Aloha,
I am writing in support of the Department of Agriculture line-item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens for FY2026. I have personally enjoyed many activities at the garden including weaving, handcrafting Hawaiian instruments, and creating living wreaths. They have provided so many events and opportunities for our local homeowners and gardeners to learn about and purchase healthy native plants. The Maui Nui Botanical Garden is such a valuable resource.
I am writing in support of the Department of Agriculture line item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens for the fiscal year 2026. The MNBG is a large and very unique space in Maui that is open to the public. Unlike other gardens that are smaller or where one has to pay to enter these grounds welcome any and all alike for free.
This space is host to events that support cultural heritage that are unable to be hosted in such an open, spacious venue which is also easily accessible to most of Maui county. The educational value of MNBG is priceless. Hosting many school field trips for children of a wide range of ages exposes them to the land they live on and how humankind in these islands came, survived and thrived to live here in Hawaii and Maui county. The immersion in nature (the 'aina) is vital to ensure the love of the land and respect for how we need to support the land in oder to survive and thrive in our daily lives. Please continue to support the MNBG in the many myriad purposes that it fulfills for the people of Maui county. Thank you. Linda Tesar-Amimoto (registered voter) and member supporter of MNBG for over a decade.
I am writing in support of the Dept of Agruculture line item Grant for Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
For many years, MNBG has been key in ensuring the survival of our kupuna plants throughout our community-at-large. Through initiatives such as plant giveaways, sales, partnerships with prominent festivals, and workshops on cultural practices, propagation, and cultivation techniques, they create valuable opportunities for everyone. These efforts foster the sharing of knowledge across generations and help strengthen our environmental and cultural connections. Thank you for your consideration in supporting Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.
In support of the Dept of Agriculture line-item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens for FY 2026 because it is a free open space for residents to enjoy with easy access for all.
It introduces to both residents and visitors to a wide variety of endemic plants in a peaceful and relaxing layout.
Volunteers and staff propagate many varieties of plants which allows for the sale or giveaway to get the plants back in the ground on Maui.
The Garden is a great venue for gatherings and celebrations as well as educational opportunities.
In this day and age, having open space with local flora and free access for residents is a need not a luxury.
Thank you. Todd Madden
I am writing in support of the Department of Agriculture line item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. The Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is a beautiful venue - amazing location - providing 'Maui' / Native education to students and everyone.
I am writing in support of the Department of Agriculture line item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. My husband and I have been members of the Gardens for two years now. We are avid native gardeners ourselves, and we know how invaluable the work Maui Nui does is to the island and the State of Hawaii. The people there could not be more knowledgeable. They are a vital resource for propagating and nurturing native plants. Please award Maui Nui Botanical Gardens the much-needed and much-deserved grant. Thank you.
I am writing in support of the Dept of Agruculture line item Grant for Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. The Gardens have been a wonderful Source of information , education as well as Native plants which are flourishing in my yard. Maui grown for Maui growing!
I support of the Dept. of Agriculture line item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. I have been a member of the MNBG since 2016 and have attended several classes conducted by them. Additionally, I have attended the Arbor Day and Breadfruit Day (Lā ʻUla) events there numerous times. Also the Botanic Garden provides an ideal place for the annual Hoʻomau fundraiser for Hawaiian Immersion. Whatever amount the county is considering awarding the MNBG, it should be increased. Respectfully, Marty Martins, Kīhei
I would like to express my support of the Department of Agriculture line-item. Maui Nui Botanical gardens is one of the best community resources for finding out about native landscape. They always have excellent information about growing endemic plants that are appropriate for the dry, windy climate of Lahaina where I live.
They support the Hawaiian culture by encouraging the planting of endemic plants. I’ve also purchased endangered plants which helps keep these plants in their native landscapes.
I am writing in support of the Department of Agriculture line-item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens (MNBG) for Fiscal Year 2026. MNBG plays a vital role not only in propagating native Hawaiian plants, but also in education for our keiki and adults. Their weekly plant sales have enabled countless (me included) people to acquire and plant indigenous Hawaiian species to help their spread and growth. They also offer tours for the schools and classes for everyone to learn how to grow and use Hawaiian plants. It is very important to continue supporting this impactful organization. Thank you for your consideration.
