Blog

October 8, 2020

Rain Equals Planting

The beginning of fall was marked by abundant rain a couple of weeks ago! We seized the moment to plant 112 native ‘ohe keiki in the ground! We now await with anticipation the next spell of rain to plant 128 more… Although most of our weekly efforts consist of invasive species control to help protect the native flora in Keau’ohana, planting such canopy trees is an important part of re-establishing the lost shade due to Rapid ‘Ohi’a Death! Our strategy has shifted to include higher densities of these seedlings in the most promising regions of the restoration site for a higher success rate.

A big thank you to Ann Kobsa from Malama O Puna, for the propagation and donation of these beautiful seedlings! Ann has been one of our greatest supporters of Keau’ohana Rainforest from the project’s onset in 2014. Her dedication to Hawaii’s native plant community is an inspiration to so many!

We also wish to offer a warm welcome and thanks to 6 new members of Hawaii Environmental Restoration (HER); it is an honor to have you on board. Your contributions are so important to our work! Mahalo Nui Loa!!!

August 20, 2020

Keau’ohana — August 2020 Update

Jaya Dupuis Blog

Although special events in the forest, and in schools or public venues, have been suspended due to COVID-19, Restoration of Keau’ohana has continued on a weekly basis throughout the summer months. We continue to progress in our first and foremost goal, to keep Keau’ohana going despite endless environmental, social and economic challenges.

Unfortunately, the Hawai’i State Legislature did not appropriate funding for operating and capital improvement project grants-in aid due to the State’s changing financial circumstances. This has been our largest source of support in the past half dozen years of environmental efforts, therefore it is a great loss. The Dislocated Worker Disaster Grant which we were much looking forward to was also reneged for similar reasons. Thankfully, the Atherton Foundation offered a moderate award, which should get us through the year. Hawaii Environmental Restoration (HER) is now preparing to focus on coordinating with other entities around volunteer support options for the forest, and to lessen our need for financial aid. Grant writing is in order as well; we are moving forward to expand our reaches, and perhaps determine possible sponsors.

In spite of the tremendous difficulties we are being faced with, the current pandemic forces some good changes upon our world in relationship to the earthly environment. HER will be focused on developing online educational sessions for people and schools regarding ways to help support our localized lowland environment here in Hawai’i. This will include a familiarization of the plant species to be most aware of both native, and invasive. In looking at what it means to malama O ka ‘aina, to tend the land, with self-sustaining intention, we will also clarify Polynesian introductions, and other important edible plant species to include in home gardens.

July 15, 2020

Fencing of Endangered Ha’iwale in Keau’ohana

Jaya Dupuis Blog

Hurricane Iselle hit the Keau’ohana forest hard in 2014, and was then followed by Rapid ‘Ohi’a Death (ROD). Feral pig activity has since the lava event of 2018 increased damages to the forest floor, much to the dismay of Keau’ohana’s hard working crew members. Although the understory is going strong in much of the forest site thanks to intensive restoration efforts which began in 2014, natural disasters, and the recent Covid-19, continue to challenge the efforts. Protecting the largest remaining lowland rainforest below 1,000 feet in Hawai’i is now more important than ever.

The Keau’ohana native forest restoration site affords the most important remaining habitat for the endangered ha’iwale (Cyrtandra nanawalensis)! Natural clusters of ha’iwale, which were previously located in Puna and Hilo Districts, and which are restricted to these regions, have been dwindling alarmingly fast, along with the continued collapse of our precious native environment.

In May of 2020, the Natural Areas Reserves (NARS)/ Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), deployed materials for the fencing of numerous natural clusters of the endangered ha’iwale in the Keau’ohana restoration site. NARS specialists, Joshua VanDeMark and his crew have thus far successfully erected a 2000 square foot enclosure around the largest ha’iwale spread at the center of the site. Numerous other clusters are to follow.

Our thanks to DOFAW for helping with the immediate needs of the delicate ha’iwale species. HER will soon investigate options for fencing of the entire 30 acre restoration site. According to HER beloved crew, it is an uphill battle, but with a deeply rewarding purpose, as they bear witness to the still existing beauty.

: Ha'iwale berry

: fencing material and crew

: Fencing of ha'iwale patch

: Fencing of ha'iwale patch

March 12, 2020

HER Environmental Presentation at Volcano Village Art Center

Jaya Dupuis Blog

We offered an evening presentation at the very lovely Volcano Art Center of Volcano Village. The event was well attended and we shared a rich discussion about the similarities and differences of invasive species found at higher elevations, such as the Myraca faya and Kawili ginger. Although the Kawili ginger is a different species of ginger than found below, species in the Zingerberaceae family tend to be invasive here in Hawai’i. Many people make the mistake of planting them in their yards for their spectacular beauty and often delightful fragrance. This mistake has caused yet another nightmare for the environment.

