Kenneth Duane Sparkman is the embodiment of an advocate and arborist, focusing his life’s work on landscape management and preserving the watersheds of Maui. So when the 2023 Lahaina fires ravaged the land, Sparkman sprang to action, creating a nonprofit called Treecovery that works in tandem with cultural advisors on mindful replanting and reforestation, providing free trees to residents and businesses in Lahaina and Kula who lost their vegetation. Here, the founder and president of Treecovery and chief engineer at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows shares his vision for the future of West Maui.
Courtesy of Treecovery Hawaii
Can you talk a bit about exactly what was lost? Why is that relevant to the greater ecosystem?
21,000 trees were removed from Lahaina by the Army Corps with 400 acres of forest and residential trees burned, resulting in a mudslide that closed South Kihei Road for over a month. Replanting will stabilize Kula’s deforested hillsides, and replanting trees in Lahaina will lower the general heat, bring food availability back, as well as cultural trees for healing, evapotranspiration for more rain, and a general sense of regrowth.
What native species are you prioritizing for replanting and why?
At least 95% of what was burnt was non-native or invasive … We’re promoting all native trees that will thrive in the habitats of Kula and Lahaina. Wiliwili, Koaia, Aalii, Ohia, Naio, Kamani, Hala, Kokiokeokeo, Milo, Iliahialoe, Pokalakala, Loulu, Ulu, Coconut, Noni—all for water reduction, cultural use, and/or medicine.
How does the tourism industry play into this effort to regrow and rebuild?
We have partnered with 13 resorts, a vodka distillery, a brewery, a 1,400-acre agricultural plantation, Royal Lahaina Resort, and Maui’s Kahului Airport. All of these locations are sharing a chance for their employees and guests to get involved in the healing process. There are a few different ways travelers can get involved with Treecovery, including participating in a “Hub Crawl” to several local hubs to help with plant maintenance, potting trees, clearing invasive species at Hua Momona Farms, and supporting on-site planting.
Pacific Dreams Photography
Why is it important for travelers to contribute to relevant recovery efforts?
Maui is an island with finite resources, and visitors should have a sense of kuleana (responsibility without burden) when visiting this fragile ecosystem. In addition to supporting the local community, finding opportunities to volunteer often allows you to meet like-minded people who could end up being lifelong connections.
Can you describe the role of native trees and land stewardship in Hawaiian culture (mālama ’āina)?
All native trees have a role to play in the ecosystem; the symbiotic relationships these trees have are incredible. The Iliahialoe, Hawaiian sandalwood, latches onto a host tree and shares nutrients. The Kumulipo for example, explains how the red blossoms of the Wiliwili tree signal shark mating season. These trees were looked at as gods. They were used for medicines, fire creation, waterproofing, house-building materials, sailing canoe materials, cultural adornments, and weapons. Āina is the entire cycle of life including humans; we are part of the āina. As we interact and repair the āina, we repair ourselves.