Lorna H. Tsutsumi

Lorna H. Tsutsumi serves as a Professor of Entomology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo within the College of Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Resource Management (CAFNRM). She holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from the University of Hawaiʻi and maintains her office in the College of Agriculture Building, room 101A. Dr. Tsutsumi teaches multiple courses including ENTO 262 Intro Beekeeping, ENTO 304 General Entomology, ENTO 350 Advanced Beekeeping, ENTO 374 Insect Pest Control, and AG 205 Value Added Products & Post Harvest Handling.

Dr. Tsutsumi's research focuses primarily on apiculture and honey bee behavior, with special emphasis on Hawaiian beekeeping practices. Her work addresses critical issues facing honey bees including colony collapse, pest management, and sustainable beekeeping techniques. She has developed numerous educational resources including the 'What and How of Beekeeping in Hawaiʻi' booklet and the Honey Bee Profile guide. Her research examines the impact of invasive species like the varroa mite and small hive beetle on Hawaiian honey bee populations.

Analysis of Dr. Tsutsumi's publications reveals a consistent focus on practical beekeeping applications rather than theoretical entomology. Her work spans agricultural science, food production, and environmental conservation with particular attention to Hawaiian ecosystems. The publications demonstrate a progression from historical documentation of honey bees in Hawaii to practical guides for modern beekeepers dealing with contemporary challenges like invasive pests and sustainable production methods.

Dr. Tsutsumi has successfully secured multiple grants supporting her bee-related initiatives including a USDA Grant (2008-present) for Bee Awareness and Value Added Products ($28,000), a County of Hawaiʻi grant (2011-present) for an educational booklet on Beekeeping practices in Hawaiʻi ($3,500), and a USDA Grant (2004-2008) for Development of Value Added Bee Products ($64,000).

Dr. Tsutsumi has established significant educational and community initiatives including:

• Development of the Mapuhonehone Bee Friendly Sustainable Educational Garden at the UH Hilo/CAFNRM farm in Panaʻewa
• Creation of value-added bee products sold under the Kulanui brand at UH stores
• Partnership with Chef Alan Wong to create the 'Adopt-A-Beehive' program that connects students with community members
• Organization of public events like 'Bee-coming Sustainable' to showcase bee-friendly practices