August 2024 – Lāna‘i Culture and Heritage Center and nearly 90 community volunteers teamed together to protect Kānepu‘u Preserve, one of Hawaiʻi's largest native dryland forests. On August 24, the Center brought together its friends and families to volunteer and donate supplies to support the endeavor to mālama this storied place.
Dryland forests in Hawaiʻi are home to over 100 native plant species, which include many of the state’s endangered species, such as the state flower, ma‘o hau hele (Hibiscus brackenridgei). However, the forest’s delicate balance has been increasingly threatened by introduced animals, invasive weeds, and soil erosion. The preservation of Kānepu‘u Preserve has become a pressing priority for conservationists and island residents.
For months, Lānaʻi CHC and community youth have been growing native plants for this event from locally sourced seeds and cuttings. Volunteers planted a variety of native Hawaiian species including naio, ʻaʻaliʻi, ʻilima papa and wiliwili. At last month’s volunteer event, stewards planted 50 native plants in the self-guided area of Kānepuʻu.
Kānepu‘u is a refuge for native plant species such as lama (Hawaiian ebony), olopua (native olive), and nā‘ū (Hawaiian gardenia). Native animals like the ground-nesting pueo (Hawaiian short-eared owl) and Blackburn’s blue butterfly frequent the preserve as well.
“Kānepuʻu is a wahi pana on Lānaʻi that deserves our care and attention. By coming together as a community, we can make a lasting impact on this special place and ensure that Kānepuʻu will be stewarded for generations to come,” said Shelly Kaiaokamalie.
Watch the video here.
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Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center works in partnership with Pūlama Lānaʻi, the landowner, and The Nature Conservancy, which maintains the conservation easement for the 590-acre preserve.