Marine sanctuary topic of free talk at Keoki’s Paradise

PO‘IPU — Keoki’s Paradise, in the Po‘ipu Village Shopping Center, is hosting a free presentation by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Research Ecologist Dr. Randall Kosaki on The Coral Reef Twilight Zone, a new frontier for exploration in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.

The presentation, which is a part of Keoki’s Paradise Malama ‘Aina Series, is Wednesday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Keoki’s Paradise. Due to limited space, guests are required to reserve their spot ahead of time by calling 808-742-7534.

Guests will learn more about discoveries from the deepest coral reefs of one of the largest protected marine areas in the world, and discuss the importance of Hawai‘i’s unique endemic biodiversity.

Papahanaumokuakea, northwest of Kaua‘i, is the largest contiguous fully protected conservation area under the U.S. banner, and one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world. The national monument supports an incredible diversity of coral, fish, birds, marine mammals and other flora and fauna unique to the Hawaiian Islands.

The monument also encompasses the islands of Nihoa and Mokumanamana, both of which are on the National and State Register of Historic Places.

Papahanaumokuakea was inscribed as a mixed World Heritage Site by the delegates to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s 34th World Heritage Convention, and continues to play a significant role in the preservation of Hawai‘i’s nature and culture.

Keoki’s Paradise hosts monthly presentations on local environmental issues as part of its Malama ‘Aina series. The series intends to educate and inspire the community to learn about and take action against the challenges facing Kaua‘i’s plants, animals, ocean and more.

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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.