: Evening at Volcano Art Center

: Volcano Village Presentation

: Invasive Kawili Ginger

February 23, 2020

Imiloaʻs 14th birthday pā‘ina “Birthday Re-wrapped” event

James Elston Blog

The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of the University of Hawai’i in Hilo hosted a special event all day Sunday in honor of its 14th birthday, to help promote environmental awareness. The day was well attended, and all booths offered engaging educational activities for children. A number of presentations were offered, including our power point on ways in which we could support our local Hawaii environment. We much enjoyed the lengthy discussion that followed, with an audience from all ages. Rich exchanges occurred all day as people wandered over to our booth as well. It was a good thing our outreach coordinator, James Elston was there to help!

: The entrance to the Imiloa Astronomy Center of the University of Hawai'i in Hilo

: Walk in to the celebration of Imiloa's 14th birthday celebration. Learn about how you can take steps towards a Zero Waste lifestyle and a healthier Hawai‘i.

: Vistors enjoying the activites for children and learning about the Keau’ohana Rainforest Restoration and biodiversity in Hawaii

: Jaya Dupuis's presentation of Keau’ohana Rainforest Restoration and biodiversity of Hawai'i. Fun, educational activities for the family.

February 22, 2020

University of Hawaii education class

Jaya Dupuis Blog

University of Hawaii at Hilo professor Jonathan Price, and his vegetation class, came to learn about plant species, the forest composition and the restoration project in Keau’ohana this Saturday. The students conducted a brief survey to further study the effects of invasive species on the native interior of Keau’ohana site. By comparing the monotypic composition of the waiawi border to the native diversity within the site, students were able to observe the difference between a healthy forest and one that is depleted of richness and abundance.

: University of Hawai'i in Hilo vegetation class studying native plants in the Keau'ohana Rainforest

: Students taking notes of the native plants

: University of Hawai'i vegetation class students walking the trails through the Keau'ohana Rainforest.

December 29, 2019

Winter Volunteer Tree Planting

Jaya Dupuis Blog

In collaboration with the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, Hawai’i Environmental Restoration has had its second 100-Tree Planting Event of the year, in the precious Keau’ohana rainforest. This was a meaningful way to end the year 2019. Planting native trees in the last of Hawai’i’s native lowland rainforest represents a strong beginning to the New Year as well. It is a message, and an action of intention for the restoration of the environment which sustains our lives.

It was a joyous event, which gathered over 34 people and accrued 137 volunteer work hours. There were 14 different native species planted, including ‘ohi’a, ‘ohe, ‘ohe makai, lama, alahe’e, loulu, akia and hala. With the loss of canopy to Rapid Ohia Death, and in hopes for more biodiversity and shade building options, a couple individuals of higher elevation pilo, na’u, ho’awa, papala kepau, kawa’u were planted as experimental. Several of the endangered ha’iwale were also planted.

Without our rainforests, we could not eat, drink, nor breathe. On a collective level, such a realization can come to bring immeasurable repair to a planet taxed with over-development. Tending the land wherever we live is of utmost importance. For this we wish to thank those of you who joined our efforts in the forest this past Sunday. THANK YOU… for actively understanding what it will take to evolve into a more sustainable existence!

December 7, 2019

Pahoa’s 2019 Christmas Parade Presentation

Jaya Dupuis Blog

After a long week of rain, sunshine blessed us on the morning of Pahoa’s Christmas Parade. It was a good occasion to table along side the road at our Malama O Puna environmental resource center, talk to people about the forest work, and recruit additional volunteers. It was our third year to do outreach for this event; it is becoming an enjoyable tradition to support the local community and build more bridges between the people. Many of Malama O Puna board members were present!

: Many wonderful floats in the Pahoa Christmas Parade

: Taiko Drummers on display in the Pahoa Christmas parade

: Malama O Puna staff In the shade on a sunny day at the Christmas Parade

: Ann Kobsa and Jaya Dupuis at the HER booth at Malama O Puna.

December 7, 2019

Keau’ohana Forest Restoration Event

Jaya Dupuis Blog

A Keau’ohana Forest restoration event was successful in the forest 0n Saturday afternoon, with a group of Hawaii Community College service-learning students helping to clear an open area invaded largely by erichtites, a relatively new weed in the forest that spreads like wild fire in the understory. The group was facilitated by group leader Alison, HCC Service Learning Coordinator. Students were enthusiastic and effective at completing the goal in three hours of time.

November 19, 2019

HPP Center for Spiritual Living Educational Tour

Jaya Dupuis Blog

We were pleased to offer the Hawaiian Paradise Park Center for Spiritual Living an educational tour of the forest on Sunday November 16th. Our most dedicated volunteer, Masa Sumida, assisted us on this event. We began our time with a pule at the ahu which overlooks a beautiful view of the native forest, and there shared an overview of the project as well. After a question and answer period we walked one of the trails. Participants were eager to learn about the invasive species to be pulled along the way; young Alohi was most enthusiastic and helpful!

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