President of Republic of Palau to Talk at UHMC on Sunday

President Thomas “Tommy” Remengesau, Republic of Palau. Images courtesy, Evelyn Wight, The Nature Conservancy of Hawai’i.

By Wendy Osher

The Nature Conservancy of Hawaiʻi hosts a public talk this weekend featuring Thomas “Tommy” Remengesau, the president of the Republic of Palau.

Event organizers say President Remengesau will share stories about how the island nation of Palau is balancing local needs and outside interests, while protecting their natural and cultural resources.

According to information from the Nature Conservancy, Remengesau is visiting Hawaiʻi as part of a learning exchange that also includes participation in the launch of the Hōkūleʻa Mālama Hawai‘i leg of Mālama Honua, Worldwide Voyage.

Remengesau was selected as one of Time Magazine’s 2o07 Heroes of the Environment for his innovative and influential role in protecting of the planet. Nature Conservancy officials say his work includes advocacy to minimize the impacts of climate change.

Sunday’s event runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on June 2, at the ‘Ike Le’a Science Building Lecture Hall, located at the UHMC campus in Kahului.  The talk is one of several scheduled on three islands throughout the state during Remengesau’s visit to Hawaiʻi.

For more information and to RSVP interested individuals can call 808-587- 6240.