FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Martin & MacArthur Joins Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods
Koa Reforestation Program
Furniture makers give back to the islands through koa tree planting
Honolulu, Hawaii—May 17, 2010— Martin & MacArthur, Hawaii’s oldest and largest fine Koa furniture
maker and purveyor, is partnering with Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods (HLH) in support of its sustainable
Koa reforestation project on Hawaii Island. Through three separate initiatives with HLH, Martin &
MacArthur will further the reforestation of Acacia Koa, Hawaii’s prized native hardwood.
"Koa is a Hawaiian legacy. Our initiatives with HLH to plant new Koa trees on the slopes of Mauna Kea
will help keep the legacy growing. Now, our customers can take an active role in these reforestation
efforts, as well", said Michael Tam, Martin & MacArthur CEO.
Reforestation Initiative
Martin & MacArthur will have one Koa tree planted in honor of every customer who purchases a piece
of Koa furniture at any of their six locations. In this way, Koa furniture buyers can help to ensure the
survival of this resource for future generations to enjoy. Newly planted Koa trees will provide the
reserves necessary to preserve the tradition of fine craftsmanship by Hawaii’s gifted Koa wood artisans.
Legacy Tree™ Initiative
Martin & MacArthur customers will also have the opportunity to purchase a “Legacy Tree” to be planted
in honor of an individual, to commemorate an event, or to memorialize a loved one. These trees can
inspire faith, devotion and gratitude while carrying forward the name of those memorialized, in a living
and tangible way. Individuals who purchase a “Legacy Tree” will receive a Certificate of Planting with the
name of the honored, and tracking data for each individual tree. Each “Legacy Tree” planted will be
equipped with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag and can be tracked through a Global
Positioning System by an exact set of geographic coordinates allowing the patron to locate their “Legacy
Tree” on maps, by satellite imagery, or in person on prearranged site visits.
LegaSeed™ Initiative
Martin & MacArthur, with the The LegaSeed™ Program, enables tree lovers to purchase a self contained
Indigenous Hawaiian tree kit, suitable for planting wherever he or she chooses, anywhere in Hawaii,
across the U.S. or in any nation around the world. For less than $10, individuals can purchase a
LegaSeed™ kit; the box includes self-contained, organic nursery media complete with biodegradable
container, Milo seeds and instructions for planting. The LegaSeed ™ kit is designed to easily pass through
agricultural inspections and can be taken home by Hawaii’s visitors.
More About Martin & MacArthur
Martin & MacArthur is Hawaii’s premier fine furniture maker and purveyor of exquisite furnishings for
gracious Hawaiian living. Over 20 highly skilled furniture craftsmen build all Martin & MacArthur
furniture in its Honolulu workshop, which also serves as a furniture showroom. In addition to its
manufacturing division, the company operates retail showrooms at Ward Centre, Ala Moana Center,
Hilton Hawaiian Village, The Shops at Wailea and Whaler’s Village to showcase its own designs and the
works of over 100 of the best craftsmen from across Hawaii. Founded by Jon Martin in 1961 to revive
the art of fine furniture making and honor the classic styles of Hawaii, Martin & MacArthur is now
headed by Michael Tam, the majority owner who also serves as Chief Executive Officer. For more
information on Martin & MacArthur and the Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods partnership, please visit
www.MartinandMacArthur.com.
More About Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods
The HLH Plantation is located 34 miles north of Hilo, above historic Umikoa Village on the slopes of
Mauna Kea. The 2,700-acre sustainable forestry project will support the growth of 1.3 million rare
tropical hardwood trees, primarily Koa, indigenous only to Hawaii. The planting site was once a
magnificent Koa forest and was the personal property of King Kamehameha I. This old growth forest was
almost lost to clear-cut harvesting and cattle grazing. Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods is working to return
this site to its former glory. For more information, visit www.hawaiianlegacyhardwoods.com or contact
HLH by phone at (877) 707-TREE (8733) or via the Internet at info@hawaiianlegacyhardwoods.com.
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