The series of events Atua: Polynesian Ancestors, Stars and Temples scheduled to be held at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Brigham Young University–Hawaii (BYUH)over the next two weeks has been postponed out of an abundance of caution due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus. Organizers say Māori and Tahitian scholars expected to attend have decided not to travel.
Events were scheduled March 17–18 at BYUH and March 24–25 at Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies at UH Mānoa. The mini-symposium has been rescheduled for this fall.
Kamakakūokalani Professor Lilikalā Kameʻeleihiwa is the current Gladys Kamakakūokalani Brandt Chair of Comparative Polynesian Studies, created this series to gather Tahitian, Māori, Tongan and Hawaiian scholars to discuss topics related to ancestral Polynesian knowledge.
“We understand that during this time of uncertainty it is prudent to be cautious in regards to travel and gatherings of people,” Kameʻeleihiwa said. “We look forward to gathering and sharing our knowledge with each other.”
A series of online webinars may be provided for people who were scheduled to attend the conference. Those will be announced at a later date.
