Environmental issues are crucial for the long-term sustainability of any community, and it’s reassuring to know that Maui County takes them seriously. It’s also encouraging to know that there are federal and state agencies working to protect the natural resources in the area. With everyone working together, it’s possible to reduce pollution, protect wildlife and their habitats, and ensure that the ʻāina (land), wai (water), and ea (air) remain healthy for future generations.
These are just a few examples of the many community organizations in Maui County that are doing important work for the environment. If you’re interested in getting involved, consider donating your time or resources to one of these groups, or others like them. Every little bit helps to make a difference in protecting our natural resources for future generations.
ALOHA RECYCLING
A Certified Redemption Center for your HI5 beverage containers. They also take aluminum cans, glass bottles, a variety of paper types, and cardboard. They operate five locations across the island.
808-871-8544; Aloha-recycling.com
‘AO‘AO O NA LOKO I‘A O MAUI
Ao‘ao O Nā Loko I‘a O Maui has two main programs: rebuilding and maintaining Kō‘ie‘ie Fishpond with community assistance, and education through hosting groups who learn about the value of Hawaiian fishponds in our culture and environment.
808-359-1172; Mauifishpond.com
AUWAHI FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT
A grassroots, community-based effort working in collaboration with ʻUlupalakua Ranch to save tracts of highly endangered dry forest at Auwahi as biological and cultural sanctuaries.
CORAL REEF ALLIANCE
Taking a “ridge to reef” approach to restore the natural function of an ahupua‘a (watershed) to filter stormwater and absorb nutrients, sediments and other chemicals.
EAST MAUI WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP
Watersheds are our source of water, culture and biodiversity. They are also home to an incredible menagerie of rare and endangered plants, birds, and bugs. East Maui Watershed and partners want to ensure that Maui’s residents have a clean source of water for domestic, commercial, and agricultural uses.
808-573-699; Eastmauiwatershed.org
HAWAIʻI NATURE CENTER
Hawai‘i Nature Center seeks to foster awareness, appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of Hawai‘i’s environment by educating children with an interactive and immersive approach.
808-244-6500; Hawaiinaturecenter.org
HAWAIʻI WILDLIFE FUND
Dedicated to the conservation of Hawaiʻi’s wildlife, HWF protects native species and habitats, and provides environmental education opportunities for community members and visitors.
808-280-8124; Wildhawaii.org
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS LAND TRUST
Hawaiʻi Land Trust is committed to properly stewarding protected land. Their stewardship approach rests on the three pillars of aloha ʻāina (love of the land), moʻokūauhau (genealogy), and mālama ʻāina (caring for and honoring the land). Ultimately, with the goal lying in building pilina (association, relationship and connection), while improving biodiversity, productivity and resilience of the ʻāina.
808-244-5263; Hilt.org
KIHEI COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Led by an all-volunteer, elected board of directors. KCA works with county and state government, law enforcement, other community organizations, and businesses, on growth, sustainability, infrastructure, and quality of life issues.
508-499-9996; Gokihei.org
KIPUKA OLOWALU
Established in perpetuity as the reorganized Olowalu Cultural Reserve, the growing organization is a dedicated space for Hawaiian culture amidst the development of land in the area.
LEEWARD HALEAKALĀ WATERSHED RESTORATION PARTNERSHIP
A coalition formed in 2003, by 11 private and public landowners and supporting agencies. The partnership’s goal is to restore dryland forests on the leeward slopes of Haleakalā from Makawao through ‘Ulupalakua to Kaupō.
808-573-8989; Lhwrp.org
MALAMA MAUI NUI
One of more than 600 affiliates of Keep America Beautiful, MMN’s mission is to educate, inspire and empower residents and visitors.
808-877-2524; Malamamauinui.org
MAUI CULTURAL LAND
MCL is a grassroots land trust organization, with a mission to stabilize, protect and restore Hawaiian cultural resources. The small organization operates on the basis of volunteerism targeting Hawaiian cultural lands along the coast and inland areas.
808-276-5593; Mauiculturallands.org
MAUI GREEN & BEAUTIFUL
Defending Maui trees and educating the Maui community. They support the preservation and conservation of the natural coast of Kanaha Beach Park and the Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary.
MAUI NUI BOTANICAL GARDENS
Dedicated to the protection of Maui Nui’s rich native plants and cultural heritage. MNBG provides a gathering place for discovery, education, and conservation.
808-249-2798; Mnbg.org
MAUI NUI MARINE RESOURCE COUNCIL
Healthy coral reefs, clean ocean water, and abundant native fish is their vision. They believe that working locally through partnerships, community involvement, and education will help to address threats to our reefs and nearshore ocean environment.
808-707-5056; Mnmrc.org
MAUI TOMORROW FOUNDATION
Protect, preserve, educate and advocate. Maui Tomorrow’s focus includes: long-range sustainable planning, reef and shoreline protection, sustainable energy development, improved air quality, water conservation and reuse, and stream restoration.
808-244-7570; Maui-tomorrow.org
MAUNA KAHĀLĀWAI WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP
A healthy watershed is a healthy ahupuaʻa. MKWP’s goal is to protect the forested watersheds, native ecosystems, and freshwater supply while preventing further degradation.
808-661-6600; Westmauiwatershed.org
THE MERWIN CONSERVANCY
The Merwin Conservancy is an organization that preserves a 19-acre palm forest, which was planted by Pulitzer prize winning poet W.S. Merwin on agricultural wasteland. The organization is dedicated to preserving the forest and the sense of wonder that inspired Merwin’s poetry and gardening.
808-579-8876; Merwinconservancy.org
PLANT EXTINCTION PREVENTION PROGRAM
Hawaiʻi is experiencing an extinction crisis. Each year, PEPP helps protect about half of the 423 threatened and endangered plant species in Hawaiʻi. By collecting propagules, protecting wild plants, surveying for new plants, creating new populations of rare species and tracking the growth, health and reproduction of wild and reintroduced plants.
808-933-7699; Pepphi.org
PU‘U KUKUI WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP
The largest private nature preserve in the state of Hawaiʻi is home to some of the rarest endangered flora and fauna. A vital water source for the Maui community, the preserve’s conservation endeavors include non-native invasive species and weed control, monitoring, research and protecting rare species.
808-357-0203; Puukukui.org
SAVE THE WETLANDS
The Hui has a simple mission, to bring the community together to help identify, conserve, protect, and restore Maui’s remaining wetlands, and to educate the public about the critically important role that wetlands play in the ecosystem.
SIERRA CLUB OF HAWAIʻI MAUI GROUP
Hike leaders along with volunteers help care for ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites in South Maui, while protecting and preserving Maui Nui’s environment.
808-867-6001; Mauisierraclub.org
SKYLINE HAWAIʻI
Conserving Hawaiʻi, one zip at a time. By working on native forest restoration and planting over 20,000 native trees have allowed Maui’s unique species of birds and insects to once again have a place to thrive. They have hosted hundreds of community reforestation and ocean cleanup events, and have donated over $1.8 million to environmental and community nonprofits.
808-419-3179; Skylinehawaii.com
