HONOLULU – June 26, 2017 – Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (HILT) will be honoring the Manoa Heritage Center, founded by Sam and Mary Cooke at the E Mālama ‘Āina Kākou benefit on Saturday, August 26th. Each year, HILT selects a person, group, or organization that has made a substantial impact on land conservation in Hawai‘i.
“The story of Manoa Heritage Center and its founders Sam and Mary Cooke is a great one. Their love for Hawaii, its people, and the impact they have had in preserving a wahi pana in the heart of Mānoa Valley is tremendous,” said Kāwika Burgess, HILT’s CEO.
Manoa Heritage Center, founded in 1996 is a nonprofit whose mission is to promote the thoughtful stewardship of the natural and cultural heritage of Hawaii. Located on a 3.5-acre site, the Center includes Kuali‘i, a historic home and private Cooke family residence, a Native Hawaiian garden, and Kukaoo, an ancient heiau restored in 1993. Each year, over 2,500 students, educators, residents, and tourists visit the Manoa Heritage Center to learn about Hawai‘i’s rich values and practices.
Serving as long time Mānoa Valley community leaders and caretakers of Manoa Heritage Center’s treasured natural and cultural assets since 1962, Sam and Mary are a shining example of what private citizens can do to safeguard Hawai‘i’s remaining assets at risk of extinction. “Sam and I were born and raised in the islands and always felt a deep kuleana to prevent wastefulness, conserve what nature has graciously provided, and ensure that our precious resources are available in perpetuity,” explains Mary Cooke.
“It is a great honor to have the work of Manoa Heritage Center and Sam and Mary Cooke recognized by an organization doing valuable conservation work throughout the Hawaiian archipelago. We have profound respect for HILT whose work is consistent in accomplishing our mission to educate the next generation of preservationists and conservationists. When we come together and align our efforts, great things happen for all of us,” affirms Jessica Welch, executive director for Manoa Heritage Center.
E Mālama ‘Āina Kākou brings together supporters for an island-style pā‘ina under the stars at the gorgeous grounds at Lanikuhonua. Guests will be treated to ‘ono fare provided by the excellent chefs of Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman, complimentary cocktails, an exciting auction, and live entertainment. This benefit provides support for the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust’s efforts to protect coastal lands, historical and cultural landscapes, and working farms and ranches across Hawai‘i.
HILT’s supporters have enabled the organization to deliver an incredible amount of conservation successes over the past few years, protecting over 17,800 acres across Hawai‘i. Support for the 2017 E Mālama ‘Āina Kākou benefit, will enable HILT to deliver even more vital conservation successes in the coming year.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Lanikuhonua
92-1101 Ali‘inui Dr.
Kapolei, HI 96707
Tables of 10 are available for $2,500, $5,000 and, $7,500
Individual Tickets are $250 per person
Purchase Tickets online at http://www.hilt.org/special-events-calendar
Or by phone at (808) 791-0729
For more information about the event, visit hilt.org or call Angela Britten, Director of Development at (808) 791-0731.
About Hawaiian Islands Land Trust: Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (“HILT”) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 2011 out of the merger of four local land trusts, and it is the first and only nationally accredited local land trust in Hawai‘i. Our mission is to protect the lands that sustain us for current and future generations. HILT has conserved over 17,500 acres to date, via perpetual Conservation Easements and Fee Simple Ownership, on a number of properties with various conservation values important to residents and visitors alike. We conserve lands that secure Hawai‘i’s long-term well-being, lands with scenic views, agricultural resources, wildlife habitats, water resource areas, cultural and historical sites, and outdoor recreation opportunities. To learn more about HILT and become a Member, visit hilt.org
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