CTAHR Conference: Full Schedule

2025 CTAHR Conference: He ʻAʻaliʻi Kū Makani: Resilience Through Innovation

8:00am HST

State of the College and University: Resilience through Collaborative Innovation

Thursday April 10, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am HST

Join CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal as he shares the College's vision of a more resilient Hawai'i.

Communities filled with abundant local food; with more local entrepreneurs driving our economy and creating jobs for our keiki and neighbors; and with more support for local families and communities, empowering everyone to thrive in our islands.

Coffee and pastries will be available.

Presenters

Dr. Parwinder Grewal

Dean and Director, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience

Thursday April 10, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am HST
Campus Center Ballroom

Keynote

9:45am HST

Advancing Excellence in CTAHR Administrative Functions (Administrative Staff)

Thursday April 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST

CC310

Jason Gilbert, Director of Administrative Services, presents this session for all interested participants to connect administrative staff team members to the broader CTAHR team across the state.

He will provide an overview of the vision for improved Administrative Services and a snapshot of the current resource environment for CTAHR operations.

Presenters

Jason Gilbert

Thursday April 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST
CC310

9:45am HST

Innovations in Industry Through CTAHR Collaborations

Thursday April 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST

CC308

Led by Jessica Radovich, of CTAHR's Office of Community Engagement and Communication, presenters will share new ideas and fresh thinking created with CTAHR Research & Extension collaborations.

Presenters
Adela's Country Eatery X Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering (MBBE)
The Pantry X CTAHR Cooperative Extension
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology X Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM)

Presenters

Dr. Tomoaki Miura

Department Chair / Professor, CTAHR Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management

Dr. Akinori Yamanaka

Professor, Dept. of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology

Jessica Radovich

Richard Chan

Farm Coordinator, Adela's Country Eatery

Dr. Zhi-Yan (Rock) Du

Assistant Professor, CTAHR Department of Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology

Parker Kilkenny

Urban Garden Center

Robin Sherley

Operations Coordinator, The Pantry

Thursday April 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST
CC308

9:45am HST

PechaKucha (rapid fire presentations!)

Thursday April 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST

CC Executive Dining Room

PechaKucha (Japanese, to mean chit-chat) is a storytelling format in which a presenter shows 20 slides for 20 seconds per slide. This timed talk is defined by “talk less, show more” in 6 minutes and 40 seconds. PechaKucha’s will be presented in a group. Discussions will offered after the PechaKucha session, to allow for further discussion on the topic.

Michael Cheang: Prevalence of Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Members of a University-based Lifelong Learning Program. Being socially isolated and lonely may result in negative health outcomes—increased risks of depression, anxiety, heart disease, stroke, suicide, a 50% increased risk of dementia, and mortality. Find out what factors increase the risks of socially isolation and loneliness.

Rosemary Gutierrez-Coarite, Jacqueline Jamison, Amjad Ahmad: Increasing the number of sweet potato storage roots to increase the yield of sweet potato crops in Hawaii.This project was conducted to assess different soil moisture levels and soil nutrients to improve water and fertilizer use efficiency while increasing the yield and quality of sweet potatoes.

Yunuen Bustamante, Melelani Oshiro: Avian Influenza in Hawaii: Research, Challenges, and Controversies. The fertilizer treatments were only significantly different in the irrigated control and the lowest moisture treatment. Marketable yield was highest in the irrigated control that received no fertilizer, and lowest in the low moisture treatment that received fertilizer. As irrigation was reduced, yield was also reduced, and the number of off-grade small tubers increased. In the irrigated control, adding fertilizer reduced the number and weight of marketable tubers, especially in the AA grade, and increased the number and weight of large, off-grade tubers. In the lowest moisture treatment, there were a lot of “pencil roots” due to inadequate moisture during tuber development, and few marketable tubers in both the fertilized and unfertilized treatments.

Presenters

Michael Cheang

Yunuen Bustamante

Jacqueline Jamison

Amjad Ahmad

TPSS

Rosemary Gutierrez-Coarite

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Melelani Oshiro

Thursday April 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST
CC Executive Dining Room

9:45am HST

Strengthening our Future: Networking Agriculture Research and Extension Station Farm Managers (Farm Managers)

Thursday April 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST

CC309

Strengthening our Future: Networking Agriculture Research and Extension Station Farm Managers (Farm Managers)

Presenters

Derrick Kiyabu

Farm Manager, Kauaʻi Agricultural Research Center

Thursday April 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST
CC309

9:45am HST

Working Together to Solve the 10,000 Piece Puzzle

Thursday April 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST

CC307

In this jigsaw panel presentation, six CTAHR faculty will focus on challenges for Hawai'i’s families at different stages in the lifecycle and how we might reduce burdens on ʻohana while fostering family resilience. Topics include child care, mental health, food as medicine, and healthy aging.

