LEVELING UP FOOD PRODUCTION
EFFICIENT USE OF RESOURCES
Aquaponics is a sustainable agricultural practice that combines traditional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish) with hydroponics (growing plants in water). This symbiotic system benefits both the environment and the growers by efficiently utilizing resources.
CLOSED LOOP PRODUCTION
One of the primary advantages of aquaponics is its reduced water consumption compared to conventional farming, as the water is recirculated and reused within the system. Additionally, the natural waste produced by the fish provides essential nutrients for the plants, which in turn help filter and purify the water for the aquatic animals. This creates a closed-loop system that minimizes wastage and enhances productivity.
Adaptive and Versatile
Aquaponics also allows for year-round cultivation, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and can be set up in urban areas, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. Overall, aquaponics presents a compelling solution for sustainable agriculture in a resource-constrained world.
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
SMALL THINGS MATTER
Through the years I have assisted the design, build, maintanence and repair of many aquaponic and aquaculture systems. Some favorite mentions are:
Hawaii State Hospital
Kalaheo High School
Kahuku High School
Kailua Intermediate
Le Jardan Academy
Pearl Highlands
Nanakuli High School
AJA Nursery
Reppun Famrs
Your Neighbors Backyard
2008
MY BACKYARD, KANEOHE
I designed and built my first, second, and third aquaponics systems, over the next 3 years, as I moved from one home to another. Each time, I completely redesigned and adapted the technology to suit my needs. Through the years of learning and sharing, I have come to realize that my personal interest is not in growing the fish as a primary focus, but rather, keeping the fish healthy so that in turn the plants grown from the system are steady and abundant. The fish is a nice bonus to running a low maintenence system such as this.
2011
KEY PROJECT, KAHALU’U
I was contracted to build my first community serving system. This project focused on installing a 16′ x 24′ greenhouse filled with four grow beds, and 2 180 gallon fishtanks. The build was a community activity where local families volunteered to do most of the work, including weather proofing and cutting lumber, stacking bricks, and cutting pvc pipe to irrigate the tanks.
The system was operated by local families to provide our community with freshly grown greens for their tables.
Some of the food grown included manoa lettuce, green oinions, basil, and parsley
2012
HAPA FARMS, AHUIMANU
In 2012 I was contracted by Hapa Farms to assist in the building and breeding of aquaculture tanks designed to raise a local strain of tilapia known as “koi-lapia”. The variety of colorful patterns that this strain exhibited allowed for us to select many different colors and bred to favor a light red to pink coloration.
I eventually stocked my 10,000 gallon fishpond with this variety and sold the fish commercially for food for many years.
10/2023 in Kalihi at Keiki O ka Aina, this system was built from the ground up. It included a 20′ x 40′ nursery with clear tarp covering to prevent heavy winter rains from over diluting the system. During the summer the tarp is removed to capture rain fall, helping to keep the system topped off. This picture was taken after the second of four days of work to completion.
2017
WAIKALUA FISHPOND, KANEOHE
Initially looking into aquaculture as an economic venture at this location, it was decided that a hatchery or nursery was needed to scale up this idea. I improved a small flow through system to allow for recirculation of salt water drawn directly from the Hawaiian fishpond. I stocked the system with native fish and seaweed to grow some of the fastest growing plants I have eber seen. I studies how nitrogen in the seawater was removed by the seaweed as a form of bio-remediation. Stocking the system with fish increased productity and the system continues to be operated and enhanced by ocean researches today.
2020
KAKO’O OIWI, HE”EIA
I was initially hired to help with e-commerce and bookeeping, but eventually took on a larger role farming the dryland areas of this 400 acre non-profit. I took the lead on troubleshooting am aquaponic system that had never really been productive due to a minor leak that was left in disrepair. With a few days of work, I was able to fully repair the system and produced food, clones, and seedling from the system for almost 2 years.
2023
KEIKI O KA AINA, KALIHI
Once again asked to build a system for the community, KOKA asked me to design, build, and train their staff to produce healthy, fresh food for their community. With the help of several trainees, this was the first time I took students on to assist and learn the full process from the design stage to completion. I also continue to assist KOKA staff answering any questions about the production, maintenence, and evolution of an aquaponic system.
(808) 555-3521
FOOD SYSTEMS DESIGN
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CLIMATE ADAPTAION
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FOOD FORESTRY
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INDIGENOUS VALUES THAT GUIDE US
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GET IN TOUCH!
(623) 395-3521