Do you care about protecting Hawaii’s precious places for the future? Help the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust carry out its mission: “To protect the lands that sustain us for current and future generations.”

It’s easy; just attend HILT’s 14th Buy Back the Beach Benefit Luau on Saturday, Jan. 24, at Old Lahaina Luau.

The annual benefit under the stars at Old Lahaina Luau will feature live music, hula and an upscale menu created by Chef Ivan Pahk and his culinary team from Aloha Mixed Plate, Star Noodle, Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop and the luau.

Hawaiian Islands Land Trust is a statewide, nationally accredited nonprofit land conservation organization.

HILT has helped protect many areas on Maui, including seabird nesting habitat on Hawea Point in Kapalua, 223 acres at Makila Nui in Launiupoko, 11,051 acres at Ulupalakua Ranch, 277 acres in the Waihee Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge and many coastal tracts in East Maui.

Its bold promise is to keep these important places open forever.

The group asks, “What sustains you: snorkeling, surfing or a great day at the beach; getting good and dirty restoring a taro lo’i or native forest; locally grown food; a quiet walk in nature; shoreline fishing with friends and family; enjoying the iconic island scenery during your daily commute? Perhaps it’s reconfirming our shared identity as the people of Hawaii through visiting cultural and archeological sites and learning the stories of the life of the land?

“In Hawaii, the things that sustain us are quite literally all around us, all gifts from the land, and all in dire need of permanent protection through conservation. With your help, we can make this happen.”

Tickets are $150 per person or $1,200 for a table of eight. For information, call 244-5263, e-mail events@hilt.org or visit www.hilt.org/BBTB.

Help HILT preserve Maui’s open spaces.