look but don’t touch

Responsible viewing is an important part of keeping Hawaiʻiʻs wildlife safe.  Please remember to keep your distance, do not attempt to feed, touch or ride wildlife, and choose responsible tour operators.

As part of a partnership between TNC, NOAA, DLNR, and Hawaiian Airlines the PSA below will be airing on all in-bound flights to the islands, appealing to visitors to help protect Hawaiʻi’s iconic marine species.

For more information on sea turtles, monk seals, and spinner dolphins visit roarhawaii.org.

citizen science

Today, after much preparation, the voyaging canoe Hikianalia, set sail for Papahānaumokuākea for a 2 week cruise.  Aboard the waʻa are four scientists from The Nature Conservancy and a couple of community members from Kaʻūpūlehu and Polanui, along side previous marine fellow, captain Kaleo Wong and some of the Hōkūleʻa crew.

Hikianalia is the sister vessel to Hōkūleʻa, both modeled after traditional voyaging canoes sailed by early Polynesians to Hawaiʻi.  Hikianalia holds modern equipment and technology, allowing the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) to bring the classroom with them as they voyage around the world.

While at Nihoa, the community members will be conducting underwater biological surveys using the exact same protocol that they use at home, providing data that will be comparable and comprehensive.

Kalani is also headed up to Papahānaumokuākea on a research vessel to participate in archaeological surveys on Nihoa.

We look forward to sharing more about their experiences as we learn more.  Updates and more photos to come soon!

the ocean does not separate us, it joins us all together

Happy World Ocean’s Day!

Stuck behind a desk? Here’s a little sneak peak snorkel tour to brighten your day:

Photo Credit: David Slater

#WorldOceansDay

the rising pacific

This week we participated in the Pacific Risk Management ʻOhana (PRiMO) Conference.  This ʻohana is a coalition of organizations with a role in hazard risk management in the Pacific region; organizations that recognize the value of the collective action and are committed to enhancing cooperation, coordination, and collaboration to strengthen and sustain hazard resilient communities.

“We live in a sea of land, the sea is not what isolates us, it is what connects us all.” 

What a great experience this was.  This was not only a gathering of first-responders and federal organizations, there were non-profits, individuals, and community members present from throughout the Pacific, from Hawaiʻi to Guam to American and Independent Samoa, and even representatives from Native American tribes.  There were deep discussions on how indigenous and traditional knowledge can help connect and better prepare individuals for the effects of climate change and how building trust and relationships is the true way to success.

“We are all brothers and sisters, with each other, with the plants, the animals, the land and the sky, we are all connected” 

We met with so many outstanding individuals from all walks of life and left this conference truly inspired to work together with our partners and use the knowledge that we hold to fire the change for a better tomorrow.

observe this!

Join us tonight for a talk story event hosted by HCA featuring our very own marine fellow, Kalani!

He will be talking about his experience as a longline fishery observer & his journey to becoming a TNC marine fellow.

TONIGHT, Tuesday, March 10th at 5:30PM at the KUPU office, 12th floor lanai of the Gold Bond Building: 677 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 1200, Honolulu, HI 96813

calling all future conservationists!!!

Looking for an unforgettable & meaningful way to spend your summer?  If you are a college student or have recently graduated and have a deep interest in natural resource management, we have the perfect opportunity for you!!!

 

 

 

 

The Nature Conservancy of Hawaiʻi is offering an unpaid six week summer internship program from June 22-July 31, 2015 in our Honolulu office.  You will get to experience & learn about:

• The role of science and community engagement in marine & terrestrial conservation
• Science-based initiatives & meet our community partners to see first-hand how we collaborate for effective management
• Technology & innovation for conservation; including GPS/GIS/Google Map use, remote sensing, & in-the-field technology
• Policy & Communications; including the legislative process, DLNR rule-making, & outreach
• Fundraising & finance
• Leadership & career development

Basic qualifications:

1. Enrolled in or graduated from a college degree program in environmental studies, natural resource management, ecology, biology, geography or other related field, or in general liberal arts with a demonstrated interest in natural resource fields.
2. Demonstrated commitment and dedication to conservation via efforts such as volunteer opportunities, school clubs, part-time jobs or weekend activities.
3. Ability to operate basic computer programs (Microsoft Office, etc.)
4. Experience in Hawaiʻi’s geographies and general knowledge of Hawaiian culture, including island ecosystem principles.

