Hawai‘i Land Trust honors Herb Lee, Jr. as 2025 Kahu o ka ‘Āina

Hawai‘i Land Trust has named Herb Lee Jr. its 2025 Kahu o ka ʻĀina, or “guardian of the land,” recognizing decades of work dedicated to ‘āina-based education and land stewardship.

Lee, a Native Hawaiian, recently retired as president and CEO of the nonprofit Pacific American Foundation, where he led programs benefiting more than 150 schools, training over 7,000 teachers and forming over 200 community and industry partnerships. He retired in December.

“Hawai‘i Land Trust honors Herb’s tireless dedication to ʻāina-based education, as well as protecting and stewarding the Waikalua Loko Iʻa,” said ‘Olu Campbell, HILT’s president and CEO. “Curriculum pioneered and developed decades ago under Herb’s leadership is still guiding educators today. Herb has shaped the kia‘i ʻāina of today and tomorrow.”

In 1995, Lee founded the Waikalua Fishpond Preservation Society to steward Waikalua Loko I‘a, the first ancient fishpond to return to Hawaiian hands since the Great Mahele of 1848. Under his leadership, the site became a model for hands-on curriculum in science, math and cultural studies. The Pacific American Foundation continues to steward the fishpond and is working with HILT on a conservation easement to ensure permanent community access and prevent development and subdivision.

Lee is also an experienced community involvement specialist, recording artist, Hawaiian musician and cultural practitioner. He is a member of Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment Hawai‘i. He helped develop Nā Hopena A‘o, adopted by the Hawai‘i Board of Education in 2015.

His awards include the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation’s Preservation Honor Award, the ʻŌʻō Award from the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce and recognition by President Obama as a Cesar Chavez Champion of Change in 2014. Most recently, Lee was selected for a Luce Fellowship and received the Heart of Gold Award from the Wholistic Peace Institute.

Lee will be honored at HILT’s annual Mālama ʻĀina Kākou benefit on Oct. 4, 2025, at Lanikūhonua on Oʻahu’s west side. The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. and will include local food, live entertainment and complimentary cocktails. Proceeds support HILT’s mission to protect and steward lands across the Hawaiian Islands.

Tickets and table sponsorships begin at $300. For more information, visit www.hilt.org/events/mlama-aina-kakou.