Partnering with community, strengthening roots

How the Hawaiian Electric Companies have collaborated with local organizations to celebrate Arbor Day and keep Hawaii green.

In celebration of Arbor Day in Hawaii, the Hawaiian Electric Companies have collaborated with local organizations to give away a variety of trees and shrubs. The effort helps to educate customers on safe tree planting, fruit picking and tree trimming practices.

“For the last 25 years, we have supported this event as it allowed us to share how trees benefit the environment and reduce our carbon footprint,” says Kanani Imai, Hawaiian Electric’s director of education and consumer affairs, and lead organizer of the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway. “The Tree Giveaway was another way for us to connect with members in our community as we work toward a greener and more sustainable future.”

• Hawaiian Electric partnered with Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods to plant 150 koa trees, as part of the native reforestation initiative on the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii Island.

• Maui Electric partnered with Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program and the Maui Department of Water Supply for the annual Arbor Day tree and
plant giveaway.  

 • Hawaii Electric Light annually supports Kua O Ka La Charter School’s tree giveaway. The students care for the trees and compile a newsletter to distribute with them. 

• At the Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) Charitable Foundation, a key focus area is promoting environmental sustainability. Since 2010, the foundation has donated more than $10 million to Hawaii’s charities.

“We’re proud to support and partner with local organizations who share our values, like Kupu, Trust for Public Lands, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust and the Hokulea,” says HEI Foundation’s AJ Halagao. “We hope to do our part in strengthening our communities and being a catalyst for a better Hawaii.”