Hawaiʻi Land Trust is a 501 (c) (nonprofit) land conservation organization that is devoted to safeguarding and protecting the coastal lands of Maui Nui for the benefit of the natural environment and of current and future generations. This initiative is the continuation of nearly two decades of conservation work, and today, the Land Trust safeguards more than 17,000 acres of land in the Hawaiian Islands through a variety of conservation and land ownership easements. In some cases, such as the Waihe'e refuge, the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust owns the land and has implemented long-term restoration projects. Before Hawaiian Islands Land Trust acquired ownership of the land in 2004, Waihe'e planned to become a destination golf resort.
There are several ways to support Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, whether it's a family volunteering their vacation or a sponsoring company interested in making a donation. If you're in Maui, consider joining the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust's weekly workday, held every Friday at the Waihe'e Wetland and Coastal Dune Refuge, from 8:00 to 12:00 p.m.Land trusts work with landowners who are interested in preserving open spaces and conserving land by acquiring or assisting with land. The Maui Coastal Land Trust was established in 2001 to help connect government agencies with private landowners and community groups in an effort to protect Maui's shorelines, coastal landscapes, and cultural resources. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said it supported the acquisition of land in Maka'alae because it recognized it as a resource “locally organized and broadly inclusive.” The Kauai Public Land Trust, the Oahu Land Trust, the Maui Coastal Land Trust, and the Island of Hawaii Land Trust merged to form the Islands Land Trust. Apolitical in nature, the Hawaii Islands Land Trust works with private landowners, community groups, community leaders and government partners to protect Hawaii's precious lands.
In support of the nonprofit organization for the month of January, members of the Hawaiian Paddle Sports team, Maui Kayak Adventures, Maui Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Maui Surf Lessons and Hawaii Mermaid Adventures dedicated the afternoon to restoring Maui's native coastal ecosystems with the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust. Shane Sinenci, Maui County Councilmember and resident in East Maui, stated last week that this is a historic moment for the Hana community. In recent years, Hawaii Islands Land Trust staff have documented the residence of eight different endangered species, including native Hawaiian birds, such as the ae'o (stilt), the alae ke'oke'o (coot), the koloa (duck) and the nene (goose).The mission of preserving Maui's coastal land is an essential one that requires commitment from both private landowners and government agencies alike. The Maui Coastal Land Trust works hard to guarantee that these lands are safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.
Through their efforts, they are able to acquire land from private landowners who are interested in protecting open spaces and conserving land. They also collaborate with government partners to make sure that these lands are properly managed and maintained for future generations. The Hawaiian Islands Land Trust is an invaluable asset when it comes to preserving Maui's coastal lands. By working with private landowners and government agencies alike, they are able to ensure that these lands are protected for future generations to enjoy. Through their dedication and hard work, they are able to acquire land from private landowners who are interested in protecting open spaces and conserving land.
