Renowned Botanist and Forester Robert Hobdy To Be Honored for Hawaiʻi Conservation Contributions
Hawaiian Islands Land Trust will honor Robert “Bob” Hobdy as HILT’s 2020 Champion of the Land at Buy Back the Beach: Mālama Kīpuka, an annual fundraising gala to be held at Old Lāhainā Lū‘au on Saturday, January 25, 2020. Each year, HILT pays tribute to a person or group that has made a substantial impact in conservation and sustainability in Hawaiʻi.
Hobdy has dedicated his life to Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems. At the young age of 15, he was exposed to botany and developed a keen interest in plants. He went on to obtain an undergraduate degree in forestry at Oregon State University. He began his 37 ½ year career with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Wildlife where he quickly distinguished himself as a botanist who prioritized Hawaiʻi’s native and endangered species and their habitats. He managed watersheds, removing invasive species, and seeking out rare native species for protection. Hobdy has made extensive contributions to the world’s understanding of native plants over the years. He worked closely with Bishop Museum, contributing to their collections which serve as a resource for researchers in Hawaiʻi and internationally. Hobdy discovered 12 new species of native plants, two of which he described in scientific publications and five of which were named after Hobdy by other botanists.
“We are so grateful to Bob for his tremendous contribution to Hawaiʻi’s environment and communities,” said Laura Kaakua, HILT’s CEO. “Hawaiʻi is indebted to Bob, and people like him, who go above and beyond to protect what is so unique to Hawaiʻi. Bob has inspired and mentored the next generation of conservationists and natural resource managers such as HILT’s Conservation Director Dr. Scott Fisher.”
Throughout his career, Hobdy has held various positions within the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Wildlife before retiring as District Manager of Maui County. He is currently an environmental consultant specializing and flora and fauna surveys, wetland surveys, and site evaluations. Hobdy serves as a volunteer on a variety of boards including Maui County Arborist Advisory Committee, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, HILT’s Advisory Board, the Federal Weed Risk Assessment advisory committee, and Maui Invasive Species Committee since 1991.
“Hawaiʻi’s native plants and ecosystems have a number of champions, but they need more,” says Hobdy. “Organizations such as HILT play an absolutely vital role in protecting Hawaiʻi’s valuable natural and cultural resources. What’s more, they are essential to maintaining people’s connection to land – it’s that connection that ensures future generations’ understanding of, and pride in, our environment and heritage. It is what helps make Hawaiʻi so very special.”
Bob Hobdy, along with HILT’s many supporters, advisors & volunteers, have enabled Hawaiian Islands Land Trust to protect more than 20,000 acres across Hawaiʻi. The Land Trust owns and stewards 7 preserves, holds 35 conservation easements restricting private land, connects thousands of students, residents, and visitors to the land, and is actively working to protect additional special places. The 2020 Buy Back the Beach lūʻau will enable HILT to protect and care for more irreplaceable lands to ensure communities across Hawaiʻi will forever have coastlines to enjoy, healthy local food from farms, ranches, and fishponds, fresh drinking water from protected watersheds, and ancestral lands that maintain our connection with the past.
HILT invites everyone to join in celebrating Bob Hobdy for his community conservation leadership, and lifelong dedication to Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems at this year’s HILT benefit, Buy Back the Beach.
The evening is an island-style pāʻina under the stars at the famous Old Lāhainā Lū‘au. Guests will be treated to delicious local fare provided by Nā Hoaloha ʻEkolu family of restaurants including Old Lāhainā Lū‘au, Leoda’s Aloha Mixed Plate, and Leoda’s, along with craft cocktails, an exciting live and silent auction, and live music by Ahumanu.
Event Details:
Saturday, January 25, 2020
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Old Lāhainā Lū‘au
1022 Front St.
Lahaina, HI 96761
Tables of 8 are available for $1,600, $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, and $10,000
Individual Tickets are $160 per person before the December 31, 2019 early bird deadline
Purchase Tickets online at http://www.hilt.org/special-events-calendar
Or by phone at (808) 791-0731