08/10/2026
TOMORROW!…Our Princeville Moʻolelo free lecture series will continue Tuesday, August 11th as we welcome Dr. Lisa Harrington and Dora Samson, of Mālama i nā Honu. As an indigenous species in Hawai‘i, sea turtles play an important role in Hawaiian cultural traditions and mo‘olelo.
Traditionally, sea turtles were incorporated into native practices, religious ceremonies and diet. Shells, bones and oil were used to make fish hooks, tools, medicine and jewelry. Harvest was tightly regulated by traditional management practices of the kapu system enacted by Chiefs or Ali‘i. Historically, honu were abundant and nested throughout the entire Hawaiian Archipelago. However, after European colonization the kapu prohibition broke down and, by the 20th century, harvesting had become commercialized, causing the honu’s numbers to fall precipitously.
Today, the honu is listed as a “Threatened Species,” under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Since receiving protection in 1978, they have made a marvelous comeback. Their protection while peacefully basking on the beach and spreading the word to the public of the continuing need for preservation efforts on their behalf is the mission of Mālama i nā honu.
Our free talk story event will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:30pm in the Princeville Community Center. For more information, visit www.kauairefuges.org/princeville-moolelo.
