WAIAKEAKUA FOReST; MAnoa VALLEy, O’Ahu
Though the seeds were planted many moons before, beginning in December 2020, Mauka Market partnered with Albizia Project, Living Life Source Foundation, Mālama Tree Care, and the Board of Water Supply (City & County of Honolulu) to remove invasive albizia trees around the Waiakeakua Stream in the back of Mānoa Valley on O’ahu.
The goal was not only to make room to plant native species but also to utilize the removed albizia for building materials, creating a regenerative economy.
“Removal of the individualistic albizia and reforestation of native species to their homelands will reintroduce their ancient vernacular into the soil and strengthen the seed bank that remains hidden underground, waiting to emerge into the light. Collectively, they will join together and overcome the past century of disconnection and dispossession and send a call to their extended `ohana (family) to return: the vines, shrubs, ferns, trees, food plants, insects, birds, and rain.”
- Kehau from Living Life Source Foundation
The team worked with Mālama Tree Care to remove 15 large albizia trees with trunk diameters ranging from 30”-48” and log lengths ranging from 60’-120’, which were transported to Bello’s Millwork in Wahiawa to be milled for use as high-value building materials.
Outplanting began in April 2021. With the help of a legendary crew of volunteers, the planting aspect of restoring Waiakeakua began. The crew planted roughly 190 Koa, Kukui, Loʻulu, Ulu, and ʻŌhiʻa ʻAi. The Waiakeakua Stream and the area in which has been planted will continue to be cared for.
