Hawaiʻi Land Trust to honor retired state aquatic biologist Skippy Hau at Buy Back the Beach lūʻau

Hawaiʻi Land Trust will honor retired state aquatic biologist Skippy Hau as its 2027 Champion of the Land at the nonprofit’s 25th annual Buy Back the Beach benefit lūʻau on Jan. 23 in Lahaina.

The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 23 at Old Lāhainā Lūʻau. Hawaiʻi Land Trust, known as HILT, describes it as a sunset pāʻina with local cuisine, cocktails, auction items and live entertainment.

The Champion of the Land award recognizes people whose sustained contributions leave a lasting legacy across Hawaiʻi’s biocultural landscape, according to HILT.

Hau’s career spans more than four decades of field research on native stream species, sea turtles, coral reefs, estuaries and anchialine ecosystems. The organization credited his stream research data and biological surveys with providing key evidence during the contested case hearings for Nā Wai ʻEhā. The organization said the proceedings led to instream flow standards that restored natural mauka-to-makai water flows to Central Maui. HILT is a member of Hui o Nā Wai ʻEhā, which supported that effort.

“Equally important is the energy he brings to our ʻāina-based programs,” said Denby Freeland, HILT’s director of ʻāina education and community impact. She said Maui keiki have learned to appreciate native river and reef ecosystems because Hau stood in the water with them and shared his knowledge.

Hau began working with Hawaiʻi’s aquatic resources in 1979. He retired in December 2021 after 36 years as a biologist with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Aquatic Resources. His long-term studies include native ʻoʻopu migration and recruitment, hīhīwai in Maui streams, sea turtle nesting and health, and nearshore reef resiliency.

Hau graduated from James B. Castle High School in Kāneʻohe and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

HILT said Hau continues to work in Maui’s streams after retirement. He volunteers across the island, providing field data, mentoring educators, and working with schools and community groups to introduce young people to native aquatic plants, animals and stream ecosystems.

Proceeds from the lūʻau support HILT’s operations, the organization said. Tables, individual tickets and sponsorships are available at hilt.org/events/buy-back-the-beach-2027. Guests must be 21 or older.

HILT is a statewide nonprofit land trust that protects and stewards ʻāina through eight community preserves, 55 conservation easements, and stewardship and community programs. More information is available at hilt.org.