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New Waianae coconut nursery aims to preserve tree species

A ceremonial planting of coconut, or niu, was held at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center on Monday, December 18, 2023. The planting is part of the Ao Pulapula Agroforestry Nursery and was made possible by the collaboration of 'Elepaio Social Services, Niu Now, the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Kupuna Councils and the west side community. The event included prayers and speakers and culminated with the planting of coconut, or n'iu, into baskets to perpetuate the lineage of indigenous palm trees which have been under threat of the invasive Asiatic rhinoceros beetle. Ultimately 1,200 coconut seeds will be planted to create the largest coconut nursery in Hawai'i.

By Cindy Ellen Russell

Dec. 19, 2023

Hawaii Photos

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Pictured speaking is Jesse Pilialoha Mikasobe-Keali'inohomoku, Indigenous Food System Manager, Health Promotion Department, 'Elepaio Social Services.
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Pictured at center is kahu Kamaki Kanahele.
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Pictured speaking is Rich Bettini, WCCHC President & CEO.
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Community members, leaders and students from Papahana 'O Kaiona plant the coconut seeds.
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Pictured is a coconut seed being planted at the ceremony.
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Community members, leaders and students from Papahana 'O Kaiona plant the coconut seeds.
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Pictured are the coconut seeds selected from different trees which were planted into correlating numbered bags so that their growth can be monitored.
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Pictured is a coconut seed planted into a bag.
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Pictured is Indrajit Gunasekara, Lead and Co-Founder of Niu Now, presenting a coconut seed to kahu Kamaki Kanahele before being planted. Seated next to Kanahele is Juanita “Nalani” Benioni .
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Pictured is Indrajit Gunasekara, Lead and Co-Founder of Niu Now, presenting a coconut seed to kahu Kamaki Kanahele before being planted. Seated next to Kanahele is Juanita “Nalani” Benioni .
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Pictured is a detail about the Hawaiian Niu Stages.
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Pictured are groups of coconut seeds selected from different trees to be planted.
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Pictured is Indrajit Gunasekara, Lead and Co-Founder of Niu Now.
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Pictured speaking is Manulani Aluli Meyer, co-founder of Niu Now, Konohiki o Kulana o Kapolei.
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Pictured speaking is Alicia Higa, 'Elepaio CEo and WCCHC Director of Health Promotion Department.
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Pictured is Virginia “Ginger” Fuata, Board of Director, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.
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A ceremonial planting of coconut, or niu, was held at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center on Monday, December 18, 2023.

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