Hawaii Golf Course Superintendents Blog

Superintendent of the Year and 2025 Rounds 4 Research

I would like to congratulate Dan Husek for being voted Superintendent of the Year, good job!

Dan Husek


Also I want to start asking for donations to Rounds 4 Research for 2025, we did very well this year and hope to do better next year. Remember if you donate golf rounds you and your staff get your dues waived for the year. The money we make from this program helps us run the chapter and allows us to keep our dues and tournament entry fee’s down.

…and, the donation process can be completed online and takes approximately 10 minutes. Please visit

to complete the form.

Russell Dooge, CGCS
Executive Director HGCSA

Aerification, it’s that time of the year again!

“HGCSA Corner”

from the HSGA Newsletter – September 2024 – Issue 134
By Nolan Johnson
Director of Operations & Agronomy Makalei GC

Aerification, it’s that time of the year again! As Superintendent’s, we see the look of frustration on your faces as you unknowingly show up to a course that were recently punched. Let’s face it, no golfers are ever thrilled to arrive at a course, only to find that they will be putting on greens that have just been aerated. There is a misconception that golf course Superintendents love aeration and we do it to make golfers mad. Nothing can be further from the truth.

From the Maintenance side: it costs a large amount of money to complete, it is time consuming, it wreaks havoc on equipment/mower reels/bedknives, and staff morale usually declines for the backbreaking work.

From the Operations side: there is usually a loss in revenue, staff has to deal with frustrated guests, the greens are slower and difficult to read, the roll is almost always affected, and sand gets everywhere.

So why do it? Because it’s the single-most important practice done on the course:

  1. Relieves Soil Compaction: Over time, the constant foot traffic and weight of maintenance equipment can compact the soil, reducing its ability to absorb water and nutrients. Aerification alleviates this compaction, allowing roots to grow deeper and stronger.
  2. Enhances Water and Nutrient Uptake: The holes created during aerification allow water, fertilizers, and air to reach the root zone more effectively. This improved access supports the turf’s health, making it more resilient against drought and disease.
  3. Reduces Thatch Buildup: Thatch, a layer of dead grass and organic matter, can accumulate on the surface and hinder water infiltration. Aerification helps break up thatch, preventing it from becoming too thick and suffocating the grass.
  4. Promotes Healthy Root Growth: By creating spaces in the soil, aerification encourages roots to expand and grow deeper. This leads to a more robust root system that can better withstand environmental stresses.

For more information on golf course maintenance practices to promote healthy turfgrass management, feel free to visit the USGA website, Course Care page.

2024 University of Hawaii Zoominar Series

Turfgrass and Landscape Pest Management

Zoominar series are free of charge, brought to you by UH Manoa Turfgrass and Landscape Pest Management Program (Dr. Zhiqiang Cheng), and CTAHR Cooperative Extension Service.

Zhiqiang Cheng, Ph.D.

3:00 - 4:00 pm every Wednesday, 05/22 to 06/12/2024

Live on Zoom: Webinar Zoom links will be provided to registered participants.

May 22Management of several important landscape pests in Hawaii: coconut rhinoceros beetle, lobate lac scale, and hala scale.
Dr. Zhiqiang Cheng, UH Manoa.
Registration link (will close May 20, 2024): 
https://forms.gle/5F4KrZTvWhb737237
May 29Management of several important turfgrass pests in Hawaii: frit fly, oriental flower beetle, and take-all patch.
Dr. Zhiqiang Cheng, UH Manoa.
Registration link (will close May 27, 2024): 
https://forms.gle/ZgDcRAekEpuC64M58
June 05Non-chemical turf renovation and weed control at the edges (of
your property).
Dr. Joseph DeFrank, UH Manoa (emeritus).
Registration link (will close June 03, 2024): 
https://forms.gle/ajv1cB7HGsTc2ffb7
June 12Pesticide labels.
Dr. Zhiqiang Cheng, UH Manoa.
Registration link (will close June 10, 2024): 
https://forms.gle/qk65V6eqU2zKCZAL7

Each webinar:
1.0 HDOA RUP CEU (first 3 webinars: Commercial 3,10; last webinar: Commercial
1a,1b,1c,2,3,4,5,6,7a,7b,7c,7d,7e,8,9,10 and Private 1).
1.0 LICT* CEU.
0.10 GCSAA* points.
1.0 ISA* CEU (1.0 each for May 22 and June 12 webinars).

