More than 1,300 people gathered in Hilo to celebrate and protect one of Hawaiʻi’s most treasured trees—the ʻōhiʻa lehua.
Held at the Komohana Research and Extension Center in January, the ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest blended science, culture and community action. The event is a partnership between the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), the East Hawaiʻi Master Gardeners, and the Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) Extension Program.
Hands-on learning
ROD experts provided vital updates on the devastating disease that has killed more than a million ʻōhiʻa on Hawaiʻi Island alone.
Participants of all ages were immersed in activities, learning practical ways to protect ʻōhiʻa through seed planting, sustainable gardening and art.
“A special mahalo to all the volunteers who facilitated the logistics with aloha and the many exhibitors and speakers. The 4-H keiki were also so proud to share about their experiences and professionally provided details with confidence beyond their years,” said Bruce Mathews, CTAHR’s Hawaiʻi County administrator.
Backyard conservation
Native garden tours and moʻolelo (stories) offered a deeper understanding of the tree’s role in Hawaiian culture.The East Hawaiʻi Master Gardeners sold ʻōhiʻa and other native plants with the hope of turning backyards into spaces of conservation.
“What a great day!” said master gardener member Laura Rieber. “By partnering with ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest, we turned our little plant sale into a community event.”
For more on the fight against Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death go to CTAHR’s website.
