Author: Brian Lieberman

November 10, 2023 Employment/Jobs, Farm Labor, Hawaii Agricultural Employment, Hawaii Agriculture Jobs Post a Comment

USA JOBS – Agriculture Hawaii Federal Jobs

Contract Specialist
Agriculture, Rural Development
Department of Agriculture
Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job)
STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS BRANCH
Starting at $98,496 Per Year (GS 13)
Permanent – Full-time
Open 10/03/2023 to 12/19/2023

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Plant Protection Technician
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Department of Agriculture
Multiple Locations
Starting at $37,696 Per Year (GS 5)
Permanent – Full-time
Open 11/09/2023 to 11/16/2023

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Soil Conservationist
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Department of Agriculture
Multiple Locations
Starting at $37,696 Per Year (GS 5-9)
Permanent – Full-time
Open 11/08/2023 to 11/20/2023

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Research Biologist (Computational) (Research Associate)
Agricultural Research Service
Department of Agriculture
Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job)
Forage Seed & Cereal Research Unit
Starting at $69,107 Per Year (GS 11)
2 yrs – Full-time
Open 07/17/2023 to 12/29/2023

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Patent Advisor (General)
Agricultural Research Service
Department of Agriculture
Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job)
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Starting at $98,496 Per Year (GS 13-14)
Permanent – Full-time
Open 11/07/2023 to 11/20/2023

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Biological Science Technician (Natural Resources)
Forest Service
Department of Agriculture
Multiple Locations
Starting at $22.37 Per Hour (GS 7)
Temporary – Full-time
Open 10/26/2023 to 11/13/2023

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NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST (MARINE)
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command
Department of the Navy
Honolulu, Hawaii
Starting at $71,877 Per Year (GS 11-12)
Permanent – Full-time
Open 10/27/2023 to 11/27/2023

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General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences
Department of Energy – Agency Wide
Department of Energy
Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job)
Department of Energy- Clean Energy Corps
Starting at $82,830 Per Year (GS 12-15)
Permanent – Full-time
Open 11/08/2023 to 02/15/2024

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Supervisory Marine Biologist
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Department of Commerce
Honolulu, Hawaii
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Starting at $142,397 Per Year (ZP 5)
Permanent – Full-time
Open 10/27/2023 to 11/13/2023

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Loan Specialist
Department of Energy – Agency Wide
Department of Energy
Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job)
Department of Energy- Clean Energy Corps
Starting at $57,118 Per Year (GS 9-15)
Multiple Appointment Types – Full-time
Open 08/01/2023 to 11/14/2023

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Customs and Border Protection Officer
Customs and Border Protection
Department of Homeland Security
CBPO Nationwide,
Starting at $37,696 Per Year (GS 5-7)
Permanent – May include rotating shifts, assignments, and overtime on a regular and recurring basis.
Open 11/01/2023 to 11/30/2023

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Customs and Border Protection Officer
Customs and Border Protection
Department of Homeland Security
CBPO Nationwide,
Starting at $57,118 Per Year (GS 9)
Permanent – May include rotating shifts, assignments, and overtime on a regular and recurring basis.
Open 11/01/2023 to 11/30/2023

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Forester – 12 Month Roster
Internal Revenue Service
Department of the Treasury
Multiple Locations
Starting at $98,496 Per Year (GS 13)
Permanent – Full-time
Open 05/17/2023 to 03/18/2024

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Biological Scientist (Environmental)
Air Force Materiel Command
Department of the Air Force
Multiple Locations
Hiring organizations will vary
Starting at $46,696 Per Year (GS 7-9)
Permanent – Full-time
Open 10/01/2023 to 09/30/2024

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INTERDISCIPLINARY NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST/ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER/PHYSICAL SCIENTIST
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command
Department of the Navy
Honolulu, Hawaii
Starting at $102,444 Per Year (GS 13)
Permanent – Full-time
Open 10/25/2023 to 11/24/2023

November 9, 2023 General Ag News and Notes, Mulberry Post a Comment

Importance of Mulberry in Hawaii

Wauke
Tall skinny wauke plants with green leaves stand closely packed.
Wauke (wă’u-ke)
Paper Mulberry
Broussonetia papyrifera

Mulberry (Morus spp.) holds cultural and economic significance in Hawaii for various reasons:

Cultural Significance:

Traditional Uses: Mulberry has been traditionally used in Hawaii for various purposes. The bark of the mulberry tree was used in making kapa, a traditional Hawaiian fabric, and the wood was employed in crafting tools and other items.

Medicinal Uses: Some cultures value mulberry for its potential medicinal properties. In traditional Hawaiian medicine, parts of the mulberry plant might be used for various health remedies, although practices can vary among different communities.

