Can Social Media Save Hawaii’s Beaches and Land?

Saving Hawaii’s beaches and open space is a widely shared commitment – not just among those of us who live here but even more so perhaps for the millions of visitors to Hawaii! Everyone is invited, as even those of you who may never visit have likely experienced calm and inspiration from looking a Maui sunset or listening to the rhythm of the waves while watching an episode of Beachwalks.tv.

I am part of the social media team that is helping raise funds for the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (HILT) on January 28, 2012 and their annual fundraiser. We are putting social media to a test. In the past, this has been a local event that targets local attendees who bid on deluxe local packages. All of that is the same this year, however HILT is adding several social media options. I am blogging here to enlist you, dear reader, in our activities and to create an additional central clearinghouse for all of the social media assets being created!

Online Donation Campaign:
HILT has secured a matching donor. If we can raise $5000 in online donations by January 28th, the donor will match us with another $5000. I think we can, but alas, it is going to be up to all of us to get this done. As you can see in the comments, we succeeded and in fact raised an added $5K at the live event. The meant a total of $20K raised ($10K plus $10K matching) and HILT went way over the top of their goal. Mahalo to each and everyone of you who contributed. And yes, you can still donate! Please donate here now.

Here Are The Main Activities

Luau hosted by Old Lahaina Luau on Saturday January 28th. That is also our “must be done by” date as we will be announcing all of the fund-raising totals at that time. Buy a ticket or a table.

Live Auction Packages. We KNOW the live auction will be a hit – there is a track record on that! But what about the social web? Can we build the buzz as well as the commitment to make a dent in supporting the Hawaii Island Land Trust? View all auction packages here. They are also listed below for your convenience.

Share-the-Cause Love: No matter what, we appreciate your help in raising awareness of our ʻaina (that means land in Hawaiian). Please blog about it, tweet about it, and if you are here – treat it as your best friend!

Resources – Use As Often as You Like!

• Like HILT on Facebook and share your stories of Hawaii. Recommend them and help build their community.
• Follow the Hawaii Island Land Trust on Twitter @HiLandTrust. They have an emerging account – help them grow their follower base!
• Use our event Hashtag: #BBTB2012 (BuyBackTheBeach 2012) so we can include you in the conversation.
• Make a donation now and then do it again as often as you wish by January 28th. Let’s get “social media” an honorable seat at the “donors” table.
• Buy a ticket or a table and join us at the luau on January 28th.
• Tell your Hawaii and especially Maui friends about these packages and recommend they attend the luau in person.
• Help thank our many sponsors and donors; links below.
• Friend, Like and share HILT photos on Flickr.

Follow and Tweet These Peeps: Hosts and Donors

HOST: Hawaii Island Land Trust: @HILandTrust
SUPORTERS:
Old Lahaina Luau: @oldlahainaluau
Mana Foods
Skyline Adventures
Sempra – Solar, Wind, Natural Gas
Boeing

Follow and Tweet the Social Media Team

Peter Liu: @PeterLiu47
Melissa Chang: @Melissa808
Sarah Burns: @TheOhanaMama
Liza Pierce: @AMauiBlog
Roxanne Darling: @roxannedarling
Sara Tekula: @spectekula, our fearless leader

Use and Share our Shortlinks

Link to the main event page: http://bit.ly/BBTB2012
Link to the $5K Challenge Details: http://www.hilt/org/bbtb-5k
Link to the PayPal Donate Page: http://bit.ly/bbtb5000

Discover What Our Social Media Team is Blogging About

A Maui Blog: My Favorite Beaches on Maui Part 1
A Maui Blog: Buy Back the Beach Benefit: Five Things
The Ohana Mama: Calling All Hawaii Lovers – Let’s Buy Back the Beach!
Nonstop Honolulu: Let’s Buy Back the Beach
Peter Liu’s Kaiscapes: Help Buy Back the Beach in Hawaii
The Ohana Mama: Kuleana – Hawaiian Word of the Day
A Maui Blog: Buy Back the Beach $5K Challenge

Lots more to come! Please bookmark this page so you can see all the updates!

Here is an UPDATED list of the Auction Packages & Videos!

Afternoon with W.S. Merwin
Ancient Days in Wailea
edible Hawaiian Islands’ “Sentenced to Feast”: Dinner Party Exclusive
Great Scope! Haleakala
Guided Kaupo Hunt & Private Dinner with Chef Brian Etheredge
Hawai‘i By Air, Land & Sea
Hike the Cloud Forest of Waikamoi
Kauai Family Fun
Ku‘uipo Makena
Ole Longboard
One Wild Week in Wyoming
Vintner Vonderland Napa Valley
Waihee by Moonlight: Guided Hike & Dinner
Wailea Shutterbug Workshop with Randy Jay Braun