09/21/22 – HO'OULU 'ĀINA DIRECTOR RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FROM …

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON For Immediate Release:  September 21, 2022 HO‘OULU ‘ĀINA DIRECTOR RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FROM FORESTERS’ ASSOCIATION  To view video please click on photo or view at this link: https://vimeo.com/750163192 (HONOLULU) – Nestled at the back of Kalihi Valley, staff and volunteers for Ho’oulu ‘Āina work to harvest locally-grown plants for food and indigenous medicine. Operating under a recently extended 35-year lease, administered by the DLNR Division of State Parks, Ho’oulu ‘Āina is led by Puni Jackson. She’s described as a passionate, dedicated indigenous woman, community leader, and health practitioner who understands and teaches how the health of our forests, and the health of our communities are inextricably linked, as a kinship relationship. This morning the National Association of State Foresters recognized Jackson with its annual leadership award. She was nominated by Heather McMillen, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) Urban and Community Forester. “Puni has a deep understanding of the essential role of forests in people’s lives and the holistic nature of urban and community forestry,” McMillen wrote in her nomination. “The innovative programming at Ho’oulu ‘Āina grows the resilience of Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander community members, while also opening…
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