New Designs in November

Two new designs will be added to the Kamaʻāina this November.

ʻŌhelo A Me Nēnē

Vaccinium Calycinum and Hawaiian Goose

The ʻōhelo ‘ai is part of the pioneer species of flowering plants in the heather family, Ericaceae, that is among the few edible plants endemic to Hawaii growing in higher elevations. It produces tart berries, ranging from red to yellow, used in jams and pies. The ʻōhelo plant is a food source for the state bird, the nēnē, a medium-sized goose. The nēnē’s eggs have the longest incubation period of any goose (up to 32 days) and is one of the most endangered waterfowl in the world.

Mōhala

To Blossom

Mōhala means to open, blossom, or develop like a flower. In Japanese, sakura, meaning cherry blossom, comes from saku, "to bloom" or "to smile/laugh," Each year in early February, the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is held in Kamuela highlighting the changing seasons. Church Row Park is where Waimea’s historic cherry tree planting began with three trees in 1953. In the 1970s, the Waimea Lions Club planted over 60 trees to honor Emperor Hirohito’s visit and the centennial of Japanese immigration.