Featuring The 11th Hour, produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio

This is part of the Hawaii Conservation Conference at the Hawaii Convention Center.
Link to: http://hawaiiconservation.org/2008cw.asp

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

Pictures speak louder than words, so check out the photos below and also watch MauiTVNews (www.mauitvnews.com) before the end of July to catch their report of the evening. The show is also available on OC digital channel 110 News on Demand until the end of July.

`Imi Pono no ka `Āina award

`Imi Pono no ka ‘Āina award goes to an individual, business, or group that demonstrates outstanding community leadership AND environmental stewardship.

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 blue-line 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 fish!

Amateur and professional chefs competed to please a panel of judges: Mayor Charmaine Tavares, Allen Tom (HI 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

2nd & 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.

Maui County is hosting Reef Night in celebration of International Year of the Reef on June 22 at the Maui Ocean Center.
Posted June 1, 2008

The event, which runs from 6 to 9:30 p.m., will include an ta‘ape cookoff, locally grown produce, educational displays, a photo wall, lectures, demonstrations, a poster contest for children, and entertainment.

Cost is $16 for adults ($11 for kama‘aina), $13 for children ($8 for kama’aina).

The event is organized by the Mayor’s International Year of the Reef (IYOR) Community Task Force, Ola Na Papa I Pulama ‘Ia (Cherish the Living Reefs).

Ticket are available at Maui County Building, 9th Floor (Mayor’s Office), Maui Ocean Center and the Maui County Store at the Maui Mall.

For more information visit www.mauioceancenter.com or contact Kuhea Paracuelles at (808) 242-1180 ext. 26 or kuhea.paracuelles@mauicounty.gov.

IYOR Poster Contest

What: Poster Contest focusing on Hawaii’s coral reefs
Who: Kids, grades K through 12
Topics: 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?
When: Posters are due May 30
Where: Poster should be mailed to Kuhea Paracuelles, County of Maui, 200 S. High St., Wailuku, HI 96793.
Why: Hawai‘i is part of a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about the value and the importance of coral reefs and threats to their sustainability. The posters will help to educate and motivate people to take action to protect our precious living reefs.

Poster Guidelines

• Size: Artwork not to exceed 11-by-17 in size.
• Acceptable media: Paint, markers, crayon
• Please do not mat, mount or laminate artwork
• Please make sure that your name, phone number and school and teacher’s name are on the back of the poster
• Prizes will be awarded on June 22, at the “IYOR Reef Night” to be held at the Maui Ocean Center. Winners to receive two free tickets to this exciting event.
• Prizes to be given to 1st, 2nd, 3rd place entries for the categories K-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-12.
• Winning submissions will be matted and displayed on the Maui buses, Haleakala National Park and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

For more information about events and ways to get involved on Maui, go to givethereefabreak.org

The purpose of this beach clean-up is to remove marine debris from the coastline and record data regarding the types and amounts of debris collected. The clean-up will begin with an educational presentation and end with a prize drawing. Participants will include delegates from the Hawai`i Conservation Conference.

This event is being organized by the Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawai`i (B.E.A.C.H.), a non-profit, all volunteer organization concerned with bringing awareness and solutions to marine debris and litter on Hawai`i’s beaches through environmental education, litter prevention and beach clean-ups.

What is provided: bags, gloves, water

Useful to bring: bucket, sand sifter, rake, clipboard, small backpack

What to wear: sturdy shoes for walking, hat, sunscreen

Please register by: Thursday 31st July

This event is free and open to the public.

For information and registration, please visit the B.E.A.C.H. website: www.b-e-a-c-h.org

or phone: 393 2168

Join the Surfrider Foundation, Oahu Chapter in cleaning up Diamond Head Beach on Sunday, May 11.

The cleanup runs from 3 to 5 p.m. Meet at the top of the paved path by the water fountain.

Refreshments and supplies will be provided.

A surf/paddle will commence after the cleanup from 5 to 6 p.m., with a dinner at Diamond Head Cove and South Shore Grill — both on Monsarrat Avenue — to follow.

“Ho’omalu Kahakai – Protecting the Beach” is a monthly clean-up of the Surfrider Foundation, Oahu Chapter. Working to improve ocean water and beach quality, to keep and open access to the ocean for all to enjoy, and to assure that all development on our island is responsible by having minimal impact on our coastal environment.

For more information visit www.surfrider.org/oahu.

