CULTURES AND COASTLINES SPEAKER SERIES LAUNCHES MAY 20 WITH RENOWNED ACTIVIST WALTER RITTE
Ocean conservation groups host free community event exploring cultural stewardship and coastal resilience
WAILUKU (May 13, 2025) – Maui organizations are joining forces to launch the innovative Cultures and Coastlines speaker series on Tuesday, May 20, featuring renowned activist Walter Ritte, in a groundbreaking collaboration focused on advancing ocean health and marine conservation through cultural stewardship.
The partnership unites Pilikahakai Foundation, Maui Ocean Center, Maui Ocean Center Conservation Institute, Āina Momona, and other partners in a shared mission to protect and restore Hawai'i's marine ecosystems by combining traditional Hawaiian knowledge with modern conservation science. This collaborative approach recognizes that healthy oceans require both cultural wisdom and scientific innovation. The goal is to establish robust partnerships across organizations to achieve shared sustainability objectives.
The first in a continuing series, the event will create a platform for respected voices to share place-based knowledge and perspectives on cultural and environmental stewardship. Future installments will highlight topics rooted in aloha ʻāina, resilience and community action, connecting attendees with the people and practices working to protect Hawai‘i’s coastlines.
“We started this series to connect our community with voices that have spent decades fighting to protect our lands and waters,” said Keolahou Hinau, executive director of Pilikahakai Foundation. “Walter Ritte brings both courage and clarity to the conversation, and we hope his words will inspire the next generation of stewards.”
Established in 2024 by property owners along Kā‘anapali Beach, Pilikahakai Foundation protects West Maui’s natural resources and cultural legacy by honoring Native Hawaiian traditions and leading hands-on efforts to preserve coastal ecosystems. As West Maui faces ongoing challenges from erosion, rising seas and climate change, the foundation actively connects the community with cultural knowledge, empowers youth through educational programs and leads coastal restoration projects that strengthen coastal resilience. With a commitment to sustainability, Pilikahakai collaborates with local partners to drive positive change.
"Our collaboration demonstrates that ocean health requires multiple perspectives and expertise," said Dustin Paradis of the Maui Ocean Center Conservation Institute. "By combining our research capabilities with traditional Hawaiian practices and community engagement, we're creating more comprehensive solutions for marine conservation challenges."
Attendees can register for the event via Eventbrite. To learn more about Pilikahakai Foundation and its work to protect Kā‘anapali Beach and strengthen coastal resilience in West Maui, visit www.pilikahakai.org.
Event details:
- Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
- Time: 5:30 to 7 p.m.
- Location: Maui Ocean Center, 192 Maalaea Road, Wailuku, HI 96793
- Admission: Free and open to the public
- Registration: Reserve your spot
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 Kā‘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.
