Nelson Crabbe and Nikola Rodriguez
Nelson Crabbe and Nikola Rodriguez
‘Awa Bird Nursery
Hilo, Hawai’i
‘Awa Bird Nursery is a small organic nursery committed to growing ancestral Hawaiian crops, including kalo (taro), ulu (breadfruit), and ‘awa (kava). These sister plants, often grown together, are called '“canoe plants" because they were deemed so important to the culture that they made it onto the canoes that landed on the islands. Local availability of these crops will increase food security for native Hawaiians, offering locals more affordable, healthy options for food and beverages.
One in six Hawaiians experience food insecurity. About 85-90% of Hawaii’s food is imported, which makes it particularly vulnerable to natural disasters and global events that might disrupt shipping and the food supply. Local farms offer an option to increase environmental sustainability, lower food costs, and preserve this ancient way of growing food.
‘Awa Bird Nursery won a business competition on the Big Island and was awarded $10,000 cash and an agricultural land agreement for 5 1/2 acres on Kamehameha Schools land. Nelson, who has a background in Hawaiian studies, agriculture and tropical plant science. and his partner, Nikola, are planting ‘Awa Bird Nursery with ancestral crops that will regenerate an ancient tradition.
“What makes ‘Awa Bird special is that it will grow and sell all of the 13 known Hawaiian cultivars of ‘awa at a really affordable price.” said Nelson. ‘Awa has a long and rich history in Hawai’ian and Polynesian cultures and has been cultivated for over 3000 years. It is a highly valued crop and will be offered for sale to local distributors and shops. “‘Awa is used for ceremonial drinks in native Hawai’ian culture as well as for medicine. Most of the ‘awa that is available is quite expensive and so not available for most native communities.”
Nelson hopes the use of the ‘awa plant, consumed as a relaxing beverage, will reduce the overuse of alcohol, which has been destructive to many native Hawai’ian communities.
‘Awa and ulu (breadfruit) are sister plants and can be planted together to increase production. Along with taro, these harvests will offer local communities more affordable access to these foods.
Planting these ancestral crops on an organic farm will also help restore the island land. The nursery has already been offered additional adjoining land to expand the work of the farm.
About Nelson and Nikola:
Nelson was born in Honolulu and then moved to the Big Island, the home of his mother’s family. “I’ve always had a connection to this island. After I had my first child, I figured moving to this island was more sustainable. There’s more land and opportunity.” Nelson works full time as an electrician and Nikola is in the process of completing a master’s degree in marine science.
