Wai‘anae Kai Volunteer Work Trip

The Wai‘anae Kai Community Forest Project partnership (WKCFP) held a work trip on Saturday, December 6 in partnership with the International Year of the Reef campaign. There was a great turnout of 26 volunteers including members from WKCFP, community members and volunteers from different government agencies who helped out-plant 197 koa seedlings at the 2003 Wai‘anae Kai forest fire site.

Volunteers hiked two hours up a steep trail to get to the work site. Once at the site a short demonstration was given by Ka‘ala Farm’s Bruce Koebele and the Board of Water Supply’s Amy Tsuneyoshi on the proper way to plant a tree.

The volunteers helped restore the watershed by planting koa seedlings to prevent further erosion, maintain moisture in the soil, and improve infiltration of rain water into the soil, helping recharge our underground aquifers. As the koa seedlings grow and stretch their roots throughout the soil, they will help stabilize the slope. If the area were left bare, silt and sediment would wash down into the streams below and make its way to the ocean reefs. Photos below courtesy of Amy Tsuneyoshi.

                

Lāna‘i IYOR Day

On November 15, IYOR was celebrated throughout the day on the island of Lāna`i. A variety of events were conducted working in partnership with Lāna‘i High and Elementary School, Castle and Cooke Resorts, Nā Pua No‘eau, Mālama Hawai‘i, Office of the Mayor/Maui County and many others. Activities included a giveaway of 1,000 native Hawaiian plants (to reduce erosion), and reusable shopping bags (to reduce the use of plastic bags), training on coral reef monitoring by the University of Hawai‘i and a series of reef movies shown free of charge at the historic Lāna`i Theatre. More than 150 community members participated.  Photos courtesy of Andrea Charuk.

        

Water Quality Monitoring Along the Kona Coast

On November 14, The Nature Conservancy and Malama Kai Foundation worked with students from several Hawai‘i Island schools in a water quality monitoring activity at the “old Kona airport” site. They obtained samples from the shoreline and analyzed them for temperature, salinity, acidity, and dissolved oxygen concentration.

As part of this activity, they talked about environmental impacts on water quality as well as changing oxygen concentrations as a result of biological activity.

Students were given the opportunity to take a pledge to do their part to protect coral reefs by reducing their use of plastics, keeping their feet off the reefs, picking up trash when they find it, keeping storm drains clear of debris and pollutants, and many volunteered to share their knowledge with their families and communities.  Photos below courtesy of Chad Wiggins and Elizabeth Pickett.

    

Maui Invasive Species Tournament (#2)

After a successful first shot at putting on an invasive species spearfishing tournament on Maui, organizers produced an event even bigger and better on November 9 to remove invasive fish as well as help a fellow spearfisherman with his medical needs. Three species of invasive reef fish were targeted - the roi, to’au and ta’ape. These fish were introduced to Hawai‘i in the 1950s to enhance fishing opportunities. However, they are voracious predators, diminishing populations of native fish species. 218 roi were brought up in the round-up, potentially saving the lives of 31,000 reef fish a year.

The $10,000 raised at the event was donated to spearfisherman Sean “Stoddy” Stodelle, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Stodelle is also a spokesperson for reef conservation and free diving safety. The event was co-sponsored by the county’s International Year of the Reef campaign, spearheaded by Mayor Charmaine Tavares, Maui Sporting Goods and Hard Rock Cafe.

Mālama Kaho‘olawe Teacher Training Workshop

Few places remain today where Hawai‘i students and teachers may go to experience what it is like to be Hawaiian or where traditional Hawaiian teaching methods are incorporated into Western-based academic learning. Kaho‘olawe is such a place. The Pacific American Foundation, through the Mālama Kaho‘olawe Project, is pioneering place-based education within a Native Hawaiian context by building innovative partnerships with the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana, the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission, the Polynesian Voyaging Society, and the Hawai‘i Department of Education.

In the most recent huaka‘i (or, journey, trip), over four days in early October, 35 teachers - representing 11 public schools, four private schools, and three charter schools - participated in a Saturday workshop on Maui prior to visiting Kaho‘olawe from Sunday through Wednesday. This workshop was also supported with funding from Mālama Hawai‘i and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority in support of the International Year of the Reef (IYOR).

