At the Kaua’i Community College, Electronics Technology building, room 114.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) invites the public to participate in informational meetings to discuss possible regulations for certain marine fish species.

The public discussion will center on using minimum size rules to protect harvested resource fish that may be at risk of being over harvested, and will focus on at least three main fish families that the DLNR feels may be in need of updated regulations. They are: Parrotfish (uhu), Goatfish (weke), and Jacks (ulua/papio). The Division of Aquatic Resources has not yet drafted rule changes.

For more information contact DAR office at: Kaua’i (808) 274-3344Post Message:

Coral reef habitat extends from the surface of tropical seas down to a depth of approximatley 500 feet. But only the upper one-third of this habitat has been adequately explored. Dr. Richard Pyle of the Bishop Museum will share how a team of marine biologists has begun to investigate the deep coral reefs using advanced, high-tech diving gear and special gas mixtures, and has discovered more than a hundred new species of fish. His lecture, “Into the Twilight Zone: Exploring the Deep Coral Reefs,” will start at  6 p.m. June 12 at the Atherton Halau. Free and open to the public. Call 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.

It’s a part of Mainland fishing tradition to selectively take larger individual fishes from a population, leaving the smaller ones to grow. However, the larger individuals species often have a different role in the coral reef ecosystem than do the smaller ones, and this role can be important for the reef community. Dr. Charles Birkeland of the University of Hawaii-Manoa will discuss how leaving the big fish can help maintain the coral reef ecosytem and the stability of fish populations. His lecture, “Leaving the Big Fish: The Importance to Coral Reefs,” will  start at 6 p.m. May 8 at the Atherton Halau. Free and open to the public. Call 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.

Coral reefs are under pressure from the triple threat of warming, acidification and infectious disease. Scientists are just beginning to unravel the direct and interacting effects of this environmental change on the sustainability of the coral reef ecosystem. Dr. Catherine Drew Harvell of Cornell University will explain how coral reef scientists are developing new knowledge to improve proper management of sustainable reef ecosystems. The lecture, “Trial by Fire: Will Coral Reefs Weather Warming and Disease,” will start at 6 p.m. April 10 at the Atherton Halau. Free and open to the public. Call 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.

Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawai’i (B.E.A.C.H.) is organizing a clean-up of marine debris at Kokololio beach in La’ie. Bags, gloves and water will be provided. Please bring a bucket, sand sifter and rake (if you have them). Wear a hat, sunscreen and covered shoes. All volunteers will be entered into a drawing of prizes from Kale’s Natural Foods, Ben & Jerry’s, East O`ahu Physical Therapy and B.E.A.C.H. To volunteer, please register by Fri. 29th March by phone: 393 2168 or 554 2902. More information at: www.b-e-a-c-h.org.

Dr. Drew Harvell — Cornell University and principal investigator from the World Bank Targeted Research Project, will discuss coral reef sustainability as part of the Bishop Museum’s Reseach Seminar Series. The lecture, which will run from 6 to 9 p.m. on April 10, will be held in the Atherton Halau. For more information call 848-4168 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.

Bring your recyclables to Farrington High School from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 as part of Aloha ‘Aina Earth Day.

Various recyclers will be on site including Schnitzer Steel, Unitek Solvent Services, Refrigerant Recycling Inc. and Honolulu Recovery Systems.

You can bring the following: scrap metal, car and bicycle parts, lawn mowers, washing machines, refrigerators, newspaper and cardboard, beverage containers, tires, cooking oil, telephone books, green waste, car batteries, used eyeglasses and hearing aids, useable clothing and household items, cellular phones and printer cartridges and computers. NO PAINT, HAZARDOUS FLUIDS, MICROWAVE OVENS, TELEVISIONS, CARS OR GAS TANKS.

For more information contact councilmember Romy Cachola, 768-5007, or Rene Mansho, 306-1876.

Nani O Wai‘nae is looking for volunteers to participate in the Keep Hawaii Beautiful Day cleanup on April 26 at various spots around O‘ahu. Volunteers are needed to pick-up trash and paint over graffiti, among other things. For more information contact Katy Kok at naniowai@lava.net.

Nautilus Dive Center in Hilo is organizing a cleanup of the recreational debris at 4 Mile Beach as part of the annual Dive In To Earth Day event. Dive In takes place every year throughout the week of Earth Day to bring focus on fragile and endangered aquatic resources, notably coral reefs. This coastal marine conservation event includes removing trash, educating children, supporting coral reef protected areas and much more. There will be a potluck for everyone.

WHEN: April 20, 2008 from 10:00 am - 1:30 pm

WHERE: James Kealoha Beach off of Kalanianaole St., about 3 miles east of Hwy. 11 & Hwy. 19 (across Seaside Restaurant)

Website: www.nautilusdivehilo.com

email Contact: kidsdivein@usa.com

 Kai Makana has committed to helping Mokauea Fishing Village Association and those families directly involved with this island from 2005 until 2010.  The goal of the residents and the association is to create and educational center where students, teachers, community members and the public can come to learn the traditional methods used to be self sustaining.  Mokauea Island (near Sand Island, Oahu) is considered to be the last fishing village (island) in the State of Hawaii.  Kai Makana has committed to volunteering to restore the island at least once a month. 

If interested in participating, please email kaimakana@gmail.com to confirm date and receive waiver and directions to the project.
In addition please wear old tennis shoes or running shoes, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, shorts and t-shirt.  Please do not bring anything that cannot get wet or large backpacks.  We get to the island via Outrigger 6-man canoes.  Please inform us if you cannot swim or have other requirements pertaining to transportation.