Dear GCSAA members,

Often when I reach out to you, it is to give a status report on the association or to make you aware of a change at GCSAA. But, today I have the opportunity to share some significant news that has resulted from GCSAA’s dedication to advocating on your behalf.

Yesterday afternoon we were contacted by the EPA to let us know that GCSAA’s request for the extension of the fenamiphos (Nemacur) end-use date has been granted until Oct. 6, 2017. We have been given a three-year extension of use of existing Nemacur stocks. Nemacur is used to control the major genera of nematodes attacking turfgrass. This includes root knot, root lesion, sting, lance and ring nematodes. The EPA plans to publish a notice in the Federal Register on the extension next week. We greatly appreciate the EPA’s understanding of the needs of our industry.

Our advocacy efforts are a team effort and are making a difference for superintendents and their facilities. A large part of GCSAA’s advocacy efforts take place behind the scenes, with meetings in Washington or in statehouses around the country or in countless phone calls to stakeholders and decision makers. But it is not just GCSAA staff or the Board or the Government Relations Committee who are championing the cause. Outcomes such as this one would be impossible without an engaged membership playing a vital role.

Renovations to the Hilo Municipal Golf Course will be the subject of a public meeting later this month.

The county Department of Parks and Recreation said the meeting is being held to explain the project’s scope and gather public input.

It is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, at the Hawaii County Council chambers on Aupuni Street.

Aging buildings at the Hilo Muni suffer from termite damage and other problems. The back side of the restaurant is shown.

The proposed project includes replacement of the pro shop, restaurant and two on-course bathrooms, and reconstruction of four greens. It will also involve various maintenance and repair work, including replacement of water lines.

Jason Armstrong, spokesman for the Department of Parks and Recreation, said the work will also bring the golf course and adjacent driving range into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

He said work on the design phase, which is expected to cost $1.5 million, has already begun.

Armstrong said the department hopes to put the project out to bid early next year.

The renovations include replacement of two on-course restrooms. The one shown is located near Kawailani Street, near the tee area of the fourth hole.

He said the course, restaurant and pro shop will remain open during construction, which is expected to take 12 to 16 months to complete.

Pedestrian, vehicle and golf-cart traffic will likely be re-routed intermittently during construction, which will also require temporary modifications to play on the course.

At 165 acres, the Hilo Muni is the county’s largest developed recreational site. The course typically hosts about 80,000 rounds a year.

The county’s only golf course averages more than 200 rounds a day.

Hilo Muni Improvements Topic of Meeting on July 22 | Big Island Now

Milton Nakagawa passed away at the age of 63, on March 18, 2014.

Milton was born and raised in Honokaa and graduated from Honokaa High School in 1968. Immediately upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served 4 years at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Upon being discharged and with the G I bill in hand, attended the University Of Hawaii, Hilo. He graduated with a B S degree in Plant Pathology in 1978.

Milton immediately entered the Landscape business and after working at various landscape companies he landed a job at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel as assistant grounds superintendent. After a few years at Mauna Kea he transferred to the Westin Kauai as head grounds superintendent. After a few years on Kauai and at the urging of the Vice President of Mauna Kea Properties he returned to Mauna Kea to become the assistant golf course superintendent.

Milton felt the need to learn the game of golf and took many lessons to become proficient at the game and to better relate to what he was doing in maintenance and the game. He became an avid golfer playing once a week with friends. His greatest enjoyment was when he was invited by Bruce Heymanson to play 9 days of golf in Australia, playing many of Alister Mackenzie’s designed golf courses.

Milton always felt the need to increase his knowledge on turf management. He took every opportunity to participate in the many continuing education courses offered by the GCSAA and the many turf grass seminars.

In 1988, Milton assisted with the construction of the Hapuna Golf Course and became Golf Course Superintendent in 1991. In 2002, he assumed the superintendent position of both Mauna Kea and Hapuna golf course.

In 2008, Mauna Kea underwent a major renovation with Reese Jones as architect. Milton served as project coordinate overseeing the various contractors on the project. Upon completion, a major change in management occurred at the golf course and Milton left to pursue other opportunities. His only regret was not being able to see the grass grow in to maturity. He also regretted not being able to control an invasive grass that became established. He had worked so hard to control the grass and had a good handle for a control.

After 18 months Milton was approached by Mauna Kea Properties to return to the resort to manage a newly developed water company. He single handedly developed the water company from scratch supplying water to the golf course, hotel and the various development throughout the resort.

Milton fell ill early this year and was finally diagnosed with stage four Pancreatic cancer. He passed away on March 18, with family and friends at his bed side.

To All HGCSA Members,

We hope all of you are having a great start to your new year. As most of you may know, one of our goals is to improve the synergy and to re-energize the HGCSA membership State and Island wide. To ignite this effort, we had our first gathering of members graciously held by Golf Course Superintendent Ryan Wood at the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course on Oahu this past January. The turnout was great and we hope for your continuous support as we move forward with this lost tradition.

We are glad to announce that on March 14th at 10:50 a.m. we are inviting all members to join us in a round of golf at the beautiful Wailea Gold Golf Course in Kihei, Maui. We would like to thank Golf Course Superintendent Mike Atwood for making this possible.

There will also be a small BBQ after golf for interested members. Please help us strengthen the “Ohana” of the Hawaii Golf Course Superintendents Association. Please be there on March 14th.

In an effort to secure the necessary tee times and to plan for the BBQ, please RSVP to Les Jeremiah, Jr. or Clarence Nakatsukasa by February 26, 2014.

Thanks again for your support of the HGCSA!

A message from the HGCSA Board of Directors.