Hawai’i Forest and Trail Donates to HFI Crowdfunding Campaign

With a donation of $5,500, Hawai’i Forest and Trail founders Rob and Cindy Pacheco have answered the call to plant more trees throughout Hawai’i. The donation was made to Hawai’i Forest Instititute’s MAHALO ‘AINA: 40 Days of Hawai’i Forests Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, which is part of the larger MAHALO ‘AINA: Give Back to the Forest initiative.

“When we heard about the opportunity to help plant 4,000 seedlings in our forests and provide stewardship opportunities, we knew this was a perfect fit for our community giving program, E Ho’omaluo,” said Hawai’i Forest and Trail founder Rob Pacheco. “Cindy and I knew immediately that we wanted to get involved and do what we could to help sustain Hawai’i’s forest resources. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact and we encourage other to rally support for Hawai’i Forest Institute’s MAHALO ‘AINA: Give Back to the Forest program.”

Along with 50 additional supporters, the HFI will reach its annual goal of planting 4,000 seedlings while providing forest stewardship learning experiences for 2,000 volunteers at forest restoration and demonstration sites throughout the state.

Over $10,000 was raised for the Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign during a 40-day timespan. Fifty-five donors gave to the online campaign, with 49 from Hawai’i, one from Canada and five from Michigan.

“Our Hawai’i Forest Institute mission is to promote the health and productivity of Hawai’i’s forests,” said HFI Executive Director Heather Simmons. “We are so grateful that Hawai’i Forest and Trail and other donors heard the call and gave so generously. Our forests and future generations say mahalo!”

Hawai’i Forest Industry Association partnered with the HFI to launch the MAHALO ‘AINA: Give Back to the Forest initiative, which seeks to expand public and private partnerships to gain support for the protection and perpetuation of Hawai’i’s forest resources.

Funds raised will directly impact several projects on the Big Island, including the Hawai’i Island Native Seed Bank Cooperative, Keauhou Bird Conservation Center Discovery Forest, Kua O Ka La Public Charter School, Honokohau National Historical Park & Pu’uhonua O’ Honaunau Restoration, and Pana’ewa Zoo Discovery Forest.