The fragility of the Earth’s ecosystems is appreciated most in ecologically rich places such as Hawaii. Natural wonders stretch across majestic views and are an inspiration to many, but the small things are what make the environment conducive for human survival. Honeybees are often misunderstood creatures; most people that see them just want to avoid the insects so they don’t get stung. But bees are the highway to pollination for many plant and flower species, contributing to their survival, not to mention the beauty and allure of the Hawaiian Islands. Bee hives are natural factories for honey, a delicacy which humans consume worldwide and seem to have an insatiable appetite for. Beekeeping is both a potential career, and a source of economic growth, for Hawaii’s struggling agricultural environment.

An example of how lucrative beekeeping can be was recently provided by Dr. Lorna Tsutsumi, who teaches a beekeeping class at the university. Beekeeping, in fact a thriving business on the islands, is taught as a course at the University of Hawaii – Hilo (UH Hilo). When students reported on and photographed a bee colony, they realized that after nine months that 13 bee colonies had expanded from what was originally one. Thus began the Adopt-a-Beehive with Alan Wong project.

Inconspicuous dangers lurk for bees, such as mites and other pests. Bee colonies can easily die out if their environment is threatened or invaders such as Little Fire Ants enter their hives. The Adopt-a-Beehive project has become a success story, and the students participating in the program even got to taste their own honey. This very same honey is being added to the menu of Alan Wong’s restaurants in Hawaii, anchored by the formal establishment of the Adopt-a-Beehive with Alan Wong program through UH Hilo and the University of Hawaii Foundation.

The university’s College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management offers two courses in beekeeping. A farm owned by the school is accessible to students who seek a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture. By joining chef Alan Wong’s program, participants can help support research and development of better beehive practices. They also have the chance to educate the public about how Hawaii needs to sustain its own food production instead of relying on imports. The high prices of imports have raised the costs of living in the state to unacceptably high levels.

Potential donors have called the university in support of Dr. Tsutsumi’s beekeeping efforts. For culinary-conscious honey enthusiasts, Alan Wong will be hosting an upcoming Farmer Series Dinner during which honey from the chef’s own adopted beehive will be served. Human consumption doesn’t always have to raise environmental concerns; sometimes it is aided by conservation efforts and a desire to preserve nature’s wonders. Dr. Tsutsumi and Alan Wong’s Adopt-a-Beehive program has addressed both, while raising awareness of educational and agricultural business opportunities in a place where high-priced imports continue to plague the local economy.

Could you do something similar with your farm and a local restaurant in your community?

Sources:

Alan Wong’s Restaurants (http://www.alanwongs.com/)

University of Hawaii – Hilo (http://hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/cafnrm/lavabee/BeeHiveStandforLFAControl.php)

Adopt-a-Beehive with Alan Wong (http://hilo.hawaii.edu/blog/chancellor/files/2011/06/AW_adopt-a-bee-poster.pdf)