{ "title": "CULTURES AND COASTLINES SERIES EXPLORES HOW CORAL GENETICS CAN BOOST REEF RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE", "modified_at": "2025-09-03 10:45:02", "published_at": "2025-09-03 10:45:00", "url": "https://marriott-s-maui-ocean-club.prezly.com/cultures-and-coastlines-series-explores-how-coral-genetics-can-boost-reef-resilience-to-climate-change", "short_url": "http://prez.ly/v1ud", "culture": "en", "language": "EN", "subtitle": "Cultures and Coastlines Speaker Series continues Sept. 7 with Ka\u02bbikuliumaikalani Kaholoa\u02bba, Native Hawaiian researcher advancing coral resilience and community conservation", "slug": "cultures-and-coastlines-series-explores-how-coral-genetics-can-boost-reef-resilience-to-climate-change", "body": "

WAILUKU (September 3, 2025) – 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’s Sphere. This month’s program, Using Coral Genetics to Empower Local Stewardship of Maui Nui’s 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.

“Through 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,” said Keolahou Hinau, executive director of Pilikahakai Foundation. “Kaiku’s research bridges these worlds, advancing coral conservation while mentoring the next generation of stewards in our island communities.”
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Kaiku’s research focuses on identifying heat-tolerant corals that can withstand the impacts of climate change. Working alongside local communities, he helps protect these “super reefs” 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.

The Cultures and Coastlines series was created by Pilikahakai Foundation to engage community members, cultural leaders, and scientists in caring for Hawai‘i’s 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’s natural and cultural resources for generations to come.

“Kaiku’s 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‘a health,” said Kalaniua Ritte, Executive Director of ‘\u0100ina Momona. “Through the ongoing Cultures and Coastlines series and similar events on Moloka‘i, momentum continues to build around creating spaces where indigenous knowledge and science come together to strengthen stewardship and protect Hawai‘i’s ahupua‘a.”

Attendees can register for the event via Eventbrite. The first 20 people to check in at the event will receive a complimentary eco tote bag.

To learn more about Pilikahakai Foundation and its work to protect K\u0101‘anapali Beach and strengthen coastal resilience in West Maui, visit www.pilikahakai.org. \u200b

Event details:

Media Kit

About Pilikahakai Foundation Founded in 2024, Pilikahakai Foundation is a West Maui-based nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more resilient future by promoting sustainability, perpetuating Native Hawaiian culture and preserving public access to K\u0101‘anapali Beach. Led by Executive Director Keolahou Hinau, the foundation combines traditional Hawaiian knowledge with modern environmental strategies to address the challenges facing the region’s coastal ecosystems. Through educational outreach, conservation projects and community partnerships, Pilikahakai works to protect the environment, uphold cultural values and create lasting benefits for both residents and visitors. For more information, visit www.pilikahakai.org or follow Pilikahakai Foundation on Facebook and Instagram. \u200b

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\n Dylan Beesley\n Senior Vice President, Bennet Group Strategic Communications\n \n
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