Ekolu Lindsey Honored With Grassroots Initiative Award

Edwin “Ekolu” Lindsey. Photo by Peter Liu.

The County of Maui, Department of Planning announced the selection of Edwin “Ekolu” Lindsey as the recipient of the 2019 Hawaiʻi Chapter of the American Planning Association’s Grassroots Initiative Special Recognition Award.

Lindsey was nominated by the Planning Department’s Long Range Division Chief Pam Eaton, who highlighted Lindsey’s roles in several grassroots initiatives.

Lindsey served as president of the nonprofit land trust organization Maui Cultural Lands; co-founded Polanui Hiu Community Managed Makai Area and the Maui Nui Community Managed Makai Area Learning Network; and was Alakaʻi member of West Maui’s update of their Community Plan.

“I accept this honor on behalf of my ʻOhana, and all the volunteers who have supported our restoration efforts over the years,” Lindsey said.

The Grassroots Initiative Award is one of four Special Recognition awards presented as part of the APA Hawaiʻi Chapter’s Annual Chapter Awards Program. Each year, the program honors individuals, communities, organizations, public agencies, and firms for outstanding contributions in specific areas. Other Special Recognition categories include Chapter Service, Chapter Leadership and Donald Wolbrink Chapter Achievement.

All Special Recognition recipients will be honored at the Hawaiʻi Congress of Planning Officials Conference on Sept. 11, 2019 at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, hosted by the Planning Department.