Aloha! You are being asked to participate in a research study conducted by:
Orville Baldos: Associate Researcher in Sustainable Ornamental Production
Alberto Ricordi: Extension Agent for Ornamentals and Landscape, Oahu County
Andrew Kaufman: Landscape Specialist, Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences
Tina Lau: Junior Extension Agent, Oahu Master Gardener Coordinator, Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences
Sothy Eng: Associate Professor of Human Development & Family Studies, Home Garden Network
Sarah Obra-Nakata: Master of Landscape Architecture Candidate
from the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) at the University of Hawai‘i.
What am I being asked to do?
If you participate in this project, you will be asked to fill out a survey.
Taking part in this study is your choice.
Your participation in this project is completely voluntary. You may stop participating at any time. If you stop being in the study, there will be no penalty or loss to you.
Why is this study being done?
The purpose of this project is to better understand gardening and edible landscaping practices in Hawaiʻi and how they contribute to food security and sustainability. We are asking you to participate because you currently grow or have experience with edible plants in Hawaiʻi.
What will happen if I decide to take part in this study?
The survey will take about 20 minutes. The survey questions will include questions like, “What types of vegetables did your household grow at home in the past 12 months?” “What challenges do you face with gardening?” “Which gardening methods are you most interested in?”
What are the risks and benefits of taking part in this study?
We believe there is little risk to you for participating in this research project. You may become stressed or uncomfortable answering any of the survey questions. If you do become stressed or uncomfortable, you can skip the question or take a break. You can also stop taking the survey or you can withdraw from the project altogether.
There will be no direct benefit to you for participating in this survey. The results of this project may help researchers, educators, and community members develop resources and strategies that promote edible landscaping and food self-sufficiency in Hawaiʻi..
Results of Research:
The results of this study will not be disclosed to participants individually. Only aggregate, anonymous data will be reported in research publications and presentations.
Confidentiality and Privacy:
We will not ask you for any personal information, such as your name or address. Please do not include any personal information in your survey responses. We will keep all study data encrypted on a password protected computer. Only the research team will have access to the information. Other agencies that have legal permission have the right to review research records. The University of Hawai'i Human Studies Program has the right to review research records for this study.
Future Research Studies:
We will ask if you wish to provide your email address for possible follow-up opportunities. Providing your email is completely optional. Your survey responses will remain anonymous and will not be linked to your email address. If you provide your email, it will be stored securely and separately from your survey responses so your answers cannot be linked to your identity. Email addresses will be used only for follow-up contact related to this research project. The data may be used for future research studies or distributed to another investigator for future research studies and