The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补 (CTAHR) connected with hundreds of community members at the 17th annual Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair on May 30, sharing resources focused on agriculture, food security, youth development and community resilience.
Held at the War Memorial Special Events Field, the event brought together farmers, families and agricultural organizations from across Maui County. CTAHR faculty and extension agents showcased programs that support local food production, health and education throughout Hawaiʻi.
Hands-on resources promote resilience
At the CTAHR Community Resilience booth, Extension Agent Heather Greenwood shared resources to the Sage Heart program, an initiative funded by the Maui County Department of Agriculture that promotes wellness through growing kitchen herbs and encourages healthier eating habits for keiki.
Junior Extension Agent Gwen Morinaga-Kama shared a collection of limu (seaweed) gathered from Maui shorelines and discussed efforts to restore a traditional limu fishery in partnership with the Kēōkea Farm Lots Association.
Edible Crops Extension Agent Rosemary Gutierrez-Coarite provided information on local turmeric production and distributed planting materials for four turmeric varieties, along with virus-free banana seedlings to help combat banana bunchy top virus.
Maui County Youth Development Extension Agent Nancy Ooki highlighted opportunities through the Hawaiʻi 4-H program, including sustainable gardening activities, cultural food education and the upcoming teen disaster preparedness training.
Maui AgFest 2026 was co-presented by the Maui County Farm Bureau and the County of Maui Department of Agriculture.