Issue 34: Hawane

Ku mai no, he pali.

There it stands, a cliff.

Said in admiration of a handsome person who, like a cliff, attracts attention.

Organism of the Week! Pritchardia glabrata/martii/hillebrandii, Hawane or Loulu
I am actually surprised that this plant is native.  These plants are so similar to each other and each species inhabits different islands.  This frondy plant is used as a decorative plant these

days.  Glabrata is endemic to Maui and is currently classified as endangered.  Hillebrandii is native to Moloka`i and grows to about 20 ft tall - this species is silvery under the leaves with shorter flower stalks.  It can grows from 25 to 60 ft tall with a fan-like leaf or frond.  The species is very similar looking to the other species in the family and is difficult to distinguish from them.  It produced fruits that early Hawaiians would collect and eat - the inside of the fruit was apparently similar to a coconut and could be eaten like one. 
As you can see, the plants look very similar to many of the decorative palms we have around many buildings here in Honolulu.  The genus of pritchardia all happens to be native to tropical Pacific islands, many of which are endemic to Hawaii and are protected.  Each island has at least one species with distinctive characteristics (distinctive to someone else's eye at least).  This species decreased in the wild like many other native species when Hawaii became heavily developed.  The lack of an appropriate habitat was a significant factor in the decrease loulu.

By Sabrina Robello

Sourced:  Here

Community Events!
Pidgin: The Voice of Hawai`i with Filmmaker Marlene Booth - June 6, Manoa Campus, Krauss 12
This film is a documentary that discusses pidgin as a source of identity for locals, the history of it, etc.  This event is free and seems pretty worthwhile for those in the area.
Frances Haar and the Dances of Hawaii - Manoa campus, Hamilton library Room A 153
Haar will be speaking and invites the public to celebrate the completion of a project that documents dance performances in Hawaii for more than 25 years. 

Issue 33: `Akaha

Huli ke alo I luna, helu I ka `a`aho.

Lying face up and counting the rafters.

Lazy.

Organism of the Week! Asplenium nidus, `Akaha

This is also known as the bird's nest fern and grows to a height and size of four feet or larger.  With is shiny leaves, this plant can be used as a landscaping plant.  It grows best in shaded areas and without a lot of sun.  This fern can grow not just on the ground but it the crook of tree branches. 
The leaves of the plant look somewhat like banana tree leaves and are smooth, somewhat leathery and have a brownish rib running along the middle of the leaf.  Ancient Hawaiians didn't actually have a lot of uses for this plant though.  The midrib was primarily used for decorative purposes such as the weaving of lau hala mats.  The leaves of this plant was also used as part of the ceremony of making a canoe - the leaves would be spread across the log of the tree that was to be hollowed out to make a canoe. 
There wasn't much other use for the plant aside from that.  Presently, the plant is much used in landscaping because of its aesthetically pleasing looks. 

By Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Here and here.

Community Events!
Conservation Connections Talk Story - May 29, 5:30-7pm, Capital One 360 Café
Guest speaker Kim Welch will be speaking at this event, from the Oahu Natural Resources Program.  Stop by, check it out, enjoy!

Issue 32: `Ope`ape`a

 Hupo-e-nui.

Extremely Stupid.


Organism of the Week! Lasiurus cinereus semotus, `Ope`ape`a

This week is about the Hawaiian Hoary bat!  Otherwise known as `Ope`ape`a!  This bat is the only land mammal that is endemic to these islands, but I have no idea how it could have gotten here!  It's called "hoary" in reference to its fur.  The fur is brown and grey, tinged with white in such a way that makes it look frosty.  As with most bats, the female is larger than the male.  The average bat weighs very little - less than half a pound.  The females can have a wingspan as much as 13.5" which isn't too much.  Such tiny things!  This little bat can eat its own weight in insects each night.  I guess it takes a lot of energy to flap around at night.
This bat was listed as an endangered species in 1970 when the loss of forested areas destroyed the bat's habitat.  Look at that cute bat.  How could we take its home?  Well we did, but on the bright side, this bat's prognosis is good!  The population is increasing, although it's still endangered.  But things are looking up for the `Ope`ape`a!
In other news, this will be the first of several posts that have been written well before publishing.  This is because I finally have time to write ahead AND I will be pretty busy for the next few weeks so I figured I'd take care of this early.  So!  If some community events are slightly inaccurate or not as full as you think it ought to be, please do comment and add community events!

By Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Mostly here. 

Community Events!
Honolulu Museum of Arts - All week long! 
There are so many activities going on all summer!  I finally have time to notice it!  There are art films available, tours of the museum, so on and so forth - take advantage of the summer and the excellent programming available at the museum!

Issue 31: Kamani

Ka la I ka mauliola.

The sun is the source of life.

Mauli ola is the god of health.

Organism of the Week! Calophyllum inophyllum, Kamani

The kamani was probably brought to Hawaii in seed form by the ancient settlers.  The plant is known as a laurel tree to other people and grows best along sandy shores and lowland forests.  In Hawaii it was cultivated in villages near houses.  This tree can grow up to 60 feet in height and provides a picturesque, spreading foliage with grey bark.  The tree was a hardwood and could be used to carve out canoes, or in building of homes, containers or calabash bowls.  Kamani wood also did not have an unpleasant odor or flavor so was ideal for holding food. 
As pictured at the right, the leaves are thick, waxy looking and grow to be 3-8 inches long.  The plant sprouts fragrant flowers that are small and eventually bear fruit that start out pinkish green and eventually become a bright green.  These fruits could be used similarly to kukui nuts and the kernel in the kamani fruit could be used as lamp oil.    This oil could also be used for lomi lomi massage and may have been used to waterproof kappa cloth. 
The plant also has other medicinal properties and an extract from the fruit was used to make a dye to color kapa.  These days, Kamani is planted as an ornamental plant and for the fragrant flowers while  our demand for Kamani oil is satisfied via imports from other Polynesian islands.

By Sabrina Robello

Sourced:  Mostly here, with miscellaneous.

Community Events!
Community Forum about Thomas Square - May 13, 5:30-7pm, Doris Duke Theater
This will be a community discussion about plans for the local park.  It is somewhat less maintained than other public parks and is perpetually occupied by "Occupy Honolulu" or local hobos.  It's difficult to tell which is which.

Issue 30: Lauae (Abridged)

He aikane, he punana na ke onaona.

A friend, a nest of fragrance.

Sweet indeed is a good friend.

Organism of the Week: Lauae; Phymatosorus scolopendria
I know it's extremely late!  I'll try to double up a post this week and be more organized, but hey it's finals!
Anyways.  Lauae is one of the most identifiable plants in Hawaii!  This beautiful ground fern is used often in landscaping efforts all over Hawaii from schools to resorts!  It also has a sweet scent that our ancestors used to scent their kapa, and it was twisted into lei sometimes for the sweet scent. 
The plant grows best in moist rainforests, but can also be found along the beach.  And as decorative landscaping on most commercial building here in Hawaii. 
And now I have to go back to studying.  Please enjoy some art inspired by the beautiful plant below! 

By Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Here.



Someone carved an ipu into this pattern! 

Not me, not my quilt, but note the pretty lauae border!  What
beautiful work!

Issue 29: Uluhe

He kalo pa`a.

Unpounded taro.

A spinster or a bachelor.

Organism of the Week!  Uluhe, dicranopteris linearis
This is a plant near and dear to my heart if only because it reminds me of my home on the Big Island.  The plant is one of the widest distributed ferns of the "old world" tropics and similar regions.  Although beautiful, it spreads along the ground densely and climbs other vegetation - which often ends up blocking the sun from reaching any low-to-the-ground plants.  This fern grows densely and sprouts and climbs over the old growth over and over to make a deep layer of ferny brush.  When i first moved to the Big Island where uluhe reigns supreme, I would often play in the jungle that was my back yard, climbing ohia and hapu`u to jump into the dense uluhe.  I don't recommend this - the brush was not so deep where we were, but it can easily grow to be some 3 meters deep and often even deeper.  While we would only sink maybe thigh-deep in the stuff, an adult could easily tumble through closer to six to twelve feet of it bef
ore coming to a stop. 
The leafy ferns sprout branches at forty-five degree angles and sprout further branches, so and and so forth - these branches can reach well over 6 meters in length.  This fern grows well in poor-draining soil that lacks nutrients, but can also halt the growth of new trees because of how quickly and densely it grows.
In Hawaii, this fern is a "keystone species" in the ecosystem and dominates many areas of our rainforests.  It is found on all of the main Hawaiian islands.  The nature of uluhe is to grow well in nutrient-deficient environments.  But, when the leaves die, they create a thick layer of dead leaves which contribute nutrients to the new environment.  One helpful thing about uluhe is that by having such a dense thicket of uluhe, it makes it very difficult for other plants such as invasive species to grow, so the uluhe does serve a significant purpose to Hawaii's environment.  Other than that, it seems ancient Hawaii had little use for the plant - it was used only as a cure for constipation.  But in any case, it's a beautiful source of flora these days.

By Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Here and here.


Community Events!
Growing Conscious 1.0, Tues, Apr 30, 4:30-5:30, Manoa Campus - Behind the Art Building
This is a "therapeutic horticulture experience."  Translate: gardening during finals week.  Stop by and check out the free garden, help weed and meet other people.

Issue 28: `Io

E wehe i ka umauma i akea.

Open out the chest that it may be spacious.

Be generous and kind to all.

Organism of the Week!  `Io, Buteo Solitarius
This animal is one that is symbolic and significant to many locals.  On th rare occassion I've seen an `io swoop overhead, I've considered it an auspicious sign.  I know it was a creature related to royalty.  However, as to the more traditional information - I can't say much.  I have no research sources that add to that subject, unfortunately, so please add any information you can below! 
The `io is a hawk native to Hawaii.  It successfully nests in higher altitudes, often in ohi`a trees during the months of March to September.  The `io is a solitary creature for the most part, aggressively protecting their eggs during breeding season.  They are predator birds (unsurprisingly) and feed on rats, small birds, bugs and other small prey.  They used to prey on the Hawaiian crow, but that species is extinct in the wild these days.  Male `io are slightly smaller than females, each averaging in weight at about a pound.  From head to tail they are sixteen to

Photographer website

eighteen inches long - so a pretty small bird.  But still striking with its coloration and sharp eyes.  The feathers come in dark or light - the breast/stomach area is where you can see the difference. 


By Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Here and here.










Community Events!
Hawaii Food Drive! - Saturday, (Multiple locations/times)
It's that time again!  Clean out your pantry and donate it to a good cause, find your local food bank/drive here.
Spring Plant Sale - Saturday, 9 am - Lyon Arboretum
All sorts of plants will be sold this weekend - mostly pretty plants, but there will also be a few herbs and veggie plants!  Check it out!

Issue 28: Aku

Ha`ule no i kana `auwaha i`eli ai.

Fell into the ditch that he himself dug.

Caught in his own trap.

Organism of the Week!  Aku, Katsuwonis pelamis
This fish is one that most local people will be familiar with.  Aku, also known as skipjack tuna, is a delicious, tasty fish that ancient Hawaiians enjoyed much the way we still do.  Fish caught in Hawaiian waters these days weigh anywhere from four to thirty pounds.  But I imagine the fish caught back in ancient times were much larger, much the way other fish and animals were.  Aku are not fish that stay near shore - at their size, it's not surprising that they are deep-water fish.  I'm not sure what the more technical term for it is, but that's how I'm describing it.  Hawaiians did a lot of shallow water fishing and preferred net fishing for that purpose. But for fishing out in the deep, Hawaiians used hooks made of wood, bone, turtle shell or ivory on a line (preferably made of olona) to get aku and other tasty treats from the deeper ocean.
The only treat I can think of that is still made of aku is the dried fish itself.  While it's not one of my favorite foods, it has this oddly addictive quality that makes it difficult for me to stop munching on it.  If any of my readers have any tasty recipes for aku, please add it to the comments!

By: Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Here and here

Community Events:
Lei Workshop for Keiki - 9:30-10:30am - April 13, Lyon Arboretum
This is the third in the lei making workshop for kids, at $5 per family.  Bring some flowers and foliage to work on your haku lei!

Issue 27: Ki

I `ola`ola no ka uewai i ka piha `ole.

