Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 35, Number 7, 1 July 2018 — Conservationists hold Hawai'i convention [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Conservationists hold Hawai'i convention

'ĀINA v LAND AND WATER f

By Treena Shaprio Qcientists, policymakers, conservationists and educators will convene

1 at the Hawai'i Convention Center this month for the 25th Annual Hawai'i Conservation Conference.

The theme of this V year's conference is Ulu Ka Lālā I Ke Kumu: From a Strong Foundation Grows an Abundant Future. The

'ōlelo no'eau "Ulu ka lālā i ke kumu" means "the branch grows from the tree trunk," and this year's conference will build on past conservation efforts. 2018 marks the 30th anniversary of the Hawai'i Conservation Allianee, an organization comprised

of puhlie and private members who put on the annual conference. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is HCA's chair this year, in recognition of the importance

of our natural environment and its intrinsic relationship with our beneficiaries and importance

as a foundation of who we are as a people. From the Hawai'i Conservation Allianee website:

"We remember and honor the foundations, and forge ahead, using new and better tools and techniques that our forebears did not have access to. We recognize that without our ancestors, we would not have the knowledge and resources we have

today. We also trust that one day our own work will be the kumu, so we build the science and praxis to buttress the future we desire. At the 25th annual Hawai'i Conservation Conference, we will reach from our rich foundations of biocultural stewardship and innovate scientific exploration towards an abundant future for our environment and our communities." Regular registration for all three days of the conference is $370, but group rates and single-day options are available, as are discounts for educators and students. Special registration rates may also be available for Paeihe Islanders and qualified non-profit staff. Visit www.hawaiiconservation. org/conference/2018-register for more information, email registrar@pacificrimconcepts.com or eall (808) 864-9812 or (808) 3863238. ■