Question: How can I get a plot in a community garden on Oahu?
Answer: There are 10 community garden sites in the city’s Community Recreational Gardening Program. You did not mention which site you’d prefer, but the application process is the same for all 10, although the fees do vary by location. The city provides the land and water, and the gardener provides everything else.
To apply for a plot, you must attend a regular meeting of your preferred garden to fill out an application; applicants must be at least 18 years old. If no plots are available, you’ll be placed on a waiting list and must attend subsequent meetings to await an opening. You must be present at the meeting to be assigned a plot, according to the program’s website.
The website lists Oahu’s community gardens; the dates, times and locations of their regular meetings; and the costs to join. If you lack Internet access or have questions not covered on the website, call the community garden coordinator at 522-7063 for more information.
On the website you’ll also find a link to the rules that apply to all the gardens, including: Any produce grown cannot be sold; herbicide use is prohibited and pesticide use is limited; extra-thirsty plants such as wetland taro, watercress and lotus are not allowed; and families or households are limited to a single plot.
The gardens range in size from 32 plots (Dole) to 465 (Wahiawa), and space is perennially at a premium.
If you are unable to get growing space right away and want to learn more about gardening while you are waiting, the Oahu Urban Garden Center is one helpful resource. The demonstration garden in Pearl City is affiliated with the University of Hawaii and offers regular workshops, free tours and other activities to encourage and assist home gardeners. Volunteers are welcome. You can learn more at 808ne.ws/24VMgXJ.
Smoke alert
The Army began its annual prescribed burn in the Schofield Barracks training range complex Monday. The plan is to systematically burn about 1,200 acres of guinea grass and other vegetation over the course of this week, thereby reducing the risk of uncontrolled wildfires later in this dry El Nino year, according to the Army.
Drought conditions expected to persist through the summer have authorities warning of a heightened risk of wildfires throughout the state (808ne.ws/1TkyhW1).
This week’s controlled burn will occur during the day, and Army firefighters will remain on-site each night to monitor the area. The Army said it has coordinated with the state Department of Health’s Clean Air Branch and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure all state, federal and Army standards are met.
Mahalo
Our Leeward Jaguars Special Olympics team had four athletes participate in the 41st Annual Wahiawa Pineapple Run on May 14. We would like to send out a huge mahalo to the Central Oahu Chief Petty Officers Association, and especially to Senior Chief Dan, for the “VIP” treatment they extended to our special athletes, which made the day that much more exciting and memorable for our athletes and their parents. Their kindness and concern were sincere. The extra attention they gave to our athletes helped to boost our athletes’ confidence and self-esteem. What a wonderful day our athletes had thanks to the Central Oahu CPOA. Our athletes are already asking to do it again next year. … Thank you also for your service to our country. — Sincerely, “Coach” Jim Ritchie
Mahalo
I would like to thank everyone who came to my aid May 5 when I tripped and fell face-forward onto the sidewalk near the intersection of Piikoi Street and Kapiolani Boulevard. They stayed with me, called the ambulance and applied compresses to stop the profuse bleeding of my forehead. Kai helped the building manager fill out an incident report. Everyone showed such kindness and compassion. I thank each and every one of you. May God bless you all! — A grateful senior
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
