Thanks to an HTA grant for the removal of invasives at Ulupō, the old common mango tree that was too close to the loʻi (too thirsty, too much shade, too much ph in the wai) is now destined for slabbing and papa kuʻi ʻai. Wahi a Kaleomanuʻiwa: "Ryan Ueunten started work as a Hikaʻalani employee on Sep. 1st. Attached [is a picture] of the tree removal that he and I have been working on for the last few days. This couldn't have happened without him, and I look forward to the removal of the mango tree just next to it with next year's HTA grant and the continual employment of Ryan. He brings a unique skill set and a positive attitude that is hard to find in someone so young and 'eleu. We definitely want to keep him around as long as we can. Not sure if you can see in the photos but taking out this one tree has revealed the ulu trees that were once blocked by the massive mango and can now grow freely. Expanding our kīipuka!"
– KdS
– KdS
Photo: Kaleo Wong