Recognizing a Lifetime of Dedication to Mālama ʻĀina: Randy Ching

by Wayne Tanaka, Chapter Director | Reading time: 2 minutes

Hulō! Our very own Randy Ching - a dedicated Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi member of over 30 years - was honored this month by the Honolulu City Council, for his lifetime of ongoing contributions to these islands we are blessed to call home.

On April 17, the City Council presented Randy with a certificate “Honoring and Recognizing Randy Ching for his Lifelong Dedication to Mālama ʻĀina.” Councilmember Matt Weyer, lead signer of the certificate, read aloud its recitation of just some of Randy’s many accomplishments and contributions to O‘ahu and beyond, including hosting over 400 service trips throughout the islands; building numerous trails and trail networks allowing tens of thousands (if not more) of people to safely experience the beauty of Oʻahu’s natural landscape; planting and nurturing thousands of trees, creating literal forests that today provide habitat to native and endangered wildlife; donating the majority of his life savings to critical charitable causes; and volunteering countless hours to numerous organizations working on environmental protection, food security, outdoor recreational opportunities, and enhancing our democracy.  

Photos: Wayne Tanaka and Ikaika Hussey

As the opening provision of the certificate proclaimed, those who know him also describe Randy as selfless, passionate, and deeply dedicated, and his contributions to our islands as “endless.” You can read the certificate here.

As anyone who knows Randy would agree, this recognition was tremendously well-deserved!

Of course, it would be impossible to squeeze in all of the amazing things that Randy has done and continues to do, and all of the words of respect and admiration that his friends and admirers shared about him, in a one-page certificate. His time as an educator in the public school system, his work supporting school garden programs, his grassroots organizing and advocacy for campaigns and causes he believes in, and his character as a “quintessential conservationist” and a “giving and compassionate individual with deep integrity, deep commitment, and a local boy who is 100% about Hawaiʻi” - these things and more were also proclaimed by the many people who helped inform the contents of this certificate. 

Fortunately, we will all have an opportunity to more fully give Randy the appreciation he so richly deserves! Please stay tuned for a celebration of Randy’s recognition by the Honolulu City Council, and of those who have likewise dedicated themselves to the restoration, protection, and perpetuation of our Hawai‘i nei  - more details will be announced soon. 

Hope to see you there!