18 Acres Untouched - Hawaii

[movingviolation]

Hi, I was hoping you all could point me in the right direction... My family owns 18 acres of land of the Big Island of Hawaii, the land has been untouched for 50+ years, in fact I dont believe the land was ever used. Ive been told (havent had the chance to fly out there yet) that the area is covered with bamboo. Im actually planning on making use of that large area so everything would have to be cleared out. Anyway, my question is, what would you recommend I do with 18 acres worth of bamboo? I dont know where to even start to look for buyers.

Thanks Guys
_Kevin

[Mark Meckes]

Hi Kevin,
The first step would be to ID the species.
Also is it one species of bamboo or numerous species?

Bamboo species are not all equal in regards to their uses or market potential.

Do you have any photos of the bamboo?

Mark

[movingviolation]

Hey Mark,
Identifying the plants would probably be my best first step. Unfortunately I havent gotten a chance to see any of it in person. I'm just going on what Im told by my grandmother. From what I understand though, there are numerous species.

[saxofoner]

I'm interested. Keep us updated. Please. :D

[Mark Meckes]

Check this out! 2006 is a big year for bamboo in Hawaii.

OCTOBER 19th – 23rd, 2006
The American Bamboo Society will be having it's 27th Annual National Conference at Hilo, Hawaii. There will also be pre and post conference tours of places of bamboo interest.
See this Post for details (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1827)

[dominpuna]

Kevin, I live on the Big Island. Much of the value of your bamboo and land depends on where the property is located. If the land has never been touched, you my well need a D-9 caterpiller tractor to extract the bamboos. The Bamboo Society is hosting a big bamboo conference here this fall...a great opportunity to sell plants if they are unusual. Most of the bamboos we see in large areas are Bambusa vulgaris vittata. E-bay is another site to sell...but shipping from Hawaii to other locations can be tricky. Better check with your local Agriculture Department.
Good luck!
dominpuna

[CaroleMeckes]

Hi Kevin,
Before you remove the bamboo - keep in mind that the bamboo is helping to hold the land together and control erosion and helps to prevent mudslides. Once the bamboo is gone, what would be there to hold the soil together?

I've seen one location, where the bamboo and roots (rhizomes) were removed and after a big rain, the area looked like a pond with standing water (before when the bamboo was still there - the water got absorbed by the bamboo).

It may be wiser to work with the existing bamboo and use it to enhance the new landscape. You have the advantage of having established plants.
Carole