Presenters

Barbara DeBaryshe

Sarah Yuan

Speicalist, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

I am a sociologist specializing in medical sociology, the demography of aging, and survey methodology. My work involves multidisciplinary research, community needs assessment, program evaluation, and community education, all aimed at creating and translating credible, research-based... Read More →

Nancy Ooki

Extension Agent, University of Hawaii Manoa Cooperative Extension

Nancy Ooki is an Extension Agent with the University of Hawaii Manoa Cooperative Extension Faculty for Maui County 4-H and Youth Development Programs. She works with faculty at the University of Hawai‘i and other universities to design curricula and implement programs that support... Read More →

Monica Esquivel

John Souza

Loriena Yancura

Thursday April 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST
CC307

Abstract In this jigsaw panel presentation, six CTAHR faculty will focus on key challenges for Hawaii’s families at different stages in the lifecycle and how we might ameliorate these concerns and foster family resilience. Topics include (a) access to affordable, high-quality child care and early education; (b) the risks and benefits when grandparents serve as child caretakers; (c) declines in youth mental health and social skills in the wake of the Maui wildfires; (d) developing a culturally-responsive family therapy workforce; (e) food and nutrition support prescriptions to improve health and food security of Medicaid patients; and (f) coordinating culturally-grounded, community-based fall prevention strategies and programs for kūpuna. We invite audience engagement as we discuss the scope of these problems and offer promising solutions.

11:00am HST

Building Controlled Environmental Agriculture in Hawaiʻi through public-private partnership

Thursday April 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST

CC307

Session description coming soon!

Presenters

Samir Khanal

Kerry Kakazu

MetroGrow

Thursday April 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST
CC307

11:00am HST

Efforts of the Childrenʻs Healthy Living Food System Extension and Outreach Program

Thursday April 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST

Campus Center Ballroom

In this presentation will introduce the Children's Healthy Living Food System grant and work by the CTAHR Extension team and outreach program (CHL FSEO). Presenters will showcase creating logic models and then translating logic models into causal loop diagrams, and how this can be used by communities.

Authors:
Rachel Novotny, PhD, RDN, LD (University of Hawaii, UH), Leslie Shallcross, MS (University of Alaska at Fairbanks), Patricia Coleman, BS (Northern Marianas College), Tanisha Aflague, PhD, RDN (University of Guam), Travis Fleming, BS (American Samoa Community College), Peter Hovmand, PhD (Case Western Reserve)

Presenters

Jessie Kai

Monica Esquivel

Hanna Isbel Shai

Thursday April 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST
Campus Center Ballroom

11:00am HST

Forest Stewards: A Peer-to-Peer Learning Network for Forest Landowners

Thursday April 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST

CC309

The Forest Stewards is a peer-to-peer learning program for private forest landowners. Participants learn about forest management in a 3-day workshop then work in their communities to share what they learned.

Presenters

J.B. Friday

Thursday April 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST
CC309

Abstract Almost half of all forest lands in Hawaii are privately owned. Forest landowners need to deal with threats to forest health and productivity including pests and diseases, invasive weeds, and wildfires and need to be aware of opportunities to protect and restore forests. The Forest Stewards is a peer-to-peer learning program designed to help teach forest landowners how to care for their land and how to reach out to their friends, neighbors, and community with information on good forest practices. Participants attend a three-day workshop where they learn about forest ecology and management, invasive species, wildfire, and restoration but also taxes, availability of assistance programs, and the importance of forests in Hawaiian culture. In return for the program, which is provided free of charge, participants agree to “give back” by performing at least 30 hours of service in reaching out to their communities. These volunteers greatly extend the reach of the CTAHR forestry extension program. Past participants have hosted neighbors and community visits to their forests to pass on what they learned, drafted legislation to expand the Native Forest Dedication for County property taxes, and served as landowner representatives on statewide advisory commissions. The Forest Stewards program continues to generate hundreds of hours of volunteer time annually, with some graduates continuing their involvement year after year.

11:00am HST

On-Going Efforts to Control and Manage Invasive Species

Thursday April 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST

CC308

Manandhar: On-going efforts of controlling and managing invasive species

Presenters

Roshan Manandhar

Kauai Extension Office, Department of Plant & Environmental Protection Sciences

Thursday April 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST
CC308

11:00am HST

PechaKucha Discussions

Thursday April 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST

CC Executive Dining Room

PechaKucha (Japanese, to mean chit-chat) is a storytelling format in which a presenter shows 20 slides for 20 seconds per slide. This timed talk is defined by “talk less, show more” in 6 minutes and 40 seconds. PechaKucha’s will be presented in a group. Discussions will offered after the PechaKucha session, to allow for further discussion on the topic.

Michael Cheang: Prevalence of Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Members of a University-based Lifelong Learning Program. Being socially isolated and lonely may result in negative health outcomes—increased risks of depression, anxiety, heart disease, stroke, suicide, a 50% increased risk of dementia, and mortality. Find out what factors increase the risks of socially isolation and loneliness.

Rosemary Gutierrez-Coarite: Increasing the number of sweet potato storage roots to increase the yield of sweet potato crops in Hawaii.This project was conducted to assess different soil moisture levels and soil nutrients to improve water and fertilizer use efficiency while increasing the yield and quality of sweet potatoes.

Yunuen Bustamante: Avian Influenza in Hawaii: Research, Challenges, and Controversies. The fertilizer treatments were only significantly different in the irrigated control and the lowest moisture treatment. Marketable yield was highest in the irrigated control that received no fertilizer, and lowest in the low moisture treatment that received fertilizer. As irrigation was reduced, yield was also reduced, and the number of off-grade small tubers increased. In the irrigated control, adding fertilizer reduced the number and weight of marketable tubers, especially in the AA grade, and increased the number and weight of large, off-grade tubers. In the lowest moisture treatment, there were a lot of “pencil roots” due to inadequate moisture during tuber development, and few marketable tubers in both the fertilized and unfertilized treatments.