* CEUs pending approval from LICH, GCSAA, and ISA.

Hawai’i Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Communications Plan

Amplifying Statewide Efforts in Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Communication and Management

Occasional Invasive Pest
Mini-Conference
May 21, 2024 @ 9:30 am HST
Virtual (via Zoom) Register Here:
https://hawaii.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqdeGurj8tHdJoz0o1lX5A_Re0cQGHw9cp

  • "Have we lost the battle against CRB?"
  • “Are CRB traps just attracting CRB to my property?”
  • “Is it true that once CRB is present, it's impossible to protect my plants?”
  • “Is CRB management only the responsibility of agricultural professionals and not homeowners?”
  • “I've been told mulching is a surefire way to attract CRB. Should I avoid it entirely?”

Join Arisa Barcinas, outreach associate with CRB Response, and Elizabeth Speith from 643pest.org and the Hawai'i Invasive Species Council (HISC), for an enlightening dive into the Hawai'i Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) Communications Plan and current CRB status. The Hawai'i CRB Communications Plan aims to enhance our collective understanding and foster collaborative community action to manage CRB across the state. They will also tackle strategies to combat misinformation and encourage an open discussion to address common misconceptions. The plan was created by a collaboration of CRB communications experts from multiple agencies and groups across the state, reflecting the unique populations and situations faced on each island and underscores the multi-agency approach essential for effective CRB management.

The Hawai’i Golf Economy – An Economic Impact Analysis

Discover the economic heartbeat of Hawaii’s golf industry!

We are thrilled to announce the publication of the "Hawai’I Golf Economy 2023 Economic Impact Analysis." This comprehensive report, released by The PGA of America – Aloha Section and Foundation, sheds light on the significant economic contributions of golf to our home islands.

Golf isn't just a sport; it's an integral part of Hawaii's economy, supporting jobs, generating revenue, and driving tourism. Through this analysis, we gain valuable insights into the economic footprint of golf in our state, reaffirming its status as a vital industry.

As stewards of Hawaii's golf courses, it's crucial for us to understand and appreciate the economic impact of our sport. By sharing this report on our website, we aim to inform, educate, and advocate for the continued growth and prosperity of the golf industry in Hawaii.

We encourage all members, stakeholders, and golf enthusiasts to explore the findings of the "Hawai’I Golf Economy 2023 Economic Impact Analysis" and join us in celebrating the economic power of golf in Hawaii.

Together, let's continue to champion Hawaiian Golf and its positive contributions to our communities and economy.

Key highlights from the Economic Impact Analysis include:

  • Combined financial outlay of $393 Million annual from operational revenue and capital investments.
  • Over $1 Billion dollars generated in annual golf tourism and golf-related retail spending.
  • Homes values adjacent to golf courses increase property values by an estimated 32% resulting in real property tax collections in golf course communities amounting $2,695,761.
  • Direct economic impact of $1.8 Billion and $1.6 Billion from indirect economic impact from core industries bringing the total economic contribution to the Hawai’i economy of $3.4 Billion dollars.

Hawaii Project Meeting with GCSAA

A very brief summary: EPA is responsible for registration and re-registration of pesticide using the “Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act”. There is potential and maybe current litigation by Non-Governmental Organizations against the EPA for not adhering to the “Endangered Species Act.” Hawaii has a large number of endangered species…..golf courses use pesticides. Use, regulation, registration and re-registration of pesticide use on golf courses is up for evaluation.
…Dan Husek

Message from Dan Husek
President HGCSA

THIS IS IMPORTANT…. Please register for the presentation to be made by GCSAA.

Our involvement is important to allow science to guide the way. Click that registration link (below).

Dan

Message from Russell Dooge, CGCS
Executive Director HGCSA

Please read the email communication from Chava (Director, Government Affairs – Golf Course Superintendents Association of America), this is about the EPA and it concerns Hawaii golf courses.

