"Malama Haloa Series: Rare Plant Preservation," a four-day event presented by the University of Hawaii at Manoa - Ka Papa Lo i o Kanewai, will feature talks about traditional and modern methods of caring for taro, also known a haloa.

The free series will get under way Wednesday with practitioner Nellie Sugii discussing rare plant preservation at 1:30 p.m. The meeting place for the talk is in Lyon arboretum gift shop, 3860 Manoa Road.

Thursday morning's talk, "Kau Mahina" will be given at 10:30 a.m. by Kalei Nu uhiwa of Kamakakuokalani - Halau. It will be followed by "East Maui Water Struggle," at 1:30 p.m., by Alan Murakami. Friday's presentation, "Kalo Varieties," will be given by Jerry Konanaui of Ka Papa Lo i o Kanewai. On Saturday, event participants are invited to work with staff and practitioners at Ka Papa Lo i o Kanewai to experience traditional farming methods and converse with Hawaiian speakers. Light morning refreshments will be provided at the program, set to get under way at 8:15 a.m. All are welcome to contribute and share in a potluck at the end of the day.

For additional information, contact Makahiapo Cashman at kane@hawaii.edu.