LIHUE — Malama Mahaulepu is welcoming a new outreach and project coordinator, and advancing a new survey — all at the same time.
Lori Stitt of Wailua is the newest addition to Malama Mahaulepu’s executive team, and she brings with her years of conservation experience.
“(I) intend to welcome and educate others, particularly through family events, and to infuse fundraising and social media outreach enthusiasm and know-how to all volunteers,” Stitt said.
As outreach and project coordinator, Stitt’s main job is to be an advocate for the organization, streamlining volunteer efforts, generating interest, and helping connect Malama Mahaulepu with the community.
She’s already well-known in the conservation community. But even those who haven’t met her yet are looking forward to Stitt’s stint with the group’s leadership team.
“I don’t know her, I’ve met her once briefly, but Malama Mahaulepu and Friends of Mahaulepu are kind of affiliates. Gordon (LaBedz) is setting up a time for us to meet and talk,” said Bridgette Hammerquist, head of Friends of Mahaulepu.
Stitt was one of the founding members of the Kauai Chapter of Surfrider Foundation in 2006 and served on the executive committee for more than 10 years. She held many different positions, including treasurer and event coordinator. She was responsible for setting up Surfrider Kauai’s social media accounts, did public outreach monthly at the Hanalei Surfboard Swap and was a leader in fundraising efforts.
“Lori is a dedicated environmental activist,” said Barbara Wiedner of Surfrider Kauai.
“She dedicated much of her free time to protecting ocean waves and beaches while surfing on Surfider Foundation Kauai Chapter’s executive committee.”
Wiedner said Stitt is a good fit for Malama Mahaulepu and is looking forward to see how she jives with the organization.
“Lori will be perfect for the outreach and project coordinator. She has the skills to inform the public about the importance of preserving wonderful Mahaulepu,” Wiedner said. “Malama Mahaulepu is lucky to have her on their team.”
One of the first ways Stitt is connecting Malama Mahaulepu with the community is through a survey, hosted on its website at www.malama-mahaulepu.org.
The nine-question survey is focused on gathering information for the future of Mahaulepu. It asks about preservation options and actions, desires for management, and preferences for facilities at Mahaulepu.
It’s also available on the Friends of Mahaulepu website and social media channels.
Hammerquist said the survey is a valuable tool for learning about the community.
“I would give it to Grove Farms and the Dairy (Hawaii Dairy Farms),” Hammerquist said.
