Pilina Across the Pae'āina: A Climate Week Gathering

Pilina (pee-LEE-nah) • (n) is a Hawaiian word describing the relationships that connect people to one another, to place, and to the systems that sustain life. Presented by Causeway Impact and Hawaiʻi Green Growth, Pilina Across the Pae'āina is a NYC Climate Week conversation exploring the future of place, reimagining climate finance through Hawaiian pilina, and highlighting how relationships shape resilient communities. Across the Hawaiian Pae'āina (Hawaiian Archipelago) and the Pacific, island communities are responding to climate change through collaboration rather than isolation: bringing together indigenous leaders, conservationists, artists, philanthropists, politicians, youth advocates, and community members to affect sustainable policy. Their work offers practical models for resilience that extend far beyond Hawai'i and the Pacific islands, celebrating Hawaiian leadership in this important space. With speakers representing the Hawaiian 'āina (land), community, youth advocacy, culture, leadership, and stewardship, we'll discuss: Longstanding legacies of indigenous innovation and leadership in sustainable policy. Legislative and community action like the Green Fee and the shared land ownership model. Lahaina's resilience and the strength of local connections and culture in the face of climate change True to the spirit of pilina, the conversation continues beyond the stage to our pau hana (happy hour), the interactive portion of the event where we'll gather over light refreshments and engage in Hawaiian traditions. Join us during Climate Week NYC at Scandinavia House for an afternoon of pilina (connection), kilo (observation), and komo (participation) in Hawaiʻi and Pacific resilience in action.