Hui o Laka, the sponsoring organization behind the annual Banana Poka Round Up, describes the event as “a lively forest education fair,” and this year’s event was no exception.
Hui o Laka, the sponsoring organization behind the annual Banana Poka Round Up, describes the event as “a lively forest education fair,” and this year’s event was no exception.
A steady stream of people flowed uphill to the historic Civilian Conservation Corps Camp, braving the misty weather.
Patrons created baskets using the woody vines of the Banana Poka, an invasive plant species that at one time threatened the Kokee forests. There were keiki activities, including creating walking sticks from the invasive strawberry guava, Hawaiian entertainment, crafts, exhibits from state agencies and groups doing work in the forests, food, and a silent auction.
The inclement weather forced some of the exhibits inside the cabins of the CCC Camp, allowing patrons a glimpse at the work being done to restore the facility.
