Before the arrival of the first Hawaiians, 90% of the land area of Hawai‘i was covered with lush forests, made up largely of endemic (found only here) plants. But with humans came the invasive trees and plants which, in many places, have pushed out the native/endemic vegetation that originally covered the island and provided habitats for native birds and other species and that filtered our water and helped store it for later use.
To bring back some of what’s been lost, the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative, also known as Legacy Trees, “works to preserve economically viable and sustainable endemic/native Hawaiian forests, protect Hawaii’s endangered species, sequester carbon, and recharge watersheds.” They have planted more than 600,000 endemic trees, and LCH can feel proud that we have joined the cause. Last year, a group of LCHers planted trees on land the organization leases from Gunstock Ranch. Since that parcel of land is almost fully planted now, Legacy Trees recently purchased a new plot of land in Hale‘iwa. The 400-acre parcel was originally owned by Princess Victoria Kamāmalu and will be home to 150,000 newly planted endemic and native trees. Besides the ecological benefits from reforesting the area in native/endemic vegetation, the Hale‘iwa land will have agricultural and cultural uses, too. In fact, the project director says that restoring this land will “serve as a world class example of how agroforestry can sustain both the community and the environment.”
This year, our adventure will be on Saturday, May 25, from 9:00 am to noon, and it promises to be just as exhilarating as last year’s. The present plan is to plant a tree dedicated to the LCH ‘ohana and then plant endangered ferns next to the Hale‘iwa Stream (since this year’s theme is water); we may even get to see Legacy Trees’ new healing garden that’s filled with medicinal plants traditional Hawaiian healers have used for centuries. If spending a Saturday morning submersed in the natural world appeals to you, please see Cindy in the courtyard after church to sign up or email her at cschein@iolani.org.
Please join us Saturday, September 25, at 9:00 am for God’s Work Our Hands Volunteer Day at Sand Island Beach Park. Though not the same day as God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday, this will be LCH’s opportunity to participate in the ELCA’s national day of service. God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday celebrates who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America—one church freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
Reconciling in Christ Sunday is February 2! This annual commemoration recognizes ELCA faith communities that have made public stands; welcoming people of all sexual orientation and gender identities. LCH is proudly included among those congregations, having agreed to become an RIC congregation in 1993.
“Shallow subsidy” is a program that provides short-term financial assistance to help prevent a family-at-risk from losing their housing. In many cases, a few hundred dollars helps a family meet their monthly expenses, making the difference between a stable home or life on the street. We partner with Family Promise, a faith-based organization focused on transitioning families into housing, to launch our shallow subsidy ministry at LCH. An additional goal is ensuring that families retain their housing, which can be challenging with Honolulu’s high cost of living.
Known to audiences around O’ahu, Georgine Stark represents the finest in artistry, virtuosity, and creativity. Georgine Stark, soprano, is joined by the Lutheran Church of Honolulu Choir under the direction of Scott Fikse, violinist, Darel Stark and pianist, Sachi P. Hirakouji in a dynamic program showcasing African-American spirituals.