The Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award, presented annually since 2003, honors landscapers, plant providers, and commercial/agricultural property owners and managers in Maui County for their efforts in preventing the spread of invasive species. This collaborative initiative, a partnership between various organizations including the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, the Maui Invasive Species Committee, and the County of Maui, underscores the importance of environmental responsibility within the business community.
The award specifically targets those who actively work to protect Maui County from the detrimental impacts of invasive species. These species can disrupt ecosystems, damage agricultural operations, and negatively impact tourism, thus affecting the local economy and the quality of life for residents. Maui Now reported that the award has been presented annually since 2003 to recognize these vital efforts.
Businesses and individuals involved in landscaping, plant nurseries (both retail and wholesale), and commercial/agricultural property management are eligible for nomination. The award recognizes various activities and decisions that contribute to keeping Maui free from invasive species. The winner receives a plaque, a one-year free membership in the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, and recognition in local media, as reported by hear.org/misc/malamaikaaina/. This recognition offers significant positive publicity and fosters goodwill within the community. In 2022, Kevin Gavagan, Assistant Director of Engineering at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, received the award, demonstrating the impact of large organizations on the island's conservation efforts mauiinvasive.org/mika/.
The Mālama i ka ‘Āina Award plays a critical role in supporting Hawaii's unique environment. By encouraging and acknowledging businesses that prioritize environmental preservation, the award promotes sustainable practices, which can enhance the long-term viability of tourism, agriculture, and other key sectors of Maui's economy. The program also draws attention to the interconnectedness of business practices and environmental health, stressing that environmental protection is essential for any sustainable business model. The winner of the 2024 award was Jake Kane of Kane’s Legacy Tree Services, which highlights an ongoing, community-wide effort to be good stewards of the land, as reported by arbordayexpo.com.
