Waianae farmer battles invasive grasses, fires, with sheep
Waianae farmer Shermaih “Bulla” Iaea feels the risks of wildfire every summer that comes around. His farm, nestled in the valley, is flanked by acres of flammable, invasive guinea grasses and brush — all of it turned brown since summer. By July, it becomes a potential source of fuel for wildfires.
1/13
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Shermaih Iaea's agricultural lot in Waianae Valley has burned twice due to wildfires. Iaea, a former HFD firefighter of 28 years, now uses a flock of sheep to control the grass growth.
2/13
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Shermaih Iaea’s dog, Kia, greets and licks a lamb.
3/13
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A lamb grazing past the paddock fence.
4/13
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Shermaih Iaea's agricultural lot in Waianae Valley has burned twice due to wildfires and the farmer now uses a flock of sheep to control the grass growth. Pictured is fencing that demarcates Iaea's lot from property that is operated by the Honolulu Board of Water of Supply to the right. Iaea has fixed the existing fence and plans to enclose his area as a paddock so that his sheep can graze and create a firebreak.
5/13
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Shermaih Iaea's agricultural lot in Waianae Valley has burned twice due to wildfires and the farmer now uses a flock of sheep to control the grass growth. Pictured is the rugged mountainside of Waianae valley with fencing that demarcates Iaea's lot from property that is operated by the Honolulu Board of Water of Supply to the right.
6/13
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The sheep paddock creates a firebreak for the farm.
7/13
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Nonnative grasses were introduced to Hawaii by ranchers as cattle fodder in the 18th century. The invasive grasses present a serious threat to communities surrounded by the dry and highly ignitable fuel.
8/13
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A lamb grazing past the paddock fence.
9/13
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Shermaih Iaea's agricultural lot in Waianae Valley has burned twice due to wildfires. Iaea, a former HFD firefighter of 28 years, now uses a flock of sheep to control the grass growth.
10/13
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Shermaih Iaea's agricultural lot in Waianae Valley has burned twice due to wildfires and the farmer now uses a flock of sheep to control the grass growth. Pictured is Iaea on a drive which shows the firebreak the sheep create in the paddock to the left versus the uncontrolled grass growth to the right. Iaea plans to enclose some of the to the overgrown area as an additional paddock where his sheep can graze and expand the firebreak.
11/13
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Shermaih Iaea's agricultural lot in Waianae Valley has burned twice due to wildfires and the farmer now uses a flock of sheep to control the grass growth.
12/13
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Shermaih Iaea's agricultural lot in Waianae Valley has burned twice due to wildfires and the farmer now uses a flock of sheep to control the grass growth. Pictured is Iaea's agricultural lot showing the firebreak the sheep create in the paddock to the left versus the uncontrolled grass growth to the right. Iaea plans to enclose some of the to the overgrown area as an additional paddock where his sheep can graze and expand the firebreak.
13/13
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Dry Megathyrsus maximus, commonly known as Guinea grass, as seen on Shermaih Iaea's agricultural lot in Waianae Valley.
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