“Maka” Appears on KHON2 WakeUp2Day October 19, 2018

This morning Partners in Development Foundation made an appearance on KHON2’s WakeUp2Day program to discuss our latest Kai and Friends book, “Maka the Tree Snail Discovers His Worth.”

“The book follows a tree snail and his journey of self-acceptance and humility, and also ties into the Rapid ʻŌhia Death that’s now occurring on the Big Island and also on the island of Kauaʻi,” explained Lei Furtado, Tūtū and Me’s Data and Operations Manager.

To ensure accuracy within their storytelling, co-authors Gail Omoto and Jan and Judy Dill worked closely with cultural and scientific consultants like Brenden Holland, PhD, a professor at Hawaiʻi Pacific University.

Dr. Holland and his colleagues at the Hawaiian Biodiversity and Conservation Lab, and Native Ecosystems Protection and Management, study the tree snails’ diet and their impact on Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems.

PIDF Development and Communications Manager Keala O’Sullivan also mentioned that the books also come with an audio CD narrated by musician and cultural practitioner Aaron Mahi. These CDs can be used to help keiki follow along in reading.

To learn more, come out to the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum tomorrow (Saturday, October 20). We will be hosting a launch party at the museum’s Shop Pacifica to celebrate “Maka the Tree Snail,” and museum educators will be there to teach about the tree snails and show the world’s most extensive collection of Pacific mollusks! The event is free and runs from 10am to 1:30pm.

A big mahalo to KHON2 news anchor Kristine Uyeno and the rest of the WakeUp2Day team for having us on the show this morning! To watch the full clip, go to their website here.

Our books can be purchased at Bishop Museum’s gift shop and by calling our office at (808) 595-2752.