Presenters

Michael Cheang

Yunuen Bustamante

Jacqueline Jamison

Amjad Ahmad

TPSS

Rosemary Gutierrez-Coarite

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Melelani Oshiro

Thursday April 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST
CC Executive Dining Room

11:00am HST

Solution Room 1

Thursday April 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST

CC310

Solution Rooms are 20 minute presentations, followed by 10 minutes of questions by the audience. In the Solution Room, these topics are useful, practical, and applied topics that may be relevant to peers or stakeholders. Two solution presentations will be presented in an hour slot.

Nancy Ooki: Don't Panic and Carry a Big Brain!
Liz Fischer: Disaster Preparedness, CTAHR's role for H5N1 - Avian Flu

Presenters

Liz Fischer

Nancy Ooki

Extension Agent, University of Hawaii Manoa Cooperative Extension

Marielle Hampton

Extension Agent for Intergenerational and Youth Development Programs, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources

Marielle Hampton is a junior extension agent for intergenerational and youth development programs with the University of Hawai‘i’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR). Marielle has worked in food systems on Hawai‘i Island since 2012 and earned her M.S... Read More →

Hallie Cristobal

CTAHR UH Extension Agent (4H), University of Hawaii

Hallie Cristobal is from the westside of the island of Kauai. She is the Kauai Junior Extension Agent with the University of Hawaii at Manoa at CTAHR. She currently has a Bachelor's in Health Promotion and Nutrition Education, as well as a Masters of Science in Curriculum Design... Read More →

Tina Marie Mueller

Thursday April 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST
CC310

12:10pm HST

He aʻaliʻi kū makani: Hawaiian Resilience

Thursday April 10, 2025 12:10pm - 1:30pm HST

Campus Center Ballroom

Mehana Vaughan is a professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, and with Sea Grant, and Hui ʻĀina Momona. Dr. Vaughan is the author of Kaiāulu: Gathering Tides an ethnography of her and her families connection to Hawai’i, and a rich description of Hawai’i today.

She will convene a panel to discuss aʻaliʻi and resilience for Hawai’i.

Presenters

Dr. Mehana Vaughan

Professor, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management

Thursday April 10, 2025 12:10pm - 1:30pm HST
Campus Center Ballroom

Keynote, Panel

Meal Bento lunch

1:30pm HST

Revitalizing Aloha ʻĀina at Hale Tuahine

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:30pm - 4:00pm HST

Hale Tuahine

E Ulu E - Hands-on ulu starter workshop with Jensen Uyeda.
ʻAʻaliʻi seed planting workshop with Derrick Kiyabu.
Aquaculture learning opportunity with Dr. Kai Fox.
All in the malu of Hale Tuahine!

Presenters

Ilima Ho-Lastimosa

University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Ke Kula Nui O Waimanalo

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:30pm - 4:00pm HST
Hale Tuahine 2727 Woodlawn Dr. Honolulu, HI 96822

Workshop

Abstract Abstract: Revitalizing Aloha ʻĀina at Hale Tuahine This presentation at the 2025 CTAHR Conference, themed "He ʻAʻaliʻi Kū Makani: Resilience through Innovation," highlights hands-on workshops and learning opportunities focused on revitalizing aloha ʻāina at Hale Tuahine. The event features three key components: E Ulu E - Hands-on Ulu Starter Workshop with Jensen Uyeda: Participants will learn about cultivating ulu, a staple in Hawaiian culture, emphasizing sustainable practices and community engagement. ʻAʻaliʻi Seed Planting Workshop with Derrick Kiyabu: This workshop focuses on planting and caring for ʻaʻaliʻi seeds, a native Hawaiian plant known for its resilience and adaptability, promoting environmental stewardship. Aquaculture Learning Opportunity with Dr. Kai Fox: Kai will share insights on aquaculture innovations, supporting the growth of Hawaii's aquaculture industry through research and education. These workshops, held in the malu of Hale Tuahine, aim to foster community knowledge and engagement in sustainable practices, aligning with the conference's theme of resilience and innovation while bringing new life to this wahi.

1:45pm HST

Collaborative Initiatives Advancing Hawaiʻi's Floriculture Industry

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm HST

CC Executive Dining Room

Local growers, designers, CTAHR Extension agents, and researchers will share the successes and challenges of promoting Hawai'i-grown products. Mahalo to the Hawai'i Floriculture and Nursery Association for their partnership!

Presenters

Teresita Amore

University of Hawaii

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm HST
CC Executive Dining Room

Abstract The Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association (HFNA) and the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) at the University of Hawaii have established a robust partnership to enhance the visibility and economic impact of Hawaii-grown floriculture products. This collaboration encompasses several key initiatives: 1)Product Promotion and Knowledge Dissemination: Annual Design Workshops showcase locally grown products while the annual research seminars disseminate up-to-date research findings to industry stakeholders. 2)Workforce Development: To cultivate future generations of floriculture professionals, HFNA, in collaboration with CTAHR, conducts training workshops for Department of Education (DOE) high school teachers, facilitating the integration of floriculture education into secondary curricula. 3) Strategic Breeding Program Guidance: The CTAHR tropical flower breeding program benefits from the expertise of a Professional Advisory Team comprised of experienced growers and accredited floral designers. This collaborative model ensures that hybrid selections possess strong commercial viability and align with market demands. These synergistic efforts have increased awareness of the value and quality of Hawaii-grown floriculture products, contributing to the industry's sustained growth and competitiveness.

1:45pm HST

Hawaiʻi Investment Ready

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm HST

CC308

Presenters

Derrick Kiyabu

Farm Manager, Kauaʻi Agricultural Research Center

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm HST
CC308

1:45pm HST

Importance of Policy Adjustments on Environmental and Sustainability Goals for Local Communities in Hawaiʻi

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm HST

CC309

Presenting on significance of policy changes on environmental/sustainability goals for local communities.

