By Rile Jose, Nanakuli Program
Our huaka’i or field trip was to Wai’anae Kai Forest Reserve. There, we were able to participate in restoration of the native plants of Hawai’i, such as ’aweoweo, pōhinahina, ilima, milo, koa, a’ali’i, and alahe’e. La’au lapa’au was also a subject that was taught during the field experience where we learned that the ilima was to help a female during pregnancy. The pōhinahina, when used as a poultice was used to cure skin irritation and small cuts.
Our huaka’i or field trip was to Wai’anae Kai Forest Reserve. There, we were able to participate in restoration of the native plants of Hawai’i, such as ’aweoweo, pōhinahina, ilima, milo, koa, a’ali’i, and alahe’e. La’au lapa’au was also a subject that was taught during the field experience where we learned that the ilima was to help a female during pregnancy. The pōhinahina, when used as a poultice was used to cure skin irritation and small cuts.
During our work period of the day, we cut down haole koa trees, and dug out Guinea Grass in hopes that the native plants that are growing will cultivate into a new generation of restoration plants. Being able to help with the restoration of Waianae Kai was very eye opening experience. Knowing that we, as individuals were able to be apart of a project that brings us one step closer to restoring our ahupua’a to its original state in terms of agriculture and planting.
By Ke'ala Ford, Wai'anae Program
Today we had a field trip to Wai’anae’s Watershed up in Wai’anae Valley. We had the privilege of being apart of a restoration process for our land up there to flourish once again. For the majority of the day we used a sickle to pull out guinea grass, which is basically a weed that is prone to fire. This is bad because our native plants are susceptible to fire and die all the while the invasive guinea grass will still be there. So we pulled that out and other weeds there, along with some small trees that are also invasive. We did that for a few hours to get a taste of what the workers there do. Two students from Wai’anae did so well that they were given a job offer there.
After having lunch we headed back to the field school we were apart of, my peers and I take part in Wai’anae’s field school so we went back to Wai’anae High school to finish up the day. When we got there we went back to the classroom and just waited until we had a community circle to end the day. I thought it was a great experience and would recommend it for those who love the outdoors and I know there's many of them.
Today we had a field trip to Wai’anae’s Watershed up in Wai’anae Valley. We had the privilege of being apart of a restoration process for our land up there to flourish once again. For the majority of the day we used a sickle to pull out guinea grass, which is basically a weed that is prone to fire. This is bad because our native plants are susceptible to fire and die all the while the invasive guinea grass will still be there. So we pulled that out and other weeds there, along with some small trees that are also invasive. We did that for a few hours to get a taste of what the workers there do. Two students from Wai’anae did so well that they were given a job offer there.
After having lunch we headed back to the field school we were apart of, my peers and I take part in Wai’anae’s field school so we went back to Wai’anae High school to finish up the day. When we got there we went back to the classroom and just waited until we had a community circle to end the day. I thought it was a great experience and would recommend it for those who love the outdoors and I know there's many of them.