Senator Malama Solomon presented Mary Begier and the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce with the 2013 Hawaii Invasive Species Council (HISC) Community Hero Award held last week during the first annual Hawaii Invasive Species Council Award ceremony at the State Capitol Auditorium.
The Community Hero Award recognizes a community member or community based group that has been a shining example of dedication to prevent or manage invasive species. Mary Begier and the Hawaii Island Chamber shine brightly in their commitment to help support OMKM and the University of Hawaii at Hilo in its efforts to implement the Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP).
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Senator Solomon and Mary Begier
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The CMP is an integrated planning tool for resource management for the UH Management Areas on Mauna Kea including the Mauna Kea Science Reserve, the mid-level facilities at Hale Pohaku and the Summit Access Road. During the approval process of the CMP, Begier and the Chamber pledged to become more involved in community-based stewardship of Mauna Kea and assisted the OMKM by rallying its members with a call for volunteers for invasive weed pulls beginning in March 2012. Thus launching OMKM's community invasive species control program.
"Stakeholder participation is critical to our programs to malama Mauna Kea and is an effective tool to help us manage the resources within UH's managed lands on Mauna Kea. Mary Begier and the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce have supported our efforts from day one. When we started the discussion on engaging volunteers, they quickly pitched the business community and helped us raise awareness and understanding in addressing invasive species management issues," said OMKM Director Stephanie Nagata.
"The Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce members volunteer and collaborate as advocates for those things that make Hawaii Island a great place to live," said Vaughn Cook, HICC President. "Mary is one of those members who gets involved and keeps us all mindful of our community commitments. As a chamber, we supported the development of the CMP. Mary's determination to help the University of Hawaii successfully manage their lands on Mauna Kea quickly spread and today, many Hawaii Island Chamber members continue to volunteer and kokua Mauna Kea."
In total, more than thirty-seven statewide nominations, including individuals and organizations were submitted for the 2013 HISC Awards. Mary Begier, and Office of Mauna Kea Management Director Stephanie Nagata attended the award presentation.
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