Native Alien

Ahinahina, Haleakala National Park, Maui

Metallic Arrowy Being. Descended from the Outer Space onto the lava sands of Haleakala. This is my first impression of Ahinahina. A close cousin of Ahinahina from Mauna Kea. Shares the same Name. And similar Life Story. She came to these volcanic grounds when there were very few others around. The extremes of sun, cold, and thirst shaped her un-Earthly form. And they made Her the Ultimate Survivor... until the humans came with their menagerie of serial killers. Pushing Her to the brink of extinction. Today, these same humans are coming to her rescue. NO MORE grazing. The grazers have been evicted from the Park. NO MORE kicking, collecting, touching. Clean up your acts! Otherwise, heavy fines will follow. WHAT A THREAT! We humans still DO NOT GET IT! Do we?

Refuge to Endangered

Mauna Kea, Hawai’i aka Big island

Her Hawaiian name is ‘ahinahina. Others call her Mauna Kea Silversword for a reason. She lives nowhere else on Earth. Born and Raised high-up, on the slopes of Mauna Kea. With Sun and Cold. Where very few others can survive. Silver leaves protect her from the Sun. And help her conserve water. Flowers only once, at the end of her long life. Today nearly extinct, She lives on small pieces of land, fenced-off from the predators humans brought on the Island. Small gesture? Or an attempt to escape the torment of self guilt.