UH to Honor Innovative Big Island Nurseryman

Eric Tanouye. UH courtesy photo.

Big Island anthurium grower Eric Tanouye has been selected to receive one of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources’ top honors for 2017.

Tanouye, president and general manager of Green Point Nurseries, will receive the Ka Lei Hano Award for his agricultural work and support of the O‘ahu college.

Tanouye is a fourth-generation Big Island farmer, and his nursery is a major exporter of various tropical flowers including anthuriums and orchids.

He has been an important partner to UH, developing new flower varieties and providing scholarship support for students.

Tanouye will be honored at CTAHR’s 29th Annual Awards Banquet on Friday, May 5, at Pomaika‘i Ballrooms in Honolulu.

In addition, retired USDA entomologist Ernest J. Harris will be named Outstanding Alumnus for developing innovative new approaches for controlling local fruit fly populations.

“Both men apply intelligence, creativity and commitment to addressing the challenges facing agriculture in the Islands,” said Rachel Novotny, interim dean of the college. “Their innovative contributions have had profound and lasting impacts on the industry in Hawai‘i.”

Ernest Harris. UH courtesy photo.