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Hawaiian Islands Land Trust honored Henk Rogers and the Blue Planet Foundation as the 2018 Champion of the Land at the 17th annual Buy Back the Beach: Malama Kipuka Benefit Luau on Jan. 20 at the Old Lahaina Luau.
Each year, HILT selects a person, group or organization that has contributed significantly and has had a substantial impact on land conservation in Hawaii. Rogers is founder and board chair of the Honolulu-based clean energy nonprofit Blue Planet Foundation. Blue Planet Foundation's mission is to clear the path for 100 percent clean energy in Hawaii and beyond. Through collaboration and advocacy, Blue Planet champions scalable policies and programs to transform Hawaii's energy systems to clean, renewable energy solutions.
"The work of Henk and the Blue Planet Foundation to move Hawaii toward a 100 percent clean energy future is a significant contribution toward Hawaii's sustainability," said Kawika Burgess, HILT's CEO. "Hawaii has the potential to lead the world in how we care for our environment."
"On behalf of the board of directors of Blue Planet Foundation, I am honored that Hawaiian Islands Land Trust has chosen us as a recipient of its 2018 Champion of the Land award," Rogers said. "We are grateful for the recognition, and plan to continue to protect our planet and our future as we clear the path to 100 percent."
The Buy Back the Beach event brought together Hawaii's committed conservation supporters for an island-style paina under the stars. The benefit helps the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust's efforts to protect precious landscapes and places in Hawaii with unique natural and cultural resources.