More than 1,200 scientists, managers and conservationists are expected to attend the 26th annual Hawai‘i Conservation Conference today through Thursday at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
The conference will discuss everything conservation in Hawaii, from cutting-edge research to new tools and emerging trends in addressing environmental issues.
The three-day event will feature more than 70 hours of symposiums, panels, forums, training sessions and workshops covering the science and management of a range of topics, including rapid ohia death, Kamehameha butterflies, humpback whales, coral reefs and climate change.
This year’s theme is “He ‘a‘ali‘i ku makani au — Resilience in the Face of Change.” Registration is open to the public.
Speakers include Bishop Museum scientist Richard Pyle and state Land Board Chairwoman Suzanne Case.
The panel at 10 a.m. today is called “Kane and Kanaloa Are Coming: How Will We Receive Them? A Kanaka Take on Climate Change and Indigenous Resilience.”
The conference also will feature a public afternoon in which visitors can check out more than 50 exhibitors showcasing the work of organizations, agencies and companies working in conservation, plus any of five concurrent sessions and other events.
This year’s major conference sponsors are the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, Hau‘oli Mau Loa Foundation, Kamehameha Schools, Ulupono Initiative and The Wildlife Society-Hawai‘i Chapter.
For more information, go to bit.ly/2XM0pt8.