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Buy Back the Beach Benefit Luau slated in Lahaina

By Staff | Jan 15, 2015

LAHAINA – It’s that time of year to show how much we love Hawaii by protecting our precious lands. Hawaiian Islands Land Trust last week announced that “Malama Kipuka,” the 14th annual Buy Back the Beach Benefit Luau, will be held at Old Lahaina Luau on Jan. 24.

The evening will commence with an oceanfront cocktail reception followed by a family-style feast accompanied with live entertainment. This year, Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners Na Hoa will headline the event to show their love of the ‘aina and support conservation. Malika Dudley will serve as emcee.

The community event will raise critical funds to ensure special places – including beaches, stunning scenic vistas, forests, cultural sites, ranches and farms from Hawaii Island to Maui, Oahu and Kauai – remain vibrant and protected for current and future generations.

The benefit luau will feature world-class live entertainment, including Hawaiian steel guitar by Joel Katz.

Guests will experience a special menu collaborated by the Na Hoaloha ‘Ekolu family of restaurants (Old Lahaina Luau, Aloha Mixed Plate, Star Noodle & Leoda’s).

“Adventures of the ‘Aina” auction items include rare experiences, including a private tour of WS Merwin’s palm forest, a helicopter ride and hike to the top of the West Maui Mountains provided by the Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve, and luxurious inter-island getaways centered on the theme of saving our precious lands.

To reserve tables and purchase tickets for the benefit luau, call 244-5263 or visit www.hilt.org/BBTB.

Hawaiian Islands Land Trust is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The first and only nationally accredited local land trust in Hawaii has a mission to protect lands for current and future generations.

HILT has conserved over 17,500 acres to date statewide, via perpetual conservation easements and fee simple ownership, on a number of properties with various conservation values important to residents and visitors alike.

“We save critical lands that nourish all who love Hawaii now and in the future – like our new Maunawila Heiau Preserve protected on Oahu earlier this year, our Kahili Beach Preserve, a popular surf spot for Kauai’s North Shore residents, and the active restoration of our Waihee Refuge on Maui once populated with two thriving ancient Hawaiian villages, which makes it one of the most significant cultural sites in the state. We see our green conserved lands as kipuka (a raised island of native forest and plants situated in the middle of a recent lava ?ow),” said Executive Director Ted Clement.

“Where these ancient oases still exist, we want to save them, as they are, in perpetuity so they can continue to feed our minds, bodies and spirits.”

“It is an exciting time at Hawaiian Islands Land Trust,” said Carol Gentz, HILT development director. “During the past year, we hired an Oahu island director and protected our first preserve, Maunawila Heiau, on Oahu, added to the Kipuka Mosaic on Hawaii Island, achieved National Accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, signed our first Conservation Collaboration with Kihei Charter School on Maui, and secured a historic conservation easement on the worldclass palm forest owned by W.S. Merwin and his wife, Paula.”

Sponsorship opportunities for the benefit are available to ensure that HILT continues to make a lasting green difference throughout Hawaii.

This year’s sponsors include Rising Sun Solar, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, Skyline Eco Adventures, Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers and the Valkirs ‘Ohana.