THIS IS IMPORTANT

Russell Dooge, CGCS

Hi everyone,

It has been a while since we talked to EPA about the Hawaii pilot. They have not rolled anything out yet but it was mentioned yesterday at an IR-4 meeting in Raleigh. I have not heard any more news on the proposed roundtable in Hawaii in October/November. I will let you know when I do.

EPA is dealing with Hawaii separate from the other 49 states. They have rolled out a much more potentially problematic pilot called the Vulnerable Species pilot affecting the 49 states. We have been focused on it the last month. We are working with supers in Milwaukee right now on preparing comments to EPA.

I wanted to bring back to your attention the two data sets that Jennifer Connolly shared with me:

Golf Courses | Hawaii Statewide GIS Program – golf course data layer from State of Hawaii – where golf courses are located

Advancing Transparency of Endangered Species Act Evaluations Through Publicly Available Data | US EPA – endangered species data – where endangered species are – Jennifer said to look at the Layers section in the middle of the page

Ahead of our next discussion with EPA on the Hawaii pilot, would you mind having members of the Hawaii GCSA board take a look at both of these data sets and provide any insight. I am interested to know if the golf courses are being mapped correctly. Dan said things were not accurate around him. Also, I am interested to know what types of endangered species are listed at or near your golf courses.

Also, please have your chapter members sign up for the FIFRA-ESA 101 webinar we are hosting on September 27. The USDA and Bayer and Syngenta are helping us educate the membership on the upcoming ESA challenges and alerting everyone to the proposed pilot projects.

Registration (gotowebinar.com)

Let me know if you have any questions.

Chava

Chava E. McKeel | Director, Government Affairs
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
1421 Research Park Drive | Lawrence, KS 66049

The 2023 Hawaii Golf Course Superintendents Association Seminar was a Resounding Success!

The 2023 Hawaii Golf Course Superintendents Association (HGCSA)
annual seminar was extraordinary!

It exceeded all expectations and set a new standard for excellence in the world of golf course management and maintenance. This annual gathering brought together golf course superintendents, industry professionals, and enthusiasts from across Hawaii, and it was a true testament to the dedication and passion of everyone involved.

Sustainability was a central theme of the event, reflecting the growing emphasis on environmentally responsible practices in golf course management. Attendees learned about sustainable turf care techniques, water conservation strategies, and the implementation of eco-friendly initiatives, ensuring that Hawaii's golf courses continue to thrive while respecting the environment.

The 2023 HGCSA seminar was characterized by a commitment to giving back to the community. It left a lasting impact on the golf course management industry in Hawaii and will be remembered as a milestone event that set the standard for excellence and innovation in the years to come.

HGCSA Update from Association President Dan Husek

Aloha Members,
We as a board are committed to trying to create an active association, in which persons feel value for their membership. That being said, I wanted to reach out and update you on the State Association.

Board Members: President, Dan Husek; Vice President, Joe Vittum; Treasurer, Chad Higaki; Secretary, Nolan Johnson; Maui Rep, Joe Tardiff; Lanai Rep, Seril Shimizu; Big Island Rep, Nolan Johnson; Vendor Rep, Rich Song; Past President, Scott Main; Financial Officer Clarence Nakashima; Faculty Advisor, Dr. Zhiqiang Cheng; and Executive Director/GCSAA Delegate, Russell Dooge

We as a board have been in discussions on how to create active momentum within the association. To achieve this, it takes time, commitment, dedication, organization and coordination by a person or persons. It has been proposed and tabled for discussion, to pay the Executive Director position a nominal salary to generate and support multiple events / gatherings throughout the year. Within the western region of the GCSAA our association is the only association that currently does not have a paid Executive Director position, and yes, some associations are smaller than us. We welcome your feedback, and as a reminder: you can always get involved and volunteer.

Along that line of thought: in addition to the Annual Golf and Seminar set to be held in the fall on Oahu; we are attempting to schedule a Maui event this summer (short notice and working out details.) We are also pleased to announce: a May 2024 event on the Big Island. This event is being planned as a two-day, team scramble event. Mark your calendars; and we will be contacting possible sponsors and should have details ready to announce by the Annual Golf and Seminar gathering.

