HomeMy WebLinkAboutMalama O Puna (submitted by Eileen O'Hara)
Tsuneda, Kaci
From:Eileen Ohara <eohara58@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, August 17, 2026 6:15 AM
To:Council Testimony
Subject:Support for Bill 184
Aloha,
As we're unable to testify remotely due to the impacts of Hurricane Lala, on behalf of myself and the
nonprofit Malama O Puna that I serve as E.D., please know we fully support this initiative.
Native plants perform the best in our environment and provide a significant selection for landscaping.
We have found, after several attempts with non-native species, that the Ti plant works best at the Pahoa
Roundabout, a public space with a harsh environment and no irrigation. Given the great variety in color
and size of our local Ti plant, it helps establish a beautiful landscape.
Malama O Puna must give special thanks to Deborah Ward for getting us started with plants from her
extensive Ti plant nursery inventory that boosts dozens of varieties. Native plant landscapes for public
spaces are the way to go. Please pass Bill 184.
Mahalo for your attention on this matter,
Eileen O'Hara, Executive Director
Malama O Puna
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