Hawaiʻi faces unique challenges in wildfire management, particularly due to the prevalence of more than 1 million acres of fire-prone non-native vegetation. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Extension Specialist Clay Trauernicht is looking to go to the root of the issue: Could restoring ecosystems with non-invasive and native plants alleviate some of the threat?

Two University of Hawaiʻi faculty are being recognized for their work on addressing how environmental policies related to climate change impact diverse populations, particularly Indigenous communities.

Can the state of Hawaiʻi reach its 100% renewable electricity target by 2045? The skeptics may harbour their doubts, but Samir Khanal and Tomoaki Miura have a plan – and a grant – that could facilitate connecting bioresources with bioenergy interests. Samir, of the Dept. of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, and Tomoaki, of the Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, have partnered on a recent $150,000 Sun Grant Western Region grant. Their goal? 

Only three recipients nationwide in 2024 will earn the Keller Scholarship in Conservation Horticulture from Botanic Gardens Conservation International and Garden Club of America – and CTAHR’s own Gracianne Young is one of them.

Earth Day was celebrated by Pres. Joe Biden – and Ashley Mackenzie of the Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. He issued EO 14072, which directs the federal government to carry out the First National Nature Assessment. She will co-write a chapter in this historic attempt to take stock of U.S. lands, waters, wildlife, and the benefits provided to our economy, health, climate, environmental justice, and national security.