The six-week "Focus Green: Conversations on Climate Change" series is sponsored by Dowling Co., a Maui developer recognized for its "green" building practices.

Kennedy will launch the series Feb. 21. He is a senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council and was named one of Time magazine's "Heroes for the Planet" for his work in environmental restoration.

Scientist David Suzuki, host of the award-winning television series "The Nature of Things," will appear March 14, followed by journalist James Howard Kunstler on March 21.

Kunstler's latest book, "The Long Emergency," examines a future without abundant oil reserves.

Environmental strategist Terry Tamminen will speak March 28. He is a chief policy adviser to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and author of the book, "Lives Per Gallon: The True Cost of Our Oil Addiction."

The final speaker in the series will be Christine Ervin, head of the U.S. Green Building Council, who will appear April 4.

All events will be held at 6 p.m. at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted to benefit the Maui Coastal Land Trust.