The Partnership of Māmane and Naio on Maunakea
He kōā ʻākea ma waena o Maunakea me Maunaloa.
Māmane (Sophora chrysophylla) and naio (Myoporum sandwicense) have been partners for centuries on the broad saddle between Maunakea and Maunaloa, as well as on the upper slopes of the former.
These days, though, they are under constant assault by sheep, goats, pigs and cattle; by drought and invasive plants and bugs; and because of the destruction of their habitat by fire, land clearing, and military practices such as bombing and target practice, and driving large vehicles over fragile terrain.
Kūpuna trees lean, break and die, and though successive generations may germinate, they too quickly die because of environmental stressors. Depressing? Sad? Definitely!
Everyone deserves to thrive, no matter their residence. But serious challenges arise when malihini desires confront kamaʻāina sensibilities. Lāʻau naio was used for carving hiʻa, the shuttles for net-making, while durable hardwood of māmane formed runners of hōlua sleds. The past tense is accurate, but excellent stewardship can correct dire straits.
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