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For Immediate Release
July 23, 2018

BWS to Hold 30th Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House & Unthirsty Plant Sale on August 4

HONOLULU – The Board of Water Supply (BWS) will celebrate the 30th Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale on Saturday, August 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All of the activities at this admission-free event are focused on xeriscaping, an innovative way to conserve water through efficient landscaping.

"The BWS is thankful to have a wonderful partnership with the Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden which enables us to put on such an entertaining and educational event every year. This relationship has allowed us to provide thousands of people with the ability to conserve water while enhancing the beauty of their homes with plants and trees," said BWS Manager Ernest Lau. "I hope the community will attend our 30th annual plant sale and share this special occasion with us."

The plant sale will be a fun-filled day the whole family can enjoy. Event-goers can expect the following:

  • More than ten local nurseries providing a variety of less-thirsty and native plants such as bromeliads, crassula, mondo grass, sansevieria, and more.
  • Xeriscape workshops by garden experts.
  • Live onstage entertainment:
    • Storytelling by Lopaka Kapanui
    • Royal Hawaiian Band Glee Club
  • Social media contest, play to win awesome prizes.
  • Keiki activities.
  • Educational booths and plant crafts.
  • Free soil conditioner.
  • Cactus and Succulent Society of Hawaii display of award-winning cacti and succulents. 
  • A Water for People food concession where food sales proceeds support safe drinking water and sanitation projects in third world countries. 

Xeriscaping is based on seven fundamental principles that serve as guidelines on how to plan, plant, and maintain a garden that takes advantage of natural climate conditions to make efficient use of irrigation. Some of the principles include growing “unthirsty” plants, using mulch, and installing proper irrigation. To learn more about xeriscaping, the Halawa Xeriscape Garden, or water-saving tips, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com.

Proceeds from the plant sale help support beautification plans and educational activities at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden. The open house is co-sponsored by the Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden, a non-profit community group that supports educational programs related to water conservation in the landscape. The Halawa Xeriscape Garden is located at 99-1268 Iwaena Street, in Halawa Valley’s Central Park industrial area.

About the Board of Water Supply

The Board of Water Supply (BWS), a semi-autonomous agency of the City and County of Honolulu, manages Oahu’s municipal water resources and distribution system.  As the largest water utility in the State, the BWS serves approximately one million customers on Oahu.  The BWS embraces its mission of “Water for Life – Ka Wai Ola” – to provide a safe, dependable, and affordable water supply, now and into the future.  Uwē  ka lani, ola ka honua – “When the heavens weep, the earth lives.”  For more information, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com.

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Contact:

Kathleen Elliott-Pahinui
Information Officer
Honolulu Board of Water Supply
Phone: (808) 748-5319