Native planting pays tribute to first responders lost on 9/11

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A growing garden at Keehi Lagoon Memorial State Park honors those who lost their lives saving others during the 9/11 terror attacks.

To commemorate the 441 first responders who died at Ground Zero, more than 100 volunteers Saturday planted 441 native species that included pohinahina, naupaka kahakai, and mao hau hele (yellow hibiscus).

Volunteers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Kapiolani Community College, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, and community groups also helped clean the beachfront and park, and learned about the history of Keehi Lagoon.

“What’s important to me is students will always see bad things happening around, and service is a good way to put those anxieties or tough feelings to work, come together as a community, and s