Rats have plagued Hawaiians for a very long time, and not just the human residents. Rats were the first invasive species in Hawaii. The first voyagers to the Hawaiian Islands brought Polynesian rats, Rattus exulans, and they spread quickly, colonizing the islands faster and farther than the people. Ancient Hawaii was a world full...
Continue readingTag: Maui Invasive Species Committee
Growing Future Farmers
Ag tourism, marketing leaders are planting, watering seeds of interest with isle students KAHULUI – At first glance, it’s hard to recognize the plot of land in Kahului filled with weeds, grass and natural debris. On second look, a couple picnic benches come into view and the nearby area, which was once a thriving...
Continue readingNew gardens director to infuse more native culture
KAHULUI The new executive director of Maui Nui Botanical Gardens wants to cultivate public interest in what she calls “a cultural gem in the middle of Kahului.” Joylynn Jennifer-Nedine Mailemekalokelanionakupuna Nakoa Kaho’okele Paman took over as head of the 7-acre facility last week. She succeeds Lisa Schattenburg-Raymond, who is teaching at the University of...
Continue readingArchive planned at national park
KAHULUI – A new archive of thousands of documents that will be available to researchers, will be the next major addition to Haleakala National Park, Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum said Wednesday. In a “state of the park” talk sponsored by the Friends of Haleakala National Park, Creachbaum said construction had already started on the small...
Continue readingKia‘i Moku: Rauvolfia vomitoria a growing problem
In Western Africa, a medicinal plant teeters on the brink of extinction. Poison devil’s pepper, or Rauvolfia vomitoria, has been overharvested by local people using the plant to treat ailments ranging from psychoses to indigestion. Some healers claim the plant’s chemicals protect the spirit of the patient against witchcraft. However, in Hawaii, R. vomitoria...
Continue readingMaui Invasive Species group seeks nominees
MAKAWAO – The Maui Invasive Species Committee seeks nominations by Nov. 15 to honor efforts in Maui County to eliminate invasive species. MISC, the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals and Maui County co-sponsor the Malama I Ka Aina Award. It recognizes a landscaper; plant provider (retail or wholesale nursery, or garden shop); or the...
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