Presenters

Poonam Keral

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm HST
CC309

Abstract Hawaii has a complex mix of environmental problems such as, resource import dependence, loss of biodiversity, and rising sea levels. The impacts of changes in public policy can have far-reaching consequences, and these changes need to have people from different backgrounds and communities integrated into their design. This presentation focuses on how economists, policy analysts, sociologists, and community leaders can meaningfully contribute towards achieving Hawaii's sustainability objectives. Policymakers consider the analysis of economists who assess the financial ramifications of environmental policies along with the benefits such as energy renewables subsidies and costs, like carbon emissions taxes. The sociological perspectives would aim at solving the problem also exist, like encouraging civic participation through understanding people's social and cultural values of the target audience. Grassroots and indigenous local leaders, as well as other non-governmental actors, have a deep understanding of the local socio-political context. They use this understanding to make sure that policies and programs formulated are culturally sensitive and politically feasible.

1:45pm HST

Mindfulness & Cool Mind Main Thing in the Time of Turbulence

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm HST

Campus Center Ballroom

Mindfulness—the practice of present-moment awareness with openness and non-judgment—has been shown in the lab and across a variety of different contexts to enhance both personal well-being, creativity, and astute professionalism. By cultivating mindfulness, one can develop greater emotional regulation, mitigate burnout and anxiety, cognitive overload, and enhance resilience.

A cultivation of the right attention and awareness can also foster better work-life balance. A mindful scientist and citizen is more likely to engage in open-minded inquiry, listen deeply, and approach challenges with greater fines and composure.

This session intends to provide a brief, informal overview of mindfulness, including tips & basic practice as part of skillful living. Open discussion and dialogue will be encouraged to promote sharing and reflection and how to apply the “simple but not easy” practice to daily life.

Presenters

Thao Le

Professor & Chair, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Thao N. Le, PhD, MPH is currently serving as Professor & Chair in the Family Consumer Sciences Department in CTAHR. She received her Masters in Public Health in Behavioral Sciences at the University of California Berkeley, and PhD in Psychology at the University of California Davis.Her... Read More →

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm HST
Campus Center Ballroom

1:45pm HST

Solution Room 2

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm HST

CC310

Solution Rooms are 20 minute presentations, followed by 10 minutes of questions by the audience. In the Solution Room, these topics are useful, practical, and applied topics that may be relevant to peers or stakeholders. Two solution presentations will be presented in an hour slot.

Emilie Kirk: Tools for Navigating Language Barriers
Clay Taurernicht: Extension Resources for Wildfire Planning and Mitigation

Presenters

Emilie Kirk

Clay Taurernicht

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm HST
CC310

1:45pm HST

We Must Do This Together - Collaboration as a Transformational Nexus for Biocultural Agroecosystems in a Changing World

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm HST

CC307

Researchers together with state government, entrepreneurs, land stewards and community nonprofits will showcase how their partnerships have woven relationships across historical boundaries to produce meaningful change for community resilience. From soil health to ranching, agroforestry to local workforce development, and ecosystem restoration to Indigenous genealogy, this panel has formed long lasting, synergistic and abundant partnerships with each other in order to implement new ways to support biocultural agroecosystems in a changing world.

Moderators

Susan Crow

Presenters

Linden Schneider

Daniel Richardson

Founder, Makaliʻi Metrics

Leah Laramee

Hawai'i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Coordinator, State of Hawaiʻi

Agustin Sarguis

Research Scholar, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm HST
CC307

Abstract Collaborations across historical differences and sectoral boundaries are essential to realizing systemic change. This panel’s emerging alliance explores how restoring individual relationships to land can decrease collective climate vulnerability through improved resilience and adaptation in landscapes and communities. Panelists will discuss how a multiplicity of connections can be made when researchers ground themselves in a willingness to understand community, acknowledge community agency, affirm the value of community, and conduct themselves with clear and honest intent. This group represents active relationships that support access to opportunities for biocultural agroecosystem restoration and regeneration across broad agriculture and natural resource sectors. Weaving from policy, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, advocacy, land management practices, and Indigenous genealogy, this panel collaborates via transparency and trust to implement each of their priorities together. As connections are made to CTAHR technology and scholarship, including student internships and technical assistance, knowledge and information held in community is interwoven into these collaborative projects by ensuring respect through data governance and privacy. Attendees will be inspired by the panelistsʻ individual perspectives on what makes these collaborations work for their communities and ecosystems as they engage with the resources that CTAHR and the research community provide.

3:00pm HST

Business Plan Competition Finalists

Thursday April 10, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm HST

CC308

Thursday April 10, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm HST
CC308

3:00pm HST

Lightning Talks

Thursday April 10, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm HST

CC309

Lightning Talks are 5-minute presentations that forces the speaker to quickly and succinctly relay meaningful impacts from their research or program.