Ceremonial Importance: Certain plants, including mulberry, may have ceremonial importance in Hawaiian culture. The leaves, for example, might be used in cultural events, rituals, or ceremonies.

Culinary Uses: While not as commonly consumed as in some other cultures, the fruit of the mulberry tree is edible. In Hawaii, people might incorporate mulberries into traditional dishes or use them in cooking and baking.

Economic Significance:

Silk Production: Mulberry leaves are the primary food source for silkworms. While silk production is not as prominent in Hawaii as in some other regions, there have been efforts to explore sericulture (silk farming) as a potential industry. This could contribute to economic diversification.

Mulberry Tea and Products: Mulberry leaves can be used to make tea, and some people value it for its potential health benefits. Additionally, there is a growing market for herbal and specialty teas, and mulberry-based products could find a niche in this market.

Landscaping and Shade: Mulberry trees can be valuable in landscaping for their aesthetic appeal and the shade they provide. They are often used for ornamental purposes in gardens, parks, and along streets. This can contribute to the beautification of urban and suburban areas.

Agroforestry and Permaculture: Mulberries can be part of agroforestry systems, providing benefits such as soil improvement and diversified income streams for farmers. In permaculture practices, mulberry trees may be integrated into systems that promote sustainability and biodiversity.

Potential for Value-Added Products: Beyond tea, mulberry leaves and fruits can be used in various value-added products. This could include jams, jellies, syrups, or even dietary supplements, contributing to the development of a local industry.

While the cultural and economic significance of mulberry in Hawaii may not be as prominent as in some other regions, efforts to explore and promote its various uses can contribute to the overall sustainability and resilience of local ecosystems and economies.

November 9, 2023 Watermelon Post a Comment

Issues Watermelon Growers Experience in Hawaii

Watermelon cultivation in Hawaii, like any agricultural endeavor, comes with its own set of challenges. Some of the issues that watermelon growers in Hawaii face include:

Pests and Diseases: Common pests like aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles, as well as diseases such as powdery mildew and Fusarium wilt, can affect watermelon crops. Hawaii’s tropical climate can create conditions favorable to certain pests and diseases, necessitating careful pest management and disease control measures.

Climate Variability: While Hawaii generally has a tropical climate, there can be variations in temperature, rainfall, and humidity across different regions and seasons. Watermelon plants require specific conditions for optimal growth, and extremes in weather can impact yields.

Water Management: While watermelons require a significant amount of water, improper water management can lead to issues such as waterlogging or drought stress. Efficient irrigation practices are crucial to ensure adequate water supply without causing damage to the plants or soil.

Soil Quality: Soil quality can vary across different regions in Hawaii. Watermelon plants thrive in well-draining soils rich in organic matter. Some areas may have soil characteristics that require amendments to create a more suitable growing environment.

Transportation and Distribution: Hawaii’s geographical isolation can pose challenges for transportation and distribution. Getting watermelons from farms to markets, especially if they are on different islands, can involve logistical challenges and impact the overall freshness of the produce.

Market Competition and Demand: Understanding and meeting market demand is essential for successful watermelon cultivation. Market competition, pricing fluctuations, and changes in consumer preferences can impact the profitability of watermelon farming in Hawaii.

Land Availability and Cost: The limited availability of arable land and the cost of land in Hawaii can be a challenge for farmers. Securing suitable land for watermelon cultivation at a reasonable cost may require careful planning and consideration.

Labor Shortages: Like many agricultural regions, Hawaii may experience labor shortages, especially during peak harvesting seasons. This can impact the timely and efficient harvesting of watermelons, leading to potential losses.

Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to local and federal agricultural regulations is crucial. Compliance with pesticide usage, water usage, and other environmental regulations is necessary for sustainable and responsible farming practices.

Global Supply Chain Dynamics: As part of the global agricultural market, watermelon growers in Hawaii can be affected by international supply chain dynamics, including factors such as trade policies, currency exchange rates, and global demand.

To address these challenges, watermelon growers in Hawaii may engage in sustainable farming practices, stay informed about the latest agricultural technologies, and collaborate with agricultural extension services and research institutions to access relevant information and resources.

August 16, 2023 Land Use, Wildfire Post a Comment

UH wildfire expert: Invasive grasses growing in the abandoned plantations fueled wildfires on Maui and Hawaii Island

Spectrum News
BY MICHELLE BRODER VAN DYKE

Invasive grasses growing in the abandoned plantations on Maui and Hawaii Island fueled the ongoing wildfires, according to a University of Hawaii at Manoa wildfire expert.