     

Participating teachers were universally appreciative of the curriculum training opportunity, the review and receipt of valuable educational materials and resources, and the networking with and learning from other teachers - opportunities both rich and varied. Following the huaka‘i, one of the more experienced O‘ahu teachers commented: “I need to thank you for the exceptional opportunity I had to experience Kaho‘olawe. It was transformative. I was challenged, humbled and inspired. Not only do I have a binder full of wonderful curriculum materials, but even more impressive was the experience of being on Kaho‘olawe. I am a better person and I will be a better teacher because of this experience. Mahalo a nui loa.” Photos courtesy of Andrea Charuk.

     

Hanauma Bay Lecture Series

During October, B.E.A.C.H. and the Hanauma Bay Education Program partnered to present a free, public event each week for Marine Debris Awareness Month. The series was sponsored by B.E.A.C.H., Malama Hawai`i and the City and County of Honolulu. Lectures were given by David Hyrenbach (HPU), Captain Charles Moore (Algalita Marine Research Foundation), Regina Woodrom Rudrud (UHM) and Suzanne Frazer (Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawai`i). The films Message in the Waves and Synthetic Sea were also shown during the series. Photos courtesy of BEACH.

     

Saving Kimo contest winners

The winners of Diamond Bakery’s and Atlantis Adventures’ “Saving Kimo” contest were announced at the “Perry & Price” show at the beautiful John Dominis restaurant on October 18. Saving Kimo is a multi-media interactive learning program for students that incorporates reef conservation into an art/writing/media contest. The story of Kimo involves five characters - a moonfish, octopus, shark, humpback whale, and dolphin - who team up together to save a place they love. The contest asked students to help Kimo and his friends stay one step ahead to prevent human damages to their lovely Coral Town.

The categories were:
• Kindergarten to 5th grade - color drawing
• Grades 6-8 - color photograph or essay
• Grades 9 and above - 2-minute video

There were individual and classroom winners from each category. Individual prizes were free passes to Sea Life Park or Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park for the winner and family. The class prize was a Compaq laptop computer. All winners also received Diamond Bakery gift baskets

The winners were:
• Kindergarten to 5th grade - Kailikane from Na‘au school (individual); Na‘au school class as well as Lanikai school 4th grade class prize
• Grades 6-8 - Amy Kanakuri from Highlands Intermediate school (individual); Waipahu Elementary grade 6 class
• Grades 9 and above - Giggers and Maky from King Kekaulike School on Maui

Photos courtesy of Diamond Bakery.

                  

Marine Debris Forum

More than 100 people attended the Marine Debris Forum and the opening of the student art display at the Hawai`i State Capitol on Wednesday 22nd October, 2008. The free, public event was part of Marine Debris Awareness Month, in celebration of the International Year of the Reef. The forum was opened by Hawai`i State Senator, Gary Hooser and State Representative Lyla Berg who also chaired the evening. Captain Charles Moore, founder of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation, Donna Kahiwaokawailani Kahakui, founder of Kai Makana, Regina Woodrom Rudrud, UHM sea turtle conservation biologist and Suzanne Frazer, co-founder of the Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawai`i were the invited speakers.  Photos courtesy of BEACH.

        

The event also included displays by the International Year of the Reef, Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawai`i, NOAA Marine Debris Program, Schnitzer Steel, Algalita Marine Research Foundation and door prizes. The event was organized by B.E.A.C.H. and sponsored by IYOR Hawai`i Campaign, Malama Hawai`i, B.E.A.C.H., Ben & Jerry’s, Kale’s Natural Foods and Starbucks. The opening of the student art display took place prior to the forum. Students in grades K-12 from 15 schools were involved in learning about the impact of marine debris on marine life through presentations by B.E.A.C.H. and then creating paintings and drawings to help raise awareness. The artwork was on display at the Hawai`i State Capitol auditorium as well as at their schools and local libraries.

