Ed Johnston maintains the original collection of Hawaiian ‘awa cultivars in Pepe’ekeo, HI. Through his collecting efforts early on and to date, planting material has been made available, revitalizing ‘awa’s cultural and commercial use. Ed and his wife Helen, along with Jerry Konanui, et al. have also made extensive contributions to a contemporary understanding of ‘awa, through their 2006 publication of “Hawaiian ‘Awa – Views of an Ethnobotanical Treasure,” a copy of which is kept on ADC’s website – http://www.awadevelopment.org/library/

L-R by columns, draw a horizontal line thru the center: two Papa kea (‘Apu), two Nene (2), Kumakua, ‘Opihikao, Pana’ewa, Honokaneiki, Luukia (var. papa’ele’ele?), Mahakea, Papaelele puupuu, Papaelele, Hanakapi’ai. Missing Hiwa, Mo’i, and Mapulehu.

Explaining how there’s no rush to transplant.

Going over the Hawaiian ‘awa cultivar collection with Ed Johnston and Jonathan Yee

Please be advised about the next public event: the Hawaii Pacific Islands Kava Festival on October 4, 2014 in Honolulu where ‘awa from the Big Island, Molokai, Oahu and other Pacific islands will be together in one location at the University of Hawaii, McCarthy Mall, Manoa campus – http://kavafestival.org Kava beverage, educational activities, food and music by Chris Salvador, Ernie Cruz, Jr. and others will be featured. Also please be reminded that September 22, 2014 is the last day for pre-orders on the Official Kava Festival T-shirt – http://www.kavafestival.org/official-2014-kava-festival-t-shirts/

Later next year Chaminade University will host a kava symposium, more info later as it becomes available.