Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association News Release
For Immediate Release
March 12th, 2020
Contact: Judy Edwards
Communications Specialist
808-747-6572 (fax) 808-985-7333
HPPA’s 2018 Impact Report (annual report) has received an Outstanding Public Engagement Award from the Public Lands Alliance. The partnership award was presented at PLA’s annual convention held recently in Arlington, VA.
Staff submitted the report for consideration in the competition because we felt strongly that it was a compelling review of a year that truly fits the definition of hulihia: overturning and change. When dramatic volcanic events at Kīlauea began in May of 2018, they disrupted the operation of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, dislocated HPPA’s administrative offices, and shuttered our two busiest national park stores. The report tells the story of how we managed during a hurried park evacuation, the onslaught of daily earthquakes, the disruption to the community caused by a truly remarkable eruption of lava, and the “new normal” of our operations in support of national parks once Hawaiʻi Volcanoes reopened in late September of 2018.
“The fact that we have survived, thrived, and adapted, with kokua from our park partners, is purely a testament to the resilience and creativity of our team. We had a compelling story to tell, and it is humbling to receive this recognition for our efforts by the broader public lands partner community,” says Margot Griffith, HPPA Executive Director.
Competition judges made the following comments in their deliberations:
"This is more than a report, it is a work of art and outstanding technology. This...shows the dedication of a public lands partner to their mission."
"Considering the circumstances of the eruption, I have to say that this report is beyond my expectations in terms of its content and reach to the public. With its illustrations of the eruption, buildings, and people involved, it clearly communicates the mission of the organization and how it adapted to be an asset in this devastating situation."
"A good and environmentally friendly way to demonstrate the accomplishments of the organization. Makes very clear the aid given and value of these efforts."
"Well done. Professional. Uncluttered. Interactive. Engaging."
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A new PDF short form of the report is attached. Its content is condensed from the online interactive edition, link here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/d0728b97-5a1c-4a80-863b-ddf6b574b796
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HPPA is a nonprofit cooperating association working in partnership with the National Park Service in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa since 1933. Proceeds from our park stores support interpretation, educational programs, research projects, publications, and cultural activities.
The Public Lands Alliance is dedicated to connecting, strengthening and representing the nonprofit partners of America's public lands.