The water gourd gurgles when not filled full.

A person not well informed talks more than one who is.


Organism of the week!  Ki, cordyline fruticosa
Most people who have been in Hawaii more than ten minutes have seen ki planted for decorative purposes along buildings, in use as hula skirts, or used in lei.  Ti leaf is in many ways a plant that is a

symbol of Hawaii (in my opinion at least) because of how very visible and useful it is.
This plant can grow from 3 to 12 ft high and sprouts tightly spiraled leaves at the top of a long, tough stalk.  The leaves are long and broad, as many of my few readers will know.  Ti plants come in a variety of colors ranging from the common green to a range of red tones. 
Ti was used in many medicinal activities, often for wrapping a bundle of herbs to be steamed or boiled.  It could also be pressed against a feverish person's body as a cool compress, applied from the neck down and removed once the person's fever had cooled.  Freshly washed ti leaves pressed against the head would soothe headaches and fevers.  Hot stones could be wrapped in ti leaves and applied to sore muscles to soothe them. 
Ti could also be used as more than a tool and more as an ingredient in some remedies.  The steam from boiling ti in water was a decongestant.  Drinking that boiled ti-tea served as a muscle relaxant.  The ti flower could be used in combination with other plants to cure asthma.  Also, a liquor could be brewed from the roots of ti, often called oke.  The roots of the ti are sweet, and when baked can make a tasty treat. 

By Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Here, very useful source.

Community Events!
Taste of Manoa! - Apr. 11 - Thurs - 5:00- til the food runs out! - Manoa campus center
This is a treat that everyone who reads this should go to!  I can't emphasize this enough - if you've got a family, or just a few friends, bring your wallet and check this out.  Five scripts a person (at 1$ a piece), each script will get you one dish from one of the fine chefs showcasing their talents.  The food is good, the price is right, and this only happens once a semester. 

Issue 26: Makahiki

Limua ka moku.
The land is moss-covered.
There is peace in the land, and no wars to disturb it.


Special Brief Issue: Makahiki!
How could I have forgotten to update this exciting blog that follows whatever Hawaiian things I want to talk about?  I blame spring break.  All these extra hours I get to sleep in on has just been too relaxing to contemplate writing anything coherent.
Well, I'm going to try since readership has gone up.  But, in honor of spring break, we're going to talk about Makahiki. 

Makahiki is a season all ancient Hawaiians acknowledged in honor of the god Lono.  During this time, all wars went on hiatus and work was suspended.  The people took stock of their resources and recognized that things needed time to renew to give new life for the next year.  This season started in late fall and ran for some four months or so, allowing plenty of time for seedlings to grow, and for the people to relax in their homes without having their guard up.  They could mend things that needed fixing, teach their kids without worrying about a raid, make plans for the future.  Incidentally, things most of us are currently free to do if we chose to. 
I mentioned that Makahiki was in celebration of the god Lono; now, Lono was the Hawaiian god of fertility, agriculture, music, and peace.  I'll be honest, I don't fully understand the story of Lono and Makahiki, but I invite any knowledgeable readers to comment below and share. 
There were also traditional games that are still played to this day at various Hawaiian gatherings.  `Ulu maika (essentially, bowling with a round stone) and javelin throwing are some of the common ones.  There are other traditional games that are no longer played so much - most probably due to the high-contact nature of wrestling, boxing, faux battles - all of which could easily end with participants getting injured.
If you have more information on makahiki, please share!  We're almost certainly past Makahiki season, but it's something to look forward to next year!

By Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Here and here.

Issue 25: Mai`a

Nau ke ku`I, lohi ka lima.

When one grinds the teeth, the hand slows.

Anger makes one slow in working.

Organism of the Week!  Mai`a –  Musa paradisiaca

The banana is a delicious, delicious fruit that is enjoyed by millions in tasty desserts, buttery breads, and just plain.  Hawaiians also enjoyed bananas and had brought bananas to Hawaii as a staple food.  Hawaiian legends say that Pele’s brother brought the banana to Hawaii from Tahiti. 

