Native plant species are calling for help. Who will answer their call?  

by Armando T. Dahan 

Photos provided by Jaya C. Dupuis.

On the Big Island, we are surrounded by nature. It’s one of the main reasons people come to visit and choose to live here, too. But people aren’t the only ones who visit and decide to stay. 

Right outside our doors, in the rainforests that surround us, at this very second, there is a battle for survival happening amongst the plants and trees; one that threatens to permanently alter the landscape and history of the Hawaiian Islands. 

And while much attention is given to the languages, cultures, and customs that preserve our identities as people, native plants and their environmental significance can often be sidelined. 

With no voice of their own to speak, who will advocate on their behalf? 

That’s where Hawaiʻi Environmental Restoration, or HER, steps in. Since 2014, their primary project has been the restoration and preservation of the Keauʻohana State Forest Reserve located right here in Puna District. Through restoration, education, and community-based action, HER now stewards 196 acres in the Puna District.  

“Keau’ohana Forest Reserve is the final and largest lowland native rainforest (below 1,000ft) of this ecotype that provides a habitat for many native, rare, and endangered species, making its protection critical to Hawaiʻi’s cultural and biological heritage,” says HER President and Project Director, Jaya Dupuis. 

Dupuis is a tropical conservation biologist and environmental scientist who has dedicated the greater part of her life to the sustainable stewardship of Hawaii’s environment. “Here in Hawaii there is a saying,” she tells me. “He kaua ka kanaka, a me ka ‘aina ka ali’i”, which translates to: “Man is the servant, the land is chief.”

That belief is at the heart of HER’s community outreach. In fact, the organization relies heavily on volunteers who, guided by Dupuis and her team, venture out to pull weeds by hand, compost them, and plant native species. 

Their efforts, although strong, have been impacted by a string of catastrophic events from the project’s onset, including Hurricane Iselle, the subsequent spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), the 2018 lava event, the COVID-19 pandemic, and an increase in feral pig activity.

All combined, these events have led to a reduction in canopy and shade, “The problem with invasive species is that they tend to be aggressive in nature, and to dominate the landscape.”

Invasive species thrive on sunlight, while many native species have evolved under shade conditions. That is why rebuilding the canopy is an important factor in suppressing the spread of invasive species.

More than 8,000 species have been introduced to Hawaii, and while most can and do coexist well with native species, there are a couple hundred that get out of hand. 

Two of particular concern in residential areas are albizia and waiawī, also known as strawberry guava. Albizia grows extremely fast and tall, becoming a light and brittle wood easily toppled by strong winds and posing a risk to people and property. 

Waiawī on the other hand is monotypic, which means it dominates terrain, pushing out all other biodiversity over vast areas. It’s also very difficult to control, as every cutting has the potential to propagate and regrow. Herbicide is needed to fully stop its growth. Even then, the feral pig populations love to consume its fruit, spreading seeds by the multitudes. To be fair, humans love to consume waiawī too. 

Human introductions and development have greatly compromised Hawaii’s environment over time. In order to develop resilience against long term impacts, a general shift needs to happen in the way we as locals and visitors view our relationship to plants, trees, and the land.

“What we choose to plant in your own backyard has a tremendous impact on the future of Hawaii’s environment. Becoming aware of what the invasive species are,” Dupuis adds, “and planting native species in our yards as well as food plants, help contribute to a healthier ‘āina; and taking care of all remaining native forests is critical at this point in time!” 

The HER website provides many resources for local residents on invasive species and preventative measures one can take to preserve native species. On the ground, where progress is measured step-by-step, the significance of volunteer efforts cannot be overstated. HER holds quarterly work events and also facilitates student and community groups who would like to get involved and learn what it means to care for the land.

  Their next volunteer event will occur on Sunday, September 21st from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Dupuis and her team hope to plant for the Fall Equinox while also tending existing young seedlings in the volunteer area, weather permitting.

Individuals who would like to attend are encouraged to visit HER’s website and to sign up for their volunteer email list. HER also accepts donations for those unable to attend in-person events. 

As a final remark, Dupuis tells me, “There is evident reciprocity between the healing of the land and the healing of the people.” Perhaps now, more than ever, we should all do our part and become stewards of the land, which gives us so much in return.