Frequently Asked Questions
What is the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force?
The United States Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) was established in 1998 by Presidential Executive Order to lead U.S. efforts to preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. The USCRTF helps build partnerships, strategies, and support for on-the-ground action to conserve coral reefs. For more information about its work and goals, visit the federal website: https://www.coralreef.gov/about/
Who are the members?
The USCRTF includes Federal agencies, U.S. States, territories, commonwealths, and Freely Associated States. For a full list of members, visit the federal website: https://www.coralreef.gov/about/members.html
What is the USCRTF Meeting?
USCRTF members meet biannually to discuss key issues, propose new actions, present progress reports, and update the coral community on past accomplishments and future plans. In addition, the USCRTF Steering Committee – made up of representatives from each of the participating Federal agencies, states, and territories – meets monthly to discuss progress on current USCRTF initiatives and plan new areas for collaboration.
One way in which the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) works to accomplish its mission and implement projects and activities is through the coordination of smaller, issue specific working groups. USCRTF working groups have been created for several purposes, which include the development of the National Action Plan and to direct the actions and fulfill the goals of a particular resolution.
Where and when is the meeting?
The Business Meeting for the USCRTF will be held on Thursday, September 1st, at the Kaleiopapa Convention Center at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa and is open to all interested members of the public. Additional events and sessions are scheduled from August 27th – September 3rd, and are limited to members, principals, and invited guests. Members are invited to arrange for accommodations at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa by calling +1 808 930-4876 for the USCRTF group rate, or through the booking website using group code 220826REEF here.
Who is attending?
USCRTF Members are the primary participants of the week of meetings, along with Leadership from member agencies and jurisdictions (Principals). As the Host Jurisdiction for the 45th meeting, several state partners, organizations, and communities, primarily from Hawaiʻi Island, will be involved in various meetings, site visits, and special events for participants. All interested parties are welcome to attend the Business Meeting on Thursday, September 1st, at the Kaleiopapa Convention Center at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa.
What are the events and sessions for the week?
The Business Meeting for the USCRTF will be held on Thursday, September 1st, at the Kaleiopapa Convention Center at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa and is open to all interested members of the public.
The following events and sessions are limited to members, principals, and invited guests.
Meetings: All Islands Committee, Coral Disease Working Group, Coral Restoration Working Group, Federal Employees Meeting, Steering Committee Meeting, Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease Pacific Preparedness Workshop
Site Visits: Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Miloliʻi, South Kohala Coastal Partnership, Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District (open to members, friends and family), West Maui Watershed, Anuenue Fisheries Research Center
Receptions: ‘O ke kahua ma mua, ma hope ke kūkulu : Building the Foundation for Holomua: Marine 30×30 Reception, Linking Together: Marine Conservation Partnerships sponsored by Lynker and Malama Kai Foundation Reception, Blue Nature Alliance Breakfast
How do I get there?
Meetings will be held at the hotel’s Kaleiopapa Convention Center and Bayview Meeting Rooms, which are located on the Outrigger property and labeled on the map below. All off-site meetings will have transportation provided through private van service. If you need to arrange for different transportation to a site visit, please contact that site visitʻs organizer(s) or email the meeting coordinator, Kirsten Moy, at kmoy@hawaii.edu.
Parking at the hotel is $25 per day. Kamaʻaina (Hawaiʻi Residents) staying at the hotel receive 50% discount when reservations are made using Promo Code LOCAL. For more information, call the hotel at +18089304900. Additionally, local services such as the #204 Hele-On County of Hawaiʻi Bus and the Kona Trolley both run to the Outrigger property.
For more information and transportation options, visit our page GETTING THERE at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/coralreefs/getting-there/
Other questions?
For all other inquiries, please contact the meeting coordinator, Kirsten Moy, at kmoy@hawaii.edu, or the Division of Aquatic Resources Program Manager and USCRTF member, Dr. Ryan Okano, at ryan.ly.okano@hawaii.gov.