Associate Professor, Department of Oceanography and Sea Grant Director, Ulana ‘Ike Center of Excellence, Hawaiʻi Sea Grant University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Location: Honolulu, HI
Dr. Rosie ‘Anolani Alegado is an expert in climate science and particularly how it impacts Native Hawaiian cultural practices. Dr. Alegado’s report provides critical context highlighting the devasting environmental impacts, including altering Hawaiʻ’i’s ecosystems, as well as the unique harms to Native Hawaiian customs and practices. Native Hawaiian cultural continuance is vital to the youth plaintiffs and the continued survival of all of Hawai’i. Dr. Alegado reports that Native Hawaiian cultural continuance is critical to the continued survival of all of Hawai’i’s people. For example, kalo is central to Native Hawaiian culture and its origin story, however, rising temperatures and decreased rainfall are threatening kalo health and productivity. Navahine and her family are already experiencing these impacts to their kalo farm.