‘A‘ali‘i Kūmakani, Hopbush

The ‘a‘ali‘i kūmakani is an auspicious plant. The Hawaiian name translates “of the chiefs, standing against the wind.” Hawaiians regard it as a symbol of strength in the face of adversity.

The ‘a‘ali‘i kūmakani (Dodonaea viscosa), also known as hopbush, can be found throughout the tropics. It usually grows as a woody shrub. It can grow to be a medium sized tree of 25 feet (8 m). It has deep roots and strong flexible branches. It is highly adaptable to many different environments. It can grow from sea level to sub-alpine elevations. It is salt resistant, drought resistant, can grow in either hot and dry, or cold and wet conditions.

The strong wood was used to make house posts, spears, and canoes. The fruit makes red dye. The flowers and seeds make beautiful lei. It also has medicinal properties for skin rashes.

The ‘a‘ali‘i kūmakani is especially important today in restoring native ecosystems. The ‘a‘ali‘i kūmakani is planted to quickly cover large areas and displaces invasive weeds. It creates a friendly habitat for native species to reestablish. The deep roots are especially good at preventing erosion.

The island of Kaho‘olawe was used by the United States Navy as a target for bombing and artillery practice from 1941 to 1991. Fifty years of bombing left the island desolate and littered with explosives. It is still to dangerous for anyone to wander freely on the island. The ‘a‘ali‘i kūmakani is planted on the barren slopes to control erosion, and bring life and water back to Kaho’olawe.

The island name Ka-ho’olawe means “the carrying away by currents.” The island was inhabited since about 400 AD. It was important as a training ground for navigators. It is centrally located in the island chain, and five islands are visible from its peak. A navigator can see the path of the stars, and all of the currents and winds between the islands. There are about 3,000 archeological sites and features that have been found on the island.

Goats were introduced to Kaho‘olawe in 1793 by British Captain Vancouver, as a gift to the king of Maui, Kahekili Ali‘i Mo‘i. The goats and following cattle ranching on the island stripped it of vegetation. Fifty years of military bombardment followed that.

Like the ‘a‘ali‘i kūmakani, the island of Kaho’olawe stands strong against the winds of adversity. The island is a bit beat up, but it’s slowly making a recovery.

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