The Iliahi Foundation of Hawai'i

Malama 'Aina

Vision

   The Iliahi Foundation seeks to restore and preserve groves of rare iliahi sandalwood and other native trees and plants in Hawai`i.

 

Mission Purpose/Statement

   Just as iliahi thrive in relationship with other species, we recognize that our natural world and cultural heritage are similarly related. The Iliahi Foundation promotes the conservation, preservation, and restoration of native flora in Hawai`i through stewardship, research, education, reforestation and partnerships.  We believe through these efforts our cultural history and natural environment can rise together, renewed.

 

History and Background:

   The Iliahi Foundation of Hawai'i seeks to awaken and strengthen veneration for the heritage of Hawai’i's land through its indigenous native species of trees. The hallmark of this organization is to establish groves of iliahi sandalwood and other endemic indigenous trees, on Oahu initially in the Waianae Mountains, then the Koolau Mountains, and then eventually to link with and provide support to other groups doing this same work on the outside islands.

   The iliahi sandalwood trees were harvested almost to extinction between 1790 and 1830 as Hawai’i’s first export trade. Today, descendants of the First Peoples of Hawai’i and those who followed them to Hawai’i are working together to conserve, protect and restore this iliahi species along with other indigenous native Hawaiian plants and trees which contribute to the history and the beauty of their homeland, the Hawaiian Islands.

   All of us associated with the eco-reforestation mission are aware of the benefits that accrue from this important work. Working together we:

• Contribute to clean ground water systems

• Prevent soil erosion and flooding

• Encourage Eco-tourism

• Sustain a host of rare and endangered species that depend on the forests for their habitat

• Give a lift to the Human Spirit