David,
thanks for posting this. I've always been fascinated by the Hawaiian wood scene.
One thing that always gets me it the amount of their work that's done using softwoods. Okay they are far nicer than our softwoods but outside of a few (Macrocarpia & Monkey Puzzle etc.) we don't normally consider softwoods for ornamental turning.
So true when it comes to our use of the softer woods, then we did see a lot of pine used in Lamps, Newels and Spindles, not to mention the wide use in Construction, again Stairs and Furniture.
Is it Monkey Puzzle, or as seen in a lot with their work and NIP .. Norfolk Island Pine .. I love to see those pieces.
Softwoods can be deceiving, yet turn an finish equally well as Hardwoods and some of those take something to finish. With Macrocarpa, a branch I felled for Oliver Plant, He turned the most delightful bracelets from most of the timber, just goes to show what can be turned.
Cheers David