Our islands are blessed with spectacular scenery and a multicultural society that for the most part appreciates the natural environment. This is due to the many groups like the Outdoor Circle, Palm Society, Orchid Societies, Nature Conservancy, youth and religious groups that make the effort to protect and enhance the beauty of Hawaii.
One example is the East Hawaii Outdoor Circle that is making 2019 a year of greening by planting new trees and saving historic ones. They are making the effort to encourage state and county governments to save and care for the Malaysian banyan trees on Banyan Drive in Hilo.
There is no drive quite like this anywhere on the mainland. They are also giving away almost a thousand trees through a grant from the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with Federal Express and the Community Tree Recovery Program. Its mission is to help rebuild communities affected by the natural disasters of 2018. The giveaway will be held on Saturday, June 29 at Hoolulu Park across from the Civic Center on Manono Street from 8:30 a.m. until all the trees have found homes.
The original Outdoor Circle formed in Honolulu around 1912 to fight against the proliferation of billboards and destruction of historic trees. Since that time this enthusiastic group of local citizens has been instrumental for landscape beautification throughout the state. The fact that our islands are free of billboards and other obtrusive signs is due to the efforts of the Outdoor Circle.
One of their most ambitious projects is planting a “Lei of Green” along Hawaii’s coastlines. In Kona, the focus was coconuts at the Old Airport Park, Honokohau Harbor and Keahole Airport.
On Hawaii Island, branches of the Outdoor Circle have been active since the 1950’s. Currently there are branches in East Hawaii, Waimea and Waikoloa. One of the most active branches with hundreds of members was the Kona Outdoor Circle that has unfortunately become dormant. The educational building and gardens remain, but there is a dire need find leadership to continue educational programs and landscape projects as well as work with county, state and developers to improve the community.
Since we are mind of palms, remember that Hawaii’s coconut palms are an important part of our heritage and environment. Carried here by the first Polynesians over 1,000 years ago, they have been a main food and shelter source. Today it is an ornamental, but still an important resource in tough times. However, our palms are threatened by a virus like disease now found in Florida, Texas and many areas of the Caribbean and South America. The disease has the ominous title of “lethal yellowing.” Other devastating pests are the red palm weevil and rhinoceros beetle. To protect coconut and many other species of palms in Hawaii, it is essential to avoid bringing in these pests.
Another example of a group helping to make our landscapes special is the Hilo Orchid Society. This is the largest orchid society in the islands and puts on a grand show and sale every year. This year it is on June 28- 30 at the Edith Kanakaole Stadium in Hilo.
With close to 200 members creating gorgeous displays, it will be an event not to miss. There will also be a series of educational classes, food and Hawaiian music. The Hawaii Island Palm Society, University of Hawaii Master Gardeners, Tropical Vireya Rhododendron Society and Aquatic Garden group will also be there to tweak your interest in other horticultural endeavors. For further information you may check out hiloorchidsociety.org or call show coordinator Karl Mendoca at (970) 989-8064.
Individuals with home garden questions may call the Master Gardener Growline at 322-4769 for answers. Master Gardeners are also available at the Kona Outdoor Circle on Friday mornings, call 329-7286.