#malama learning center

Students at Leihōkū Elementary in Waiʻanae returned to school last week with an additional layer of protection against wildfires. A 1,000-foot firebreak was cleared along the school’s fenceline recently thanks to a community-driven initiative funded by Hawaiian Electric.

Hawaiian Electric has awarded a total of $83,000 in environmental grants and donations to eight local nonprofit organizations contributing to the long-term protection and sustainability of Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystem.

Hawaiian Electric has awarded grants totaling $77,000 to seven environmental and conservation nonprofit organizations whose programs are aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change through education, stewardship and reforestation.

For more than 110 years, Hawaiʻi has recognized Arbor Day, a worldwide holiday dedicated to honoring, planting and enjoying the benefits of trees. This year, the state gave way thousands of trees to celebrate the holiday.

To celebrate Arbor Day, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens in Kahului is giving away 1000 trees to Maui residents Nov. 2-6, with registration required.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a $2.4 million grant to the University of Hawai‘i Maui College for a project called, “‘ĀINA IS: Advancing Informal Native ‘Āina-based Inspirations in STEM.”

The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program and its partners will celebrate the state’s annual tradition of planting and giving away trees in their 115th year of celebrating Arbor Day in Hawaiʻi.

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded several environmental education grants to Hawai‘i organizations. 

Skyline Eco-Adventures will hold its 5th Annual “Zip 4 the Trees” community event and fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, at its Skyline Haleakalā Maui course.

Omidyar Fellows announced its selection of 15 emerging leaders for its 2015-16 program, including Maui resident Pualani Enos of Upcountry is the executive director of the Hui Malama Learning Center.