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Whether you have a home with a large yard or an apartment with a small lanai, plants create a more luxurious mood. Attractive trees, shrubs and lawns actually increase the value of a home. In fact, if you cut down that big shade tree in the front yard, you may reduce the value of your…

At the heart of Hawaiian culture lies the concept of Ahupua’a, a traditional land division system that embodies the interconnectedness of communities from mountain to sea. Derived from ancient Hawaiian practices, Ahupua’a reflects a sustainable way of life where families harmoniously coexist with nature, ensuring mutual prosperity and stewardship of resources. Historical Perspective of Ahupua’a…

Until recently, palms in Hawaii have had relatively few serious insect and disease problems. Unlike Florida and the Caribbean, we dodged the bullet of Lethal Yellowing. That disease destroyed most coconut palms in the region during the 20th century. The key to avoiding Lethal Yellowing here was to have strict rules and penalties against importing…

Introduction Hawaii is a land of rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. One of the most intriguing aspects of this heritage is the concept of Ahupuaʻa, a traditional Hawaiian land division system. The Ahupuaʻa system underscores the interconnectedness of different ecosystems, emphasizing how protecting one part of the environment, such as cloud forests, can…

Mother’s Day has been celebrated long before Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in one form or another. Art in early cultures of Asia, Europe and the Middle East recognized that women were the source of life and fertility. Somewhere along the path of history, patriarchies became en vogue and here we are today trying to recognize…

Introduction to Ahupuaʻa The concept of Ahupuaʻa is fundamental to understanding the people of Hawaii’s traditional approach to land management and resource distribution. An Ahupuaʻa is a distinct land division system used by Native Hawaiians, reflecting a deep connection to the natural environment. Each Ahupuaʻa typically extended from the mountains (mauka) to the sea (makai),…

World Oceans Month, celebrated every June, is a time to honor, appreciate, and raise awareness about the vital role oceans play in our lives. Oceans cover more than 70% of our planet’s surface and are crucial for sustaining life on Earth. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting these…

What does hurricane season mean for us in Hawaii? The old adage, June is too soon, July-standby, August-a must, September — remember, October all over is no longer accurate. The hurricane season starts today, but has been extended through the month of November due to increased storm activity from global warming. This year forecasters are…