A Local Action
E malama i ka ‘aina, Hawaiian for respect the land. A mantra for our islands that are small and with limited local resources. We are the most remote islands in the world and though most building materials and furniture are shipped in from other places, anytime I can integrate local furniture or re-purpose existing materials, it feels like I am paying respect to the lands. It also lends to a more unique story, I think of a neighbor whose home was transported from Waikiki to Monsarrat Avenue during the hotel boom of the 1950s & 1960s. This home could have been demolished and placed in the landfill but was raised on a truck bed and transplanted 1 mile from its original location for a new family to create memories in.
We can’t all afford to re-root a new home though resourcefulness comes in many scales. Another option is to invest in local manufacturing as much as possible. Local manufacturing is more environmentally sustainable, especially when using local materials. It also increases and diversifies jobs in the local economy.
I recently connected with Danny Ovryn, the founder of Rust & Root. Rust & Root is a local woodworking shop based in Waimanalo. They create furniture with wood harvested from fallen trees of Oahu. Danny’s inspiration for his industry are clear “I chose to make furniture because I’ve always loved working with my hands, and I crave the freedom to be creative… One of my greatest goals is to provide opportunities for young people in our community to start a career in the trades… (In) order for that to be possible, the manufacturing has to stay local, or those opportunities won’t existing (here).”
Every time I can specify locally made furniture in my designs, I have the pride of giving back. Not only by supporting local industry and local resources but most importantly supporting the local community.