Kalaupapa National Historical Park (KNHP) honors the current and former residents of the only intact institutional settlement in the United States, created to isolate patients with leprosy from the rest of society. It is the final resting place of more than 8,500 people, most of whom spent their lives in solitude, leaving the “beautiful prison” on Moloka’i‘s north shore.
An initiative by Windward Community College’s Sustainable Agriculture Program to ensure the trees and landscapes continue to thrive for generations to come is helping to preserve Kalaupapa’s heritage. This summer CC Arborists Ilana and Steve Nimz (daughter and father) spent six weeks educating and training Park Service maintenance staff to prepare them for certification as Arborists and Tree Risk Assessors through the International Society of Arboriculture.
“It is difficult to send people to training Oahuso the (National Park Service) brought the training to them,” Steve Nimz said.
KNHP Facility Manager Matthew Padgett highlighted the importance of cultural landscaping as a way to honor the past while ensuring a sustainable future.
“In this way, we preserve our history through the plants, trees and fruit trees planted by local residents,” Padgett said.
“I do it for history”
Many of the students were from Maui or lived in Kalaupapa. Some are descendants of patients who lived in the settlement and stayed to honor their ancestors and contribute to the ongoing care at Kalaupapa.
One student said, “I’m doing it for the history of this place.”
The workshops covered tree care techniques, emphasizing the use of natural mulch and compost instead of chemicals, as well as planting and properly supporting young trees and the importance of timely watering. The Nimzes also taught advanced techniques such as grafting and mossing to propagate trees and preserve the genetic heritage of the fruit trees that Kalaupapa residents have planted over the decades.
Connection to Kalaupapa
“Kalaupapa is a very special place, and the trees are part of what makes it so special and the way people can connect to this place,” Windward said CC Sustainable agriculture lecturer Jolie Dollar. “It is an honor to be a partner in the future care of the trees.”
As the number of original residents shrinks – only five remain – and the KNHP The lease expires soon in 2041. The work will be carried out by Windward. CC and its partners has become more important.
Steve Nimz said, “I’m not sure how many of them will become arborists, but they have a lot of knowledge and are part of the next generation of stewards of this sacred land.”
More information about Windward CCFor more information about the Sustainable Agriculture Program, please contact Director of Career and Community Education Maria-Elena Diaz at [email protected].
—By Bonnie J. Beatson
