Event Recap: 2025 Conference Tour
Posted on Jan. 6, 2026 / Subscribe 0
2025 Green Industry Conference & Tradeshow: Oʻahu Landscapes Site Tour
Friday, October 3, 2025
Article and photos provided by: Dana Anne Yee, FASLA and Brad Tanimura
2025 Oʻahu Landscapes Site Tour logo
As part of the Landscape Industry Council of Hawaiʻi 2025 Conference & Tradeshow, LICH Board Member Brad Tanimura once again led the planning and organization efforts and personally shuttled the group for this year’s Annual Landscape Site Tour on Friday, October 3rd.
Park Lane Residences – LICH Attendees and Makai Vista from Main Arrival Lobby
1st Stop
We began the tour at The Park Lane Residences, located at 1388 Ala Moana Boulevard, where we were warmly greeted by Tanya d’J, Experience Coordinator and Eric P., the property’s Landscape Maintenance Manager. Tanya and Eric guided us through the beautifully landscaped Park Lane grounds, which feature a world-class modern art collection integrated throughout the property, a signature Hala Tree (Pandanus tectorius) as the centerpiece of the arrival court’s raised planter, and hundreds of native and tropical plant specimens. They also shared details on waterproofing and irrigation systems, as well as the variety of plumeria, rose, and palm species showcased on-site. Thank you, Eric, and Tanya, for sharing the stunning Park Lane Residence art walk and gardens with us—everything looks exceptional!
Selfie - Brad Tanimura
2nd Stop
Our second stop was the Board of Water Supply Halawa Xeriscape Garden at 99-1268 ʻIwaena Street. Michele H., BWS Community Relations Specialist, guided us through the property, sharing insights on the hydrology and geology of the Halawa shaft wells. She led us through the heritage, xeriscape, and native Hawaiian garden zones, pointing out unique plants such as the UH Hybrid Hawaiian Cotton noted for pest resistance and contribution to the local cotton industry. Michele also highlighted her specialty, native plant species, including the Alaheʻe (Psydrax odorata) and the Maʻo hau hele (Hibiscus brackenridgei subsp. molokaiana), native to Molokaʻi. It was an educational and thoroughly enjoyable tour of the Halawa Xeriscape Garden.
Geobunga Outdoor Living Supply Tour at the old Crazy Shirts Headquarters Building, Hālawa Valley
3rd Stop
Just a short drive down the road brought us to our third stop: Geobunga, an Outdoor Living Supply Company located at 99-969 ʻIwaena Street. Geobunga specializes in artful planter pots, decorative pebbles, steppingstones, indoor plants, outdoor furniture, garden sculptures, and more. Our tour was led by Jessica (Commercial Sales), Peter (Store Manager), Sam (Operations Manager), and Dennis (Corporate Regional Sales Manager). We are so grateful to Geobunga for their warm hospitality and for treating our group to a delicious bento lunch. Thank you for showcasing your incredible variety of inspirational garden design products!
Department of Agriculture Plant Quarantine Building Tour
4th Stop
Our fourth stop was the DOA Quarantine Branch at 1849 ʻAuiki Street. Kent D., DOA Educational Specialist, and David I., DOA Plant Quarantine Inspector, delivered an engaging slideshow on the devastating impact of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle on palms, along with other invasive pests threatening Hawai‘i’s ecosystem. They then guided us through the facility, where visitors can view numerous display cases filled with invasive species preserved in jars for educational purposes. DOA’s tireless efforts help prevent the introduction and spread of harmful pests and diseases in our State, while also certifying plants for export. A highlight of the visit was the impressive graphic collage created by Kent, depicting a chronology of invasive species introduced into Hawaiʻi and identified by the DOA, which spans the entire hallway from the arrival lobby to the conference room—a truly remarkable visual display.
Stepped Limestone Pond at the Victoria Ward Park Makai
5th Stop
Our final stop near Ward Avenue, between Auahi Street and Ala Moana Boulevard: The Ala Moana Pedestrian Bridge and Victoria Ward Park Makai Anchor Park. Justin and Kevin of Takano Nakamura Landscaping, Inc. guided our group across the Ala Moana Pedestrian Bridge, over Ala Moana Boulevard, and into the picturesque Victoria Ward Park. This park marks the first phase of a 1.4-acre green space featuring eighteen native plant species, tropical plants, and a 42-station automatic irrigation system. Justin and Kevin also provided printed brochures with graphics illustrating the landscape plans, site history, and an overview of the plant maintenance program - a thoughtful and much-appreciated takeaway for the group.
LICH Members at Victoria Ward Park, Makai
Our tour registrants had a wonderful time exploring diverse landscape spaces and industry-related sites. The hosts and presenters were outstanding, making the day both enjoyable and informative. We cherished the camaraderie of long-time friends and acquaintances while welcoming new connections. Overall, the 2025 Green Industry Conference Tour was an enriching and memorable experience.
LICH Members at Geobunga
For more photos of this event, visit our EVENT GALLERY.
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