Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 21, Number 11, 1 November 2004 — Northwest islands [ARTICLE]

Northwest islands

A panel of Native Hawaiian science and cultural experts will discuss the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and how these 'kūpuna islands' are integrally connected to the Native Hawaiian culture. The

Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve was established on Dec. 4, 2000 and is now undergoing a puhlie process to be designated as a national marine sanctuary. The panel discussion will explore the historical, cultural and scientific significance of the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the eldest in the Hawaiian ehain. The panelists are: Dr. Isabella Aiona Abbott, internationally known ethnobotanist, author and algae expert; fisherman and cultural practitioner William Aila; and attorney Edward Halealoha Ayau, who works with the Hui Mālama i na Kūpuna o Hawai'i Nei on iwi repatriation issues. The hour-long OHA roundtable program is moderated by Kim Ku'ulei Birnie, community health advocate with Papa Ola Lōkahi and member of Protect Kaho'olawe 'Ohana. The program will air on Wednesdays, Nov. 24 and Dec. 1 on 'Ōlelo Channel 53 at 7 p.m., and at various times throughout December. For more information, visit the Reserve website at hawaiireef.noaa.gov.