MALU
The MALU Initiative
Meaningful
Arboriculture to
Limit Vulnerability in
Urban and Community areas
Funded by a five-year, $20 million competitive federal award provided by the US Forest Service Kupu is launching the MALU (Meaningful Arboriculture to Limit Vulnerability in Urban and Community areas) initiative.
In ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language), malu means shade, cover, protection and rehabilitation. MALU will support a community of practice that will improve ʻāina (land) and community wellbeing, providing funding, technical assistance and support to multiple, local organizations working to increase tree cover in disadvantaged areas.
MALU Support
Kupu is grateful for the support of the US Forest Service, which made this program possible through its Urban and Community Forestry Program. Consistent with our focus on youth development and environmental restoration, MALU will place special emphasis on the myriad of supporting organizations working to improve wellbeing for people and places at the same time.
To learn more about this initiative, check out the following resource:
Read Urban Community Forestry 2023 Factsheet
Press Releases:
Background on Kupu
Established in 2007 as a Honolulu-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Kupu empowers future generations to create a more sustainable Hawaiʻi. The organization provides hands-on training and national service programs that educate and mentor youth to become stewards of culture and environment. Kupu has trained more than 5,700 youth and adults in conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. These young adults have supported Kupu partners to provide more than 3 million hours of service, which has culminated in planting over 1.5 million native plants and removing over 151,000 acres of invasive species. For their service, Kupu has presented $6.3 million in education awards to support the continued growth of its members. To date, Kupu has generated more than $176 million in economic benefits to the state of Hawaiʻi.