Spotlight Interview: Jeff Dunster, Executive Director, Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative
O‘ahu Visitors Bureau
eNewsletter March 2019
Today’s traveling families want to share unique experiences that enable them to make real connections and a positive impact in the destinations they visit. On Oahu, visitors can take part in a major reforestation effort while enjoying spectacular North Shore scenery with Hawaiian Legacy Tours at Gunstock Ranch.
“Planting a tree is a deeply meaningful way to honor a family member or loved one while giving back to the local community,” explains Jeff Dunster, executive director of the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative.
Visitors select, plant, and dedicate their own Legacy Tree in the Oahu Legacy Forest at Gunstock Ranch. Once home, they can track the location and growth of their tree online via radio-frequency identification (RFID). A photo and video of each family planting their tree is permanently linked to their tree online. At Gunstock Ranch, guests can plant their trees on the Planter’s Experience or enhance their day with horseback riding, off road touring, or even a helicopter adventure which all showcase the magnificent surroundings and ocean views.
“Planting trees on Oahu connects families to Hawaii and to the next generation while giving people a reason to return here,” continues Dunster. “Families come back to see their trees and others come to see trees that were planted in their names. They are then inspired to plant trees themselves. One family even planted a family forest of one-thousand trees.”
“People have celebrated weddings and anniversaries with tree plantings. One family with 17 members came and planted trees for their grandparents. There is rarely a dry eye when people plant their trees. One guest told me who surprised she was by how much she had to say to her tree,” explains Lilia Tollfesen, chief operating officer at Gunstock Ranch
The Oahu Legacy Forest at Gunstock Ranch was launched one year ago and will eventually cover 500 acres of the 900-acre property. Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative launched their first Legacy Forest on Hawaii Island a decade ago where there are now over 400,000 trees on 1,200 acres at Kukaiau Ranch and a 700-acre Legacy Forest at Kahua Ranch.
Just a year in, the reforestation effort at Gunstock Ranch has been very special according to Tollfesen: “Most trees have a story because they are planted by people who want to do something for the Earth. Tree planting has created a unique opportunity for people to come, connect, and give back to the land. People get their hands dirty and feel the mana or spirit of the plants and the land.”
Families become directly involved in a truly sustainable project when tree planting at Gunstock Ranch. “Helping restore the Hawaiian forest allows visitors to make a lasting impact,” says Dunster. “Families become more than just visitors, they become part of the environmental and cultural fabric of Hawaii.”
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