MAALAEA – On Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, families and local businesses are invited to Malama Maui Nui’s first annual fundraiser, “The Hukilau: Pulling Together for Maui’s Resources” from 6 to 9 p.m. at Maui Ocean Center.

Tickets are now on sale for this annual party that raises money to foster community stewardship for our ‘aina.

In tradition, a hukilau was a festive harvesting of fish by many members of the community, casting a large net and then together pulling it back to shore.

The word comes from “huki,” meaning to pull, and “lau,” meaning leaves. All who helped gather shared in the harvest.

Since 1982, Malama Maui Nui has been empowering the community to malama ‘aina together, working to build resources, networks and a volunteer base to keep our lands and water clean and healthy.

In the fiscal year 2018 alone, MMN facilitated over 1,885 volunteers and collected over 550,000 pounds of trash from Maui beaches, parks and roadways.

“We look forward to celebrating with those who have been long-time supporters as well as those just joining our efforts, and are very excited to continue creating intentional and long-lasting partnerships. It’s this laulima approach that drives the success of our programs, which bring community together to protect the environment. Malama Maui Nui is poised to become the hub of community organized projects around our islands, and we are grateful for the generous support that allows us to continue facilitating these collaborations,” said Gabrielle Schuerger, executive director.

Tova Callender, Malama Maui Nui’s president of the Board of Directors, also wanted to stress how the organization is shifting to community empowerment instead of simply cleaning up trash.

“We are so excited to diversify the way we connect with the community beyond just volunteering at cleanups throughout the year,” she explained.

The hukilau party will feature a delicious buffet, free drink tickets with an additional cash bar, live dinner music, a silent auction, games, photo station and, of course, Maui Ocean Center’s amazing sea critters!

Event admission will be $150, and funds raised will benefit Malama Maui Nui’s environmental stewardship programs.

This is an exclusive evening event for the entire family; children of all ages are welcome to attend.

To purchase tickets, visit www.malamamauinui.org. To help sponsor the event, contact Francine Yamamoto at francine@malamamauinui.org or (808) 877-2524.

To donate a silent auction item, contact Sarah Bryan at mclane@makaliigroup.com.