Join the Maui chapter of the Sierra Club in a beach cleanup and bonfire at Kapa‘a on Saturday, May 17.

Meet in the late afternoon and enjoy a picnic and bonfire on the beach.

The chapter will supply cold drinks and equipment.

For more information call Karen Tilley at (808) 821-8008. Visit www.hi.sierraclub.org/kauai.

Come help remove false ‘awa (Piper auritum) from a stream bed in the Ahuimanu community of Kāne‘ohe on Oct. 11.

The project will run from 8 a..m to 3 p.m.

False ‘awa looks a little bit like true ‘awa, the traditional Hawaiian medicinal drink, but has a brighter green leaf with a red piko. False ‘awa is often mistaken as true ‘awa. It is currently being cultivated in gardens, agricultural fields, and yards by people who think they have true ‘awa.

False ‘awa is a garden pest. It grows and spreads vegetatively like a weed, out competes desirable plants like taro and has no medicinal properties.

Take along more water than you think you will need — at least 2 quarts. Bring gloves, hat, sunscreen, rain jacket, long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy walking shoes. No slippers! Pack a good hearty lunch because we will be working hard!

Meet at the Church of the Crossroads parking lot. Going mauka on University Avenue, take your first left after the King/University intersection onto Coyne St. Then take your first right onto Kaialiu Street. The parking lot is located on the right, just after the road curves.

RSVP by Thursday, Oct. 9 to Julia Parish at oisc@hawaii.edu or 286-4616.

Join the OISC to help remove invasive manuka (Leptospermum scoparium), on Waiau trail on Saturday, Sept. 13.

The project runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Manuka, New Zealand tea tree, is a ornamental shrub native to New Zealand and Australia, which grows up to 20 feet in height with small white to pink flowers and needle-like leaves. It was introduced during forestry efforts to stabilize soils and prevent erosion.

Manuka is an aggressive invader, capable of crowding or shading out natives by developing dense thickets and producing wind dispersed fire-resistant seeds. This tree has successfully invaded some of the most pristine native ridges and valleys on O‘ahu.

Come help OISC prevent its spread!

Take along more water than you think you will need — at least 2 quarts. Bring gloves, hat, sunscreen, lunch, rain jacket, long pants, long sleeves and sturdy walking shoes. No slippers! Pack a good hearty lunch because we will be working hard!

Meet at the Church of the Crossroads parking lot. Going mauka on University Avenue, take your first left after the King/University intersection onto Coyne St. Then take your first right onto Kaialiu Street. The parking lot is located on the right, just after the road curves.

RSVP by Thursday, Sept. 11 to Julia Parish at oisc@hawaii.edu or 286-4616.

The Sierra Club, Hawai‘i Chapter is looking for volunteers to help clean up Sandy Beach on Sunday, July 13.

Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the bathrooms on the eastern side of the beach park. The cleanup will take place along the highway and coastal areas.

Bring water, hat, sunscreen and closed-toe shoes. No slippers! Bags and gloves will be provided.

For more information call Deborah Blair at 955-4168. Visit www.hi.sierraclub.org.

Join volunteers in cleaning up the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor on Saturday, July 12.

Meet at 8 a.m. at the harbormaster’s office between the third and fourth rows of boats behind the ‘Ilikai Hotel. Park in street stalls or in the public lot ‘ewa of the Hilton lagoon.

Wear sturdy shoes with gripping soles, a hat, thick rubber gloves, sunscreen and water. No slippers!

For more information call Deborah Blair at 955-4168. Visit www.hi.sierraclub.org.

Join OISC in removing invasive alien plants at the Kalihi Valley Nature Park on Saturday, July 12.

The project runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Kokua Kalihi Valley is a community-organized and community-operated non-profit organization that is creating a nature park on 100 acres of public land that have been designated for park development for more than 25 years.

The project will include creation of as many as 20 acres of community and native Hawaiian gardens, preserve and restore ancient Hawaiian agricultural walls and terraces, and the creation of new walking paths and hiking trails.

Currently, the site is overgrown with exotic species. Our hope is to help remove alien plant species to make room for native species. Kokua Kalihi Valley’s goal for the park is to create “a place of quiet recreation, nature studies, health education and the preservation of Hawaiian culture.”

Expect difficult hiking. Bring bag lunch, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and water. Meet at the Church of the Crossroads parking lot.

RSVP to 286-4616 or oisc@hawaii.edu.