I am writing in support of the Department of Agriculture line item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. My name is Leslie Santos and I recently moved back home after a 38 year career in the mainland. I am on a quest to immerse myself in all things Hawaiiana and found that at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. They offer an impressive array of cultural opportunities and experiences at very reasonable rates, made possible by this important grant. Mahalo for your continue support.
My name is Benton Kealii Pang, and I am writing in support of the Department of Agriculture line-item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.
I am a long-time member of the Garden and an ethnobotanist with over three decades of experience in conservation throughout Hawaiʻi. I recall spending many hours with the late René Sylva when the Botanical Gardens was in its infancy. His dedication to native plant conservation deeply influenced my own path. It has been inspiring to watch Tamara Sherrill build upon that foundation, growing MNBG into a respected and vital center for Hawaiian cultural and biological restoration.
The Garden’s mission—to foster appreciation and understanding of Maui Nui’s plants and their role in Hawaiian cultural expression by providing a gathering place for discovery, education, and conservation—is evident in all they do. Through workshops on Hawaiian kapa making, ʻulu (breadfruit) cultivation, and traditional implement crafting, the Garden connects the community to the deep cultural relevance of native and Polynesian-introduced plants.
Equally important are MNBG’s conservation initiatives, including critical seed banking efforts that ensure the long-term survival of some of Hawaiʻi’s rarest and most vulnerable plant species, such as Kanaloa kahoolawensis (Palupalu o Kanaloa). This kind of work is not just urgent—it is irreplaceable.
MNBG embodies the values of ʻOiaʻiʻo (integrity, truth), Mālama (stewardship, preservation), Hoʻāla Hou (re-awakening), and Hoʻonaʻauao (education, enlightenment), and its vision to cultivate widespread preservation, conservation, and integration of Hawaiian plants throughout Maui Nui is both timely and vital.
This baseline funding is essential. It sustains core operations and staff, enabling the Garden to leverage additional grants and community support to continue its mission.
Mahalo for your time and consideration—and for your continued support of Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.
Me ka ʻoiaʻiʻo,
Benton Kealii Pang, Ph.D.
Pālolo Valley, Oʻahu
I am writing in strong support of the Department of Agriculture line item grant for Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. MNBG plays a critical role in the stewardship of native Hawaiian plants, preserving invaluable genetic resources that might otherwise be lost. Their dedicated management and staff ensure that these plants—many of which are vital to Hawaii’s cultural and ecological heritage—continue to thrive.
Beyond conservation, MNBG fosters deep community engagement through educational programs and cultural events that connect residents and visitors to native Hawaiian plants and traditions. Their work not only safeguards biodiversity but also strengthens our community’s understanding and appreciation of our natural and cultural resources.
Maui County is a better, richer place because of MNBG’s tireless efforts, and I strongly urge continued support for their mission.
I am writing in support of the Department of Agriculture line item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. My name is Kanani Higbee. I am a Maui ‘oiwi. The funds the garden get from this grant help this garden operate. I spend most of my free time at this garden to rejuvenate because this garden has so much healing power. I love to be among the plants. It has so much ‘Ike with Hawaiian culture. I love to attend all the workshops to learn from various kumu on practices that my kupuna did in ancient times. I am taught knowledge that helps me in my livelihood as a fine artist. I love to learn about all the uses of the plants to help with medicinal purposes and usefulness in every day life. I attend nearly all the events like Ho’omau in which they raise funds to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. I also love the ulu festival and the Arbor Day festival. I like to volunteer here to learn more about plants. I raised my children to go to this garden regularly and volunteer to teach Hawaiian crafts. The funds used to allow this garden to operate is the best money well spent on the island, in my humble opinion.
I would like to support the grant for Maui Nui Botanical Garden. I have volunteered there multiple times and have learned a lot about native Hawaiian agriculture and plants. It is a great resource for the community and education tool.
Deleted User
2 months ago
I would like to express my support of the Department of Agriculture line-item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens for FY2026.
The garden is one of the best community resources for finding out about native Hawaiian and canoe plants and trying out native plants in the landscape. They always have excellent information about growing endemic as well as unique Hawaiian crop varieties, and their workshops are supporting living Hawaiian culture by teaching modern Hawaiian ethnobotany. These plants need to be protected by all Maui County residents.