National Park(ing) Day

Mālama Hawai‘i partnered with the Trust for Public Land and Group70 International on September 19 to convert two parking spaces in downtown Honolulu for National Park(ing) Day. The event held for only the second time in Hawai‘i, raised awareness about the need for natural spaces and importance of putting plants on the land to reduce erosion that could impact our reefs. Mālama Hawaii’s parking space was based on the theme of “community gardening” for sustainability and featured live plants, grass, fruits from people’s gardens, and a bicycle-powered smoothie maker! This out-of-the-box activity gained media attention from KGMB9, KHON2, Honolulu Advertiser, and the Honolulu Weekly. Photos courtesy of Andrea Charuk.

      

Sunset on the Beach, Waikīkī

Nearly 2,500 residents and visitors on O‘ahu joined together to celebrate the International Year of the Reef at Sunset on the Beach, Waikīkī on August 30. Mālama Hawai‘i work with the Waikiki Improvement Association to coordinate the event, which included educational booths by marine conservation organizations, nahenahe Hawaiian music by Leokane Pryor and Friends, inspirational speeches by renowned ocean paddler and environmental advocate Donna Kahakui and JUNK raft voyager Dr. Marcus Eriksen, and finally short videos by Mālama Hawai‘i and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. All this led up to the feature film “Horton Hears a Who.” It was a wonderful event in a unique setting calling attention to the need to care for the ocean that gives us so much.  Photos courtesy of Andrea Charuk and Pauline Sato.

         

Maui Invasive Spearfishing Tournament

On Sunday, July 13, 15 pairs of free diver fishermen descended into the waters of Maui to participate in the first ever Invasive Spearfishing Tournament. This tournament was organized by Brian Yoshikawa and Darrell Tanaka, both accomplished spearfishermen on Maui, to help raise funds for “Team Hawai`i,” consisting of Dayne Fujiwara, Wes Calvan and Lance Otsubo, who will compete at the U.S. National Spearfishing Championships on Rhode Island. The other purpose of the tournament was to target the prevalent invasive species of roi, ta`ape, and to`au - no limit! Divers were allowed to swim from shore or kayak; no motorized crafts were allowed. They could start at any time but needed to be present at the weigh-in station at

Tournament participant weighs his catch.

`Iao Valley pavilions by noon.In total, divers harvested 84 roi, 7 ta`ape, and 20 to`au. Most divers weren’t very pleased with their results as they felt they could have caught much more had the weather conditions been more cooperative. But they enjoyed the camaraderie and especially the `ono home-made food served at lunch.

Fishermen enjoy home-cooked food after a morning’s dive.

Because roi in particular is known for carrying ciguatera toxicity, biologists from the State DLNR, Division of Aquatic Resources were on hand to take samples from all roi specimens to be tested for the toxin by Oceanit. Gut analysis is also being done on about 30 individuals to determine what they ate and better understand the life history of the roi. The rest of the roi were donated to the Maui Ocean Center as fish food. The ta`ape and to`au were barbequed on site and eaten by

State biologist takes samples from guts of roi for content analyses.

dozens of family and friends who supported the event. This event not only raised funds but also awareness about invasive fish species that are becoming problematic in Maui’s coastal waters. Tournament organizers and divers are already talking about the next event. They want to do their part in improving the reef environment because it gives so much to them. This event was supported by many volunteers and contributors. Mahalo! Photos courtesy of Pauline Sato.

Maui IYOR Reef Night a grand success!

posted: July 1, 2008

More than 800 people poured into the Maui Ocean Center at Ma`alaea on the evening of June 22 to celebrate Maui County’s “Reef Night.” Coordinated by Kuhea Paracuelles, Environmental Coordinator of County of Maui, the action-packed evening was enjoyed by kids and adults alike, thanks to the year-long hard work of planning committee members.Emcee Alaka`i Paleka of radio station KPOA kept the entertainment flowing and delivered important messages about saving Hawaii’s coral reefs. There were well-respected speakers, including Mayor Charmaine Tavares, Dr. Isabella Abbott, limu expert from the University of Hawai`i, and entertainment by Leiohu ryder, Anthony Natividad, Abrigo ‘Ohana, and Jason Sadang.

Lei`ohu Ryder and friends sang beautiful Hawaiian music to the audience’s delight.

