NOAA is looking for interested groups or individuals to participate in a Hawaiian Monk Seal Count. The goal is to have volunters and community members counting monk seals on the same date and time on each of the main Hawaiian Islands. Volunteers will be assigned to a beach location and asked to fill out a sightings form. Digital images of seals will also be important to send to NOAA. Contact Nicole Davis at 292-2372 or nicole.davis@noaa.gov.

This lecture will be led by cultural historian Kepa Maly at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort in Kailua-Kona. Reservations not necessary. Free. Call Joy Cunefare of Bishop Holdings Corporation on O‘ahu at 521-1408.

The animals and plants in the forest all have special places to call home. Join us as we discover the many different habitats in nature, see how an animal picks its piece of real estate, and use your imagination to create a nature home. Ages 3 and older. $14 for parent and child team. Call Pauline Kawamata, 955-0100 ext. 18. www.hawaiinaturecenter.org.

The Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute (COPRI) of ASCE is pleased to present the “Solutions to Coastal Disasters Conference 2008,” which will be held from April 13 to 16 at the Turtle Bay Resort. This is a must-attend conference for coastal planners, managers, social scientists, engineers, geologists, economists, oceanographers, meteorologists, developers, property owners, elected officials and others interested in the coasts. Conference topics will focus on science, management tools, management challenges and options, and coastal land use policy related to a range of coastal hazards. Visit the conference Web site at
http://content.asce.org/conferences/cd2008/ for a detailed list of conference topics and abstract submission instructions.

Did you know that the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and a tiny island in Kāne‘ohe Bay have a special connection? This continuing education program will introduce you to the rich history of Moku o Lo‘e, more widely known as Coconut Island, and the world-renown Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) based there. We will also be joined by HIMB scientists who conduct research in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Field trips to Coconut Island will give us the chance to observe some of their research techniques first-hand and also provide hands-on opportunities. Areas of focus: Overview of Coconut Island & HIMB, Reef Monitoring, Coral Disease, Shark Studies, Alien Species. Courses fun from April 9 to May 3 every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 7:30 pm and Saturday field trips from 9 to 11 a.m. The course fee is $40 plus a $20 lab fee. To register or for more information call 235-7433, visit http://ocet.wcc.hawaii.edu or fill out the attached registration form and fax/mail to Windward Community College. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis.

Sharpen your botanical knowledge with Dr. Mark Merlin, noted author and geographer. This trail features spectacular island views and a variety of native plants, many of which are featured in Dr. Merlin’s book, Hawaiian Forest Plants, available for purchase prior to the hike. Moderate, 3 miles. For adults. $4. Call Pauline Kawamata, 955-0100 ext. 18. www.hawaiinaturecenter.org.

The Nu‘uanu Adventure begins with an exploration of Kapena Falls and the Nu‘uanu petroglyphs. The next leg of our adventure will take us to the Nu‘uanu-Judd Loop Trail, followed by a visit to Kamehameha III’s summer palace, Kaniakapupu. Easy, 3 miles. Ages 7 and older. $14 for parent and child team. Call Pauline Kawamata, 955-0100 ext. 18. www.hawaiinaturecenter.org.

Pa‘ani i ka hua laulima hana. (Play is the result of many hands working — Hawaiian Proverb.) Hard work and play are integral parts of the Hawaiian lifestyle. Spend part of the day “at work” and when the work is done the play will begin. Learn Hawaiian games and make a craft to take home. For ages 5 and older. $14 for parent and child team. Call Pauline Kawamata, 955-0100 ext. 18. www.hawaiinaturecenter.org.

“Hawaiian Perspective of the Environment and Kumulipo (Hawai‘i Island), a lecture by Rubellite Kawena Johnson. Reservations not necessary. Free. Call Joy Cunefare of Bishop Holdings Corporation on O’ahu at 521-1408. 

Hidden between Waipahu Town and Pearl Harbor, this 70-acre marsh is home to some of Hawai‘i’s endangered wetland birds. Come see these rare birds and explore their special habitat. For ages 6 and older. $14 for parent and child team. Call Pauline Kawamata, 955-0100 ext. 18. www.hawaiinaturecenter.org.