Nominations are now being accepted to honor invasive species prevention efforts within Maui County. The Mālama i ka ‘Āina Award is presented annually to a landscaper, plant provider (retail and wholesale nurseries and garden shops), or commercial/agricultural property owner/manager to recognize their efforts to protect Maui County from invasive species.
The award is a cooperative effort of the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, the Maui Invasive Species Committee, and the County of Maui.
The winner will be announced on Saturday, November 4, at the Arbor Day Garden Expo and Hawaiian Tree Giveaway at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. The winner will receive a plaque, a glass sculpture by artist Jupiter Nielsen, a one-year free membership with the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, and local media recognition.
Nominators are requested to explain how the nominee’s activities or decisions have addressed the threat of pests on Maui through their industry. Past Mālama i ka ‘Āina Award recipients were recognized for meaningful efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species, including incorporating codes of conduct in business practices, educating the public and clients about invasive species, and encouraging the use of native species in landscape design.
Nominations are due by Friday, September 15, 2023.
Self-nominations are welcome. There is no fee associated with the award. For more information, call 573-6472, or e-mail miscpr@hawaii.edu.
For more information about the Arbor Day Garden Expo, visit www.arbordayexpo.com.
Past Award Winners:
- 2022: Kevin Gavagan, Four Seasons Resort at Wailea
- 2021: Duane Sparkman, Westin Maui
- 2020: Mark Blietz, Northshore Tropicals
- 2019: Mikala Minn, Mahale Farms in Hana
- 2018: Anna Palomino, Hoʻolawa Farms & Horticulturalist with Plant Extinction Prevention Program
- 2017: Sara Tekula and Joseph Imhoff, Plant a Wish
- 2016: Tamara Sherrill, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
- 2015: Angela Kepler, Author of Bananas of the World,
- 2014: Masako Cordray, Flower grower, vidoeographer
- 2013: Christina Chang, Lokelani Ohana
- 2012: Doug MacCleur, MacCleurʻs Tree Farm, Hailiimaile Pineapple Company
- 2011:Elaine Malina and Sarge McBride, Outdoor Circle, Landscapers
- 2010: Mach Fukada, Hawaii Department of Agriculture
- 2009: Ann Emmsley, University of Hawaii Maui College
- 2008: Native Nursery owners Jonathan Keyser and Ethan Romanchak
- 2007: David and Martha Vockrodt Moran and the Friends of D.T. Fleming Arboretum
- 2006: William Jacintho
- 2005: Nancy Snow, Nursery Manager of Kula Hardware and Nursery
- 2004: Arlene Taus
- 2003: The Maui Tropical Plantation
