The 2015 Papahanaumo-kuakea Umu Kai Award was presented Tuesday to Clarence “Aku” Hauanio for a lifetime of conservation management and education of Hawaii’s children and adults in traditional Hawaiian fishing techniques. ADVERTISING The 2015 Papahanaumo-kuakea Umu Kai Award was presented
The 2015 Papahanaumo-kuakea Umu Kai Award was presented Tuesday to Clarence “Aku” Hauanio for a lifetime of conservation management and education of Hawaii’s children and adults in traditional Hawaiian fishing techniques.
The award, established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Pacific Islands Region, is presented to a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner who invokes the spirit of traditional fishing practices and management while adapting to modern fishing environments.
The presentation, made during an evening reception at the Mokupapapa Discovery Center in Hilo, coincided with the 23rd annual Hawaii Conservation Conference, titled “Hanohano Hawaii Kuauli — Celebrating Collaboration and Wisdom Across Hawaii’s Ecosystems.”
“It is an honor to present Uncle Aku with this special award,” said Athline Clark, NOAA superintendent for Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.
The award, named after the traditional Hawaiian practice of enhancing fish habitat, honors the legacy of the late Uncle Eddie Kaanaana, a Native Hawaiian cultural treasure who was the first recipient of the award in 2006. Other recipients include Hawaiian navigator and former Kamehameha Schools board of trustees chairman Nainoa Thompson; former Department of Land and Natural Resources chairman William ‘Aila; and Uncle Mac Poepoe, a fisherman and community leader on Molokai.
A fisherman, educator and natural resource manager, Hauanio has inspired generations of fishers and natural resource managers statewide.
Thoughout the years, he has educated people about the perpetuation of customary fishing techniques including kau laa‘au, a traditional Hawaiian ulua fishing practice. In 2014, Hauanio retired after 29 years of service to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where he worked to recover and protect endangered species including the nene (Hawaiian goose) and ‘ua‘u (Hawaiian petrel).
“A lifelong educator, Aku has shared his knowledge about the ocean’s vast resources with scientists and community members alike,” said Nakoa Goo, Mokupapapa Discovery Center program coordinator. “Aku is a phenomenal waterman and a highly respected fisherman who practices and perpetuates the traditional wisdom and values, as Uncle Eddie did.”