Young Cho: Advancing Hawaiian Resilience: Investigating the Impact of Environmental Stress on Tropical Crops Across CTAHR Research Stations.
Andy Kaufman: Tropical Green Roof and Living Wall Research Center.
Nan Jiang: Flavonoid pathway intermediates unveil novel functions for the UV-B receptor UVR8.
Ashley McGuigan: Southwest Climate Hub: Progress in Hawaiʻi and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands.
Emilie Kirk: Farm Doctor - A Collaborative Twist on a Classic Extension Approach.
Amjad Ahmad: Producing biochar from invasive species to reclaim arable land and improve soil properties and crop production.
Garrett Roell: Collaborative Science: AI-Powered Web Tools for Expanding Research Reach
Kyle Barber: Efficient On-Farm Composting: Demonstration and Outreach for Farmers

Presenters

Young Cho

Andy Kaufman

Nan Jiang

Ashley McGuigan

Emilie Kirk

Garrett Roell

Amjad Ahmad

TPSS

Kyle Barber

GoFarm Hawaiʻi

Thursday April 10, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm HST
CC309

3:00pm HST

Solution Room 3

Thursday April 10, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm HST

CC310

Solution Rooms are 20 minute presentations, followed by 10 minutes of questions by the audience. In the Solution Room, these topics are useful, practical, and applied topics that may be relevant to peers or stakeholders. Two solution presentations will be presented in an hour slot.

Jeff Goodwin: Extension Agent Paradoxical Superpowers
Sharon Wages: Food Safety

Presenters

Jeff Goodwin

Sharon Wages

Thursday April 10, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm HST
CC310

3:00pm HST

Unlocking Career Success: Navigating the Internship Landscape

Thursday April 10, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm HST

CC307

Join us for an enlightening panel discussion where students and internship site partners come together to share their firsthand experiences and insights.

From finding the best fit to maximizing learning opportunities, our panelists will offer invaluable advice and stories about their adventures in internships.Whether you're a student seeking guidance or an internship provider looking to enhance your program, this event promises to offer practical strategies and inspiration for success.

Presenters

Jessica Radovich

Thursday April 10, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm HST
CC307

3:00pm HST

Designing with Hawaiʻi-grown Floral Products

Thursday April 10, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm HST

CC Executive Dining Room

Hands-on workshop to create centerpieces for the CTAHR Banquet using Hawaii-grown floral products.

Suitable for all levels of floral design experience, participants will learn basic techniques and knowledge on the principles and elements of design to create a flower arrangement using Hawaiʻi-grown flower products.

Presenters

Teresita Amore

University of Hawaii

Thursday April 10, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm HST
CC Executive Dining Room

Workshop

Abstract The Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association (HFNA) and the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) at the University of Hawaii have established a robust partnership to enhance the visibility and economic impact of Hawaii-grown floriculture products. This collaboration encompasses several key initiatives: 1)Product Promotion and Knowledge Dissemination: Annual Design Workshops showcase locally grown products while the annual research seminars disseminate up-to-date research findings to industry stakeholders. 2)Workforce Development: To cultivate future generations of floriculture professionals, HFNA, in collaboration with CTAHR, conducts training workshops for Department of Education (DOE) high school teachers, facilitating the integration of floriculture education into secondary curricula. 3) Strategic Breeding Program Guidance: The CTAHR tropical flower breeding program benefits from the expertise of a Professional Advisory Team comprised of experienced growers and accredited floral designers. This collaborative model ensures that hybrid selections possess strong commercial viability and align with market demands. These synergistic efforts have increased awareness of the value and quality of Hawaii-grown floriculture products, contributing to the industry's sustained growth and competitiveness.

3:00pm HST

Set Up for Friday's Poster Session

Thursday April 10, 2025 3:00pm - 5:00pm HST

Campus Center Ballroom

Set up a time for the Friday poster session. There are no poster size requirements, but the stands are 3-feet x 4-feet.

Thursday April 10, 2025 3:00pm - 5:00pm HST
Campus Center Ballroom

4:00pm HST

CTAHR Oli: History and Meaning

Thursday April 10, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm HST

Campus Center Ballroom

Did you know CTAHR has our own oli? Dr. Mehana Vaughn composed the chant and gifted it to the College in 2013. She will share the history and meaning of the oli and then lead participants through the chant.

Presenters

Dr. Mehana Vaughan

Professor, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management

Thursday April 10, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm HST
Campus Center Ballroom

8:30am HST

Effectively Communicating Science

Friday April 11, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am HST

Campus Center Ballroom

Dr. Hubbard is a Professor in Communicology, and is a valued co-PI on the NSF GETSCI project ($4 million). She has contributed valuable insights on effective science communication across the Country.

Dr. Hubbard has spent her career seeking to understand and improve our communication with others in the classroom, research, and in the community. Amy notes, "I focus on expanding people’s communication repertoire and dispelling myths about what is supposedly good and bad communication."

She currently serves as the Interim Assistant Vice Provost for Student Academic Success. Amy was born and raised on the windward side of Oʻahu.

Presenters

Dr. Amy S. Ebesu Hubbard

Interim Assistant Vice Provost, Student Academic Services

Friday April 11, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am HST
Campus Center Ballroom

Keynote

Meal Coffee and croissants

9:45am HST

A Multi-Agency Approach to Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Management in Hawaiʻi

Friday April 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST

CC309

The response to Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) in Hawaii has been a multi-agency effort involving Federal, State, and County involvement, as well as NGOs and the private sector. This session will provide an overview of the CRB response, our current situation, CTAHR's involvement, and the future in this battle with one of the most impactful invasive species in the Pacific Region.

Michael Melzer: 9:45-10:15
Daniel Jenkins: 10:15-10:30
Zhiqiang Cheng: 10:30-10:45

Presenters

Michael Melzer

Dan Jenkins

Zhiqiang Cheng

Friday April 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST
CC309

9:45am HST

Aʻo E Nānā: Training to Observe

Friday April 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST

Campus Center Ballroom

Participants will engage in and hone their observational skills to identy foliar, soil-borne, and structural pests. Participants will observed insects, fungi, weeds, soil arthropods and nematodes in an effort to provide early identification of invasive species.

