By Bonnie Beatson, WCC marketing and communications director
Thanks to a $3.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP), the Kiaʻi Loko Center for Limu Research – created and managed by Windward Community College (WCC) in Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu – will be able to provide education and limu (algae) research opportunities that will not only benefit the Windward community but also have implications statewide.
The center focuses on applying traditional Native Hawaiian knowledge alongside Western scientific methods to study limu and traditional Hawaiian loko iʻa (fishponds). The aquacultural practices used to maintain healthy fishponds and produce limu have relevant application when addressing critical contemporary issues such as food security, biodiversity and cultural perpetuation.
In recent years, interest in limu cultivation has increased with myriad potential applications including renewable biofuels, nutraceuticals, food and nutritional supplements, livestock and aquaculture feeds, wastewater cleanup and carbon dioxide sequestration. This interest in limu has implications for the development of new industries for Hawaiʻi.
“The Kiaʻi Loko Center for Limu Research will train students to work in an important emerging industry promoting sustainability and self-reliance in these islands,” said Dave Krupp, dean of sciences at WCC. “Working with our partners, we will serve our Koʻolaupoko and Koʻolauloa communities to solve issues of concern, such as the restoration of native limu to our reefs and elimination of invasive seaweeds.”
Hawaiʻi is uniquely positioned to be a leader in this new industry due to our combination of relatively consistent warm temperatures; sunshine; and cold, deep, nutrient-rich ocean water. It is anticipated that about 5,000 new jobs in algae cultivation, harvesting and processing; and approximately 5,000 additional jobs in algal biomanufacturing and fermentation will become available in the next decade.
“This [grant] is recognition that place-based education can create nationally recognized opportunities for our kids. We have the means and the talent to compete at the highest levels,” said Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole.
With this in mind, WCC has launched a free, limu culture pathway combining traditional Native Hawaiian knowledge with Western scientific methods, with classes beginning in the fall.
The new Agripharmatech Certificate of Achievement (CA) specializing in limu culture will prepare students for emerging algal-based career opportunities in agricultural biotechnology, pharmacognosy, agribusiness entrepreneurship and plant-based manufacturing.
“These classes are a wonderful opportunity for students and community members to learn more about the importance of limu in Hawaiʻi. For those thinking about a career in agriculture or biomanufacturing, these classes are a great place to start,” said Jolie Dollar, Limu Center coordinator and instructor.
“Our partnership with the Waikalua Loko fishpond [in Kāneʻohe], where limu is already being grown, is a bonus for students wanting coursework that combines Hawaiian traditional knowledge, ecological sustainability and food production.”
The limu culture track, which can be completed in two to three semesters, enables students to conduct research on critical limu-related topics, enhancing their knowledge of limu ecology and production. Students can also enroll in the limu studies certificate of competence, and earn credits that can be used for advancement to the limu culture CA.
Thanks to the TCUP grant and Carl D. Perkins Strengthening Career and Technical Education, all classes within the limu culture CA program will be tuition-free. A tuition waiver will be automatically applied once students register for the limu culture classes. Students must apply to WCC and receive an acceptance email before registering.
For more details about the Limu Culture pathway, contact Dollar at (808) 236-9245 or jolied@hawaii.edu.
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