The HGCSA by-laws are in need of re-writing, last updated in 1996. The GCSAA requires us to be in alignment with their by-laws and we need to meet the “affiliation agreement” with the GCSAA. We are seeking out a lawyer to assist with this process.

The 2023 PGA Aloha Section Ho’olaule’a Ceremony was held on February 10th at the Japanese Cultural Center. The HGCSA presented two awards. Congratulations to Chad Higaki for well-deserved Superintendent of the Year. Fantastic speech and it was great to have his wife, sister and brother-in-law be there in support. We also presented to Joy Kono and family (Megan & Ryan) the Lifetime Achievement Award honoring Curtis Kono.

One more reminder: rounds for research. Super easy to donate. If the website is too intimidating, reach out and ask; we’ll get you to the right people at GCSAA. What’s in it for “you”? …. your HGCSA dues, the dues of your assistant(s) and equipment manager are waived AND you are donating to GCSAA research helping to sustain the future of golf.

Thank you for reading,

Dan Husek

Curtis Kono Memorial “Nine & Wine”

During all the rain Curtis Kono had a very nice Celebration of Life service at Oahu C.C. It was a very well attended event, standing room only. The Kono family is holding a fund raising golf tournament Feb. 13 at Oahu C.C. for Kapi’olani Medical Center and they are looking for any donations the golf courses can give, please help out if you can. Also maybe you will consider forming a team to play.
Russell Dooge, CGCS
37 Puahau Pl.
Wailuku, HI, 96793
(808) 344-3213


Aloha friends of Curtis Kono,
The Kono family, along with friends and colleagues of Curtis, are planning a fundraising event for Kapiolani Children’s Hospital—cancer unit. During Curtis’s two-year battle with cancer, he spent many nights thinking about how this disease impacted children. He shared with us he how he did not want to see children suffer the pain of cancer and he then contacted the foundation to provide an impactful donation to help children. We hope that you will join his effort to help children through their battle with cancer by donating through this Curtis’s Memorial “Nine & Wine” golf tournament and silent auction.

Together we can help Curtis realize his goal.

2023 – Rounds 4 Research

Good Monday morning and I hope everyone has a good MLK Day.
Did everyone get a chance to watch any of the golf this past weekend? Dave and his staff did a great job, the course looked and played great. We have one more golf Tournament to be played in Hawaii, this week the Senior PGA Tour play on the Big Island. Lastly I want to again remind you to please donate to Rounds 4 Research.
Russell Dooge, CGCS

Dear Hawaii GCSA Members,

I hope this finds you all doing well and preparing for what promises to be another busy year throughout the islands.

I am reaching out to you today on behalf of the Hawaii GCSA Board of Directors concerning the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) Rounds 4 Research program. Rounds 4 Research was started in 2012 to address funding shortages in the areas of turfgrass research, education and advocacy. To date, the auction has raised more than $2,000,000 nationally.

The premise of the program is simple: Golf facilities can support the effort by donating rounds of golf for two or four or “stay and play” packages and other items that will be auctioned online through a nationwide auction from April 24- 30.

The proceeds from the online auction are designated by the participating facilities to their local GCSA chapter (in this case, Hawaii). 80 percent goes to the chapter with the remaining 20 percent going to EIFG to assist with marketing and technical costs of running the national auction. The auction is conducted through the bidding platform biddingforgood.com. Donated items can be viewed at https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?vhost=eifg.

The Hawaii GCSA can then decide how to best spend the funds in the areas of research, education or advocacy efforts.

I’m asking all of you today to consider donating a twosome or foursome from your facility to the auction. In times of declining membership, participation and sponsorship, these additional funds can be critical to our chapter to continue providing the member services you have become accustomed to.

The donation process can be completed online and takes approximately 10 minutes. Please visit http://www.eifg.org/research/rounds-4-research/donate-a-round/online-form and complete the form.

The participating facility has the ability to restrict rounds to certain days and times as well as the option of setting your opening bid. You can send in your own certificate for the donation or the EIFG will create a certificate for you.

If you have any questions concerning Rounds 4 Research, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I appreciate your time and consideration. You will be assisting your local chapter as well as raising funds for the future of the game.

Sincerely,

Russ Dooge, CGCS
Executive Director Hawaii GCSA