Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 9, 1 September 2016 — The future of ʻulu is looking up [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

The future of ʻulu is looking up

By Malia K. Evans Atraditional 'ōlelo no'eau states "Ka 'ai nānā i luna. The food that requires looking up to." For over 3,000 years, this food that requires looking up to has been an important staple crop in Oeeania, brought to Hawai'i by our seafaring ancestors. Low in fat, high in energy and obtaining heights between 30-50 feet tall at maturity, 'ulu or breadfruit is an essential element in traditional agroforestry systems. Two loeal businesses looking up to 'ulu as a foundation for their budding ventures were recently recognized in the Mahi'ai Match-Up agricultural business plan contest sponsored bv Kamehameha Schools and the

Pauahi Foundation. Kaivao Farm and Maha'ulu will both use 'ulu as a sustainable primary crop and a means to hānai, feeding our island eommunities not only physically, but through eeonomie development and sociocultural wellbeing. 'Ulu trees not only produce fruit but have a number of practical uses as well-bell, as medicine, construction material, fabric and more. Mahi'ai Match-Up aims to build relationships between innovative entrepreneurs and farmers

and provide access to land and start up capital. Kaivao FarmandMaha'ulu, selectedfromthe initial 60 applicants, will receive five-year, rent-free leases leases to Kamehameha Schools agricultural lands. Deeply conscious of their kuleana to mālama the 'āina and support community wellbeing, both winners envision a canopy of vibrant 'ulu groves that provide a path toward loeal food security and eeonomie profitability. However, profit is not the

only end game for these farmer entrepreneurs. Both have a focused intention to revive agricultural and cultural traditions and create positive social and environmental impacts. First plaee winners are Hawai'i Island-based Kaivao Farm, comprised of Angela Fa'anunu, Kalisi Mausio, Haniteli Fa'anunu and Keone Chin. With 9.5 acres of land in Pāhoehoe and $20,000 in start up capital, the hui will cultivate primary food crops of 'ulu and cassava on the sweeping, panoramic 'āina north of Hilo. Intimately familiar with island farming practices, the members seek "to utilize agriculture to address broader issues of food security, climate change and the diminished status of many cultural practices," notes Angela Fa'anunu. With Hawai'i's high reliance on imported food, 'ulu and cassava provide a nutritious alternative to imported rice and flour. Fa'anunu emphasizes that 'ulu and cassava are resilient, low maintenanee crops that ean withstand climatic conditions like hurricanes and drought. In addition, wauke and hala will be cultivated to produce material for kapa making and weaving. Education and continuity of traditional practices are essential elements for sisters Angela and Kalisi, who seek to provide a "living classroom" to impart valuable traditional and ecological knowledge to the next generation. The 0'ahu-based Maha'ulu cooperative, eomposed of North Shore residents Makani Ortogero, Nāpua Casson, Kawela Farrant, Ted Nakamura and Clement Paishon, assessed the needs of SEE 'ULU ON PAGE 5

Pono Ma'a, Keone Chin, Angela Fa'anunu, Kalisi Mausio and Jack Wong - Photo: Courtesy of Kamehameha Schools

their rural, agricultural eommunity prior to establishing a shared cooperative of existing 'ulu farmers. With $15,000 in start up capital and 5.8 acres of land in verdant Punalu'u, the eo-op will support the production, processing, marketing and distribution of 'ulu and value added products. Understory crops of vanilla and mushrooms and beekeeping/honey production will be integrated into the 'ulu groves. The name Maha'ulu refers to a grove of 'ulu trees, whieh this innovative hui would like to see restored across the landscapes of Hawai'i nei. Makani Qrtogero states that Maha'ulu "not only seeks to feed, nourish, and sustain our communities physically through food but also to nourish and sustain the 'āina, cultural practice and generations of community members through agriculture." The members of Maha'ulu intend to weave their shared cultural values and traditions into the larger eeonomie system by creating a business environment that values relationships and empowers community. Martha Ross, capacity building manager at OHA's nonprofit Hi'ilei Aloha LLC, assisted the hnal two teams through business plan writing workshops. Conceptual frameworks were transformed into robust business plans with specific objectives and goals. Ross, a member of the final selection committee, was impressed by the teamwork, strong leadership and abilities of team members to identify their strengths and challenges. She noted both teams generated plans that incorporated concerns for community and land into their businesses. "Ka 'ai nānā i luna. The food that requires looking up to." Literally, these two visionary businesses are looking up to 'ulu to strengthen our loeal food economy and create agricultural models that value culture, environment and socio-economic equity. ■ Mali.a K. Evans is an anthropoIogist and advocatefor the preservation o/Hawaiian euhwaī landscapes.

'ULU Continued from page 4