I’m sure most of us have seen a banana tree.  Except the internet says they’re actually a gigantic herb – part of the grass family.  The stems can be as tall as 20 feet and 8 inches in diameter, made up of their overlapping leaf bases.  These leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern that are tightly rolled and extend and unfurl as they grow outward and upward.  These leaves can be 4 ft long and a foot or two wide. 

Banana trees will die after they produce fruit, but they produce many baby plants so they spread outward.  Fruit vary in shape, size, color, and flavor, but are excellent sources of carbs (if you really need carbs, unlike me). 

Hilariously, women were not allowed to eat bananas (except for two varieties) as they were under kapu until the early 1800s. 

Aside from bein delicious, banana plants had many uses.  The trunks were used as rollers to move canoes from shore to sea.  Banana stalks were added to imus to produce steam in the pit.  The fiber from the leaves were used for thatching, lei strings, tying, braiding into threads and cloth.  The ripe fruit could be used for asthma, boiled rip fruit could be mashed and used to treat constipation.  The nectar sap could be pinched from the flower bud and fed to babies to strengthen them.  Juice from the bud could be used to deal with stomach problems in general.  Pounded peels of ripe bananas could serve as a poultice for wounds – the inside of the peel have antibiotic properties.  Antibiotic bananas for all!

 

By Sabrina Robello
Sourced:  Mostly Here

Community Events
Ecolounge - Thursday - 6pm-9pm at Indigo
Swing by for green business networking and some free pupus!

Issue 24: Loko i`a

Hala no ia la o ka pololi.
A hungry day passes.
An expression of thankfulness that there was food for another day.

Hawaiian Fishponds - loko i`a

Obviously not my photo.

I kept putting this week's issue off because I've got a paper due soon, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to talk about my favorite innovation of the Hawaiian people - fishponds!  Most of my handful of readers know what fishponds are, but for those who don't, they were sections of the reef that were enclosed with lava rock walls so that ocean water and the occassional fish could get in, snack on some algae and whatnot, but could not escape from.  These ponds were not exactly small either - these were massive enclosures that were huge undertakings for the local people.  The largest fishpond in Hawaii was Kuapa Pond, which I recently got to read about in  my law school studies.  See, Kuapa Pond used to encompass Hawaii Kai and Koko Marina, pretty much all the way to the ocean.  Can you imagine all the fish in that space?  Just about 523 acres of fish pond.  I certainly thought it was amazing.
And while fishing in the ocean at certain times was traditionally kapu, taking from the fish ponds was not.  This was because the fish were cultivated specifically to be eaten by the people, especially in times of need.
Also!  My favorite part about the fishponds is that this is a completely unique innovation by ancient Hawaiians!  They were the first to think of such a thing and put it to action!  So very, very clever.
Well, I've got to get back to my paper now, I just wanted to use this opportunity to share my limited knowledge on the subject with you all.  If you have anything to add or corrections to make, please share in the comments!

By Sabrina Robello
Sourced:  Here and here, but also my own personal knowledge.

Issue 23: `Ilio

He lele pa iki - ke aloha kamali`i.
A light touch - so is love among children.
Children imagine themselves in love, but it's only puppy love.  Not so is the love of a mature person.


Organism of the Week!  `Ilio,

Obviously not a poi dog.  Also pretty useless as food, but just wait
until we get hungry enough, useless dog...

What we refer to as a poi dog today used to have a literal reference to `ilio, poi dogs that were bred for food purposes and fed poi to fatten them up.  Dogs were not used to hunt pigs or really as companion pets back in the day....they were bred for delicious, delicious meat.  These dogs were known to be sluggish and slow-witted, so wouldn't make for very good companion animals. 
Some curious things that occurred in poi dogs was that they usually had flatter heads.  Scientist folk suggest that it may be because poi doesn't exactly need chewing - maybe those muscles just didn't develope as much as they would in a normal dog.  In any case, they were so tasty that we ate them to extinction. 

By Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Here, don't judge me. 

Community Events!
Cooking with Greens - March 8, 9:30-11:30am, Lyon Arboretum
Local chef/cookbook writer Joan Namkoong does a demonstration class on how to get the best flavors out of local veggies.  Bring your own plate and utensils to reduce waste and eat tasty food!

