Resort engineer receives invasive species award

Duane Sparkman, chief engineer at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, is the recipient of the 2021 Malama i ka Aina Award.

The annual award recognizes efforts within the landscape and agricultural community toward stopping the spread of invasive species in Maui County. The award is presented by the Maui Invasive Species Committee, Maui Association of Landscape Professionals and the County of Maui.

In addition to bringing organic landscaping practices to the Westin, Sparkman serves as the botanist for the Maui Cultural Lands board of directors and is the project manager for the 72-acre Kipuka Olowalu cultural reserve. He also has a consulting company that helps homeowners, landowners and municipalities transition to organic landscape practices and recently partnered with the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council to help with the nonprofit's organic land management division. Additionally, Sparkman has worked with Haleakala National Park's resource management team and volunteered with several conservation organizations to remove invasive species and plant endangered plants.

To view the award presentation, visit mauiinvasive.org/ MIKA.