July 28-30, 2009 Hawai'i Convention Center
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July 28-30, 2009 Hawai‘i Convention Center Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance Foundation The Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance and Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance Foundation gratefully acknowledge the Major Sponsors of the 17th Annual Hawai‘i Conservation Conference Aloha and welcome to the 17th Annual Hawai‘i Conservation Conference (HCC), sponsored by the Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance (HCA) and the Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance Foundation (HCAF). The HCC is the largest gathering of people actively involved in the research and management of Hawaiian ecosystems, attracting on average 1,000 people. The HCC provides a unique opportunity for natural resource managers, the scientific community, ecosystem restoration specialists, and other interested persons to share information and ideas on a broad spectrum of conservation issues relevant to Hawai‘i. Climate change is a profoundly important topic for Hawai‘i, and indeed for all island systems in the Pacific. We are just beginning to understand the magnitude of changes that will impact our terrestrial and marine ecosystems, coastal zones, water resources, cultural heritage, agricultural areas, infrastructure, and residents. The combination of warming trends on land and in the sea, ocean acidification, rising sea level, changes is precipitation, and extreme weather events presents a formidable challenge to human and natural communities across the Hawaiian archipelago. The HCC will highlight the current state of knowledge on climate change impacts as well as provide the opportunity to explore developing adaptation and mitigation strategies. The topic of climate change runs strong in this year’s program – from President Obama’s landmark report ������ ������� ������ ������� �� ��� ������ ������ to the role of indigenous knowledge and climate change, from carbon sequestration to Hawai‘i's evolving energy policy – and a variety of keynote and plenary talks, symposia, forums, and workshops explore the many and varied ways in which Hawai‘i and the Pacific Island region are addressing the local impacts of global climate change. Keynote speaker Dr. Stephen Schneider, who along with four generations of international scientists received a collective Nobel Peace Prize for their joint efforts in 2007, will present on the broad scientific and policy underpinnings of global climate change. Plenary speakers Dr. Pualani Kanahele, Dr. Paul Jokiel, and Kaiwi Nui will zero in on Hawai‘i’s weather patterns, marine systems, and traditional climate knowledge. Internationally lauded Ben Namakin carries a message of hope and a call to action from our Pacific Island neighbors. Equally important are the diverse presentations on terrestrial and marine research and management efforts in Hawai‘i presented during the concurrent sessions on days two and three of the conference. At this year’s conference we are pleased once again to present the ������������ ������� ��� ������� featuring a photographic tribute to wildlife photographer Bill Mull and original works by local artist Melissa Michelle Chimera and poet Adele Nash Ne Jame. In addition to the sessions at the HCC, we invite you to enjoy a variety of other Hawai‘i Conservation Week events and activities. Guided field trips to the Waik�k� Aquarium, Coconut Island, and the Lyon Arboretum provide a pleasant counterbalance to the conference sessions, as does the first annual HCA Open House on the second day of the conference. Another first is the Conservation Opportunities Fair that will showcase employment, volunteer, and educational opportunities for Hawai‘i’s emerging conservation professionals. We hope that this year’s program proves both educational and inspiring. Global climate change poses a challenge that at times appear to be insurmountable. Yet our collective knowledge of Hawai‘i’s unique ecological and cultural heritage, and our shared commitment to protecting these irreplaceable resources, provide us and the generations to come with the necessary tools to rise to the challenge. 2009 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference • Hawai‘i in a Changing Climate i Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance Leaders in Environmental Management, Research and Education HCA PARTNERS Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of Forestry & Wildlife Kamehameha Schools National Park Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Sanctuaries Program The Nature Conservancy Hawai‘i Office of Hawaiian Affairs University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Center for Conservation Research & Training United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Institute of Pacific Island Forestry United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service United States Department of Defense Army Garrison Hawai‘i Natural Resources Program United States Fish & Wildlife Service Ecological Services United States Fish & Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge Complex United States Geological Survey Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance Staff Deanna Spooner Mariza Silva Executive Director Program Assistant 1151 PUNCHBOWL ST., RM. 224, HONOLULU, HI 96813 WWW.HAWAIICONSERVATION.ORG ii 2009 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference • Hawai‘i in a Changing Climate July 28, 2009 17th Annual Hawaii Conservation Conference Hawaii Convention Center Honolulu, Hawaii Dear Friends: It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 17th Annual Hawaii Conservation Conference, “Hawaii in a Changing Climate: Ecological, Cultural, Economic and Policy Challenges and Solutions.” By bringing together conservation professionals, leaders, students, and stakeholders from Hawaii, the mainland U.S., and Western Pacific nations, the Hawaii Conservation Alliance each year creates this unique forum for the exchange of ideas and strategies on how to better protect Hawaii’s natural and human communities. In the midst of such natural beauty, the task of protection is daunting. Loss of habitat, pollution and climate change, and the introduction of destructive weeds, diseases, and animal pests pose serious threats to Hawaii’s forests, streams, and seas. These threats endanger the health of Hawaii’s people, environment, and economy. Yet I remain confident that Hawaii can meet these challenges, because we are at the forefront of conservation. From the carbon dioxide observations at Mauna Loa Observatory that proved the rise in atmospheric greenhouse gases, to the cutting-edge Pacific Risk Management Ohana collaboration, Hawaii stands on the cusp of our nation’s response to climate change. In addition, with partners from academia, state agencies, and local governments, Hawaii is tackling our invasive species challenges directly; providing sound investments in new energy sources; and helping informed citizens to make better decisions about our environment. To all participating in this year’s gathering, your presence demonstrates your continued commitment to Hawaii’s rich and unique natural diversity. It gives us hope, and signals our determination to succeed in our individual and collective duty to care for Hawaii’s native animal and plant species, and the ecosystems we all depend on for survival. Aloha, DANIEL K. INOUYE United States Senator 2009 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference • Hawai‘i in a Changing Climate iii CONFERENCE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The HCA and HCAF extend a mahalo nui loa to the following persons and organizations! Major Conference and Conservation Week Sponsors: Hawaiian Electric Company, Hagadone Printing Company, ING Direct, The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i, Honolulu Weekly, The Wildlife Society of Hawai‘i, NOAA National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center - Climate Test Bed, Sunetric, Honu Guide Organizing Committee and Abstract Review: Mariza Silva, Deanna Spooner (HCA); Lee-Ann Choy (Pacific Rim Concepts LLC); Norma Bustos, Betsy Gagné, Michelle Gorham Jones (DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife); Lenore Ohye (DLNR Commission on Water Resource Management), Michelle Clark, Annie Marshall, Christa Russell (U.S. FWS); Lillian Coltin (Halau Ku Mana New Century Public Charter School); Casey Carmichael (Hawai‘i Nature Center); Carlie Wiener (Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology); Jolene Lau, Reese Libby (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service); Jim Jacobi (U.S. Geological Survey); Seema Balwani, Phyllis Ha, Corinne Kane (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration); Robert Cowie, Ali Fares (University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa); John Chock (Kamehameha Schools); Melia Lane-Kamahele (National Park Service), Tony Povilitis (Life Net Nature), Evelyn Wight (The Nature Conservancy Hawai‘i); Jennifer Barrett (University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant) Volunteer Coordinators: Casey Carmichael (Hawai‘i Nature Center), Jennifer Barrett (University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant) Oral Presentation Coordinator: Aaron Lowe (DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife); and technical advisor, Ron Cannarella (DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife) Art Exhibit Coordinators: Candace Russo, Betsy Gagné, Michelle Clark, Marigold Zoll Poster Session Coordinator: Christa Russell (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) Logistics Coordinator: Jessica Hawkins (O‘ahu Army Natural Resources Program) Emerging Professionals Day Organizing Committee: Sharon Ziegler-Chong, Moana Ulu Ching, and Noelani Puniwai (University of Hawai‘i at Hilo - PIPES) HCA Open House Day Coordinators: Michelle Gorham Jones (DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife) and Jolene Lau (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service)