Issue 22: `Uala

He `uala ka `ai ho`ola koke I ka wi.

The sweet potato is the food that ends famine quickly.

The sweet potato is a plant that matures in a few months.

Apologies for the late issue!  I’ve been trying to catch up on my classwork which I’d put off to do a paper…etc, etc.  Life is tuff.  Anyways, on to the important stuff!

Sweet Potato Pie in its natural habitat...

Organism of the Week! `uala (there’s actually many varieties in Hawaii, so no latin for this plant)

This plant is thought to be of South American origin, brought to Hawaii by the early Polynesian settlers and was integrated as an important staple of their diet.  There used to be a lot more varieties of sweet potato here, but now there are only a few.  The cultivation of `uala was one of the few farming activities that was shared by men and women.

The plant grows in mounds, ridges, flat ground, from sea level to 5000 feet elevation.  It grows in areas of poor soil with limited rainfall, but thrives in richer soil.  They’re drought resistant and prefer more sun to less.  It can be propogated from stem cuttings, not from the sweet potato itself. 

The leaves can be steamed, boiled, or baked.  The potato is a good source of many nutrients.  It can be cooked in a variety of ways, but in my opinion is best in sweet-potato haupia pie. 

`Uala could also be used medicinally…as a tonic during pregnancy it could induce lactation.  Some varieties of the plant could cure asthma.  It also had laxative qualities and could be made into a gargle to clear a sore throat.  One variety was even used as fish bait. 

By Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Here again, check it out for some excellent info

Community Events!
Oceania Rising! - March 1 5-7:30pm - Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, Manoa Campus
This event was organised in remembrance of the 59th anniversary of the nuclear test in Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands.  Speakers for social justice and peace will share their peoples' histories and experiences.

Issue 21: 'Ape

E `opu ali`i.
Have the heart of a chief.
Have the kindness, generosity, and even temper of a chief. 

Organism of the Week!  `Ape - alocasia macrorrhiza

This plant is sometimes called elephant's ear, but in Hawaii is often known as that one plant that looks like taro.  As you can see from this picture, it's pretty obvious why.  The plant has heart shaped leaves that can grow to be 2-4 ft long, and the plant prefers a moist, shady environment.
Like taro this plant has an edible corm that is only safe to eat after a long cooking time.  This was not a food that was eaten commonly though, only in times of famine.  So I'd guess it doesn't taste too great.
The `ape could also be used to dye ipu and as a medicinal ingredient.  The juice from the fresh cut stems could soothe the skin when exposed to itchy plants.  The leaves could be used similar to ti leaves - wrapped around a fevered person, the cool leaves would provide some comfort.  The plant also had some spiritual properties - the bitter sap was supposed to scare off bad spirits. 

By Sabrina

Sourced: Here

Community Events!
Waves of Change  - Feb. 22 - 2 - 3:15pm - Moore 319
The continuation of a lecture series, free to the public.  This lecture is regarding the indicators and effects of climate change on pacific islands. 

Issue 20: Ipu Awaawa

 Keke`e ka waha, ua nahu i ka makani.
His mouth is wry after biting the wind.
Said of one who has found that what he said of others is true of himself.


Organism of the week!  Ipu awaawa, lagenaria siceraria

This plant is related to the pumpkin and other squash plants.  It grows as a vine in hot, sunny areas and can apparently live off relatively little water.  The internet says this iconic plant actually prefers a dry, hot climate.  The plant can grow over other plants as well, with stems reaching 10 - 20 ft in length.  The ipu awaawa grows best in these hot climates at an elevation below 1500 ft, and is supposed to be fairly easy to grow.  I understand that there are other issues related to the growing of ipu though, such as diseases it may catch that can wither the plant, so it sounds like climate and environment are less of an issue than that.
The ipu awaawa was a bitter plant and was used medicinally and as containers.  Supposedly Hawaiians used the ipu more extensively than any other Pacific Islander people, but I'm not 100% on that. 
Then again, ipus were also used as musical instruments.  Pear shaped ipu could be turned into a whistle, ipu hokiokio, or rattles, `uli`uli, or ipu hula which beat out the familiar u-te-te rhythm.

By Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Here and here.

