Field Study of
Economics Department
経済学科のフィールドスタディ

2024 Report on the Field Study A in Hawai’i

Report from Professor : Makiko Omura
2024　Field Study A “Environmental Issues in Hawai’i”

“Our 10th Field Study in Hawai’i ”

Since last year, we have been conducting the field study jointly with Toyo University, and this year, several other universities also participated during the same period. Although the number of participating students from our university remained small at five, the joint implementation allowed us to successfully hold various lectures and site visits, which was a great relief. In addition, the interaction with students from outside the Kanto region and observing their approaches to the coursework likely served as a positive and stimulating experience for our students as well.

As is often the case with field studies, some troubles occurred again this time — for example, the bus we had reserved for pickup failed to show up. This happened during our first visit to Pearl Harbor. Fortunately, thanks to the availability of online maps and public transport information, we were able to find the bus stop and made it to the next program on time without issue.

What left the strongest impression this time was our first visit to a traditional Hawaiian fishpond and the presentations and subsequent discussions with various officials at the Hawaii State Energy Office. At the fishpond, we were impressed by the sustainable methods used in managing the fishing grounds, which were considerate both to the environment and to the fish. At the Hawaii State Energy Office, it became clear that, despite recognizing the complexity of the challenges they face, they are steadily advancing various initiatives one step at a time — something that must have been highly informative for the students.

Since two iterations ago, the University of Hawai‘i has taken on the task of organizing the FSA program based on past versions, including handling logistics. However, due to many last-minute schedule changes and other needs, we owe deep gratitude to Dr. Tarui, Dr. Ulla, Dr. Ruben, Mr. Spencer from the administrative office, and Ms. Eiko, who served as both interpreter and guide, as well as everyone at the University of Hawai‘i. We were deeply touched when Professor Paul, who dropped by for the first time in a while, brought us a generous amount of the famous local treat, malasadas! It was also a bittersweet farewell to Dr. Morden and Dr. Yorkson, who had supported us since the very first field study — as they are now retiring and leaving Hawai‘i.

This year again, the English course included guidance focused on the student presentations given on the final day. Each student delivered their presentation in English based on their chosen topic. These were research presentations, each reflecting different perspectives and interests, and they all gave excellent performances. Congratulations!

In closing, I would like to praise the students for their efforts and extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this field study.