We tend to freak out when a new invasive plant species arrives in our islands, but most spread relatively slowly. Usually we have some time to either deal with them or learn to live with them. Being plants, they are at least sequestering carbon and supplying oxygen. Some like the Fountain Grass covering the raw lava flows help to break down the rocks and in time create habitat for birds and other wildlife. The downside is that it and other non native grasses also create the opportunity for fires to spread. This requires management practices to avoid fires such as grazing, firebreaks, planting fire resistant vegetation to shade out grasses, etcetera.

Last week’s Volcano Watch summarized Kilauea’s explosive eruptions of 1924 and their impacts on communities. This week, we dig a little deeper and share new discoveries we are making by examining the ash deposited during these events.

Ifirst met Mike McCann a few years ago. He was in a class I was teaching to help farmers write business plans. Mike wrote a solid plan that enabled him and his wife Chalida to acquire a Kamehameha Schools lease in 2021 for three quarters of an acre in Honaunau.

Coffee growing traditions date back to the 1800s and Ka‘u coffee made its way to become an award-winning coffee, now recognized around the globe as a world-class coffee growing district.

Kilauea began erupting explosively 100 years ago this week, for the first time in nearly a century. The eruption lasted for about 17 days, killing one person and injuring others.

You still have time to shop today at the Old Kona Airport Kona Orchid Society Spring Show and Sale. It starts at 9 a.m. and runs to 2 p.m. Not only will there be orchids, but a great variety plants that may be used to beautify the home.

Next Sunday is Mother’s Day and there is still time for last-minute gifts for the ladies in your life. Before you run out to pick up the flowers and Hawaiian chocolate, let’s ponder on the origins of this special holiday.