Clay Trauernicht, an Assistant Specialist at UH Manoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, said land management is necessary to prevent future wildfires in Hawaii.

Wildfires on Hawaii Island and Maui, fanned by strong winds from Hurricane Dore, which is passing south of the state, have burned through the land. On Maui, the historic town of Lahaina was destroyed, with 1,700 buildings burned. At least 55 people have been killed in the fires, but Gov. Josh Green has said the number of dead was likely to rise.

In Hawaii over the past three decades, many sugar plantations, pineapple farms and ranches shuttered. Flammable grasses grew densely in the untended land.

Hot, dry and windy conditions all lined up over the last week, making the invasive grasslands “incredibly prone to burning,” said Trauernicht. “Weather conditions really contributed to the explosive behavior that we saw.”

Dry air sucks the moisture out of the grasses, making them burn swiftly and spreading the wildfire faster.

Lahaina was especially vulnerable because the slopes above it were grasslands. These invasive grasses grow right up to the edge of the community.

There are “thousands of acres of uninterrupted grasslands” in Hawaii, said Trauernicht.

Along with problems created by the grasses, he noted the abandoned plantations rarely have properly maintained resources that firefighters can use to fight fires: roads and water.

Long before the fire started, Trauernicht said private landowners and government agencies needed to work together to reduce the amount of “fuels” for the fire. This includes turning abandoned plantation land back into agricultural land, planting forests with trees that will shade out the grass, and grazing with sheep, cattle or goats.

“If you had those kinds of practices being implemented across larger portions of the landscape … the footprints of these fires would be much, much smaller,” said Trauernicht. “Firefighters would have much better odds at containing them. It would be less risky for them.”

August 16, 2023 General Ag News and Notes, Pigs, Wildfire Post a Comment

Feral Hogs and the Deadly 2023 Hawaii Fire?

City Watch – Politics. Perspectives. Participation.
by PHYLLIS M DAUGHERTY

CLIMATE CHANGE NOT AN EXCUSE FOR INACTION

Climate change is a normal part of evolution but has become the most-recent politically correct term for inaction and to dismiss responsibility but is highly conducive to obtaining grants and/or a bigger budget for more studies.

Studies regarding nature must relate to reality and the assimilation of noted variances in improving life or protecting it, because—in reality–we have little control over the evolution of the universe.

“Climate change” also cannot excuse failure to have all emergency response systems at peak efficiency 24-hours a day on the islands to protect both residents and visitors.

The reported availability of only three fire units and 65 emergency responders during the current massive Maui tragedy is unforgivable.

CNN reported on August 13, “On Maui, the second largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, there are 80 outdoor sirens to alert residents to tsunamis and other natural disasters. They sat silent as people fled for their lives.”

“In fact, the state’s vaunted integrated outdoor siren warning system – the largest in the world, with about 400 alarms – was not activated during the fires,” according to Hawaii Emergency Management Agency spokesperson Adam Weintraub.

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Thousands of feral pigs—which are not native to Hawaii–populate the islands, dig up the soil, allowing invasive highly combustible growth to kill native plants and create dry brush conditions that flourish and are ignored.

This is not a new issue, but one that has been easy to ignore because there is little interest in feral pigs/wild boars; however, the government’s lack of preparation and excusing its failure to respond and attributing the losses in property and lives to “climate change” must stop when there is evidence of gross human error and the need to manage an important problem.

CityWatch is LA’s opinion, news and information website and newsletter.

August 16, 2023 Wildfire Post a Comment

Wildfires Are Becoming Increasingly Devastating in Hawaii

By Emma Marris, Nature magazine on August 15, 2023

Wildfires are not new to Hawaii. Although outsiders tend to think of the Pacific archipelago as a place of lush tropical vegetation, each island has a drier leeward side that is sheltered from the wind — this is where tourism tends to be concentrated, because of the sunny weather. Lahaina, where the most lethal fire broke out on 8 August, means ‘cruel sun’ in Hawaiian; this part of Maui has always been hot and dry.

What’s more, Hawaiian fires are getting worse and more frequent. “We’ve been seeing a pretty steady increase, and in the last few decades, an exponential increase in the amount of area that burns in Hawaii every year,” says climatologist Abby Frazier at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts.

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FIRE’S CAUSES
The three main ingredients of a wildfire are fuel, dryness and an ignition source. Hawaii’s key fuel is grass, which proliferated in former agricultural areas as the economy shifted from ranching and sugar and pineapple cultivation to tourism. When dry grasses burn, they can carry fire to forested areas, which tend to become grasslands after the fire, in a self-perpetuating cycle.