ARDA‑Hawaii Fuels UH Hilo Beekeeping Education with $4,000 Gift to Adopt‑a‑Beehive Program

(IN SHORT) ARDA‑Hawaii has donated $4,000 to the University of Hawaii Foundation to enhance UH Hilo’s Adopt‑a‑Beehive program, reinforcing its commitment to agriculture, sustainability, and education. The grant will fund the College of Agriculture’s Beekeeping Program, offering apiculture coursework, certification, and experiential learning at the Pana‘ewa farm apiaries. Spearheaded by Chef Alan Wong, Adopt‑a‑Beehive raises awareness of the integral role honey bees play in Hawaii’s food systems, aiming to cultivate local beekeeping talent and decrease dependence on imported food. Donors enjoy personalized hive updates, local honey products, and invitations to Chef Wong’s events. ARDA‑Hawaii, the state chapter of the national vacation ownership association, supports communities through charitable contributions and volunteerism.

(PRESS RELEASE) HONOLULU, 2025-Jul-24 — /Travel PR News/ — ARDA‑Hawaii has contributed $4,000 to the University of Hawaii Foundation to bolster the Adopt‑a‑Beehive initiative at UH Hilo, underscoring its dedication to strengthening local agriculture, sustainability, and educational opportunities.

These funds will directly support the College of Agriculture’s Beekeeping Program at UH Hilo, which offers students both academic credit and a specialized certificate in apiculture. In addition to classroom instruction, the program provides hands‑on training through guided visits to the university’s apiaries on the Pana‘ewa farm, where community members can learn about hive management and honey production firsthand.

“Honey bees are vital to sustaining Hawaii’s agricultural ecosystems,” remarked Mitchell Imanaka, ARDA‑Hawaii Chairman and managing principal of Imanaka Asato LLLC. “By investing in this program, we’re empowering the next generation of farmers and beekeepers and promoting a deeper appreciation for the role bees play in our food systems and environment.”

Launched by celebrated chef Alan Wong, the Adopt‑a‑Beehive program highlights the link between honey bees and Hawaii’s culinary heritage, farming traditions, and ecological health. Its mission is to reduce the state’s reliance on imported food by fostering a steady stream of skilled apiarists and encouraging local honey production.

Participants who adopt a hive receive regular updates and photographs from the UH Hilo student apiarist responsible for their colony, complimentary local honey, and invitations to exclusive events hosted by Chef Wong. Those interested in supporting the program can learn more or adopt a hive at uhfoundation.org/giving-opportunity/sweet-sustainability.

ARDA‑Hawaii serves as the local chapter of the national vacation ownership trade association, representing the state’s timeshare industry—which comprises 15 percent of Hawaii’s visitor accommodations and sustains thousands of jobs. The organization actively supports island communities through events, financial and in‑kind donations, and volunteer initiatives. For additional details, visit www.ARDA.org.

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SOURCE: American Resort Development Association