4 Thursday, July 6, 2017 Island Beat Hawaii Tribune-Herald identify as many species of plants, animals and organisms as possible. More than 6,000 people participated in the first event and 22 new species were added to the park’s species list. There also were sightings of 73 species at-risk and 17 new fungi were documented. “We were the first park to integrate culture into the biological component of BioBlitz,” says HVNP public affairs specialist Jessica Ferracane. “It was such a huge hit that we decided to hold our own BioBlitz. We are using the event as a way to connect people to Hawaii’s natural environment and to connect them with the leading scientists and practitioners on the forefront of conservation and cultural knowledge.” The expert-led field inventories — from 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. — include five hikes and one drop-in station. Registration is required for all hikes and space is limited. Hikes include “Feathers in the Forest,” where participants will get a glimpse of native honeycreepers and listen for the Hawaiian thrush; “Botanical Bliss at the Kilauea Summit,” where botanists will lead participants on an inventory hike along the rim of Kilauea; and “Tools of the Trade,” where park archaeologists take you on an easy hike along Crater Rim Trail to learn about the Hawaiian adze. There’s also “Na Mea Kanu o Ka Hula” (Plants of Hula), and “Kilauea Military Detainment Camp” where you can take a glimpse back in history to learn about the role KMC played during World War II. Hike start times vary. You also can visit the dropin station, where no reservations are required, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for “Hiding in Plain Sight: Insects and Spiders of Kilauea.” Here, entomologists will introduce you to the insects and spiders lurking in the park under the leaves. Scientists also will be on-hand at the Hale Hoike booth at the festival to share what they know about Hawaiian birds, plants, insects and Hawaii’s unique ecosystems and how you can collect and upload your own scientific data using the iNaturalist app. Ferracane says the Hawaiian Cultural Festival & BioBlitz brings the community together to celebrate the intersection of science and culture — a perfect opportunity to put the two together in one event. “Hawaii culture is tied to the natural environment, and it makes sense to celebrate that interconnectedness at one big event,” Ferracane says. “Take the kalo plant, for instance. Kalo is used for many things including food, which most people know. But did you know the plant is also used as medicine, glue and for dye? Hawaiians consider kalo to be an ancestor, so it has a very deep cultural significance that many aren’t fully aware of.” The cultural festival will offer an opportunity to learn about traditional Hawaiian practices such as poi pounding, how Hawaiians lived close to the land as its stewards, as well as showcase hands-on science and cultural exhibits. There will be a lineup of talented Hawaii performers, including Halau Ulumamo o Hilo Paliku, the kupuna hula group Haunani’s Aloha Expressions, Kenneth Makuakane, Lito Arkangel and Aunty Diana Aki. Look for crafts and games, and cultural activities on the grassy lawn and ballfield area at KMC, including ku‘i kalo (pounding poi), lomilomi (massage) and ‘ohe kapala (Hawaiian bamboo stamping). Festivalgoers also can learn about la‘au lapa ‘au (medicine from plants), weave lei and make a small kahili (feather standard), or get introduced to kapa ku‘iki (Hawaiian quilting) ‘ulana niu (coconut frond weaving) or lauhala bracelet making. “The cultural festival demonstrations are a way for the community to stay in touch with and understand Native Hawaiian life and how human life is so closely tied to the plants, animals and environment around us in Hawaii — for food, health and happiness,” Ferracane says. “The demonstrations are an ideal way to learn something new.” The Hawaiian makahiki games are what the keiki love best, she says. Kaaka Swain will share games such as haka moa (standing chicken wrestling), uma (arm wrestling), huki huki (tug of war), ulu maika and more. “The makahiki games in particular highlight how something fun and boisterous has deeper purpose,” Ferracane says. “Haka moa, for instance, is a type of wrestling competition where participants hold one leg up behind their back and use their head and shoulders while hopping to push their opponent outside of a ring,” she explains. “It’s so much fun to watch and even more fun to do. Haka moa teaches balance, strategy and endurance.” Also on-hand during the festival are exhibitors from various local agencies, including Hale Hoike, Hawaii Island Natural Area Reserves System, Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, ‘Imi Pono no ka ‘Aina, Mokupapapa Discovery Center, Hawaii Wildlife Center, DLNR Marine Wildlife Program, Plant Extinction Prevention Program, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee, and ROD Information. “This is the 37th year of the cultural festival,” O’Neil-Naeole says. “It was started by a group of people who loved to share the Hawaiian culture with others and wanted to see the knowledge, arts and skills carried on. “The park’s biodiversity is vast and its natural resources awe-inspiring, but without the Hawaiian culture you cannot paint a complete picture of the park. The cultural resource is just as important and the festival allows us to showcase this. It brings practitioners, our local community and visitors together in a venue where they can display and teach their craft, skills and knowledge.” Sunscreen and hats are recommended. Bring water, a rain jacket and mat or chair. No pets. Lunch and beverages are available for sale. This is a drug- and alcohol-free event. Entrance to the park and all events are free. Register for the BioBlitz on the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park website, www.fhvnp.org. Email Katie Young Yamanaka at BIVHawaii@gmail.com BIOBLITZ From page 2 NPS Photo/SIERRA MCDANIEL Endemic koa bug juveniles on a native ‘a‘ali‘i plant.
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