4 Hawaii land trusts merge, form statewide group

Four land conservation trusts from across Hawaii are merging to create a statewide organization dedicated to protecting land from development.

The Hawaiian Islands Land Trust officially begins operation on New Year’s Day.

It’s being formed by the merger of the Kauai Public Land Trust, Oahu Land Trust, Maui Coastal Land Trust and Hawaii Island Land Trust.

The groups said in a statement Friday the merger puts them in a better position to attract broad financial support and save more land.

The headquarters of the combined origination will initially be based on Maui. Existing offices will be maintained on Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii islands.

All employees are being retained, giving the combined group a staff of ten.

4 Hawaii land trusts merge, form statewide group – Hawaii News – Staradvertiser.com