2004 Malama i ka 'Aina award

On November 13, 2004, Rob Parsons, Mayor Arakawa's Executive Assistant for Environmental Concerns, presented the Malama i ka 'Aina Award to Arlene Taus at the Lawn and Garden Fair held at the Maui Tropical Plantation. Arlene is a certified arborist who works to educate herself on what species are invasive and then shares that knowledge with her clients, often convincing them to replace invasive trees or shrubs with native plants. She also works to educate her clients about choosing the right species for the area, using mulch and compost and proper pruning and watering practices, all of which contribute to Maui's overall environmental health.

She designed, planted and nurtures native plants at Halekulani'aina Gardens, where she also leads guided botanical tours and teaches workshops and classes. Arlene helped preserve and protect the D.T. Fleming Arboretum by working to prevent invasive species from becoming established and by controlling invasive plants and fungus at the arboretum. She also helped to design and plant several of the beds at the Maui Nui Botanical Garden. More recently, Arlene has been working on a landscape in Maui Meadows planted entirely with native and Polynesian introduced species. This year's winner, Arlene Taus, has demonstrated that it is possible to create dynamic, aesthetically pleasing landscape designs while protecting Maui's environment from invasive species.

For more information about the Malama i ka 'Aina Award call 573-MISC (6473) or write to miscpr@hawaii.edu.