ʻIʻiwi

Sandalwood, prized for its mystical powers of healing, is used in ritual proceedings and alternative medicine across Asia. In Hawaiʻi, trade in this valuable wood brought about the collapse of tree populations by 1830. While the sandalwood trade is long gone, a surviving sandalwood forest exists in a 120,000 acre region on the island of Hawaiʻi.

Christopher Phillips explains...

The Hawaiʻi Public Seed Initiative aims to improve, increase, and promote biodiversity of crops across the state. By working with local communities, farmers, and gardeners, the Initiative aims to grow, harvest, store, and improve the very best seeds that thrive in Hawaiʻi. This will ensure that local producers can continue to provide locally grown -- not flown -- produce for island dinner tables.

Christopher Phillips explains...

The Kaʻu coast on the southwestern corner of the Hawaiʻi island is one of the largest and most intact expanse of native forest in the state. This Kaʻu Preserve is home to many rare plants and endangered forest birds. Local communities and landowners are doing their part to protect the forest.

Christopher Phillips explains...