Anthurium grower Eric Tanouye and retired USDA entomologist Ernest J. Harris have been selected to receive the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources’ top honors for 2017.
Tanouye, president and general manager of Green Point Nurseries on Hawaiʻi Island, will receive the Ka Lei Hano Award for his support of the college and agriculture in Hawaiʻi. He is an important partner with the college in developing new flower varieties and in providing scholarship support for students. He is a founder and the president of Hawaiʻi Floriculture and Nursery Association and a valuable member of the CTAHR dean’s advisory council.
Harris has been named Outstanding Alumnus for developing breakthrough methods to control fruit flies, a major agricultural pest. His male annihilation, sterile release, and biological control techniques have been widely adopted in Hawaiʻi and around the world. Harris, who earned his PhD in entomology from CTAHR in 1975, is also the recipient of a 2016 Congressional Gold Medal for breaking racial barriers as one of the first black marines.
“Both men apply intelligence, creativity and commitment to addressing the challenges facing agriculture in the Islands,” said Rachel Novotny, interim dean of the college. “Their innovative contributions have had profound and lasting impacts on the industry in Hawaiʻi.”
The two men will be honored at CTAHR’s 29th Annual Awards Banquet on May 5 at Pomaikaʻi Ballrooms in Honolulu. Visit the banquet website for additional information.
