September News: Storm Response, Native Plants, and Thai Popsicles
Preparing for the Storm and the Aftermath
A strong El Niño has contributed to more active severe weather conditions this hurricane season, reinforcing the importance of year-round preparation. While monitoring Grove Farm’s miles of water infrastructure is ongoing work, “watches” and “warnings” for approaching storms keep Grove Farm’s Land Management team extremely busy. Led by Casey Watabu, the Land Management team works closely with contractors like the Killermanns, Max Manera, Russell Fu, and Ritchie Waalani to prepare for storms and keep these vital systems operating.
Grove Farm Project Manager Kevin Reyes knows the miles of ditches, reservoirs, and infrastructure that make up the water systems. “The water systems that Grove Farm oversees are very important to our communities from Lihue to Koloa,” said Kevin. “They are also an important source of water for our farmers, ranchers, utilities, and civic areas.”
Kevin previously worked for Kaua‘i Backcountry Adventures where he gained firsthand familiarity with portions of the historic water system. Today, that experience helps inform the work of keeping these systems operating safely and reliably.
When severe weather is forecast, Project Specialist Braden Kobayashi helps coordinate Grove Farm’s preparations and response. A lieutenant in the Army Reserve, Braden brings that same readiness mindset to his work at Grove Farm. He said, “It is after the storm where the hard work begins. This includes assessing the damages and coordinating with our contractors for critical clearing and repairs.” After Lala, Braden worked with Russell Fu to clear fallen albizia trees and debris from the ditch system.
Here is one of our operators cleaning out a fallen albizia tree from the ditch system.
Hurricane Lala has caused tremendous damage and hardship for Hawai‘i Island. Our thoughts are with the families and communities who experienced loss and continue to recover from the recent storms.
A Living Tribute for Future Generations
Beau Acoba has expanded his skills and expertise in his nine years as a Project Manager at Grove Farm. Along the way, his work on the Kapaia Watershed Preserve has also deepened his appreciation for and knowledge of native plants. On his 33rd birthday, Beau turned that interest into a meaningful tribute to his mom, Holly Camara, who was a teacher at Kekaha Elementary School.
Q: How did you spend your 33rd birthday?
My mom and I share the same birthday. This year, I wanted to do something different. I always talked about planting more native plants at Kekaha Elementary School. Before the new school year began, I had the idea to use leftover Native Hawaiian plant centerpieces from our wedding, and plant them at the school. I called in some help and I'm so grateful that we were able to do this.
Q: Why was this project especially meaningful to you?
These benches sat outside my mom’s old classroom and as far as I know, they never had any life in them. It was always dirt or weeds — nothing really to look at. I wanted to plant a shrub and ground cover that would not grow too large but would be prolific enough to use for lei-making or Hawaiian studies curriculum.
I grew up in that classroom and watched hundreds of students come through. We spent a lot of time rearranging desks, hanging posters, and sweeping floors. I wanted to honor my mom on her birthday by upgrading the space that means so much to me.
We dug about 3 to 4 inches down until we hit a clay/sand mixture. After that, we put in rich compost to amend the soil and introduced healthy microbial activity to the ground. After putting in loads of compost, everyone took a turn planting their own fern or shrub. The old dirt was used to level out some chicken holes near busy walkways around campus.
Q: Tell us about the plants you selected and why you chose them.
When thinking about what to plant, the species had to meet a few criteria: they had to be drought, wind, and heat tolerant; meaningful to Hawaiian culture; and useful for making lei.
Aʻaliʻi is a drought tolerant shrub that has red and white flowers used to make lei. This plant is a symbol for resilience as it grows and adapts to its environment. In Kōkeʻe, they grow over 20’ tall. Down at sea level, they stay shorter and grow wider. My vision is for students to learn about the aʻaliʻi and take inspiration to adapt to their surroundings and prevail over any setback or roadblock in their lives.
The kupukupu fern is one with direct ties to knowledge and learning. The name means to grow or sprout. Each new sprout represents new knowledge, so it is common to see this planted outside of schools or hālau hula. This species’ ability to thrive in both shade and sun — from rainforests to volcanic scapes — should be a testament to what students should strive for.
Q: How will the plants be cared for moving forward?
One benefit of having a wife who is a teacher is that she can keep an eye on the plants every day. We will water and weed every few days, as it’s on the path of our daily walk.
Beau thanks “my brothers Kaimana Jose, Mike and his wife Kalei, and former KES Principal Jeanne Morris and her husband, Uncle Peter Amaral, for the pasteles and dioja lunch!”
Beau also expressed his appreciation to his wife, Chelsea, “for running along with this project and making sure it was ‘okay’ with the custodians and the principal.” He added, “Also for watching our daughter while we were slinging dirt all morning.”
He also thanked “Uncle Jerry and Cody Nishek from Kauai Nursery for the pots of compost and the aʻaliʻi plants. This project wouldn’t have happened without their generosity.”
A Special Thai Treat at the Grove Farm Market
On hot island days, what better way to cool down and treat yourself than with a traditional Thai popsicle? The nostalgic treats are made by Naphadon “Nap” Seechachet in a hand-cranked metal cylinder called “Aitim Lod,” which translates to “tube ice cream.”
The treats are made using a double-walled metal container filled with ice and rock salt. Fresh fruit purée or an ice cream mixture is poured into the metal cylinders, which are then spun by hand until the mixture begins to freeze. Popsicle sticks are inserted after about 20 minutes, and within another five minutes, the popsicles are ready to enjoy.
Nap and his daughter, Khwanruethai, brought this popsicle maker from Thailand. Nap is a longtime farmer and sells his fresh fruits, vegetables, and these delicious popsicles every Saturday at the Grove Farm Market.
Supporting Kaua‘i Families Affected by Cancer
The Grove Farm Foundation is honored to participate in this year’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life Kaua‘i. This year’s event will be held at the Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center on Saturday, September 12, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Grove Farm team is pleased to support the luminaria tent. Please stop by to dedicate a luminaria in honor of or in memory of a loved one affected by cancer. Donations support the American Cancer Society’s work in advocacy, research, and support for people with cancer and their families.