Schatz lauded as ‘Champion of the Land’
Buy Back the Beach event is Jan. 28
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U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz will be honored as the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust 2017 Champion of the Land at its luau fundraiser Jan. 28 at Old Lahaina Luau.
Schatz was lauded for formally proposing the expansion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, which President Barack Obama made a reality in August. He added more than 442,000 square miles to the monument and created the largest contiguous, fully protected conservation area within the U.S. and one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world, according to a news release from the trust.
"This will have an enormous impact on the preservation of Hawaii's natural resources, and HILT is excited to award Sen. Schatz as its Champion of the Land . . . this year," said Kawika Burgess, the trust's CEO.
Schatz also was praised for being a leader in clean energy initiatives.
He will be presented the award at the trust's Buy Back the Beach: Malama Kipuka Benefit Lu'au. Each year, the trust selects a person, group or organization that has contributed significantly and has had a substantial impact on land conservation in Hawaii.
"I share this award with the Native Hawaiian community, conservationists, scientists, researchers, the Obama administration and many others whose hard work made the expansion of Papahanaumokuakea a reality," Schatz said. "I thank the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust for this recognition, and I look forward to continuing our work to protect the natural resources that make Hawaii so special."
Supporters have enabled the trust to protect more than 650 acres of shoreline, native forests, cultural landscapes and farm lands across Hawaii.
Those attending the fundraiser will dine on luau fare and complimentary cocktails, and enjoy live and silent auctions and live entertainment.
The event runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are $175 per person and may be purchased at www.hilt.org/buy-back-the-beach-2017 or by phone at 244-LAND (5263)
For more information, go to www.hilt.org or call Angela Britten, director of development, at 284-9919.