Hawaiʻi County to distribute 1,500 free plants during 5 adoption events

The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience will distribute 1,500 free plants through five plant adoption events with the first 300 plants available on Saturday during the Hala Fest at the Makuʻu Farmers Market in Pāhoa.

It is part of a new county initiative that aims to integrate native and canoe plants into daily life through education and accessibility.

“By distributing plants to the community and providing educational resources, Lāʻau Love intends to support long-term care of, and connection to, the ʻāina around us,” Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda said. “We invite the community to join us in fostering a closer relationship with our unique ecosystems so we can steward them for future generations.”

Native plants are species that arrived in Hawaiʻi without human assistance, either by wind, waves or wings.

Canoe plants are species introduced by early Polynesian voyagers who traveled across the Pacific in canoes, bringing plants needed for food, medicine and cultural practices. These plants, such as kalo, ʻulu, and niu, became the foundation of traditional life in Hawaiʻi and remain significant for sustenance, cultural continuity and ecological health.

At the adoption events, plants will be available by reservation and on a first-come, first-served basis. Each plant will include care guides and resources.

Hawaiʻi County is partnering with local nurseries, schools and nonprofits to maximize community participation and support successful cultivation.

Additional events will be held throughout the fall and winter at locations including the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, school-based Arbor Day activities, farmers markets and the Magic of the Seasons event.

The program is funded by a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Everyone is invited to take part by adopting plants, learning their history and sharing their growth. Residents can sign up online to receive updates on giveaways, events and other opportunities to participate.

For more information, follow OSCER on Instagram, visit the website or email OSCER@hawaiicounty.gov.OSCER@hawaiicounty.gov.