Aloha,
I am writing in support of the Department of Agriculture line-item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens for FY2026. I have personally enjoyed many activities at the garden including weaving, handcrafting Hawaiian instruments, and creating living wreaths. They have provided so many events and opportunities for our local homeowners and gardeners to learn about and purchase healthy native plants. The Maui Nui Botanical Garden is such a valuable resource.
I am writing in support of the Department of Agriculture line item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens for the fiscal year 2026. The MNBG is a large and very unique space in Maui that is open to the public. Unlike other gardens that are smaller or where one has to pay to enter these grounds welcome any and all alike for free.
This space is host to events that support cultural heritage that are unable to be hosted in such an open, spacious venue which is also easily accessible to most of Maui county. The educational value of MNBG is priceless. Hosting many school field trips for children of a wide range of ages exposes them to the land they live on and how humankind in these islands came, survived and thrived to live here in Hawaii and Maui county. The immersion in nature (the 'aina) is vital to ensure the love of the land and respect for how we need to support the land in oder to survive and thrive in our daily lives. Please continue to support the MNBG in the many myriad purposes that it fulfills for the people of Maui county. Thank you. Linda Tesar-Amimoto (registered voter) and member supporter of MNBG for over a decade.
I am writing in support of the Dept of Agruculture line item Grant for Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
For many years, MNBG has been key in ensuring the survival of our kupuna plants throughout our community-at-large. Through initiatives such as plant giveaways, sales, partnerships with prominent festivals, and workshops on cultural practices, propagation, and cultivation techniques, they create valuable opportunities for everyone. These efforts foster the sharing of knowledge across generations and help strengthen our environmental and cultural connections. Thank you for your consideration in supporting Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.
In support of the Dept of Agriculture line-item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens for FY 2026 because it is a free open space for residents to enjoy with easy access for all.
It introduces to both residents and visitors to a wide variety of endemic plants in a peaceful and relaxing layout.
Volunteers and staff propagate many varieties of plants which allows for the sale or giveaway to get the plants back in the ground on Maui.
The Garden is a great venue for gatherings and celebrations as well as educational opportunities.
In this day and age, having open space with local flora and free access for residents is a need not a luxury.
Thank you. Todd Madden
I am writing in support of the Department of Agriculture line item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. The Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is a beautiful venue - amazing location - providing 'Maui' / Native education to students and everyone.
I am writing in support of the Department of Agriculture line item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. My husband and I have been members of the Gardens for two years now. We are avid native gardeners ourselves, and we know how invaluable the work Maui Nui does is to the island and the State of Hawaii. The people there could not be more knowledgeable. They are a vital resource for propagating and nurturing native plants. Please award Maui Nui Botanical Gardens the much-needed and much-deserved grant. Thank you.
I am writing in support of the Dept of Agruculture line item Grant for Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. The Gardens have been a wonderful Source of information , education as well as Native plants which are flourishing in my yard. Maui grown for Maui growing!
I support of the Dept. of Agriculture line item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. I have been a member of the MNBG since 2016 and have attended several classes conducted by them. Additionally, I have attended the Arbor Day and Breadfruit Day (Lā ʻUla) events there numerous times. Also the Botanic Garden provides an ideal place for the annual Hoʻomau fundraiser for Hawaiian Immersion. Whatever amount the county is considering awarding the MNBG, it should be increased. Respectfully, Marty Martins, Kīhei
I would like to express my support of the Department of Agriculture line-item. Maui Nui Botanical gardens is one of the best community resources for finding out about native landscape. They always have excellent information about growing endemic plants that are appropriate for the dry, windy climate of Lahaina where I live.
They support the Hawaiian culture by encouraging the planting of endemic plants. I’ve also purchased endangered plants which helps keep these plants in their native landscapes.
I am writing in support of the Department of Agriculture line-item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens (MNBG) for Fiscal Year 2026. MNBG plays a vital role not only in propagating native Hawaiian plants, but also in education for our keiki and adults. Their weekly plant sales have enabled countless (me included) people to acquire and plant indigenous Hawaiian species to help their spread and growth. They also offer tours for the schools and classes for everyone to learn how to grow and use Hawaiian plants. It is very important to continue supporting this impactful organization. Thank you for your consideration.
