Started in 2013, the Koa`e Native Restoration Nursery in Papaya Farms Road has been instrumental in seeding native diversity throughout Hawai`i Island. The brainchild of Ann Kobsa, this initiative benefits from 1600 sq. ft. of donated greenhouse space, tables, and irrigation water from a local benefactor.
Fifty-three native Hawaiian species have been propagated at the nursery. Ann herself does the bulk of the seed collecting, although she swaps or is gifted seeds from other Hawai`i collectors. Although the focus is on species that will thrive in lowland wet (mesic) forests, keiki from the KNRN have found their way into forests throughout the island. As of mid-2024, over 5410 donated trees have been planted at locations including Keauohana Forest Reserve, Halepua’a Section Nanawale Forest Reserve, Kumukahi, Pu’u One (Honolulu Section Nanawale Forest Reserve), Malama Ki Forest Reserve, Wai’Opae, Wai’ele, Poho’iki, Lava Trees State Park, Koa’e Mailboxes, Pahoa Aquatic Center, Kapoho Kai, Hwys 132/137, Alula Bay, Kalapana, Fissure 17, Kapoho Beach, Kipuka Farmacy, Wao Kele O Puna, Akaka Falls, Keaukaha Military Reservation, The Nature Conservancy Waiohinu, and Waipi’o Heiau.
`Akia and `Ohe Keiki Ready to be Outplanted
In addition, plants have been donated to the following organizations: Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, Hawai’i Environmental Restoration, Malama O Puna (various fundraisers), Environment Hawaii (auction fundraiser), Kamehameha Schools, HCC Forest Team, TCBES program, UHH, The Nature Conservancy, and Pōhaku Pelemaka.
Capoeira Camp Volunteers in Halepua`a Forest Reserve
Ann Kobsa: “It must have been 2009 or 10, when lava was flowing again past Kalapana. The only remaining `ohe makai tree that I knew about on this side of the island was near the road, next to lama, `ohi`a and alahe`e trees. Two other `ohe makai trees in that area had been taken earlier by lava. I saw that the lava was getting close to that one remaining ‘ohe makai. I rode my bike the 20 miles from Koa`e to Kalapana to see if I could get some seed and also visit her before the lava got there. I made it, but the lava was not far away. I had brought a bundle of ti leaves and I strung them up with a vine and wrapped them around the trunk of the tree in an effort to offer protection. I found some of her fruits and collected them for seed. The tree was consumed shortly after that visit, and I was sad about the loss, but subsequently I found out about another `ohe makai in Kalapana that I wasn’t aware of, so to this day there is still (as far as I know) one remaining `ohe makai, naturally occurring, on this side of the island. I have planted many keiki of those Kalapana ‘ohe makai trees.”
`Ohi`a and Alahe`e Trees in Halepua`a Forest Reserve
