Saturday Briefing

By Joanna Demeo

Hundreds of plants were given away to visitors, locals, and employees at this year’s Arbor Day free plant

Jana Matsunaga, Doreen Nohara, Gwen Boyce, Mahealani Jimenez, and Shae Gallardo with their new plants

giveaway. This popular event drew eager crowds to Outrigger Reef on the Beach, Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, and the Keauhou Beach Resort, where everyone was able to take home one of many native plant species on hand. Representatives from Hui Ku Maoli Ola nursery were present at the Oahu events to educate people on how to choose the right plant for their home and how to care for it. The kukui nut bracelet table and la‘au lapa‘au

Lorna Benigno, Ka‘ipo Ho, and Robert Uchida string lei

demonstration at Outrigger Reef was packed with visitors, while the Outrigger Waikiki had guests furiously stringing flowers to make lei. Calvin Hoe taught a father and son team how to make their very own poi, while onlookers watched in awe. Meanwhile, Keauhou had a great turnout, and Brian Kiyabu from Amy Greenwell Gardens assisted guests in selecting a plant.

Everyone enjoyed receiving a free plant, but more importantly, this event helps keep native plant species alive and well. Thanks to the collaboration with the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Kaulunani Urban Forestry Grant Program, numerous native plants all went to great homes in the islands.