MOP President Rene Siracusa with exhibit and educational materials promoting the upcoming 6th International Rat Lungworm Conference in January. MOP is acting as the fiscal channel for the event, as many of the grants and donations require a nonprofit for the charitable
deduction.

Sponsorship

On behalf of the organizing committee, chaired by Dr. Susan Jarvi, Malama O Puna is pleased to announce that many of the world’s leading experts will be presenting their research at the upcoming 6th International Workshop on Angiostrongylus and Angiostrongyliasis (Rat Lungworm Disease) at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel on January 5-8, 2020.

Over 230 people from nine countries have registered for the workshop, which will address prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease, as well as its ecology, epidemiology, and education. For Hawai‘i, the Workshop offers a rare opportunity for our clinicians, veterinarians, farmers, government agencies, educators and others to hear first-hand from these pre-eminent researchers, which will help address rat lungworm issues here in Hawai‘i.

We humbly request your consideration in donating to help support this event that is so vital to our islands. Rat lungworm disease has already affected our local economy in the restaurant & food sectors, agricultural industry, and tourism. Moreover, members of our own community — along with visitors, domestic pets, and wildlife — have suffered or are currently suffering from this disease.

We have been pleasantly surprised that registration has exceeded our expectations; however, funds from current sponsorships have been committed for the increasing venue and food costs. To help ensure we can accommodate all participants and that our distinguished, VIP guests (~ 75 people) experience the full aloha spirit of Hawai‘i, we would like to support the items below with your help.

Monetary donations will contribute to:

• Food costs and conference materials for all participants
• Fresh flower leis for VIP guests
• Accommodations at the Hilo Hawaii Hotel for VIP guests
• A planetarium show at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center & a field trip to Hawai‘i Volcanoes Nat’l Park for VIP guests.

In addition, we would like to provide gift bags with samples of items from local businesses to VIP guests. We welcome donations of samples to fill 75 gift bags (such as sample bags of coffee, chocolates, or other small items). Please coordinate with our team for timing of perishable items.

Several levels of donation are available for your consideration and all donations are tax-deductible.

Please see the sponsorship form (PDF) for details and contact rlwlab@hawaii.edu or 808-932-7148 for more information. Thank you for your time and consideration!