Ethnobotany of Native Hawaiian Plants and Adaptations to Contemporary Pressures

Hawaii is the most isolated land mass (2,400 miles from North America) consisting of an archipelago of high islands.  The eight main Hawaiian Islands (Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe, and Hawaii) range from approximately 5 million years old to less than one million, making for extremely diverse ecological and geographical zones.  Hawaii originates over a volcanic “hot spot” in the middle of the Pacific plate.  Land continues to grow where 11 of the 12 soil orders are present, coastal to alpine environments are available for exploitation and the yearly rainfall ranges from 250 mm to 11,300 mm. Due to these conditions the frequency and composition of plant and animal species as well as mineral availability is variable across the Hawaiian Islands.  Arriving around 6-800 AD, Polynesians brought with them knowledge, resources, and technologies that ensured not just survival, but thriving abundance for the population until contact with Europeans was made in 1778.  Utilizing the ecology to the fullest, from the mountain tops to the deep oceans, Native Hawaiians created a land tenure “ahupuaa” system, which incorporated tax payment. They responded to the change in seasons through daily routines and integrated their observations in fishing, farming, gathering, and community celebrations.  The Hawaiian language is intimately related to the landscape, such with the word ‘ohana, or family, stemming from the kalo (Colocasia esculenta) and offshoots of the plant, which is the staple of the people.  Hawaiians are famous for hula, chants, and songs that speak of the beauty of their landscape. This reinforces their worldview and the manner in how to interact with the environment. From the environment chiefly regalia such as feather cloaks, kahilis, and god-like images were created.  Utilitarian items such as kapa, fishing baskets, kites, and mats were important for day-to-day living and enjoyment.  In a modern context pressure of urbanization, invasive species, overharvesting, and climate change are affecting resource availability and accessibility to Native Hawaiian plants. Since the Hawaiian Renaissance in the 1970’s the art of Hawaiian living, and the Ethnobotany of Native Hawaiian plants, has been revitalized.  In 2011 the landscape has changed dramatically, so how are Native Hawaiian practitioners adapting to available resources?