Cultures and Coastlines speaker series launches Tuesday, features activist Walter Ritte

Maui organizations are launching a new speaker series focused on advancing ocean health and marine conservation through cultural stewardship.

The first installment of “Cultures and Coastlines” will take place Tuesday, May 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Maui Ocean Center in Māʻalaea. The free public event will feature Molokaʻi activist Walter Ritte, a longtime advocate for Native Hawaiian rights and environmental protection.

The series is a partnership between the Pilikahakai Foundation, Maui Ocean Center, Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute, ʻĀina Momona and other local groups working to protect Hawaiʻi’s marine ecosystems through a blend of cultural stewardship and science-based conservation.

“Our collaboration demonstrates that ocean health requires multiple perspectives and expertise,” said Dustin Paradis of the Maui Ocean Center Conservation Institute. “By combining our research capabilities with traditional Hawaiian practices and community engagement, we’re creating more comprehensive solutions for marine conservation challenges.”

The first in a continuing series, the event aims to create a platform for respected voices to share place-based knowledge and perspectives on cultural and environmental stewardship. Future installments will highlight topics rooted in aloha ʻāina, resilience and community action, connecting attendees with the people and practices working to protect Hawai‘i’s coastlines.

“We started this series to connect our community with voices that have spent decades fighting to protect our lands and waters,” said Keolahou Hinau, executive director of Pilikahakai Foundation. “Walter Ritte brings both courage and clarity to the conversation, and we hope his words will inspire the next generation of stewards.”

The Pilikahakai Foundation was established in 2024 by property owners along Kāʻanapali Beach to help protect West Maui’s coastlines. The group leads cultural education and coastal restoration projects while working with local youth and partners to build long-term sustainability and resilience.

The speaker series event is free, but attendees should reserve a spot via Eventbrite. More information about the Pilikahakai Foundation is available at www.pilikahakai.org.