WAILUKU - Maui entomologist Mach Fukada, whose position with the state Department of Agriculture was cut by the state budget ax in 2009, has been honored for his dedication to invasive species protection by the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals.
Fukada was credited with being the first on Maui to identify little fire ants on a farm in Waihee. The discovery of the ants alarmed officials because the species can spread quickly and deliver a painful sting to people.
In October, the state announced the fire ant infestation on Maui had been successfully eradicated because of an aggressive response to its discovery and use of a new bait that allowed the insects to be attacked in trees and vegetation where they nest.
It was Fukada who first raised the alarm about the little fire ant as well as other invasive species such as the Erythrina gall wasp, banana bunchy top virus, papaya ring spot virus and the citrus black fly.
"He is like a living radar, constantly looking at the environment and spotting signs and symptoms of irregular growth on plant behavior. He zeroes in and finds out what's going on," said cattleman William Jacintho, who nominated Fukada for the award, the Malama i ka Aina. "I don't think a day goes by without Mach advising someone" on invasive species.
"Mach Fukada deserves to be recognized for maintaining a high level of awareness about current issues . . . and a commitment to sharing his encyclopedic knowledge with those directly impacted: farmers and landscapers," said Gregory Hopkins, a board member of the Maui County Farm Bureau who supported the nomination.
Fukada was presented the award Dec. 4 at the 2010 Maui Association of Landscape Professionals' Lawn and Garden Fair at the University of Hawaii Maui College.
The Malama i ka Aina Award is presented annually to recognize an individual or business working within the landscape community to keep invasive species out of Maui County. The award is sponsored by the association, the Maui Invasive Species Committee and Maui County.
Fukada was nominated for the award in recognition of his years of dedicated service with the state Department of Agriculture and for his ongoing efforts as an instructor at the college and as a volunteer at the Maui Nui Botanical Garden.
Fukada's position with the Agriculture Department was cut when funding was reduced in 2009. Now, at the college, he teaches courses in insect control, plant propagation and beekeeping.
