Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 32, Number 7, 1 Iulai 2015 — lnternational conference to spotlight kava [ARTICLE]

lnternational conference to spotlight kava

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is sponsoring the 2015 International Conference on Kava, July 25 and 26 at Chaminade University. The conference will address the science and culture of kava as it gains widespread popularity. Known as 'awa in Hawai'i, the plant is the source of a drink of the same name with narcotic qualities used in ceremonies and "associated with traditional decision-making processes and in the building of relationships and consensus among groups in the Paeilie," conference organizers say. Sessions will address the ben-

elieial effects of kava, resolving controversies on kava toxicology, tradition and trends, economics, and growing and preparation. OHA Ka Pouhana, CEO Kamana'opono Crabbe will deliver the keynote lecture on July 25. The day begins with registration at 8 a.m., followed by oli and opening protocol at 9. The day wraps with a social hour with 'awa at 7:30 p.m. Registration and information is available online at kavacon2015. eom. Cost is $ 120 or $50 for students and includes two boxed lunches, and heavy pūpū on July 25.