More development — including more structures, homes, neighborhoods, and communities — is planned for Maui’s future.  Is it possible to create buildings and communities that restore and support thriving ecosystems, including our coral reefs?

Marine biologist Mark Deakos, PhD, believes it’s possible, and will be sharing his findings at a free talk on Weds, March 4 on “Living Buildings and Living Communities; a philosophy, a framework and a certification program focused on regenerative growth.”

“Imagine nurturing and generous places that promote healthy lifestyles for everyone and contribute a positive impact on the human and natural systems that interact with them, including our precious coral reefs,” says Deakos. “I’ll introduce our audience to Living Communities that generate their own energy and capture and treat all the water they need.”

Deakos will share information about the Living Building Challenge and the Living Community Challenge, performance standards that are net positive for good. Born out of the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), they offer global strategies for lasting sustainability by partnering with local communities to inspire and incentivize green building and infrastructure solutions on scales ranging from single room renovations to neighborhoods or whole cities.

The presentation is part of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council’s “Know Your Ocean Speaker Series” and will take place at 5:30 pm at The Sphere at Maui Ocean Center. Free and open to all, but seating is limited. Advance reservations are recommended. Reserve at ADD URL.

The “Know Your Ocean Speaker Series” is presented by Maui Nui Marine Resource Council to introduce the public to marine research and conservation efforts to protect Maui’s ocean resources. This series offers a free presentation every month, usually on the first Wednesday of the month (although our February presentation is on the first Tuesday of the month). Maui Ocean Center generously donates the use of The Sphere for these presentations. The series is supported by the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development.

About Mark Deakos:
Mark Deakos came to Hawaii in 1996 to complete his master’s at UH Manoa, studying humpback whales and his PhD studying manta rays. He later founded the Hawaii Association for Marine Education and Research in 2004, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to protecting Hawaii’s marine resources. After two decades of marine science and scientifically describing the degradation of our natural resources caused by the increasing threats from unsustainable growth, he switched his focus on solutions. In his new role as Chief Sustainability Officer for 3-P Consulting, his ambition is to connect business owners, developers, planners and decision makers with sustainable, regenerative solutions that not only eliminate the threats but allow us to restore the damage we have caused.

About Maui Nui Marine Resource Council:
Maui Nui Marine Resource Council is a community-based nonprofit organization celebrating 11 years of working for healthy coral reefs, clean ocean water and abundant native fish throughout Maui County. Our work includes co-managing the Hui O Ka Wai Ola Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program at 41 sites in South and West Maui, efforts to reduce pollution in Ma‘alaea Bay (through erosion-control efforts in the Pohakea watershed and using oysters to filter sediment and pollutants from ocean water), coral reef research, visitor education programs and more. Learn more at www.mauireefs.org.

About Maui Ocean Center:
Since 1998, Maui Ocean Center has fostered understanding, wonder and respect for Hawaiʻi’s marine life, drawing thousands of visitors from across the globe. The three-acre marine park, located in Wailuku, Maui, faithfully replicates the natural ocean ecosystem featuring only animals who are native to Hawai’i. The center features the largest collection of live Pacific corals in the world, over 60 exhibits, 20 daily presentations by marine naturalists, outdoor tide pools and a 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit with a 240-degree view acrylic tunnel. Maui Ocean Center operates in compliance with a County of Maui ordinance prohibiting the exhibit of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and offers exploration of these creatures through interpretive displays, including its cutting-edge “Humpbacks of Hawai‘i” Exhibit & Sphere. Under the guidance of Kahu Dane Maxwell, the aquarium integrates Hawaiian culture in presentations, exhibits, special events, and also in the marine park’s standards of operations and service. For more information, please visit https://mauioceancenter.com.