by Karen Ululani Victor

A conference for hula halau will focus on how to gather native flowers for competitions. Presenters include: Kumu hula Kalani Akana, Pualani Kanahele and John Lake; biologist Sam Gon and Nani Wong; master lei makers Bill Char and Marie Mac Donald. They and other conference presenters will share with members of the hula community their knowledge on how to gather native flowers and plants in a way that respects and preserves native forests and their inhabitants. No Na Pua O Ka Halau Hula--For the Flowers of the Hula--will be held at Kamehameha School on March 2.

Presenters will explore the traditional relationship between the hula halau and native forests, traditional Hawaiian conservation values, the current status of Hawaiian forests and why, more than ever, it is important to protect and conserve them. They will also offer alternatives to harvesting the forest for native plants which are becoming increasingly difficult to get.

"There is a growing concern among members of the hula community and Hawaiian conservationists about the rapid disappearance of native plants from our forests," said Kealii Pang, president of 'Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi, the lead sponsor and organizer of the conference. "Halau now find that they must hike deeper into the forest to find once plentiful native plants for their hula competitions. As the number of halau increases, including groups from the Mainland and other countries, and our local competitions become more popular, the stress on our native forests is beginning to reach serious levels. This conference is about spreading the word to one group of people most affected and most able to help turn the tide."

A second conference will take place mid-April in Hilo. Conference topics will include "Gathering from the forest", "Access and Permits to State Forest Lands", "Native Plant Identification", "Using Non-native Plant Materials" and "Growing Native Plants."

The conference is being co-sponsored by the Conservation Council for Hawaii'', Division of Forestry and Wildlife--Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hui Lama--Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate, Kinko's--the Copy Center, Lion Coffee, The nature Conservancy of Hawaii, Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund and the State Council on Hawaiian Heritage.

This first of its kind conference is scheduled for March 2, from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm, in the Ke'elikolani Auditorium at Kamehameha High School. The registration fee of $10 for adults and $5 for students includes lunch. For information on how to register for this conference call Karen Ululani Victor at 843-2231.