An educational display has been installed at Hamilton Library, University of Hawaii-Manoa, and will be on display through August 14, 2026. Dr. Mark Thorne (University of Hawaii), project coordinator with Jill Ficke-Beaton (USDA), encourage anyone traveling to Hawaii to stop by and view it. The exhibit was developed for the 2026 United Nations designated International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. It is interactive and provides information on the IYRP, and rangelands and pastoralism around the world including a section highlighting Hawaii Rangelands and ranching. There are opportunities to access additional information and even evaluate the effectiveness of the exhibit as an educational tool to raise awareness about rangelands and pastoralism via QR codes on the display.
"We are excited to see this collective effort of western Rangeland educators, artists, and ranchers reach Hawaii," said Stephen Bramwell, a project coordinator for the Western SARE-funded effort. "We hope a wide cross-section of the public will have a chance to view these exhibits, which are being set up from Hawaii to Washington D.C. and Alberta, Canada to Durango, Mexico."
Dr. Thorne has also coordinated efforts to introduce Hawaii House Concurrent Resolution 31, "Recognizing 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in Hawaii.
The Bill resolves and recognizes:
- The economic, social, and ecological importance of rangelands and the ranchers, farmers, land managers, and partners who have been caretakers of Hawaii's rangelands for generations
- Encourages state agencies, the University of Hawaii, and organizations across the State to engage in activities that promote education, research, and outreach related to rangeland management; and
- Recommends the adoption of policies that will further conserve rangelands and protect the livelihoods of Hawaii's ranchers
