"Culturally it's really important to know our connections from the main islands here to the older islands of Papahanaumokuakea."

This trip is special not only for the participants but also for those hosting the visit.

"This may be the first time that NOAA is sending a group of marine practitioners. This is significant because they have a wealth of knowledge important to caring for our oceans."

The group also represents a collective of resource managers, scientists and educators from around the Pacific.

"The beauty of this is that we have a collective from around the Pacific integrating culture with western science to best care for our environment."

Most importantly, this is a chance for us who live in Hawaii to learn from our "kupuna islands" to the northwest.

"Visiting this place and seeing its abundance will hopefully generate discussion on ideas for caring for the resources in our own communities."

It is through these trips of learning and discovery to Papahanaumokuakea that we learn how to preserve, replenish, and improve our island home.

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