April 18, 2005
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Witherspoon
or Jocelyn Collado
Becker Communications
(808) 533-4165
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMY GREENWELL ETHNOBOTANICAL GARDEN TO OFFER FREE TOUR IN MAY

Ma'o hau hele is blooming at the Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden. This delicate yellow-flowered hibiscus has one of the most beautiful Native Hawaiian blossoms and is now a very rare plant in the wild. Visitors can learn more about ma'o hau hele and other Hawaiian plants on a guided tour of the Garden on Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 10 a.m.

The tour covers a half mile of easy walking, takes about an hour and a half, and includes a look at many of the most important plant resources of traditional Hawaiian culture. The tour is free, but donations are encouraged and reservations are suggested for large groups.

The Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden is a Bishop Museum facility, located in South Kona on the Mamalahoa Highway. For more information, visit www.bishopmuseum.org or call (808) 323-3318.

The Saturday tour is an initiative under the Office of Innovation and Improvement of the U.S. Department of Education. Education through Cultural & Historical Organizations, also known as ECHO, provides educational enrichment to Native and non-Native children and lifelong learners. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education.