Islanders 18 and older will join cultural practitioners, farmers, hunters and food gatherers June 10 to 14 at the Lihikai Hawaiian Cultural Learning Center at Onekahakaha Beach Park in Hilo to learn about producing and harvesting their own food at "Hoea Ea II: Return to Freedom," a hands-on workshop.

The conference will emphasize the importance of working toward food sufficiency in the Islands in case of interruption of food-delivery systems. Experts will discuss gardening, aquaculture and other topics. Organizers have been preparing by picking, freezing and cooking lu'au leaf, raising sweet potatoes and fattening hogs.

Attendees will learn food-production skills and will distribute garden boxes among kupuna (elders) and community members.

Registration is $20 per person or $40 per family, with scholarships available. Learn more from Moana Tavares at 808-989-1801 or Keoni Turalde, 808-935-4328, or go to www.hoeaea.com.

On-site registration begins at noon June 10.