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Ka\u02bbikuliumaikalani Kaholoa\u02bba will share how coral genetics research and Indigenous knowledge can guide reef resilience and community stewardship.<\/p>\n\nKa\u02bbikuliumaikalani Kaholoa\u02bba will share how coral genetics research and Indigenous knowledge can guide reef resilience and community stewardship.<\/p>\n
The Cultures and Coastlines Speaker Series, presented by Pilikahakai Foundation and partners, returns on Sunday, Sept. 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Maui Ocean Center\u2019s Sphere. This month\u2019s program, Using Coral Genetics to Empower Local Stewardship of Maui Nui\u2019s Reefs, features Ka\u02bbikuliumaikalani Kaholoa\u02bba (Kaiku), a Native Hawaiian from Moloka\u02bbi and Ph.D. student at Stanford, who will share how coral genetics research and Indigenous knowledge can guide reef resilience and community stewardship.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough Cultures and Coastlines, we continue to uplift Native Hawaiian voices and highlight how cultural values and science work hand in hand to address the challenges facing our ocean,\u201d said\u00a0Keolahou Hinau, executive director of Pilikahakai Foundation.\u201cKaiku\u2019s research bridges these worlds, advancing coral conservation while mentoring the next generation of stewards in our island communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Kaiku\u2019s research focuses on identifying heat-tolerant corals that can withstand the impacts of climate change. Working alongside local communities, he helps protect these \u201csuper reefs\u201d as Marine Protected Areas and supports youth through mentorship in marine conservation. Dedicated to honoring Indigenous knowledge and protocols, Kaiku also champions greater Pacific Islander representation in STEM fields, expanding pathways for Native Hawaiians and other Pacific peoples in science and conservation.<\/p>\n
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The Cultures and Coastlines series was created by Pilikahakai Foundation to engage community members, cultural leaders, and scientists in caring for Hawai\u2018i\u2019s coastal ecosystems and perpetuating Native Hawaiian culture. Through conservation projects, educational programs, and community dialogue, the series highlights how cultural values and scientific knowledge can work together to strengthen environmental resilience. In partnership with Maui Ocean Center, Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute, \u02bb\u0100ina Momona, Ocean Conservancy, and other local organizations, the initiative is fostering collaborative solutions to protect Maui\u2019s natural and cultural resources for generations to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cKaiku\u2019s approach is so important because he grounds science in community and culture. The work he is doing on coral genetics research is giving us new tools to understand reef resilience and ahupua\u2018a health,\u201d said\u00a0Kalaniua Ritte, Executive Director of \u2018\u0100ina Momona.\u00a0\u201cThrough the ongoing Cultures and Coastlines series and similar events on Moloka\u2018i, momentum continues to build around creating spaces where indigenous knowledge and science come together to strengthen stewardship and protect Hawai\u2018i\u2019s ahupua\u2018a.\u201d<\/p>\n
Attendees can register for the event via\u00a0Eventbrite<\/a>. The first 20 people to check in at the event will receive a complimentary eco tote bag.\u00a0<\/p>\n ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD<\/b><\/p>\n