I am writing in support of the Department of Agriculture line item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. My name is Leslie Santos and I recently moved back home after a 38 year career in the mainland. I am on a quest to immerse myself in all things Hawaiiana and found that at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. They offer an impressive array of cultural opportunities and experiences at very reasonable rates, made possible by this important grant. Mahalo for your continue support.
Aloha,
My name is Benton Kealii Pang, and I am writing in support of the Department of Agriculture line-item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.
I am a long-time member of the Garden and an ethnobotanist with over three decades of experience in conservation throughout Hawaiʻi. I recall spending many hours with the late René Sylva when the Botanical Gardens was in its infancy. His dedication to native plant conservation deeply influenced my own path. It has been inspiring to watch Tamara Sherrill build upon that foundation, growing MNBG into a respected and vital center for Hawaiian cultural and biological restoration.
The Garden’s mission—to foster appreciation and understanding of Maui Nui’s plants and their role in Hawaiian cultural expression by providing a gathering place for discovery, education, and conservation—is evident in all they do. Through workshops on Hawaiian kapa making, ʻulu (breadfruit) cultivation, and traditional implement crafting, the Garden connects the community to the deep cultural relevance of native and Polynesian-introduced plants.
Equally important are MNBG’s conservation initiatives, including critical seed banking efforts that ensure the long-term survival of some of Hawaiʻi’s rarest and most vulnerable plant species, such as Kanaloa kahoolawensis (Palupalu o Kanaloa). This kind of work is not just urgent—it is irreplaceable.
MNBG embodies the values of ʻOiaʻiʻo (integrity, truth), Mālama (stewardship, preservation), Hoʻāla Hou (re-awakening), and Hoʻonaʻauao (education, enlightenment), and its vision to cultivate widespread preservation, conservation, and integration of Hawaiian plants throughout Maui Nui is both timely and vital.
This baseline funding is essential. It sustains core operations and staff, enabling the Garden to leverage additional grants and community support to continue its mission.
Mahalo for your time and consideration—and for your continued support of Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.
Me ka ʻoiaʻiʻo,
Benton Kealii Pang, Ph.D.
Pālolo Valley, Oʻahu
Aloha,
I am writing in strong support of the Department of Agriculture line item grant for Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. MNBG plays a critical role in the stewardship of native Hawaiian plants, preserving invaluable genetic resources that might otherwise be lost. Their dedicated management and staff ensure that these plants—many of which are vital to Hawaii’s cultural and ecological heritage—continue to thrive.
Beyond conservation, MNBG fosters deep community engagement through educational programs and cultural events that connect residents and visitors to native Hawaiian plants and traditions. Their work not only safeguards biodiversity but also strengthens our community’s understanding and appreciation of our natural and cultural resources.
Maui County is a better, richer place because of MNBG’s tireless efforts, and I strongly urge continued support for their mission.
Mahalo,
Jake H. Sipes
Aloha,
I am writing in support of the Department of Agriculture line item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. My name is Kanani Higbee. I am a Maui ‘oiwi. The funds the garden get from this grant help this garden operate. I spend most of my free time at this garden to rejuvenate because this garden has so much healing power. I love to be among the plants. It has so much ‘Ike with Hawaiian culture. I love to attend all the workshops to learn from various kumu on practices that my kupuna did in ancient times. I am taught knowledge that helps me in my livelihood as a fine artist. I love to learn about all the uses of the plants to help with medicinal purposes and usefulness in every day life. I attend nearly all the events like Ho’omau in which they raise funds to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. I also love the ulu festival and the Arbor Day festival. I like to volunteer here to learn more about plants. I raised my children to go to this garden regularly and volunteer to teach Hawaiian crafts. The funds used to allow this garden to operate is the best money well spent on the island, in my humble opinion.
With Aloha,
Kanani Higbee
I would like to support the grant for Maui Nui Botanical Garden. I have volunteered there multiple times and have learned a lot about native Hawaiian agriculture and plants. It is a great resource for the community and education tool.
I would like to express my support of the Department of Agriculture line-item grant to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens for FY2026.
The garden is one of the best community resources for finding out about native Hawaiian and canoe plants and trying out native plants in the landscape. They always have excellent information about growing endemic as well as unique Hawaiian crop varieties, and their workshops are supporting living Hawaiian culture by teaching modern Hawaiian ethnobotany. These plants need to be protected by all Maui County residents.