Welcome to The Outdoor Circle!
Our Mission
To keep Hawai‘i clean, green, and beautiful by preserving, protecting, and enhancing our environment.
Our Vision
Hawai‘i is recognized as a model of effective environmental sustainability. A lei of green encircles each island. Parks, greenways, and bikeways are plentiful; our streets are lined with appropriate and well-maintained trees. Wiring is place underground and signage is at a minimum. The Outdoor Circle is the essential resources in matters relating to our mission.
To keep Hawai‘i clean, green, and beautiful by preserving, protecting, and enhancing our environment.
Our Vision
Hawai‘i is recognized as a model of effective environmental sustainability. A lei of green encircles each island. Parks, greenways, and bikeways are plentiful; our streets are lined with appropriate and well-maintained trees. Wiring is place underground and signage is at a minimum. The Outdoor Circle is the essential resources in matters relating to our mission.
In Memoriam: Steve Mechler
The Outdoor Circle honors the life and legacy of Steve Mechler—former President, longtime leader, and a deeply respected member of our community whose contributions helped shape both our organization and the landscapes of Hawaiʻi for decades. Steve passed away gently on April 9th surrounded by loved ones.
Steve’s relationship with The Outdoor Circle was not defined by a single role or title, but by a sustained commitment over many years. He served as President during a time when the challenges facing Hawaiʻi’s environment were becoming increasingly complex, and he brought to that role a steady, thoughtful presence rooted in both conviction and experience. Before and after his presidency, he remained actively engaged—as a board member, committee leader, and a guiding voice in the organization’s work, including his leadership on tree-related initiatives.
Professionally, Steve was a licensed landscape architect and the founder of The Mechler Corporation. Over a long career, he designed landscapes for homes, businesses, and resorts across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. His work reflected not only technical skill, but a deep understanding of place—how land, culture, and community come together to form the environments in which we live. He approached his work with care and intention, always mindful of the balance between built and natural systems.
That perspective carried directly into his work with The Outdoor Circle. Steve understood that protecting Hawaiʻi’s beauty requires both principle and pragmatism. He was often at the table in discussions where outcomes were not predetermined—where trees, views, and landscapes could be lost or preserved depending on the choices made. In those moments, he brought a combination of professional credibility and quiet persistence that helped achieve meaningful results, including efforts to preserve significant trees and shape more thoughtful project outcomes.
Beyond The Outdoor Circle, Steve contributed to the broader civic and cultural life of Hawaiʻi. He served as a commissioner on the Mayor’s Committee on Culture and the Arts and remained engaged in conversations about how our shared spaces should reflect the values and identity of these islands. He understood that beauty is not incidental—it is something that must be protected, cultivated, and carried forward.
Those who worked with Steve knew him as someone who did not seek the spotlight, but whose influence was nonetheless deeply felt. He listened carefully, spoke thoughtfully, and brought a grounded perspective to complex issues. His leadership was not about visibility, but about continuity—ensuring that the work moved forward, that the mission endured, and that decisions were made with both care and foresight.
Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Steve’s connection to these islands was lifelong. His work—both as a landscape architect and as a leader within The Outdoor Circle—leaves a lasting imprint on the places and communities he cared about.
Steve Mechler’s passing is a loss to The Outdoor Circle and to Hawaiʻi. His legacy lives on in the landscapes he helped shape, the trees he helped protect, and the organization he helped guide. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Steve’s relationship with The Outdoor Circle was not defined by a single role or title, but by a sustained commitment over many years. He served as President during a time when the challenges facing Hawaiʻi’s environment were becoming increasingly complex, and he brought to that role a steady, thoughtful presence rooted in both conviction and experience. Before and after his presidency, he remained actively engaged—as a board member, committee leader, and a guiding voice in the organization’s work, including his leadership on tree-related initiatives.
Professionally, Steve was a licensed landscape architect and the founder of The Mechler Corporation. Over a long career, he designed landscapes for homes, businesses, and resorts across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. His work reflected not only technical skill, but a deep understanding of place—how land, culture, and community come together to form the environments in which we live. He approached his work with care and intention, always mindful of the balance between built and natural systems.
That perspective carried directly into his work with The Outdoor Circle. Steve understood that protecting Hawaiʻi’s beauty requires both principle and pragmatism. He was often at the table in discussions where outcomes were not predetermined—where trees, views, and landscapes could be lost or preserved depending on the choices made. In those moments, he brought a combination of professional credibility and quiet persistence that helped achieve meaningful results, including efforts to preserve significant trees and shape more thoughtful project outcomes.
Beyond The Outdoor Circle, Steve contributed to the broader civic and cultural life of Hawaiʻi. He served as a commissioner on the Mayor’s Committee on Culture and the Arts and remained engaged in conversations about how our shared spaces should reflect the values and identity of these islands. He understood that beauty is not incidental—it is something that must be protected, cultivated, and carried forward.
