New grassroots organization hosts its premier public event.

SouthMauiSustainability will hold its first public event on Thursday, Aug. 7, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Kalama Heights retirement complex in Kihei.

The organization is a grassroots citizen’s group, whose mission is to promote sustainability awareness and action through education, growing our own food, producing our own energy and conserving and sharing our resources.

This introductory meeting will feature speakers, followed by a question-and-answer session. Speakers include opening comments by Rob Parsons, past Environmental Coordinator for Maui County; Brad Albert of the Hawai‘i PV Coalition; William Bennett on renewable energy; Marian Scott on growing food in South Maui; George Mateljan, author of The World’s Healthiest Foods; and a pule by Daniel Kanahele.

“If you are interested in learning about growing healthy food in South Maui or learning about solar electricity, solar water heating tax credits and implementation from local experts, please attend this meeting,” said SouthMauiSustainability spokesman Maury King. “We want to create a community with our neighbors in South Maui.”

Light pupu will be served. Kalama Heights is located at 101 Kanani Road between South Kihei Road and Pi‘ilani Highway. Use the lower driveway, not the main entrance. The meeting will be held in the Garden Room at the southwest corner of the building.

The group holds meetings in Maui Meadows every Friday at 5:30 p.m. For more information, email maury@SouthMauiSustainability.org or visit SouthMauiSustainability.org.