Hawaii latest state to publish BMP guidelines for golf courses
Hawaii GCSA leads the development of statewide best management practices with grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan. – The Hawaii Golf Course Superintendents Association (HGCSA) has published the “Hawai’i Handbook of Golf Course Maintenance Best Practices” to support environmental stewardship and optimal course conditions in the state of Hawaii.
The Hawaii BMPs were developed in part by using the BMP Planning Guide and Template created by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and funded and supported by the USGA.
The Hawaii GCSA received a $10,000 BMP grant that GCSAA funded through the association’s Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) in part by the PGA Tour. The BMP grant program provides funding through the EIFG to chapters for developing new guides, updating existing guides or for verification programs. GCSAA’s goal is to have all 50 states offer established BMPs by 2020.
The BMPs provide guidance in twelve key areas including archaeological awareness, wildlife protection, surface water management and water quality, nutrient use, integrated pest management, energy and others that speak to the state’s 10 different climate zones and unique flora and fauna. The Hawaii handbook aligns with the State’s Sustainable Hawaii Initiative and is the first state BMP guide to integrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals throughout.
Scott Main, president of the Hawaii GCSA and certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) at Nanea Golf Club, was co-chairman of the Hawaii BMP Steering Committee.
“We’re proud to release the handbook, the HGCSA encourages its 125 members to perform at the highest standards with ongoing care and respect for the environment,” Main said. “It’s important for collaboration within our communities.”
GCSAA members who were on the Hawaii BMPs steering committee included Main; co-chairman Gina Rizzi, president, Radius Sports Group; Michael Atwood, superintendent at Wailea Golf Club; Luke Bennett, superintendent at Kohanaiki Club; Zhiqiang Cheng, Ph.D., associate professor, University of Hawaii Manoa; Joseph Przygodzinski, agronomy manager at Kohanaiki Service Co.; Joseph Vittum, superintendent at The Club at Kukui’ula; and Les Jeremiah, superintendent at Hawaii Kai Golf Course.
Other organizations who contributed to the BMPs include the University of Hawaii, sustainability consulting firm Radius Sports Group and the Hawaii Departments of Health and Agriculture.
“Golf maintenance is a critical function,” said Main. “Our efforts can help conserve resources and enhance community relations, plus support jobs, golf rounds, and occupancy levels to drive local economic impact. We appreciate GCSAA, USGA, and the PGA Tour, in addition to our local and national affiliate partners who have supported the handbook.”
To read “Hawai’i Handbook of Golf Course Maintenance Best Practices” and to learn more about GCSAA’s BMP program, visit www.gcsaa.org/bmp.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Marketing and Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