Those who worked with Steve knew him as someone who did not seek the spotlight, but whose influence was nonetheless deeply felt. He listened carefully, spoke thoughtfully, and brought a grounded perspective to complex issues. His leadership was not about visibility, but about continuity—ensuring that the work moved forward, that the mission endured, and that decisions were made with both care and foresight.
Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Steve’s connection to these islands was lifelong. His work—both as a landscape architect and as a leader within The Outdoor Circle—leaves a lasting imprint on the places and communities he cared about.
Steve Mechler’s passing is a loss to The Outdoor Circle and to Hawaiʻi. His legacy lives on in the landscapes he helped shape, the trees he helped protect, and the organization he helped guide. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Your membership makes you a partner in helping keep Hawai‘i Clean, Green and Beautiful.
Please join us in protecting the environmental health and well-being of this place we cherish!
Please join us in protecting the environmental health and well-being of this place we cherish!
MAKE A DONATION TO OUR KEEP HAWAI‘I BEAUTIFUL CAMPAIGN
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Over 113 Years of Keeping Hawai‘i Clean, Green and Beautiful
The Outdoor Circle has been protecting Hawai‘i's environment by preserving and planting trees, protecting view planes,
providing outreach in our communities to educate future generations, and being an advocate for sound legislative policies
that ensure our islands are livable and sustainable.
We depend on your donations to continue our mission of keeping Hawai‘i the beautiful, special place we all love.
Please take a moment to make your tax-deductible gift now.
Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated.
Would you like to see a few of our accomplishments of 2025?
You may make a donation in honor or in memory of a friend or family member,
or give a gift of membership to someone who cares about Hawai‘i's environment.
We will be happy to send a note acknowledging your thoughtful gift.
Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for doing your part to keep the vision of our Founders thriving for many generations to come!
____________________________________________________________
Over 113 Years of Keeping Hawai‘i Clean, Green and Beautiful
The Outdoor Circle has been protecting Hawai‘i's environment by preserving and planting trees, protecting view planes,
providing outreach in our communities to educate future generations, and being an advocate for sound legislative policies
that ensure our islands are livable and sustainable.
We depend on your donations to continue our mission of keeping Hawai‘i the beautiful, special place we all love.
Please take a moment to make your tax-deductible gift now.
Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated.
Would you like to see a few of our accomplishments of 2025?
You may make a donation in honor or in memory of a friend or family member,
or give a gift of membership to someone who cares about Hawai‘i's environment.
We will be happy to send a note acknowledging your thoughtful gift.
Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for doing your part to keep the vision of our Founders thriving for many generations to come!
Thank you for supporting the enduring mission and vision of our founders!
Did you know The Outdoor Circle was started by seven women in 1912 ~
before they were even legally allowed to vote?
Testimonials
"I joined and donated not just because I support your organization's mission and work, but also because I have personally benefitted from the organization's work. I work as a tour guide and visitors consistently mention how lovely the trees are, and how wonderful it is to not see billboards.
I was also the beneficiary of a one-time scholarship award while studying at WCC. I got my degree in Arboriculture, and have gone on to use it both in my visitor industry life, as well as my work in human services."
- JH
I was also the beneficiary of a one-time scholarship award while studying at WCC. I got my degree in Arboriculture, and have gone on to use it both in my visitor industry life, as well as my work in human services."
- JH
Collaborative Support
Our efforts statewide have been in collaboration with and funded through City, County and State entities, foundations, private corporations and businesses, private donations, and grants.
Major financial supporters have included the State of Hawaii, County of Hawaii, Honolulu City and County, Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., Kaneohe Ranch, Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., General Growth Properties, Enterprise Car Rental, International Paper, Fed Ex, Hardware Hawaii, BOSH Inc, Adventist Health Castle, Prisanlee Fund, Poha Fund, Richard and Esther Wong Fund, Women’s Fund of Hawaii, Kamehameha Schools, Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, Armstrong Foundation, Hawaii Community Foundation, Arbor Day Foundation, MacNaughton Group Foundation, Padosi Foundation, Atherton Family Foundation, Zadoc and Lawrence Brown Foundation, LGA Family Foundation, Domestic Violence Action Center.
Our efforts statewide have been in collaboration with and funded through City, County and State entities, foundations, private corporations and businesses, private donations, and grants.
Major financial supporters have included the State of Hawaii, County of Hawaii, Honolulu City and County, Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., Kaneohe Ranch, Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., General Growth Properties, Enterprise Car Rental, International Paper, Fed Ex, Hardware Hawaii, BOSH Inc, Adventist Health Castle, Prisanlee Fund, Poha Fund, Richard and Esther Wong Fund, Women’s Fund of Hawaii, Kamehameha Schools, Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, Armstrong Foundation, Hawaii Community Foundation, Arbor Day Foundation, MacNaughton Group Foundation, Padosi Foundation, Atherton Family Foundation, Zadoc and Lawrence Brown Foundation, LGA Family Foundation, Domestic Violence Action Center.