Clarence “Aku” Hauanio is Awarded 2015 Umu Kai Award

Clarence “Aku” Hauanio (left), recipient of the 2015 Umu Kai Award, with Nākoa Goo (right), Mokupāpapa Discovery Center program coordinator. Credit: Derek Watts/NOAA

On August 4, the 2015 Papahānaumokuākea Umu Kai Award was presented to Clarence “Aku” Hauanio for a lifetime of conservation management and education of Hawaii's keiki (children) and adults in traditional Hawaiian fishing techniques. The award, established by NOAA'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 at an evening reception at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in Hilo, coincided with the 23rd Annual Hawai‘i Conservation Conference entitled “Hanohano Hawai‘i Kuauli – Celebrating Collaboration and Wisdom across Hawaii's Ecosystems.”

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 Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Kamehameha Schools Nainoa Thompson, former Department of Land and Natural Resources Chair William ‘Ailā, and Uncle Mac Poepoe, a fisherman and community leader on the Island of Moloka‘i.

The Umu Kai Award is presented to a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner who invokes the spirit of traditional fishing practices and management while adapting to modern fishing environments. Credit: Derek Watts/NOAA

A fisherman, educator and natural resource manager, Uncle Aku has inspired generations of fishers and natural resource managers throughout Hawaiʻi. Over the years, he has educated people on the perpetuation of customary fishing techniques including Kau Lāʻau, a traditional Hawaiian ulua (trevally) fishing practice. In 2014, Uncle Aku retired after 29 years of service to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where he worked to recover and protect endangered species including the endangered nēnē (Hawaiian goose) and the ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel).

Papahānaumokuākea staff presented Uncle Aku with the 2014 Umu Kai Award for his outstanding efforts in marine conservation and played a 10-minute congratulatory video featuring friends, family, conservation leaders and students who have been touched by his efforts.

Read the Press Release.