Presenters

Brent Sipes

Christine Hanakawa

Oahu County 4-H Assistant Extension Agent, University of Hawaii at Manoa/CTAHR/4-H

Christine Hanakawa is the Oahu 4-H Assistant Extension Agent of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Christine’s experience includes working with youth, families, and communities through non-formal education and outreach... Read More →

Koon-Hui Wang

Zhiqiang Cheng

Marian Luis

Jia-Wei Tay

Friday April 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST
Campus Center Ballroom

Abstract A hands-on workshop will allow participants to learn to observe. Participants will learn differientiate normal from out of the ordinary. By looking for symptoms and signs of pest presence, participants will become empowered to to identify and report pests. Early identification of pests can protect our urban structures, agricultureal production, and natural areas from pest destruction. Early detection of invasive pests fosters eradiation efforts and reduces the longterm cost of pest management.

9:45am HST

Enhancing Enrollment Management: The Role of Faculty in Strengthening Recruitment, Advising, Student Success

Friday April 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST

CC308

This panel session will explore how strengthening faculty involvement in recruitment and advising can increase enrollment and enhance student success. Participants of this session can engage in interactive discussions to develop effective solutions. The panel members are UHM Vice Provost of Enrollment Management, Nikki Chun / Manager of Student Services, Maile Sing / ASAO Recruitment Staff, Mang Gwen Chan / Student (TBD) / Moderated by ASAO Recruitment Staff, Nomi Eloise Ruiz.

Presenters

Nomi Eloise Ruiz

Instructional & Student Support Specialist, CTAHR ASAO

Nikki Chun

Vice Provost of Enrollment Management, Univerisity of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Office Enrollment Management

Maile Sing

Manager of Student Services, CTAHR ASAO

Mang Gwen Chan

Academic Support Specialist, CTAHR ASAO

Kayden Iwasaki

Academic Advisor, CTAHR ASAO

Friday April 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST
CC308

Abstract Enrollment challenges continue to impact our academic programs, affecting retention and overall student success. Declining enrollment, shifting students needs and barriers, require effective approaches and resources to ensure student achievement and adequate support. This panel involving the CTAHR Academic and Student Affairs Office will delve into how to create stronger collaboration efforts between faculty, recruitment, academic advisors, and students to enhance enrollment efforts and foster long-term success for CTAHR students. The intended outcome of this panel session is to equip participants with strategies to enhance collaboration efforts, improve student engagement, and strengthen enrollment in CTAHR programs. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how a unified student-centered approach can address issues within enrollment management and contribute to student success.

9:45am HST

Round Tables

Friday April 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST

CC Executive Dining Room

Join us for discussions on 21st century food and farming leaders, Nutrition, and insights from our Dean's Awards winners in Teaching, Extension, Research, and Mentoring.

Presenters

Catherine Chan

Ted Radovich

Jean Butel

Assistant Specialist, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Friday April 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST
CC Executive Dining Room

Presentation 1 Ted Radovich, "Cultivating the Future: A New Degree for 21st-Century Food and Farming Leaders"
Presentation 1 Description Join us to learn about an innovative, accelerated 3-year Bachelor of Science program in Sustainable Food and Farming Systems, designed to prepare graduates for leadership in modern food and agriculture. This program uniquely integrates hands-on experience, online learning, and entrepreneurial skills development across Hawai’i, equipping students to drive sustainability and innovation in the food and farming sectors.
Presentation 2 Jean Butel will share insights into nutrition and health.

9:45am HST

Shaping Change: A University-Community Partnership to Address Youth Homelessness

Friday April 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST

CC307

This panel highlights the powerful collaboration between community organizations and university researchers in addressing youth homelessness in Hawai‘i. Through data-driven research, community engagement, and the use of findings to inform program development, panelists will discuss how these partnerships create impactful solutions for this vulnerable population.

Presenters

Sarah Yuan

Speicalist, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Ivette Rodriguez Stern

Junior Specialist, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

I am a social worker by training, now specializing in macro level practice related to child and family well-being. My work integrates research and extension activities and focuses on assessing and evaluating the conditions of children and families in Hawai‘i through the use of program... Read More →

Judith Clark

Executive Director, Hawaii Youth Services Network

Judith Clark, MPH, is the Executive Director of Hawaii Youth Services Network (HYSN), a statewide coalition of youth-serving organizations and a Pacific Islands training and technical assistance center. HYSN is recognized nationally as a leader in efforts to adapt evidence-based... Read More →

Efren Berrones

Systems Coordinator, Partners in Care - Oahu Continuum

Efren Berrones is the Systems Coordinator at Partners in Care, the Continuum of Care organization responsible for coordinating homeless services on Oahu. In this role, he focuses on identifying service gaps for underserved populations, including individuals involved with the justice... Read More →

Kathleen Gauci

Project Coordinator, Center on the Family

Kathleen Gauci is a Project Coordinator at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Center on the Family with a background in educational psychology. She is involved in research that focuses on promoting the well-being of children and families while informing policies and programs that... Read More →

Friday April 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST
CC307

Abstract Youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness face unique challenges, compared to their adult counterparts, in their pathways to stable housing. There are misconceptions about youth homelessness and what service and policy changes are needed for our community to reach functional zero homelessness for youth. Over the years, homeless service providers have partnered with University of Hawai‘i Center on the Family (COF) to better understand the experiences and service needs of homeless and runaway youth through data and research. The Street Youth Survey, conducted in 2016 in partnership with Waikiki Health and Hale Kipa (two leading organizations serving this population), was instrumental in providing a snapshot of youth homelessness on O‘ahu and furthering our understanding of this population’s experiences and service needs. Findings have been used to inform programming for this population. COF is now partnering with the Hawaii Youth Services Network – a statewide coalition of youth-serving organizations – to expand the earlier research and conduct a community needs assessment of homeless youth across the state of Hawai‘i. Community and research panelists will discuss the use of research for data-driven advocacy and program planning, the engagement of youth voices in research and program development, and upcoming research aimed at informing youth homelessness systems improvement.

