By Staff Reports
(HONOLULU) –On Sept. 20th and 21st, local nonprofit group Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii (SCH) will be leading a two-day coastal cleanup effort on Oahu’s west side to engage local communities in the fight to keep plastic and other debris out of the ocean. SCH joins forces with Na Kama Kai to deliver a unique opportunity for community service that incorporates education, entertainment, and traditional Hawaiian cultural activities — plus the opportunity to camp both nights for free.
Participants are asked to check-in at Makua Beach at 9:30 am on Saturday and
Sunday, where zones will be chosen and transportation arranged to clean Yokohama Bay/Ka’ena Point to Makaha Beach Park. Following the cleanup on
Saturday, volunteers will be treated to plastic-free lunches and live music, along with games for the kids and other giveaways. A shuttle will start in Nanakuli on
Saturday morning at 8:30 am to bring volunteers free of charge to the cleanup and will return at 2:00 pm.
Education and activities will focus on land-based debris and how the community can reduce the amount of single-use plastic and other items by changing individual habits. “Through the act of cleaning and conversation, we are looking to inspire volunteers to become coastal stewards,” says SCH executive director
Kahi Pacarro. “It gives people the chance to experience firsthand how the things they use in their daily life are affecting the beaches and see how they can play an important part of keeping our beaches clean.”
A permit for camping spots has been secured, and anyone who wishes to camp overnight on Friday and Saturday can sign up on the SCH website to reserve a space at no charge, but space is limited. Na Kama Kai will be hosting traditional
Hawaiian cultural activities throughout the two days and nights.
About Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii
Sustainable Coastlines is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. One hundred percent of donations go to support beach clean up efforts, coastal advocacy, and community education. Established in January of 2011, over 4,000 SCH volunteers have collected more than 30,000 lbs. of marine debris from Hawaii’s coastal areas.
About Na Kama Kai
Nā Kama Kai’s mission is to empower youth by creating, conducting and supporting ocean-based programs, specifically targeting ocean safety and conservation awareness in order to increase the capacity of youth in the community through Hawaiian values, culture and environmental education. (www.nakamakai.org)
For more information, visit sustainablecoastlineshawaii.org or search Sustainable
Coastlines Hawaii on Facebook.