ARDA-Hawaii Donates $4,000 to Support UH-HILO's Beekeeping Program and Sustainable Agriculture
HONOLULU (July 21, 2025) – ARDA-Hawaii has donated $4,000 to the University of Hawaii Foundation in support of the Adopt-a-Beehive program at University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo), reinforcing its commitment to local agriculture, sustainability, and education.
The donation will help fund the UH Hilo College of Agriculture’s Beekeeping Program, which trains students in the science and practice of apiculture through credited coursework and a certificate program. The initiative also supports community education through guided tours and hands-on experiences at UH Hilo’s apiaries, located on the university’s farm in Pana‘ewa.
“Honey bees play an essential role in Hawaii’s agricultural sustainability,” said Mitchell Imanaka, ARDA-Hawaii Chairman and managing principal of Imanaka Asato LLLC. “We are proud to support a program that not only educates and empowers future farmers and beekeepers but also fosters a deeper understanding of the critical role bees play in our islands’ food systems and ecosystems.”
Created by renowned Hawaii chef Alan Wong, Adopt-a-Beehive brings awareness to the vital connection between honey bees and the culinary world, local agriculture, and environmental health. The program helps reduce Hawaii’s dependence on imported food by cultivating a steady pipeline of skilled beekeepers and encouraging local food production.
Donors who adopt a beehive receive personalized updates and photos from the UH Hilo student tending their hive, along with local honey products and invitations to special events hosted by Chef Wong. To learn more or adopt a hive, visit: https://www.uhfoundation.org/giving-opportunity/sweet-sustainability.
ARDA-Hawaii is the local chapter of the national vacation ownership trade association, which includes timeshare. Hawaii’s timeshare units account for 15 percent of the state’s visitor lodging inventory and thousands of jobs. The organization is committed to supporting the communities in which its resorts are located through organized events, monetary and in-kind donations, and volunteerism. For more information, visit www.ARDA.org.