The Iliahi Foundation of Hawai'i

Vision Statement (what)

   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 (why and how)

   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.

 

Goals for 2002 – 2004

• Complete the shadehouse (nursery) at Palehua.

• Plant the seeds donated by The Nature Conservancy by June 2002.

• Outplant 350 native plants at Honouliuli Preserve by June 2004.

• Document the work of IF and results (record-keeping).

• Partner with schools to conduct research on native plant restoration work related to Iliahi Foundation.  (could provide research grants)

• Raise funding of at least $5,000 from an outside foundation in 2002.

• Continue to work on the Memorial grove at Honouliuli.

• Find the best way to propagate the iliahi seeds in 2002 (including clonal propagation).

• Continue to care for the iliahi trees that are providing seeds.

• Add to the critical mass of people actively working with the Iliahi Foundation – three dedicated people within the next year.

• Establish a volunteer program with local youth groups. (Mike Kahue’s group)

• Develop a communications system to keep IF connected; information sharing (database, e-mail, website, quarterly updates)

• Establish a speakers bureau to help with education and outreach. (Rotary clubs, churches) Create a Power Point presentation, video, and handout materials for the Speakers Bureau.

 

Other Longer term goals:

•  Develop a plan to build two greenhouses at Windward Community College and Leeward Community College.  Link to WCC’s carving program.

•  Develop the mechanism to conduct student exchanges between Hawaii and California.

•  Lay the groundwork to reforest public lands (Nanakuli Forest Reserve).

 

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