About 300 indigenous 'a'ali'i and alahe'e plants will be distributed by the Hoakalei Cultural Foundation today in observance of Arbor Day in Hawai'i.

The giveaway takes place from 8 a.m. to noon at the Keone'ula Elementary School cafeteria, 91-970 Kaileolea Drive, in 'Ewa Beach.

Each tree will include information about traditional Native Hawaiian uses of the plants, as well as plant care.

The event is the first community outreach project undertaken by the foundation, established in 2006 by Ocean Pointe community and Hoakalei Resort developer Haseko to ensure stewardship of the preservation areas within the two areas, as well as to preserve the heritage of the 'Ewa Plain.

Helping distribute the plants will be volunteers from the Boys & Girls Club Hale Pono 'Ewa Beach clubhouse, 'Ewa Beach Lions Club, Keone'ula Elementary School, and representatives from the homeowners' associations in Ocean Pointe.

Future plans for the foundation include workshops about Native Hawaiian and indigenous plants and their cultural uses, as well as lectures about the history and cultural significance of the 'Ewa Plain.

Hoakalei Cultural Foundation board members include president Arline Eaton, vice president Mary Serrao and treasurer Alicia Maluafiti.