About Us.The Hawaii avocado association is a non-profit organization incorporated for educational purposes on September 4, 1984. Since then, HAA has been working with growers and government agencies to promote and support the Hawaiian avocado industry.
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Current Goals
- Work with the Hawaiian Department of Agriculture to provide samples and test the susceptibility of the Malama cultivar to oriental fruit fly
- Work with a 3rd party organization, funded by a Hawaii DoA grant, to survey avocado growers, and develop marketing material in support of statewide and export sales
- Increase membership
- Provide educational resources and information via a website for growers and buyers
Past Achievements
For 23 years from 1990, the HAA worked with the University of Hawaii, Hawaii DoA and the USDA to obtain approval for the export of Sharwil avocados to the US mainland. This approval was finally obtained from the USDA in 2013. Much of the credit for this huge effort goes to previous HAA Presidents Richard Huelskamp (1995 to 2007) and Tom Benton (2007 to 2018). While Richard has now retired to the mainland, Tom still farms Sharwil avocado on their certified organic farm in Caption Cook on Hawaii Island. Tom has been growing and marketing avocado for more than 30 years and is one of the leading experts on growing avocado in Hawaii.
Throughout the late 80's and early 90's, the HAA obtained funding from the County and State grants and conducted a series of marketing initiatives throughout Hawaii. They provided information, materials, posters, and in-store fruit sampling to help promote the sale and consumption of Hawaiian avocados.
The Board Members
John App, President
John graduated from Brown University, became a Marine Corps/Naval aviator, and flew combat in Vietnam in 1966. After Vietnam, he had a finance career in Southern California In addition to their own avocados, he manages 35 acres of avocados for a Californian firm. Most of the time he creates furniture and cabinetry as a wood craftsman. He was elected President of the HAA in 2018.
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Richard Huelskamp, Vice PresidentRichard was the former President of the association until to 2017. He was instrumental in obtaining the approval from the USDA for the Sharwil export protocol. Sadly Richard lost his 18 acre avocado farm in Kapoho when it was consumed by lava during the 2018 eruption. Richard now lives on the mainland but maintains an active interest in the Hawaiian avocado industry.
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Brooks & Bill Wakefield, DirectorsThe Wakefields are a 5th generation Hawaiian family. On their farm in Holualoa they produce wonderful avocado, mango and coffee. Both Brooks and Bill have been working with the HAA for many years and were instrumental in getting the Sharwil export protocol approved.
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June Van Lynseele, TreasurerJune has been retired from the University of Washington in Seattle since 2013 and currently lives in Captain Cook. She farms mainly avocado, but also grows coffee and cacao. June has been working with the HAA since 2016.
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Doug Bong, SecretaryDoug has been a farmer on Hawaii Island since 1971. He now grows coffee and avocado on his certified organic farm in Holualoa. Doug has been a board member for the last 3 years and has tirelessly supported the Hawaii avocado industry.
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Bruce Corker, DirectorBruce is a long time resident of Holualoa in the Kona Region on Hawaii Island. On his certified organic farm, Rancho Aloha, he grows award winning Kona coffee, Sharwil avocados and a range of tropical fruits. Bruce has been actively promoting Hawaiian avocados and supporting the HAA for many years. He worked closely with representatives of Senator Inouye's office for adoption of the USDA protocol that since 2013 has allowed shipment of Hawaii Sharwil avocados to the US mainland. Bruce has been a Board member for more than 10 years.
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