Aloha ‘Āina: Stories from the Frontlines of Culture, Conservation and Community Activitism

Since the 1970s and his work with other Hawaiian leaders like Charlie Maxwell and George Helm to save Kaho‘olawe from ongoing destruction, Walter Ritte has championed environmental and cultural protection efforts across Hawai‘i. Few among us have had greater impact on our ‘āina and our community. His activitism always engages many communities and grounds itself in the Aloha ‘Āina taught to him in the early days of the Kaho‘olawe struggle by the kūpuna who led that effort. This will be a forum with Uncle Walter and the team from Hui o Kuapā who have led Aloha ‘Āina conservation activities in Hawai‘i over the last decade. From Kaho‘olawe, to battles over water rights, to struggles against land development like Lā‘au Point, to the ongoing issues with GMOs, Uncle Walter Ritte and those closest to him will tell the front line stories and talk about the behind the scene strategies, including legal, political and communication strategies, that contributed to some of Hawai‘i's most important cultural and conservation victories. This will be a wholly unique opportunity to hear directly from and dialogue with some of these intergenerational cultural activists about their conservation work. All are welcome to attend, as the panel hopes that from our lessons from past experiences, current and future generations will deepen their appreciation for Aloha ‘Āina and understanding as to how to use this gift from our kūpuna to protect our Hawai‘i for future generations. I ka wā mamua, ka wā mahope.