da Shop: Breadfruit, Author Talk and Panel Discussion

Join us for a community conversation with Russell Fielding, author of Breadfruit: Three Global Journeys of a Bountiful Tree, alongside Kiara Bacasen of the Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative, Dr. Failautusi "Tusi" Avegalio, Jr., Former Director of the Pacific Business Center Program at UH Mānoa, and Christopher Fujimoto, Native Hawaiian chef and Community Wellness Manager for 'Elepaio Social Services.

Together, they'll discuss all things ʻulu (breadfruit), such as its remarkable history and origins, to its journey across the Pacific and its growing role in sustainable food futures.

When: Thursday, April 2, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Where: da Shop: books + curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816

Parking: Parking is available in the paid municipal lot.

About the Book:

Breadfruit trees are staples of the tropics, bearing cantaloupe-sized green-skinned fruits whose taste and texture resemble potatoes. More than three thousand years ago, breadfruit fueled the Pacific voyages of discovery that settled islands throughout Oceania. In the late eighteenth century, the British expedition that ended with the mutiny on the Bounty aimed, but failed, to introduce breadfruit to the West Indies as food for enslaved African laborers on sugar plantations. A later voyage resulted in the fruit’s widespread distribution and complicated role within modern Caribbean food cultures. In recent years, breadfruit has been touted as a tool for sustainable development and as a “superfood” with both health benefits and culinary versatility.
Russell Fielding tells these stories and many others, exploring breadfruit’s fascinating global history and varied present-day uses. Bringing together extensive research and vivid travelogues, including learning directly from local agriculturists, chefs, scientists, and holders of traditional knowledge, he provides an immersive narrative of breadfruit’s contributions. Fielding argues that breadfruit’s history comprises two journeys: first, from its origins in Southeast Asia across the Pacific; and second, its transplantation to the Caribbean. Today, a third journey is taking place, one that is spreading breadfruit throughout the world.
Engagingly written and compellingly argued, this book draws timely lessons from breadfruit’s past to forecast its future potential.

About the Panelists:

Russel Fielding is an associate professor in the HTC Honors College and the Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences at Coastal Carolina University. He is a geographer who studies sustainable food systems in the world’s coastal and island settings.

Dr. Failautusi “Tusi” Avegalio, Jr. is a traditional leader (papaliʻi) of Savaiʻi, Samoa, with genealogical roots spanning Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Born and raised in American Samoa, he brings a deep, lifelong appreciation for Pacific traditions, values, and ancestral wisdom. As former Director of the University of Hawaiʻi's Pacific Business Center Program, he has dedicated his career to strengthening Pacific communities through the bridge of culture, history, and economic development.

Chris Fujimoto is a Native Hawaiian Chef born and raised on the island of O'ahu, Hawai'i, brought up with an appreciation for eating food directly from the 'āina and kai. His role as the Community Wellness Manager for 'Elepaio Social Services allows him to pursue his goals of educating and nourishing his community through the lenses of indigenous food systems and food sovereignty. He hopes to continue to work with indigenous crops, frame, works, and partners to return Hawaiʻi to a more sustainable, food secure, and pono system like his ancestors before him.

Kiara Bacasen is the Retail Sales Lead and IT Specialist for the Hawai'i 'Ulu Cooperative. Kiara came to the co-op looking for work that pushes the limits of what we think is possible while doing so in a way that ensures people and place remain centered in those efforts. With education in design, environmental sciences, and systems change she is excited to use her skillsets to better position the co-op towards sustainable growth in service of Hawaii's farmers and agricultural systems.

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