The Hawai‘i Convention Center partners with nonprofit HLRI to plant one million trees throughout the state.
The nonprofit Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI) announced today its largest-ever single commitment to reforest native trees in Hawaii. The Hawai‘i Convention Center, Hawaii’s premier meetings and events destination, will plant 1 million Legacy Trees throughout the state, in addition to providing educational and sponsorship opportunities.
The Center’s commitment greatly expands HLRI’s initial goal of permanently reforesting 1.3 million trees, representing one tree for every person in Hawaii. In the past 7 years, HLRI and sustainable forestry company HLH, LLC have planted more than 340,000 Legacy Trees across 1,000 acres of denuded pastureland on Hawaii Island, creating the only Legacy Forest of its kind.
“This landmark reforestation effort underscores the Hawai‘i Convention Center’s longstanding commitment to practices that enhance the conservation of Hawaii’s natural resources and the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture,” said Teri Orton, general manager of the Center. “This is in direct alignment with our multi-faceted sustainability plan, which includes energy efficiency, water conservation, air quality, waste reduction and sustainable purchasing.”
The third-floor exhibit includes an interactive HLRI kiosk, where guests can sponsor Legacy Trees for reforestation. HLRI uses state-of-the-art proprietary technology that allows every sponsor to track their individual trees remotely. The HLRI Legacy Forest is the most intricately mapped forest in the world.
“We can’t solve tomorrow’s problems by using yesterday’s thinking,” said Jeff Dunster, HRLI’s executive director. “This collaboration with the Hawai‘i Convention Center provides a unique opportunity to reach and educate people from around the world. We are so honored to be working with such a forward-thinking organization.”
About HLRI: Through state-of -the-art technologies and methodologies, the nonprofit organization HLRI works with landowners to establish and preserve economically viable and sustainable endemic Hawaiian forests, protect endangered species, sequester carbon and recharge watersheds. HLRI’s Legacy Trees are planted for permanent reforestation and are sponsored by businesses and individuals, with a portion of proceeds donated to charities worldwide. For more, visit http://onemillion.legacytrees.org/
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