Sierra Club Maui to Honor Long-Time Community Activists
The Sierra Club Maui Group will honor three long-time community activists with awards during its upcoming annual meeting. The organization will also be introducing a new community coalition with goals to address diversified use of former sugar cane lands in Central Maui.
The Annual Meeting potluck takes place this Saturday, Feb. 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kaunoa Senior Center in Spreckelsville.
Sierra Club Maui will award its life-time achievement Onipaʻa Award to Stan Franco for his more than 40 years of dedication to creating affordable housing and shelters on Maui, and its Mālama Kahakai award to Kai Nishiki and Ananda Stone for their years of work to protect Maui’s coastlines, ocean and public access.
“Stan, Kai, and Ananda have dedicated their lives to Maui’s people and environment. Their passion and perseverance is an example for us all to follow as we continue to advocate for affordable communities for Maui’s local residents while respecting our finite resources and the cultural sites and practices that were here long before us.” said Adriane Raff Corwin, Coordinator of Sierra Club Maui Group.
The Sierra Club will also introduce a new coalition it has helped to form, called “Hukilike No Maui: Together for Maui,” which aims to bring the community together to brainstorm how Maui’s former HC&S sugarcane lands can be used to address some of our most pressing needs: affordable housing, local food and energy security, and conservation.
There will be a panel and group discussion about the goals and next steps the coalition should take. More about the coalition and how to join is available at: www.togetherformaui.org.
Attendees are asked to bring a side dish for the potluck, as well as a reusable plate, cup and utensils to cut down on waste. Additional food donations will be provided by Flatbread Company, Mana Foods, and Whole Foods Company.