Hawaii’s Spiritual Connection to the Shark

Sharks play an important role in art, legends, and even spiritual beliefs. Throughout Hawaiian folklore, stories, legends and myths feature sharks as deities and their interactions with humans. Sharks as individuals, and as symbols, are even revered by many native Hawaiians. Some species of sharks, like the Tiger shark, have a special status as ‘aumakua, or family guardians.

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Pacific Islander and Asian American Heritage Month – A Hawai’i Perspective

May is recognized as Pacific Islander and Asian American Heritage Month established to recognize the history, contributions, achievements and importance of Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans. With mixed Asian- Hawaiian blood, I represent two island peoples, both who have suffered from discrimination, but also two races who are close to ocean. In recent years I have learned about Hawaiian cultural values like pono (wisdom ) and malama, (care) for the ocean has been recognized by the state of Hawai’i.

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Celebrating AAPI Month by Demanding Change

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate our rich cultural heritage and contributions. However, it also provides an opportunity to address challenging topics within our communities. Rooted in culinary tradition, the shark fin trade is a particularly problematic practice that has had devastating impacts on shark populations and marine ecosystems. 

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Final Public Comment Ends to Support the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary

One third of all sharks including the Oceanic Whitetip and Scalloped Hammerhead are imminently threatened with extinction. Join us at a film screening, volunteer, and help us save sharks from overfishing, and protect their habitat. 
Learn more, and sign our petition to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission to reduce shark bycatch below.

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Support the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary Designation

Papahānaumokuākea is a sacred place with deep cosmological significance to Native Hawaiians who have a genealogical relationship to all living things in the Hawaiian archipelago.  The Monument is a  mixed (natural and cultural) World Heritage Site.  It preserves sacred places, stories, artifacts, and strong Polynesian cultural ties to the land and seas, dating back more than a thousand years.

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