By Staff Reports
(Honolulu) – The Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Storm Water Quality (SWQ) Branch is making it easy for parents and educators to keep keiki engaged during the Stay at Home Order with Aloha ʻĀina in April, an online Earth Month celebration. Aloha ʻĀina in April features a variety of videos, interactive games, e-books and live events that educate keiki and families on the natural resources unique to the Hawaiian Islands and the value of keeping our waters clean.
“Aloha ʻĀina in April is designed to provide parents, educators and keiki with educational and immersive experiences that celebrate Earth Month and highlight the importance of keeping our waters clean and free of pollutants,” said Ross S. Sasamura, P.E., Director and Chief Engineer of the City’s Department of Facility Maintenance. “Though we may not be able to gather together for cleanup events at this time, we can all do our part to mālama honua and stay educated and informed on the best ways to protect our waters.”
Aloha ʻĀina in April is a one-stop-shop for Hawaiʻi residents to celebrate Earth Month at home. The games, activities and live events curated on Aloha ʻĀina in April’s website are interactive and demonstrate the importance of minimizing impact on water quality in order to protect public health and the environment.
Keiki can also access educational materials via the SWQ Branch’s website, including a coloring book, crossword puzzle, connect the dots game, word search, maze, and matching activity. They can also read “The Journey Home,” which follows the journey of Apoha, a loveable oʻopu fish, and his companion Holokai, a ninja opae shrimp. The story depicts their struggle through common stream pollution and the importance of minimizing the impact on Hawaiʻi’s water quality. In addition to the book, keiki can watch the story come to life with “The Journey Home” puppet shows.
Aloha ʻĀina in April is presented by the SWQ Branch in partnership with Hawaiʻi Water Environment Association, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, Healthy Climate Communities, Hui o Hoʻohonua, Hui o Koʻolaupoko, Project WET Hawaiʻi, Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and USDA National Resource Conservation Service. For more information, visit bit.ly/alohaainaapril.
About the Department of Facility Maintenance – SWQ Branch
The mission of the SWQ Branch is to empower and provide guidance for the public on effective ways to minimize our impact on water quality in order to protect public health and the beauty of Oʻahu. For more information about the SWQ Branch and upcoming volunteer opportunities, please visit www.cleanwaterhonolulu.com.