Lei booths at Merrie Monarch
Lei making, giving, and wearing have profound personal, spiritual, and cultural importance.Thus, a lei is given special care even after it has been worn. How you ho‘iho‘i (return) your lei to the ‘āina is a personal choice.
The fungus that causes ROD can travel in the soil, wood, and plant material of infected ‘ōhi‘a, there is great risk in moving materials, especially to other islands or uninfected areas. Infected trees may show no symptoms of ROD, and it’s impossible to know without lab testing.
Here are some safe ways you can ho‘iho‘i your lei during this Merrie Monarch Season
Lei can be left at any of these locations in provided Hoʻihoʻi baskets
Division of Forestry and Wildlife 19 East Kawili Street. Hilo Hawai‘i, 96720
Hilo and Kona Airports Plant Quarantine Kiosks Ho‘iho‘i Areas
Lei can also be returned safely to the forests located on Saddle Road (between 12 & 16 mile markers)
Please remember to remove any non biodegradable materials from lei.