The Hawai'i Chapter of the Sierra Club is endorsing two candidates for state Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees positions, including Rose Duey for the Maui seat.
The club's other endorsement is of Haunani Apoliona for OHA's at-large seat.
The club said it was endorsing Duey, "who has been leading efforts to protect cultural sites and flowing waters, including successful legal action for the return of stream flow with Na Wai Eha (the four great streams of West Maui) to recharge aquifers, protect stream life and restore Hawaiian taro growing."
"She also advocated for the return of Kahoolawe, against blocking beach access and restored the ahupua'a of Lihau, Olowalu, earning the Sierra Club's Malama Ka 'Aina award."
The club said Duey is a "community builder, manager, farmer, business owner, landowner and grandmother who has left her footprint on many local nonprofits, including Maui Cultural Lands, Ka 'Ohana O Kahikinui and Alu Like."
On Nov. 6, voters statewide will cast ballots in all OHA elections, regardless of a candidate's residency district or at-large seat.
According to an announcement from the club, it is the state's largest grass-roots environmental organization, with more than 12,000 members and supporters.
The endorsements marked the first time the organization has announced its recommendations for candidates for OHA seats.
Apoliona, a former OHA chairwoman, has been a trustee since 1996.
Charles Pe'ape'a Makawalu Burrows, a Native Hawaiian naturalist, educator and a Sierra Club member for 40 years, said Apoliona has backed environmental issues.
"We have always received the support from Trustee Apoliona to protect, conserve and restore Hawaiian archaeological and ecological sites on Kahoolawe island and in Kawainui Marsh," he said.
