Meet the authors

"Seeking the Sacred Raven: Politics and Extinction on a Hawaiian Island": Mark Jerome Walters' book tells of the near extinction of the 'alala, a bird that once thrived on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Walters, professor of journalism and media studies at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg, examines the role of landowners, biologists, government agencies and conservation organizations in the conflict over the bird's habitat.

Walters will sign the book at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at Native Books, Ward Warehouse. Call 596-8885.

"Spirit of the Village: A Maui Memoir": Jackie Pias Carlin introduces her memoir about life in Orpheum Camp in upper Paia, Maui, with a party at 5 p.m. Aug. 5 at the old Paia Train Depot, 381 Baldwin Ave.

Pias Carlin will read from the book and invite others to share their memories of plantation-camp life. Call 891-2531.

Conference covers conservation

The 2006 Hawaii Conservation Conference runs today through Friday at the Hawaii Convention Center, featuring more than 90 presentations on conservation issues.

This year's theme: "Sustainability: Mauka to Makai."

Speakers include Gov. Linda Lingle, marine ecologist Thomas Goreau, Kameran Onley, assistant deputy secretary of the Interior and Dr. Nalini Nadkarni of the Environmental Studies Program, Evergreen State College.

Cost is $200 or $110 per day, with discounts for students.

Free public events:

Restoring Songs of the Forest: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m today. Four authors will speak: John Culliney ("Hawaii in the Balance"), Mark J. Walters ("Seeking the Sacred Raven") and Kahikina de Silva and Maya Saffery ("A Hawaiian View of Sustainability").

Warming and the Future of the Coral Reef: 7:30 to 9 p.m. tomorrow. Presented by marine ecologist Thomas Goreau, president of the Global Coral Reef Alliance.

To register call 864-9812 or visit the Hawaii Conservation Alliance Web site, www.hawaiiconservation.org.