Monthly Archives: August 2014

Follow-up to cleanup and advance on Festival

The fourth volunteer day at Lili`uokalani Gardens held Saturday, August 16, concentrated on storm cleanup following Hurricane Iselle. Many of our regulars were busy with their own homes or were volunteering in Puna, the district of Hawai`i island hit hardest by the storm.

But we had nine eager folks who filled 20 large bags with downed leaves and sticks in no time. We also worked on removing one large snapped limb from an orchid tree near the restrooms. Some of it still remained in the tree at the end of our time — beyond our reach.

pau hana 1

Michelle, Hiroko, Sami, K.T., Jennifer and Craig (not pictured: Diane, Ann, Bill)
photo by Bill Eger

 

pau hana 2

Michelle, Hiroko, Sami, K.T., Jennifer and Craig are a little goofy at the end of the work day.

Additional effort went into continuing to edge the spring-fed pond and removal of seaweed from the pond near the stone arched bridge.

This helped County workers get the park ready for both the Firefighters annual walk and run held Saturday, August 23, and the upcoming Queen’s birthday.

Weeding and leaf removal was done on two areas central to the annual Queen Lili`uokalani Festival — He Halia Aloha — which is scheduled for Saturday, September 6, from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

2014 poster

He Hali`a Aloha No Lili`uokalani Festival — an annual celebration in honor of the Queen’s birthday — will be held Saturday, September 6, 2014

Sponsored by the County of Hawai`i, the Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center and the Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council, the all day free event will feature cultural activities and demonstrations, craft booths, mass hula surrounding the ponds, taiko drumming, Urasenke tea ceremonies, and plenty of local entertainment.

For more information on the festival, contact the Hawai`i County Culture and Education Office at 961-8706.

 

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Hurricane Iselle and Lili`uokalani Gardens

high water in ponds

Storm surge from August 7 & 8 Hurricane Iselle combined with high tide resulting in very high water levels in the ponds of Lili`uokalani Gardens in Hilo.
photo by Philippe Francois Nault

 

Thank you all the far flung friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens. Yes, Hurricane Iselle came to the gardens, but lightly compared to the more eastern and southerly regions of the island.

No major trees went down. No big limbs fell.

Storm surge did combine with high tides, resulting in extremely high water in the ponds. The concrete zig-zag walkway to the red bridge was completely covered.

Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens planned last month to hold our regular monthly clean up day on Saturday, August 16. That is still on. There is storm tossed debris to rake up, weeds to be pulled, bushes to be trimmed, seaweed to be mucked out, and gravel to spread on a path by the tea house.

If you can help, please come from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, August 16.

Mahalo!

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