Kalaupapa National Historical Park (KNHP) honors the present and former residents of the only intact institutional settlement in the U.S. created to isolate Hansen’s disease (leprosy) patients from the rest of society. It is the final resting place of more than 8,500 individuals, most of whom lived their lives in solitude and never left the “beautiful prison” on Molokaʻi’s north shore.
An initiative by Windward Community College’s sustainable agriculture program, to ensure the trees and landscapes continue to thrive for generations, is helping to safeguard Kalaupapa’s legacy. This summer, Windward CC arborists Ilana and Steve Nimz (daughter and father) spent six weeks educating and training park service maintenance workers, with the goal of preparing them to become certified arborists with the International Society of Arboriculture, equipped to be tree workers and tree risk assessors.
“It’s hard to send people to train on Oʻahu, so the [National Park Service] brought the training to them,” said Steve Nimz.
KNHP Facilities Manager Matthew Padgett emphasized the importance of cultural landscaping as a way to honor the past while ensuring a sustainable future.
“This is how we preserve our history, through the plants, trees and fruit trees planted by residents,” Padgett said.
‘I do it for the history’
Many of the students were from Maui or were residents of Kalaupapa. Some are descendants of patients who lived in the settlement, staying to honor their ancestors and contribute to Kalaupapa’s ongoing care.
As one student said, “I do it for the history of this place.”
The workshops covered tree care techniques, emphasizing the use of natural mulch and compost over chemicals, planting and proper staking methods for young trees, and the importance of timely watering. The Nimzes also taught advanced techniques such as grafting and air layering, to propagate trees and preserve the genetic legacy of the fruit trees planted by Kalaupapa’s residents over the decades.
Connecting to Kalaupapa
“Kalaupapa is a very special place, and the trees are part of what makes it special, and the way people can connect with the place,” said Windward CC sustainable agriculture instructor Jolie Dollar. “It is an honor to be a partner in the future of caring for the trees.”
As the number of original residents dwindles—only five remain—and the KNHP lease draws nearer to its 2041 expiration, the work being done by Windward CC and its partners has become more crucial.
Steve Nimz said, “I’m not sure how many will go on to become arborists, but they are very knowledgeable and the next generation of stewards of this sacred land.”
For more information about Windward CC’s sustainable agriculture program, contact Director of Career & Community Education Maria-Elena Diaz at mediaz@hawaii.edu.
—By Bonnie J. Beatson
