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Akakū Upstairs: Protecting Hawaii’s Sea Turtles with Hannah Bernard and Magdalena Carey


www.akaku.orgDid you know that Hawaiian waters are home to five distinct species of sea turtles? And that they are all listed as either threatened or endangered? An indigenous species in Hawaii, sea turtles play an important role in Hawaiian cultural traditions and mo‘olelo (stories).

Hannah Bernard, Executive Director and co-founder of Hawaii Wildlife Fund and Magdalena “Maggie” Carey, HWF’s Maui Marine Debris Program and Honu Watch Project, will share the status of our Turtle population here on Maui Thursday, June 20, 2019, at 6 pm. They say that turtles are at risk from too much love.

Sea turtles are threatened and endangered species, yet they are both beloved by tourists and a favorite food source for sharks. Maintaining its population is critical to nature’s balance, not to mention Hawaii’s tourist economy.

Visitors to Hawaii are often unaware of the impact that even snapping a selfie with a turtle can have. Yet, there aren’t enough people dedicated to their protection to keep watch all the time. So, public education and diplomatic communication with visitors are key to protecting these sensitive and endangered animals.


Presentation: Hannah will talk about the risks that sea turtles face today and show Jay April & Lou Diliberto’s film, Red Turtle Rising about Hawaii’s endangered hawksbill turtles. Magda will share her experience engaging with beachgoers on Maui as part of the Honu Watch Project.

What: Akakū Upstairs: Protecting Hawaii’s Sea Turtles with Hannah Bernard and Maggie Carey, Hawaii Wild Life Fund – Featuring a Film Screening of the Award Winning “Red Turtle Rising”

When: Thursday, June 20, 2019, from 6 pm – 7:30 pm

Where: 333 Dairy Rd., Suite 204 Kahului, 96732

Watch Video Here!