Lately it seems like this subject has been coming up in conversations...
When I first learned to weave, I was told "if a tree looks good, someone is probably already taking care of it" and "always ask first, don't go help yourself." More recently, during the talk story session at HalaFest in September, I learned that good sources have become like fishing spots- weavers keep their locations secret. With invasive species like Hala scale wiping out groves, Little Fire Ants taking over Hawaiʻi Island(s), more people taking up ulana lauhala, and overall urbanization, access to local lauhala has diminished over the years. I imagine there is (or should be) common courtesy practices for sourcing lauhala. Here's my opinion on the subject based on what I've been told and observed:
There is a difference between "cleaning" and "harvesting." Cleaning is literally clearing away the weeds and invasives (plants and pests), pulling down the dead leaves, and clearing the tree of debris. Harvesting is like cleaning, but really just pulling down all the dried or dead leaves and taking the good stuff. Eventually, when trees are maintained and well cared for, there is more harvesting than cleaning going on. Being able to just harvest from a reliable source is ideal, but at some point, one needs to be reciprocal and proactive about it.
If you are fortunate enough to have a yard, plant your own tree(s). Hala is relatively easy to propagate and care for (my puhala thrive in spite of my brown thumb). Be careful not to spread diseases/pests in the process though. Hala will grow faster than you think and you'll be harvesting lau in no time. Back in the day, every house had puhala in the yard and a weaver in the family.
If your friend has Hala on their property, after getting permission, bundle the rubbish lau and ask what they want you to do with it (leave in a pile to compost or haul away to green waste, etc.). Also, each time you gather lau, don't show up empty handed, reciprocate with a little gift of some sort or something you made with the lauhala.
Public spaces, condos, hotels, or schools - ask the groundskeepers or custodians for permission or who to ask for permission. If you are allowed to harvest, leave the rubbish lau in neat bundles. If they say no, it may be due to security or liability issues. Talk to your landscaper friends, they may be able to help make connections.
Community gardens - are not really "public spaces." Community gardens are a community of volunteers and program coordinators that have regular access. The general public is only welcome during specific events. Be prepared to volunteer for work days in order to access the garden.
Join a club or hui. They may have &/or mālama their own grove. Participate in their work days.
Remember:
- Be discreet and respectful.
- Always ask for permission before harvesting.
- Bundle the rubbish lau and either leave in neat piles or haul away the green waste.
- Be careful to not transfer invasive pests and diseases. Hala scale and LFA are devastating and require forever vigilance. (Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle too)
- Help pull weeds, treat for invasives if applicable, and actually care for the puhala - not just harvest the leaves.
- It's bad form to harvest (or expect to) after other weavers have invested years caring for those now nice looking trees.
- Plant or find a neglected tree of your own to mālama and harvest from. Hala is culturally significant and we can never have too many in Hawaiʻi.
- It's all about relationships, respect, and reciprocity.