#malama i ka aina

Since 2003, this collaborative partnership has presented the annual Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award to landscapers, plant providers (including retail and wholesale nurseries and garden shops), or commercial/agricultural property owners and managers who demonstrate dedication to keeping invasive species out of Maui County.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea’s Assistant Director of Engineering, Kevin Gavagan, is the 2022 recipient of the Malama i ka Aina Award.

Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award recipients are recognized for meaningful efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species, including incorporating codes of conduct in business practices, educating the public and clients about invasive species, and encouraging the use of native species in landscape design. 

Nominations are now being accepted to honor invasive species prevention efforts within Maui County. The Mālama i ka ʻĀina has been presented annually since 2003 to a landscaper, plant provider (retail and/or wholesale nurseries and garden shops), or commercial/agricultural property in recognition of their efforts to keep invasive species out of Maui County.

Tamara Sherrill, 2016 Malama i ka Aina Award winner, has been trying to protect and propagate rare species of plants around Maui for years.