WHO ARE THE
'AHAHUI MALAMA I KA LOKAHI?

We are Hawaiians who are devoted to preserving native Hawaiian ecosystems -- In Hawaiian species and ecosystems lie great cultural value. They represent a rich natural resource that form the basis for Hawaiian culture. They are our legacy, and they are also in jeopardy. About 90% of Hawaii's native plants and animals occur nowhere else in the world, and it is thought that nearly 1000 different kinds of Hawaiian plants and animals are threatened by extinction.

The Pueo, or Hawaiian Owl (Asio flammeus sandwicensis) is considered sacred by many Hawaiians. It is one of the many physical manifestations (kinolau) of ancestral guardians ('aumakua). Click here or on the pueo picture to learn more about this special Hawaiian bird.

We are a Hawaiian voice speaking in favor of conservation -- Too many people believe incorrectly that the conservation movement is in conflict with native Hawaiian culture. While it is true that biological conservation activities performed without regard to Hawaiian values can create conflict, there are ways to reconcile the preservation of Hawaii's biological diversity with the needs of Hawaiian people and values. Indeed, the 'Ahahui espouses the view that our Hawaiian culture will be greatly diminished unless we work together to preserve and conserve native Hawaiian ecosystems and species. As Hawaiians, some of us with significant training or experience with native species and ecosystems as well as Hawaiian culture, we have the duty and unique ability to do so.

What does 'Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi mean? An 'ahahui is a group or organization. The word malama can mean many things, among them: caring for, protecting, watching over. Lokahi is the concept of balance and unity; in this case, it can refer to both the balance between living things in a healthy ecosystem, as well as the balance we seek between conservation efforts and the needs of Hawaiian culture.

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