Nearly two dozen exhibitors from Maui County and O`ahu came to educate visitors about their programs and what people can do to help protect our coral reefs.

The exhibitors include:
o Ao Ao O Na Loko Ia - Joylynn Paman
o Community Work Day - Rae Chandler
o CORAL/Project Sea Link - Liz Foote
o Digital Bus - Ellen Federoff (Parking lot and Center)
o DLNR Aquatic Resources -John Mitchell, Darla White
o DLNR DOCARE - Randy Awo
o DLNR Natural Area Reserve System - Judy Edwards
o East Maui Watershed Partnership - Kat Lui
o Get the Drift and Wear It! - Anya Tagawa, Jackson Bauer
o Haleakala National Park -
o Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund/Maui Reef Fund - Hannah Bernard/Ananda Stone
o IYOR O‘ahu - Pauline Sato and Emma Anders
o IYOR Maui Nui - Task Force (MOC entrance)
o Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission - Dean Tokishi, Cheryl King
o Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership - Andrea
o Maui Invasive Species Committee - Catherine Berg
o NOAA Fisheries, Protected Resources Division - Jennifer Metz
o NOAA Humpback Whale Sanctuary - Emily Carlson, Patty Miller
o Pacific Whale Foundation - Brooke Porter
o Speak Out! - Darrell Tanaka, Robert Wintner
o Spreadpono - Jen Tengan
o West Maui Mountains Watershed Partnership - Chris Brosius

The `Imi Pono no ka ‘Āina

The `Imi Pono no ka ‘Āina award goes to an individual, business, or group that demonstrates outstanding community leadership AND environmental stewardship. Mayor Charmaine Tavares gave the award to local fisherman and business owner Brian Yoshikawa. For the past twelve years, Brian Yoshikawa of Maui Sporting Goods, has organized a Father’s Day spearfishing tournament in honor of two-year old Daniel Perreira, who lost his battle with cancer twelve years ago. Over the years, the tournament has raised thousands of dollars to provide financial support to children afflicted with various forms of cancer. Because of Brian’s deep respect and concern for Hawaii’s fisheries, he imposes strict rules on the tournament contestants. Each one must turn in marine debris or litter as part of his or her “catch” or face disqualification from the tournament. Also, the contestant must only catch two edible fish of legal size and selected species. Opportunities like these help our youth to understand the importance of following laws that are put in place to protect our fisheries and that by doing so, their children and all future generations will have fish to catch and eat.

Yoshikawa award

Brian Yoshikawa receives award from Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares

Invasive Species Cook-Off

The Invasive Species Cook-off featured the reef fish ta`ape, also known as bluestripe snapper. It is an invasive species that has spread across the island chain. It is believed to compete with native reef fish so the more we eat it, the better for our native fishes!

Amateur and professional chefs competed to please a panel of judges: Mayor Charmaine Tavares, Allen Tom (Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary), Kate Zolezzi (Maui Ocean Center, GM), Brian Yoshikawa and Mike Gallagher (Celebrity Chef).

Special thanks to host Sean Stodelle for his excellent play-by-play emceeing, Warren Watanabe and the Maui County Farm Bureau for providing fresh Maui grown produce to support the cook-off and Brian Yoshikawa for catching the fish.

Ta`ape, or Blue-line snapper, an invasive species, fried up in a wok.

Professional chefs Craig Erickson, Tom Muramoto, and Lyndon Honda await their turn on stage in the ta’ape cookoff

Cook-off judges are challenged to name the winners among great chefs.

The winning dish in the professional division by Executive Chef Craig Erickson of the Napili Kai Resort.

Amateur Division
1st Place - Matt Gorman (16 years old)
2nd Place - Christopher Schiebler
3rd Place - Nathan Hillen

Professional Division
1st Place - Craig Erickson, Executive Chef - Napili Kai Resort
2nd Place - Lyndon Honda, Corporate Chef - Old Lahaina Lu‘au
3rd Place - Tom Muramoto, Executive Chef - Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel

IYOR Statewide Poster Contest

The IYOR poster contest was open to children grades K-12. The topic:
• Why is it important to protect our coral reefs?
• What is impacting our coral reefs?
• Invasive species, who are they and what kinds of impacts do they have?
• Endemic species, who are they and why are they unique?