What’s the best part? You get to work right along side with we three marine fellows! 

To apply:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to smarrs@tnc.org by 5:00PM on Friday, April 3, 2015. Your cover letter (not to exceed two pages) must address the following:

1. State your current education level and how you meet the four basic qualifications listed above.
2. Tell us about a previous internship, job, or team you were on, and what role you played as part of that team or group of colleagues.  What did you enjoy about being a member of that team or group?
3. How do you think this internship will benefit you? How will you use it to benefit the world around you?

BREAK INTO CONSERVATION

Looking to get your foot in the door of the conservation realm?  This is your chance!!! The Nature Conservancy has re-opened the application process for Kupu Extended Internship Program (EIP) interns! This is a great introductory chance to work with your boots on the ground or fins in the water in conservation .

Currently there are three positions available on Oʻahu, Maui, and Kauaʻi.  The position on Oʻahu is for the Supersucker operation in Kāneʻohe Bay, a marine intern position on Maui, and to work in the extensive TNC forest preserves on Kauaʻi.

Kirsten on her first day on the job as the Kupu EIP intern on TNC’s Supersucker operation, October 2013.

Don’t forget, two of us three fellows started out as Kupu interns on the Supersucker, this could be your big break!

To learn more about the positions available visit Kupu’s website & to  view the application, click here.

he puko’a ku no ka moana

he pūkoʻa kani ʻāina

“a coral reef that grows into an island”

A person beginning in a small way gains steadily until he becomes firmly established. // Just like a single polyp that grows into a coral head that builds into an island, start small, slowly build, & persevere towards your larger goals.

Nui news on Maui

Great news for both TNC & Maui!

DLNR announced on Monday that they will officially be including a recent 3,721-acre addition to The Nature Conservancy Waikamoi Preserve into the state’s Natural Area Partnership Program, a program that encourages innovative partnerships across landowner boundaries.

Last April, the East Maui Irrigation Company, Ltd. granted TNC a conservation easement over the 3,741-acre plot that was adjacent to TNC’s existing Waikamoi Preserve.  Combined, these two parcels add up to be the largest natural preserve at almost 9,000 acres.

Boardwalk, Waikamoi Preserve, Maui
PC: Grady Timmons

The new extension spans from 3,600 to 9,500 feet above sea level, consisting of undeveloped rainforests; ʻōhiʻa forests that are home to 20 threatened or endangered plant and animal species including ʻākohekohe and kiwikiu.

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Last week, DLNR announced that Wailuku Water Company would be releasing 10 million gallons of water per day into the ʻIao stream, starting Monday, October 13, 2014.   This is the first time in more than a century that there will be continuous water flow through ʻIao stream; the diversion of this stream dates back to the 1800’s.   This is not just good news for Maui, but provides an example for what can happen in the future.  The fight wasn’t easy for Wailuku and it took over 10 years to get to where they are today, but the water that is flowing means a lot to those who have fought for this for so long.

A lot of conservation doesn’t happen overnight but hard work and dedication truly pays off in the long end.  Congratulations to everyone that was involved in both of these great accomplishments!

pupukahi i holomua

 

pūpūkāhi i holomua

“unite in order to progress”

Three marine fellows & TNC’s new legal fellow, Shae, enjoying a kayak tour lead by a community member in Olowalu, Maui.

A lot of conservation work is about collaboration and partnerships.  Much of the work cannot be completed alone, many hands make for light work.

Through out the fellowship we do a lot of work together but we also do a lot of work on projects individually.  Whether we are together or not, at the end of the day we always come together and share our experiences and mana’o.  We are a cohort dedicated to learning and working together to help conserve Hawai’i for a better tomorrow.