James John Kalani Leary

Dr. James John Kalani Leary serves as an Assistant Specialist in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management at the University of Hawaii at Manoa's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR). With over 15 years of experience in weed science and invasive species management, Dr. Leary focuses on developing practical solutions for Hawaii's unique agricultural and ecological challenges. His work bridges the gap between academic research and on-the-ground application, providing critical resources for farmers, conservationists, and land managers throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

Dr. Leary's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Weed Ecology (2007), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Molecular Biosciences & Bioengineering
• M.S. in Weed Science (1999), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Horticulture
• B.S. in Horticulture and Chemistry (1996), Michigan State University, Department of Horticulture

Dr. Leary's research focuses on innovative approaches to invasive weed management in Hawaii's unique ecosystems. His work emphasizes integrated solutions that consider both ecological restoration and agricultural productivity. Specializing in the development of targeted herbicide applications, ecological restoration techniques, and sustainable agricultural practices, Dr. Leary has become a leading expert on managing invasive species like gorse, fountain grass, and Albizia. His research often centers on finding balance between effective weed control and protection of native ecosystems, with particular attention to koa forest restoration and the challenges posed by invasive grasses in Hawaii's sensitive environments. Through his extension work, Dr. Leary translates complex scientific findings into practical guidance for land managers, farmers, and conservation practitioners.

Dr. Leary's publications reveal a consistent focus on the ecological impacts of invasive species and practical management solutions. His research spans from fundamental ecological studies of plant symbiosis to applied field trials of herbicide techniques. A notable pattern in his work is the emphasis on understanding the underlying ecological mechanisms of invasion to develop more effective, targeted management strategies. His articles frequently address the specific challenges of Hawaii's volcanic soils and unique native ecosystems, with particular attention to the restoration of native Acacia koa forests and management of invasive grasses like fountain grass and kikuyu grass.

Dr. Leary has secured significant grant funding to support his research and extension activities:

• USDA Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural Research (T-STAR) program (2007-2010): $360,000 for building capacity in weed management services
• USDA-NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant (2007): $92,202.84 for native forest restoration
• Hawaii Department of Agriculture FY 2008: $38,856 for evaluating native Hawaiian plants as cover crops
• USDA Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (2008): $53,804 for adaptive management with sunn hemp
• Rural Resources Extension Act (2008): $15,300 for managing grass competition against koa
• The Nature Conservancy (2007): $9,022 for controlling Australian Tree Fern

Dr. Leary directs multiple field demonstration projects across Hawaii, including the Waipunalei Koa Restoration Project, Kona Hema Preserve, Manuka Natural Area Reserve, Volcano National Park, and Kukaiou Ranch initiatives. His innovative Herbicide Ballistic Technology (HBT) has gained recognition for providing precise, long-range herbicide applications for hard-to-reach invasive species. Through his work with the Master Gardener Program and various community outreach initiatives, Dr. Leary extends his expertise to homeowners and community groups seeking sustainable solutions for weed management.