Protect Native Species

These electrical boxes along Rice Street in Līhu‘e has been transformed by the grassroots nonprofit Kamāwaelualani’s Mo‘olelo Murals Program in collaboration with Rice Street Business Association, County of Kaua’i, and Hawaiian Telcom. These public art pieces are to help raise awareness about endemic plants and animals.

Endemic means that these species are found nowhere else in the world. They are vital to sustaining the life of our living creatures (including humans!) here on Kaua‘i. The introduction of foreign plants and animals, foreign diseases, overdevelopment, environmental degradation, and human activity has caused many of these plants and animals to go extinct or be critically endangered causing harm to our natural habitats. These plants and animals are also central to native Hawaiian cultural beliefs and practices as they are thought to be kino lau (body forms) of akua (gods/goddess) that represent the elements and carry mo‘olelo (stories/ narratives/ histories) about sustainability, interconnectedness, and respect for all lifeforms. The vision of this project is if people ‘see’ endemic plants and animals in a town center where they are not seen anymore then people can become more educated and do their part in helping to protect these plants and animals and therefore, protecting Kaua‘i.

Keep this project this going - all donations are highly necessary and greatly appreciated.

‘Ālula & The Fabulous Moth

This box is on the corner of Rice & Ho‘olako St and features the extinct Fabulous Green Sphinx Moth (yes, that’s her real name) and the critically endangered ‘Ālula. The Fabulous Green Sphinx Moth is the primary pollinator of ‘Ālula. When the moth went extinct the ‘Ālula population started to decline. The last known naturally occurring ‘Ālula patch is said to be living in the Nā Pali Coast, Kaua‘i.

By: Holly Ka'iakapu

IG: @thehkexperience

Partners: County of Kaua’i, RSBA, Kamāwaelualani

Koa & ‘Elepaio

This box is on the corner of Rice & ‘Umi St. and features the Koa Tree and the ‘Elepaio. The Koa Tree was used by our ancestors to create canoes, housing, weapons, and tools. Koa means “brave” and can also mean “warrior” as Koa Trees are known for their strength, steadfastness, and resiliency. A kānaka maoli (native Hawaiian) saying goes, “E ola koa” or “Live like Koa,” meaning to live in strength and rootedness. Today, the Koa is a precious wood, known for its sturdiness and veneer. The ‘Elepaio bird is endangered due to introduced diseases, human impacts, and foreign predators. The ‘Elepaio can be seen today, if you’re lucky, up in the mountains amongst the Koa trees in Kōke‘e, Kaua‘i. A more common sight than ‘Elepaio and Koa is an ānuenue (rainbow) which is featured on the side of the box.

By: Bethany Coma

IG: @buddah.beth

Partners: County of Kaua’i, RSBA, Kamāwaelualani

‘I‘iwi & ‘Ōhi‘a

This box is on the corner of Rice & Kalena St. and features the endangered ‘I‘iwi bird and the ‘Ōhi‘a  Lehua. The ‘I‘iwi and ‘Ōhi‘a are in a symbiotic relationship. Mo‘olelo (story/ narrative) has it that akua (God/Goddess/Ancestor) of the Volcanos, Pele was jealous that her romantic interest, ‘Ōhi‘a fell in love with another wahine (woman) named Lehua. Out of hurt, she poured lava over the lovers. ‘Ōhia lifted Lehua over his head to protect her. Lehua is now one of the only plants that can grow from lava. The ‘I‘iwi is Lehua’s ‘aumakua (personal/ family god) and is said to be watching over Lehua till this day. Unfortunately, Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death (ROD) is quickly causing ‘Ōhi‘a to go extinct. For more info on how to kōkua (help) please visit ‘Ōhi‘a Love.

By: Bree Blake

IG: @bybreeblake

Partners: County of Kaua’i, RSBA, Kamāwaelualani

Naupaka Kahakai

This box is on Kalena & Malama St. and features the Naupaka Kahakai.

The Naupaka flower, according to one mo‘olelo, tells of the the lovers Naupaka and Kaui. Naupaka is the sister of akua Pele, who became jealous of the relationship between Naupaka and Kaui. Pele attempted to kill Naupaka and Kaui, but Naupaka fled to the sea while Kaui fled to the mountains. When they died, flowers bloomed near the shorelines and in the mountains. The Naupaka Kahakai, found near the ocean, is said to be Naupaka and the Naupaka Kuahiwi , found in the mountains, is said to be Kaui. They grow in what looks like half flowers. When joined together it is said that the lovers’ hearts are made whole again.

By: Bree Blake

IG: @bybreeblake

Partners: Hawaiian Tel, RSBA, Kamāwaelualani

Koki‘o Ke‘oke‘o & Koki‘o Ula

This box is on Rice St. in front of Rice Shopping Center.

It features the endemic and endangered Koki‘o ke‘oke‘o and koki ‘o ula. The Koki‘o ke‘oke‘o (native Hawaiian white hibiscuses) are the only species of hibiscuses in the world known to have fragrant flowers. Their petals don’t overlap like the commonly seen hibiscus with large rounded shaped petals.

By: Holly Ka'iakapu

IG: @thehkexperience

Partners: Hawaiian Tel, RSBA, Kamāwaelualani

Lehua Makanoe

This box is on Rice Street across from the Līhu‘e Townhouses.

It features the Lehua Makanoe, a shrub that is endemic to Kaua‘i and specifically the Alaka‘i Swamp area of Kōke‘e. It is critically endangered, but was once used to make lei. To support the conservation of species such as the Lehua Makanoe please make a contribution to organizations such as the KISC, KRCP, and Hui o Laka.

By: Bethany Coma

IG: @buddah.beth
Partners: Hawaiian Tel, RSBA, Kamāwaelualani