9:45am HST

Solution Room 4

Friday April 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST

CC310

Solution Rooms are 20 minute presentations, followed by 10 minutes of questions by the audience. In the Solution Room, these topics are useful, practical, and applied topics that may be relevant to peers or stakeholders. Two solution presentations will be presented in an hour slot.

Kathleen O'Dell: Choosing the Right Preschool for Your Child
Hallie Cristobal: Finding Sparks through Place-Based Education with Hawaii 4-H’s Camp Kau Kau

Presenters

Kathleen O’Dell

Hallie Cristobal

CTAHR UH Extension Agent (4H), University of Hawaii

Friday April 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am HST
CC310

11:00am HST

Poster Session & Closing Remarks

Friday April 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST

Campus Center Ballroom

There are no poster size requirements, but the stands are 3-feet x 4-feet.

Friday April 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST
Campus Center Ballroom

Poster Session

8:00am HST

Dole Cacao Farm Tour (North Shore)

Saturday April 12, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am HST

Dole Cacao Farm

Waialua Estate’s Hawaiian cacao, grown along the banks of the Kaukonahua stream, the North Shore’s rich, fertile, sweet soil, provides an exceptional terroir to the chocolate which exhibits fresh fruit flavors you’d crave from the islands.This tasty tour will wind through Waialua Estateʻs award winning cacao and coffee fields and include plenty of samples of each!

Saturday April 12, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am HST
Dole Cacao Farm 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy., Wahiawā, HI 96786

Tour, North Shore

8:00am HST

Hawai'i Fish Company Tour (North Shore)

Saturday April 12, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am HST

Hawai'i Fish Company

Established in 1978, Hawaii Fish Company is Hawaii’s longest operating commercial aquaculture farm. HFC was the first to culture and sell the Chinese catfish in Hawaii and, subsequently, became the first vendors to sell live fish at the City and County of Honolulu's Farmer’s Markets. For the last 25 years, HFC has successfully operated off the grid on the North Shore, raising its North Shore Tilapia in floating cages located in a deep spring-fed pond. Join owner Ron Weidenbach on this special tour of his extraordinary fish farm tucked away in the sunken quarry behind Dillingham airfield.

Presenters

Ron Weidenbach

Saturday April 12, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am HST
Hawai'i Fish Company

Tour, North Shore

8:00am HST

Hawaiʻi Agriculture Research Center Tour (Central Oahu)

Saturday April 12, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am HST

Hawaiʻi Agriculture Research Center

The Hawai’i Agriculture Research Center is a nonprofit entity with a mission to support a viable agricultural sector by researching and applying relevant science and technology to achieve practical solutions and identify new agricultural opportunities. This walking tour will take participants in and around HARC's main facility with stops to explore their new outdoor nursery area as well as their new learning center for educational programs.

Saturday April 12, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am HST
Hawaiʻi Agriculture Research Center 94-340 Kunia Rd, Waipahū, HI 96797

Tour, Central Oahu

8:00am HST

Sumida Farm Tour (Central Oahu)

Saturday April 12, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am HST

Sumida Farm

For nearly 100 years, the guardians of Kalauao Spring and Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate, have supported Sumida Farm to carry on the tradition of nourishing the community through fresh, nutritious watercress and by educating past and future generations of the cultural significance and importance of protecting the fresh water resources of the island. Join this tour to explore this amazing family watercress farm and learn about the processes involved in getting these healthy greens from the farm to your fork.

Saturday April 12, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am HST
Sumida Farm

Tour, Central Oahu

8:30am HST

Kupu Place Tour (Koʻolaupoko)

Saturday April 12, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am HST

Kupu Place

Learn all about how this CTAHR Alumni owned business practices microgreen farming. You'll take a tour around the farm to see their wide variety of microgreens, hydro system edible flowers, the different types of machines integrated into their growing processes and the sustainable steps they take to prevent CRB.

Saturday April 12, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am HST
Kupu Place

Tour, Koʻolaupoko

8:30am HST

Pop Culture Tour (Waimānalo)

Saturday April 12, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am HST

Pop Culture

Tour though our production facility/kitchen with a demo of the process of freezing and sealing and an added bonus of tasting the pops fresh out of the machine!

Presenters

Justin Udom

Saturday April 12, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am HST
Pop Culture

Tour, Waimānalo

8:30am HST

Worm ʻOhana Tour (Mānoa)

Saturday April 12, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am HST

Worm ʻOhana at Mānoa

See worms in action and the product of their work, the castings that make a natural and nutrient-rich fertilizer. Visitors will learn how food waste can become soil amendments used to produce more food with two types of worm compost bins and thermophilic compost piles.

Presenters

Brent Sipes

Saturday April 12, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am HST
Worm ʻOhana at Mānoa 2727 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu, HI 96822

Tour, Mānoa

9:30am HST

Kukui Ranch Tour (North Shore)

Saturday April 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am HST

Kukui Ranch

Kukui Ranch is a diverse agricultural operation growing tropical fruits and healthy vegetables and apply sustainable ranching practices with their cattle, horses, and goats. Focusing on climate-resilient design and watershed restoration, the ranch features biodiverse agroforestry systems, which serve as a living genetic bank of valuable plant materials.

