Cultivating Agriculture Stewards

Oregon attorney Eric Haws specialized in bankruptcy law during a time when many residents, particularly farmers, were losing everything. The economic realities of agricultural work led to many hardworking farmers and their families having to face financial and legal hardships. Representing the working class, Haws was a strong advocate for the socially and economically disadvantaged.

“We often had things like large bags of walnuts or other produce around the house that my father took as payment for his services,” said daughter Maria Haws, recalling her late father often working pro-bono for those who could not afford to repay him. “He always championed the farmers,” she added.

In remembrance of her father’s commitment to agriculture and the environment, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo professor Maria Haws and mother Gail Haws have established the Eric and Gail Haws Scholarship Fund in support of undergraduate students pursuing a degree from UH Hilo’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management.

“Eric and I always believed education insured a better future for all,” said Gail Haws. “We felt an agriculture scholarship would be especially fitting in honoring his legacy.”

Along with Eric Haws’ work in the legal sector, Eric and Gail Haws became involved in independent conservation efforts. The couple was the first private land owners in the Northwest to build ponds on their property to help restore the habitat of the Oregon Chub, a highly endangered fish species. As a result of their actions, the chub recently became the first species to be removed from the endangered species list.

“My mother and father were very strong supporters of conservation,” recalled Maria Haws, who now teaches aquaculture under the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management.

Outside of their legal and conservation efforts, Eric and Gail Haws were also well-loved motorcyclists who touched the lives of many on their countless cross-country travels. Through their adventures, the couple had the unique opportunity to see and experience various parts of the world, many of which are now seeing the impact of climate change and environmental degradation.

“Now, with climate change, having educated people involved with agriculture, forestry as well as proper management of all natural resources is doubly important,” said Gail Haws. “Through this gift, we hope others will step forward to encourage students to participate in making our world a better place.”