NAWILIWILI — Kaua‘i’s Mark Hubbard was awarded second place in the Western Region in the Cox Conserves Heroes National Environmental Awards Program. As a regional finalist, Lihu‘e resident Hubbard was awarded $7,500, to be donated to his nonprofit of choice, Malama Hule‘ia.
NAWILIWILI — Kaua‘i’s Mark Hubbard was awarded second place in the Western Region in the Cox Conserves Heroes National Environmental Awards Program. As a regional finalist, Lihu‘e resident Hubbard was awarded $7,500, to be donated to his nonprofit of choice, Malama Hule‘ia.
The Trust for Public Land Hawai‘i recently shared the news of the award via social media.
“I am humbled by the recognition. I just try to do my share in a community that has a strong volunteering ethic. It is an honor to work with others of the Menehune Crew: Frank Whitman, Stevan Yee, Clayton Egan, Gary Hofacker and Jeff Kaohi,” said Hubbard.
“Teamwork was critical in this project of eradicating red mangrove.”
The goal of the awards program is to inspire and encourage individuals who are making a positive impact on the planet through volunteerism and honor them with financial support for their cause.
This year, the program expanded from nine states to become nationwide. A panel of civic and environmental leaders assembled by the Trust for Public Land selected winners from a pool of nominees for each of the regions.
Malama Hule‘ia advocates, educates and leads community efforts to remove red mangrove along the Hule‘ia River, re-establishes native wetland ecosystems and created an environmental stewardship program honoring Hawaiian values.
The group’s vision is is a free-flowing, healthy and productive Hule‘ia River and ecosystem perpetuating community pride.
Hubbard and another crew regularly maintain the first, two-mile section of the Kalalau Trail.