Saturday April 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am HST
Kukui Ranch

Tour, North Shore

9:30am HST

Pearl City Urban Garden Tour (Central Oahu)

Saturday April 12, 2025 9:30am - 11:00am HST

Urban Garden Center

The University of Hawaiʻi Urban Garden Center in Pearl City is a place for the community to see and learn about horticulture. The Master Gardener and 4-H Program volunteers maintain demonstration gardens and hold workshops to educate the community about growing vegetables, pollinator plants and fruit trees that promote food security and environmental conservation. Join a tour to walk through the 4-H gardens, the Hawaiian tree garden and the fruit orchard where you will see examples of subtropical fruit trees that you can grow in your own backyard.

Presenters

Tina Lau

Saturday April 12, 2025 9:30am - 11:00am HST
Urban Garden Center 955 Kamehameha Hwy, Pearl City, HI 96782

Tour, Central Oahu

10:00am HST

Waimānalo Research Station Tour (Waimānalo)

Saturday April 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am HST

Waimānalo Research Station

Ted Radovich - Aquaculture
Alberto Riccordi - Tour Plumeria field with background history of CTAHR research on plumeria and how the collection is serving current Oahu County's ornamentals and landscape extension program
Amjad Ahmad - Banana & Ginger in Shadehouse

Presenters

Amjad Ahmad

TPSS

Ted Radovich

Alberto Ricordi

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Saturday April 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am HST
Waimānalo Research Station

Tour, Waimānalo

10:15am HST

Kualoa Ranch Tour (Koʻolaupoko)

Saturday April 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am HST

Kualoa Ranch

Visit with the ranchʻs pigs and sheep, Shade houses (a collection of different items, like an experiment station) and fruit orchards (banana, papaya, cacao, mango, avocado)

Saturday April 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am HST
Kualoa Ranch 49-560 Kamehameha Highway, Kāneʻohe, Hawaii 96744

Tour, Koʻolaupoko

11:00am HST

GoFarm Hawaiʻi Tour (Waimānalo)

Saturday April 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST

Waimānalo Research Station

GoFarm Hawai'i has grown to become one of the largest and most successful beginning farmer development programs in the country. They offer beginning farmer training programs on O'ahu, Kaua'i, Maui, and Hawai'i Island. Participants on this tour will explore the GoFarm plots at Waimanalo Research Station and learn more about how this important farmer training program is making an impact on Hawai'i's agricultural future.

Presenters

Laura Ediger

Saturday April 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST
Waimānalo Research Station

Tour, Waimānalo

11:00am HST

Worm ʻOhana Tour (Central Oahu)

Saturday April 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST

Urban Garden Center

In January 2025, the UH Urban Garden Center wormery began offering ʻLearn to Wormʻ workshops via the Worm Ohana network with the purpose of educating and supplying the community with home worm colonies. Join CTAHR staff Mindy Jaffe and Master Gardeners to learn about the program and how to get involved with the movement to convert food waste into high quality vermicompost, a soil amendment containing essential plant nutrients. View the effects of vermicompost on vegetable plants.

Presenters

Mindy Jaffe

Saturday April 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST
Urban Garden Center 955 Kamehameha Hwy, Pearl City, HI 96782

Tour, Central Oahu

11:00am HST

Kōkua Learning Farm (North Shore)

Saturday April 12, 2025 11:00am - 1:00pm HST

Kōkua Learning Farm

Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation (KHF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2003 by Kim and Jack Johnson that supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawaiʻi. KHF’s mission is to provide opportunities that enhance appreciation for and understanding of the environment to inspire lifelong stewards of the earth. While the Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation participates in a variety of environmental education initiatives in Hawaiʻi, its five main school programs include ʻĀINA In Schools, 3R’s School Program, Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation Field Trip Grants, Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation Project Grants, and Plastic Free Hawaiʻi. In 2019 KHF acquired 8 acres of land in Haleʻiwa town to establish agricultural, educational, and retail activities that benefit the community and promote local food, waste reduction, and environmental stewardship. The site houses the Kōkua Learning Farm, Kōkua General Store, Kōkua Vintage, ʻĀINA Farm Stand, Backyard Garden and KHF support offices, and will soon be home to the Kōkua Community Center. The vision for the storefront spaces is to provide the community with tools needed to reduce waste, foster connections to local farmers, and support local artisans and businesses. For more information visit www.kokuahawaiifoundation.org. Please fill out the Kōkua Learning Farm Waiver if you are attending. https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/e/L7gMrrqXqDfJcmwEveUGzC/

Saturday April 12, 2025 11:00am - 1:00pm HST
Kōkua Learning Farm 66-249 Kamehameha Hwy., Suite C, Haleʻiwa, HI 96712

Tour, North Shore

11:30am HST

Full Circle Farm Tour (Waimānalo)

Saturday April 12, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm HST

Full Circle Farm

Closing the loop with compost, Full Circle is an educational farm focused on promoting regenerative agriculture practices and producing the highest quality compost! Join this tour to learn all about the amazing processes (including one of Hawai'i's first commercial composting containers) that this farm uses to create gorgeous compost for houseplants, backyard gardens, farms, or restoration projects.

Saturday April 12, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm HST
Full Circle Farm

Tour, Waimānalo

CTAHR Conference

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