Many thanks to all of the children who participated. They are helping to educate people about the importance of protecting our coral reefs.

Some of the poster contest winners were present at the event and proudly received their awards.

The poster contest winners are:

Kindergarten:
1st Place - Talia Pagay, Pukalani Elementary School
Teacher: Mrs. Kalehuawehe

2nd Place - Kealani Allen, Pukalani Elementary School
Teacher: Mrs. Kalehuawehe

3rd Place - Angelina Gomes, Pukalani Elementary School
Teacher: Mrs. Kalehuawehe

1st Grade:
1st Place - Rebecca Geng, Maui Prep
Teacher: Moser Blanski

2nd Place - Kayley Baricuatro, Maui Prep
Teacher: Moser Blanski

3rd Place - Chiemi Powell, Hāna School
Teacher: Jennifer Nadler

3rd Grade:
1st Place - Newara Brosnan Faltas, Edufree
Teacher: Kathy Darcy

2nd Place - Darby Milligan, Ha‘ikū School
Teacher: Mrs. Hanes

3rd Place - Lytiana Akinaka, Ha‘ikū School
Teacher: Mrs. Hanes

4th & 5th Grade:
1st Place - Tara-Ann Marie Pacubas, Christ the King
Teacher: Dawn Quinabo

2nd Place - Layke Yamauchi, Wailuku Elementary School Teacher: Mrs. Kenney

3rd Place - Kelvin Bio, Christ the King
Teacher: Dawn Quinabo

6th - 12th Grade:
1st Place - Michelle Littleton, Maui High School
Teacher: Nacua Brook

2nd Place - Mia Freidenburg, Kamehameha School
Teacher: Ms. Vierra

3rd Place - Kylie Cortez, Christ the King
Teacher: Dawn Quinabo

Poster by Michelle Littleton of Maui High School. Michelle won first place in the grades 6-12 division.

Photos courtesy of Pauline Sato.

Teachers learn to care for Hawaii’s reefs

June 12, 2008
More than 35 grades 4-7 teachers spent one of their precious summer break days to attend a teacher training workshop featuring the Navigating Change and Aloha `Aina curricula. The workshop was held on Moku o Lo`e (Coconut Island) in Kane`ohe bay. From 7:45 am to 4:30 pm, teachers participated in hands-on activities led by Maura O’Connor of the Pacific American Foundation and numerous resource people from partner organizations including NOAA, Hawai`i Institute of Marine Biology, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bishop Museum, and The Nature Conservancy.

Teachers came away with increased knowledge on Hawaii’s coral reefs on the Main and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, lots of goodies (curriculum binders, posters and other resource materials) as well as renewed energy and commitment to do what they do best — teach our keiki!

Mahalo to everyone who supported this excellent workshop. A waiting list of more than 35 teachers assures workshop organizers that they are providing a valuable service.

Photos courtesy of Pauline Sato.

Hundreds turn out for official launch event

More than 200 people, including lawmakers and school children, attended the official launch of the International Year of the Reef — Hawai’i on Friday, Jan. 25 at the State Capitol.

They walked through educational displays and exhibits by about 30 different organizations and government agencies, all sharing messages of reef and ocean conservation. The booths filled the entire concourse of the fourth floor.

 

Attendees learned about corals, native limu (seaweed), composting and community-based enforcement programs. They also dined on deep-fried ta‘ape (blue-striped snapper) and gorilla ogo — both invasive species in Hawaiian waters.

Dozens packed into one of the conference rooms to hear guest speaker Nainoa Thompson, famed navigator and executive director of the

Polynesian Voyaging Society, talk about his experiencing growing up at Maunalua Bay and how the state can step up to protect and preserve the reefs and their important ecosystems.

Gov. Linda Lingle signed a proclamation declaring 2008 International Year of the Reef. Keith Rollman, a representative from Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s office, presented the city’s proclamation.

The event was organized by the state’s Division of Aquatic Resources, Mālama Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with the Coral Reef Outreach Network.