In this approximately five and a half-minute video we climb up into the upper Waianae Mountains with Kapua Kawelo and hear her story of how her passion and love of nature turned into becoming a Resource Manager for the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi’s Oahu Army Natural Resource Program. She explains how she helped the last five remaining Hāhā (Cyanea superba) plants on Oahu bounce back by tipping the balance, restoring the habitat, and moving a small portion of the offspring to higher elevations outside of the historical range where these species had once lived. In this wetter and cooler habitat, the plants are fulfilling their life cycle. This is an amazing example of navigating change with innovative strategies, persistence, and strong partnerships that provides hope not only for these rare plants, but for our communities who value these resources and our island home.
