Sen. Hirono and USDA Deputy Sec. Harden Visit East Hawai’i

Senator Mazie K. Hirono and United State Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden were on the Big Island Wednesday.

During the day-long trip, the pair visited the agricultural community, including floriculture, papaya, and macadamia nut representatives, in addition to the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center. Senator Hirono and Deputy Secretary Harden also spent time visiting the Puna community, discussing the importance of infrastructure and the impact of invasive species, and received a briefing on the June 27 lava flow.

The Senator and Deputy Secretary will spend Thursday on Oahu and return to the Big Island on Friday, where they will visit with Kona coffee producers and meet with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service at the Kona International Airport.

Below you will find photos of Senator Hirono and Deputy Secretary Harden during their Wednesday Big Island visit:

Senator Hirono and USDA Deputy Secretary Harden get an update on Hawai’i’s floriculture industry from Eric and Jon Tanouye at Green Point Nurseries in Hilo. Office of U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono photo.

Senator Hirono and USDA Deputy Secretary Harden are briefed by Darryl Oliveira, Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator, and Tina Neal, Scientist-in-Charge at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, on the impact of the lava flow in Pahoa. Office of U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono photo.

In a meeting with the Hawaiian Shores Community Association, Senator Hirono & USDA Deputy Secretary Harden are briefed on issues in Puna, including water infrastructure and albizia, as the community still recovers from Tropical Storm Iselle. Office of U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono photo.