Grab a glass of liquid aloha for an informal networking night with conservation leaders and fellow ocean lovers from our community. This relaxed gathering is a chance to dive deeper into the topics you care about and connect with others who share a passion for protecting Hawai'i's ocean resources.

Come talk story, meet new people, and raise a glass to the work we're doing together for our community and our coasts.

Alyssa Garvin and Kater Hiney from Malama Kai Foundation are our presenters for May.

We hope you can join us on May 20th, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., for the Ridge to Reef Ahupuaʻa/Watershed Education Program Symposium at the Ridge to Reef Restoration Center (3RC) at Hawaiʻi Technology Park in Kona. This event is the culminating end-of-year conference where students from five West Hawaiʻi schools will showcase what they learned from the school year-long program and environmental action projects. See attached flyer and please share with your students, other partners, and colleagues.  Agenda for the day is below:

Agenda

8:30       Arrival & Breakfast 

9:00       E Hō Mai

9:05       Keynote Speaker - Dr. Grace Klinges, 'Ākoʻakoʻa Coral Reef Restoration, Arizona State University 

9:30       Program Overview

9:40       Introduction to Partners

10:00     Break

10:10     Oral Presentations

11:10     Break

11:20     Poster Session

12:00     Lunch on lanai

12:30     Focus Group Evaluations (separate student and teacher groups)

12:50     Oli Mahalo and Closing

1:00       Depart

Walk with us and help us support Hawaiʻi's local non-profits!  Since 1979, Hawaiʻi Island has raised more than $5.6 million to support hundreds of diverse non-profit organizations on the island. The public is always invited to participate in this annual event which typically features a morning of delicious food, fun, fabulous entertainment, and a little exercise to help charities within our community.

Run @ 6.45am  | Walk 7.30am | Onsite registration opens at 5:30 am

Waikoloa 5th graders are organizing a beach cleanup THIS Saturday, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Puako Boat Ramp! This is part of their Ridge to Reef Watershed/Ahupuaʻa Education Program. I hope you can join us!  Afterwards, we can go check out the free day at the Keiki Museum and then go see the Paddling Regatta at Ohaiʻula (Spencer Beach Park).

Bring water bottles, hats, sunscreen, and be prepared for hot weather. You might want to jump in the ocean before and after (there is a shower and port a potty there).

Students will be presenting on their Ridge To Reef Ahupuaʻa/Watershed Education Program projects. See attached. Please join us if you can and help spread the word.

Presenter: Robin T. Smith, PhD

Associate Research Professor

Arizona State University

ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program

Presented by Charlie Fasano

Hawaiʻi Regional Director at Shark Research Institute

Guest Presenter Maria Harvey with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

Zach Taylor from The MEGA Lab at UH Hilo is our presenter for October. Unfortunately we experienced techinical difficulties, resulting in no recording of this Reef Talk.

Jeff and Teri Leicher from Malama Kai Foundation are our presentors for September.

Mikayla Barnwell from The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii is our presenter for July.

Stop by our booth at the open house to learn more about Malama Kai Foundation and our partnership with the A’ko’ako’a program. RSVP here.

Free Panel Discussion celebrating World Oceans Day

Saturday June 8th @ 12:00pm

Doors & Concessions open at 11:30am

approx 90 min | live panel discussion | screenings to follow

This is a Free Event, donations are gratefully accepted

Join us at the Palace Theater for a panel discussion theme “Sustaining Our Seas” produced with the Malama Kai Foundation in celebration of World Oceans Day. A 45 min guided discussion hosted by MC Dr. Chris Hawkins with panelists Dr. Greg Asner, Lauren Nakoa & Cindi Punihaole followed by an open discussion with the audience.

Meet our Panelists!

Dr. Greg Asner is a renowned marine ecologist from ASUʻs Hawaii-based Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science, whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of marine ecosystems.

Lauren Nakoa is representing the Nakoa Foundation and Hawaiian Chieftain, who is a prominent community leader focused on cultural and environmental preservation.

Cindi Punihaole from the Kohala Center, an organization dedicated to research, education, and conservation in Hawaii.

Kaikea Nakachi from Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Life Advisory Committee is our guest speaker for May.

Maria Harvey from Hawaiʻi Uncharted Research Collective Outreach is our guest speaker for April.

Dr. Grace Klinges from ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration is our guest speaker for March.