Upcoming Kiaʻi o ke Kai focus groups seek ocean users, stewards to participate, talk story

Voices of those who live and work with the ocean must be at the center of the conversation as decisions about ocean research and ocean-based projects increasingly impact Hawaiʻi’s waters.

ʻĀina Momona invites community members to participate in a continuing series of talk story-style focus groups to share their manaʻo about what a respectful and effective framework for ocean projects should look like in Hawaiʻi.

The ocean is more than a body of water for many in Hawaiʻi — it is a source of sustenance, a place of practice, a genealogy and an ancestor.

ʻĀina Momona hopes to gather perspectives from those who work in, care for and steward ocean spaces to help guide how future ocean projects engage with Hawaiʻi’s communities, especially as climate change continues to affect coastal and island communities.

Organizers especially seek participation from people and groups such as:

• ʻAha Moku representatives.
• Cultural practitioners.
• Kiaʻi o Kanaloa.
• Lawaia (fishermen and women).
• Lifeguards.
• Lineal families with multigenerational ʻike kūpuna rooted in place.
• Loko iʻa practitioners.
• Ocean conservation practitioners.
• Ocean stewards and community caretakers.
• Nonprofit organizations working in the ocean-related sector.
• Surfers and other ocean users.

Each focus group will last about 1 hour. Participants receive a $25 Visa gift card in appreciation for their time.

Focus group times and dates

• Noon: Monday, April 6.
• 5:30 p.m.: Tuesday, April 7.
• Noon: Wednesday, April 8.

The Kiaʻi o ke Kai focus groups will be held online via Zoom and provide a space for participants to share their experiences, insights and recommendations for ocean stewardship, community engagement and responsible research practices in Hawaiʻi.

Those who want to participate must register online.

Email to ainamomona1893@gmail.com for additional information or with any questions.