HLRI Named Among Four Winners of the 2014 Phoenix Award

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Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative Named Among Four Winners
of the 2014 Phoenix Award by the Society of American Travel Writers

Honolulu, Hawaii, Oct. 7, 2014 – The Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI) was recently awarded the prestigious 2014 Phoenix Award by the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). HLRI, a Hawaii-based nonprofit organization devoted to reforestation, is one of four international winners of this year’s award, announced in conjunction with the SATW 2014 convention in Reykjavik, Iceland.

The award honors individuals and organizations actively involved in conservation, preservation, beautification and anti-pollution campaigns that further the growth and appeal of travel destinations. Winners are nominated by SATW members and are recommended by the Phoenix Award committee before being selected by the SATW board.

“Each year, our partnerships, tree sponsors and public programs continue to grow, allowing us to expand our efforts to plant endemic and endangered trees and restore these critical forests,” said Jeff Dunster, CEO of HLRI. “We are honored to be among this group of environmental champions and look forward to continuing this vital mission in other areas throughout the islands.”

Founded in 1955, the Society of American Travel Writers is a professional association with more than 1,000 members, including writers, editors, photographers, entrepreneurs and public relations professionals. The SATW works to promote responsible journalism, provide professional support and development for members, and encourage the conservation and preservation of travel resources worldwide.

“Because tourism leaves permanent ‘footprints,’ some harmful to the environment, some destroying the reasons for traveling, the Society of American Travel Writers in 1969 created an award to recognize conservation and preservation efforts of individuals and organizations,” SATW President Len Barnes said in 1988.

Other Phoenix Award winners are the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture in Oklahoma, The Linden Centre in China, and the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.

About HLRI: HLRI 's mission is to establish and maintain and preserve economically viable and sustainable endemic Hawaiian forests throughout the islands. Through proprietary state-of -the-art technologies and methodologies, we work with landowners to develop and maintain permanent forestlands, protect our endangered species, sequester carbon and recharge watershed. Once planted, these trees become living memorials which are then sponsored by businesses and individuals who wish to donate a portion of the proceeds to their favorite charity. Charities can use this fundraising mechanism as a unique way to raise funds for their cause and help heal the planet at the same time. For more, visit www.LegacyTrees.org . For more on Legacy Tree Planting Tours visit www.HawaiianLegacyTours.com.

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