A lifetime of service to Hawaiʻi agriculture earned retired University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补 professor and former Maui County administrator Harold Keyser the 2026 Maui Legacy Farmer award. The retired soil microbiologist with the (CTAHR) was recognized for his contributions to agricultural education and community partnerships.
The honor was presented on May 30, 2026, during the 17th annual Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair. Held at the War Memorial Special Events Field, the celebration kicked off at the beloved Maui Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast.
“I appreciate the diversity of the agriculture industry,” Keyser said. “I’m grateful to have played a part in strengthening and perpetuating it during my career.”
Lifetime of service to Maui agriculture
After joining CTAHR in 2002 and serving as Maui County administrator, Keyser became a champion for the local farming community. He provided essential, science-based perspectives on complex community issues, ranging from water rights to agricultural biotechnology.
During a challenging period of declining institutional funding, Keyser led a county government funding partnership. This collaborative milestone brought together the Maui County Farm Bureau, CTAHR, and the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, securing long-term funding for cooperative extension programs and experiment stations.
In retirement, he continues to volunteer with community programs, offering pesticide safety training and helping establish the Kula School Agricultural Science Program at Kēōkea.
Today, Keyser’s deep agricultural legacy is carried forward by his son, Jonathan, who co-founded Native Nursery LLC in Kula, a business focused on native plant restoration.