Our Story
In 2005 Captain Lynn Danaher brought her years of expedition logistics experience together with the immense research background of Edmundo Edwards to found The Pacific Islands Research Institute (PIRI), a non profit dedicated to the scientific exploration and appreciation of the history and culture of the Pacific. Friends for years, Lynn and Edmundo have built a community of explorers, researchers, and elders dedicated to supporting projects with vision and heart.
Our approach
Over the years, PIRI has supported expeditions that go to the most remote parts of Oceania to generate knowledge about the fragile past of these incredible island nations. Respect, collaboration, and the aloha spirit are core to all of PIRI’s endeavors. Both Fellows of The Explorers Club, Lynn and Edmundo have carried on this legacy of curiosity, discovery, and contributing to a deeper understanding of our planet and the cultures that inhabit it.
Working with Communities
While the foundation of PIRI’s work is in the archaeology and anthropological research that Edmundo has developed for over 50 years, PIRI has sought to impact the local communities and the public in a variety of ways. During their expeditions PIRI has left AED’s (Automated Portable Electronic External Defibrillators) in Rapa Nui, Raivavae, Hiva Oa, and Pohnpei. These life saving devices have benefited these remote communities that have little access to healthcare. In Raivavae PIRI provided crucial access to archival documents that settled a decades long land dispute, empowering the local community and supporting justice for indigenous peoples.
Projects
In 2013 PIRI helped found and sponsor the Friday Harbor Film Festival, a festival dedicated to documentaries with a social and environmental message. Still running, the festival has supported several documentaries dealing with the themes of the Pacific region.
In 2019 The Rapa Nui Planetarium was completed, a long time dream of co-founder Edmundo. With the help of PIRI funds were raised to have this amazing resource for further research and understanding of the connection between astronomy and ancient cultures of the Pacific. The Observatory is under construction, plans are complete and foundation is laid.
Lynn is currently renovating the historic Aloha Theatre in Hanapepe, HI. A small museum and atrium is incorporated as part of the project. Both will be curated by PIRI, dedicated to Polynesian plants, (with storyboards) culture, art and history. Because it is an important landmark for the West side of Kauai, there will also be a photographic series of historical west side photos throughout the building on a rotating basis.