Join us as we celebrate our love for ʻōhiʻa and Hawaiʻi’s unique forest ecosystems. The theme of this year’s festivities is Mōhala, the unfurling, and blossoming of the lehua. Not only does it refer to a particular life stage of the ʽōhiʽa lehua it also represents how our Big Island community has blossomed in the midst of volcanic eruptions and a pandemic. The ʻōhiʻa lehua has also blossomed with its new official designation as the State Endemic Tree of Hawaiʻi earlier this year.
Events:
Kīpaepae: opening ceremony
When: Monday, November 14 (9am to 9:30am)
Where: Live on Facebook
We will begin this year’s festivities with a Kīpaepae (ceremony) guided by haumāna of Hālau ‘Ōhi‘a, a Hawai‘i Lifeways Stewardship Training program with Lonoa Honua. The Kīpaepae will immerse you in the Native Hawaiian cultural tradition of hula and oli (chant).
Webinar: Go Plant ʻEm: A Journey to Understand ʻŌhiʻa Seedling Survival and Growth at ROD-Impacted Sites on Hawaiʻi Island
When: Wednesday, November 16th (6pm to 7pm)
Corie Yanger from the US Geological Survey will be sharing the research being done to understand the survivability of ʻōhi’a in a time of deadly disease, and how we can help to protect and nurture these trees for the future. Streaming live on Zoom and BIISC’s Facebook page. For more info, visit: https://fb.me/e/29uNu6Ld7
Workshop: Ōhiʻa Seed Conservation
When: Thursday, November 17 (8am to 11am)
Where: Terraformation, Makai Meeting Room Gateway Center at Hawaiʻi Ocean Science and Technology Park (73-4485 Kahilihili St. Kailua-Kona, HI 96740)
This free workshop, hosted by Terraformation, is for anyone who wants to learn how to properly collect, handle, and process ʻōhiʻa seeds using methods that protect seed viability and ensure conservation value for future restoration efforts. Seats are limited. Pre-registration is required. Register today! If you have any questions, contact Marian Chau at marian@terraformation.com
ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest Fair:
When: Saturday, November 19th, 2022 (10am to 2pm)
Where: Pāhoa Community Center – Pahoa District Park (15-3022 Kauhale St. Pāhoa, HI 96778) – directions
A free event for the whole family to celebrate ʻōhiʻa! Join us for raffles, giveaways, demonstrations, crafts, and more. This event is brought to you with funding by Vibrant Hawaii MicroGrant in partnership with the Big Island Invasive Species Committee, the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and many other partners.
*Special ʻŌhi’a Planting Workshops: Learn how to properly plant and care for ʻōhi’a on your property. Participants will pot an ʻōhi’a seedling to take home. Two workshops are being offered: one at 9 am and one at 1 pm. Pre-registration is required – sign up here.