Community Events!
Lei Workshop for the Keiki - 9:30 - 10:30, 10:30-11:30 - Lyon Arboretum
This event requires you to preregister so check the UH Manoa campus events calendar to do so!  Five dollars will pay for your whole family to sit down and learn to string leis and learn the traditional Hawaiian method of lei-making.
 21st Annual Conservation Conference Registration - July 16-18 - Hawaii Convention Center
This program runs through a weekend in the summer and before you lose interest, students can go for the low, low price of $50!  This program will run a variety of lectures focused on improving Hawaii, and given that the normal price is approximately seven times that, my few readers should definitely take advantage of this opportunity!  Check out hawaiiconservation.org to register early.

Issue 20: Pia

Ihea `oe i ka wa* a ka ua e loku ana?
Where were you when the rain was pouring?
A reference to fair-weather friends; those who disappear when times are difficult.

Organism of the Week!  Pia, Tacca leontopetaloides

This is not Pia.  The internet has a dearth of
pictures of the plant, but this is a similar species
I believe.

Celebrate, my vast readership!  For today we cover pia, the starchy root that allowed Hawaiians to make the tasty dessert haupia!
Pia is one of the plants ancient Polynesians brought with them in their canoes when they first voyaged across the Pacific to Hawaii.  Pia is the Polynesian arrowroot and is bitter and starchy when it's not in the delicious form of haupia. 
The plant grows to be 1 to 3 feet tall and grows in wet woods at low altitudes.  It was so useful that it was widely cultivated alongside taro.  The leaves also die off in the winter and the root will remain dormant until spring to sprout up again.
Hawaiians processed the root by grating or pounding it in a bowl and let it sit with water.  The starch would settle to the bottom and the bitterness would be released into the water.  The water would be poured out daily and replaced with fresh water while the starch sat at the bottom.  This would draw out all the bitterness, apparently.  Once it was gone, the starch would be spread on flat rocks to dry, then scraped off and ground into a powder.  If the starch was not needed immediately it was formed into small cakes and stored.
Is that not amazing?  I think it's pretty amazing.  I love learning about how ancient peoples did things and this is right up my alley.  Also, I mentioned that this root is how haupia was made to Ryan and he popped right up to make some.  Haupia moves people :)
Anyways.  The starch would be mixed with coconut milk then steamed or baked to make haupia.  The starch could be used the way starch is in many households, to stiffen fabrics.  But it also had medicinal properties - the starch could be mixed with water and alae to cure dysentery and diarrhea.

By Sabrina Robello
Sourced: Here mostly, an excellent site for Hawaiian canoe plant information

Community Events
Green Drinks - Tues. Feb. 5, 5:30pm-7:30pm, P.F. Chang's
Networking with conservation-minded business peoples.
Kako`o `Oiwi - Sat, Feb. 9, 8:30am-12pm; 46-403 Kamehameha Highway Kāneʻohe HI 96744
Lo`i work day!

* I've decided to tackle the issue of kahako's with a strikethrough.  If someone knows how to do this on a blog, please let me know.

Issue 19: `Olena

Ka manu ka`upu halo `ale o ka moana.
The ka`upu, the bird that observes the ocean.
Said of a careful observer.

After a semester-long hiatus, I'm back and re-energized!  Sort of.  But I do have a new book that I'm excited to use!  Mary Kawena Pukui's compilation of olelo no`eau! 

Organism of the Week: `Olena, curcuma domestica

This is the `olena plant, a member of the ginger family and commonly known as turmeric around the world.  This is a plant brought over by ancient Polynesians when they voyaged to Hawai`i.  The plant is small and produces leafy clusters as you can see here instead of a stem exactly. 
`Olena grows in moist, forested valleys up to altitudes of 3000ft, but is now rarely found in nature these days. 
Hawaiians used `olena medicinally - the juice from the roots would ease earaches and clear sinuses when mixed with water.  When lightly cooked and eaten, `olena was useful for colds, asthma, consumption and other illnesses of the like.  It can be taken as a diuretic or applied topically will clear up acne or stop bleeding.  It also serves as an antibacterial. 
`Olena was also used for ceremonial purposes, like purification of mana or to bless a new home. 
Source: Here.