public reporting.  643-PEST!! 

Abe Vandenberg of MISC shared with us a new curriculum program available for high school teachers, providing educator workshops on the natural environment of Hawaii, exploring the different climate types Hawaii has to offer.  What a great resource for Maui’s teachers!  http://www.hoikecurriculum.org/

Next, we heard from Mike Tavares of the Maui Axis Deer Harvesting Cooperative.  Funded through the Offices of Economic Development, this deer management program is available to the community and strives for “zero waste”, utilizing every part of the animal.  It is because of this zero waste factor that MADHC has experienced little to no public resistance.  Looking forward to some venison and one of those shirts!

After this exciting day, we all headed to Banyan Tree House Bed & Breakfast for the night.  A great first day on Maui!

Seminar 3 - Good Morning last day on Kauai!

View from the lovely Waimea apartments we got to stay at. Thank you Judith and Pioneer Hi-Bred!

The iconic Ishihara's was right next door! Great poke and other local goodies

Ashley helping pack up the days goodies.

The always lovely and vivacious Judith ready to drive us to Pioneer Hi-Bred headquarters.

Starting off our day with Peter where we had our leadership workshop at the Pioneer Hi-Bred headquarters in Waimea. 

Sydney taking down notes as we delve in to the communication challenges.

First group exercise time! Listing all the possible ways communication can go wrong in a particular scenario.

James and Elton listening to Kirby

Tyler, Ashley and Chris deep in discussion

 Derrick and Miki having a laugh (well at least Derrick is :)

Diving into the finer points of similarity and differences between apple, oranges, and tomatoes. I know the botanist in me couldn't wait to get to this one but my favorites were: All three can be thrown at someone, all three can be made into cocktails, and only one is in the name of a BCS bowl game.  

"The Thinker", aka Captain Kirby.

Sweet Sara giving an excellent presentation on plant breeding. I liked the geographic metaphor she gave to explain DNA and location of genes.

Alas, our thinker has reverted to his more primitive self.

Judith's show and tell on all the different corn traits and her 'baby', Super Sorghum.

A plant breeder's mantra.

Sara showing us the lab where all the magic happens.

Final day wrap-up at the brand new BASF base yard. Overall assessment? Great seminar and we all loved Kauai! Mahalo to everyone!

Seminar 3 - Kaua'i alumni dinner at NTBG

There was a great turnout of people and delicious food at the ALP alumni networking dinner at the beautiful facilities of the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Lawa'i.  We were joined by members of the Kaua'i Farm Bureau and other supporters of agriculture.  Mahalo nui loa to Laurie Ho and her crew for organizing the event and to NTBG for allowing us to use its facilities.  Imua Kaua'i!

Seminar 3 - FWS refuge and Koga Farms

Kim Uyehara showed us FWS efforts toward protecting endangered waterfowl. Mark  Koga took time from harvesting taro to talk story about his 3rd generation taro farm. There were 3 generations working today!

Seminar 3 - Kauai Day 2

After an amazing lunch from Hanalei Taro and Juice, we continued on to learn about the Hui Maka'ainana O Makana community organization. We learned so much about the history of this special place, by having the chance to just sit and talk story.

Kawika Winter, alumni of Class XI gave us a tour through Limahuli Botanical Garden. The beauty of the gardens and the connection to land and culture was moving for us all. The garden is trying to ensure that the biology and culture of Hawaii is cultivated and nurtured so no more will be lost and it can flourish!