The Kohala Center and University of Manoa CCRT were proud to present this public presentation on February 28, 2012 to our community.
Read about the public presentation in West Hawaii Today: http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/sections/news/local-news/water-web.html
To access the portal visit http://portals.intelesense.net/tkc/
user id:visitor
password: welcome
If you have questions contact Cindi Punihaole on cpunihaole@kohalacenter.org or call 808-895-1010.
In January 2012 , students from the International Christian School of the University of the Nations in Kona on the island of Hawaii picked Reefteach as their community service project. While working at the Kahalu`u Bay Education Center on January 31st, they took the opportunity to educate a few visitors on how to properly take care of our reef at Kahalu`u Bay.
They are wonderful Aloha Ambassadors.
Overcast skies greeted over three hundred 5th grade female students at the annual Girls Exploring Mathematics and Science (GEMS) event at the Outrigger Keauhou Resort on Thursday, November 17th. Hosted by the American Association of University Women Kona Branch, this annual one-day event provides hands-on experience in math and science fields that tend to be male-dominated. The goal is to stimulate the girls’ interest before they enter middle school, where grades in these subjects often begin to decline.
And what a variety of fields there was to explore! Local organizations included veterinarians, doctors, aquatic scientists, SCUBA, and our very own ReefTeach and Citizen Science leaders. The Kohala Center featured three activities: the Japanese art of fish painting, or Gyotaku, water quality, and substrate transecting. These exercises demonstrated activities found in the marine science field. Gyotaku initiated discussions in various fish morphologies, answering questions like, “What traits enable fish to feed on certain foods?” “How does body shape help them evade predators?” “What characteristics help fish live in different habitats?”
During the next activity, the girls used various water quality testing methods to answer the question, “How do we determine the health of our bay?” Water from Kahalu`u Bay was evaluated using various scientific instruments to determine the temperature, level of dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, and turbidity. The group discussed how these factors determine water quality and how water quality affects so many things, including coral reefs and human health. Test results were encouraging as the students concluded Kahalu`u Bay water to be of high quality!
The final activity consisted of transecting a forty foot section of marine benthic habitat for substrate. Transects are used by scientists to count and determine species in an area. These species might include fish, plants, or in our case, substrate types. The girls were given a survey and learned how to count the amounts of different surface types that support life in the marine environment, including sand, hard coral, native algae species, alien algae species, and coralline algae. Some substrates are considered healthier than others for reef ecosystems because they support a higher level of plant and animal diversity. For example, hard coral is healthy for a reef ecosystem because it provides food and shelter for fish and invertebrates, whereas alien algae species can grow out of control and kill an entire reef system.
After recording the various types of substrate, the girls entered their results into a computer program which then generated a chart showing the percentage of each substrate type. Students were then able to use this visual tool to determine the health of the overall transect based on the amount of each substrate.
The day ended with cheers and smiles as everyone departed. Armed with new knowledge and hands-on experience, the students expressed excitement toward their futures. The GEMS event empowered students and teachers alike. By creating memories and inspiring young minds, there is little doubt that the events of the day will leave lasting impressions on the lives of these 5th grade girls!
Congratulations to all who contributed to the day!
Photos by C. Carl
In an effort to recruit new volunteers for both ReefTeach and Citizen Science programs, ReefTeachers gathered on Wednesday, November 2nd to talk story with Lyman Medeiros of Big Island TV, CH 9. “ReefTeach is a public outreach program designed to educate visitors to Kahalu`u Bay about the fragile coral reef and the creatures that occupy it,” explained Nikki Goodden, Assistant Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator for the program. 
In addition to educating the public, another program, Citizen Science, measures water quality of the bay.
Volunteers learn how to conduct water sampling and detect changes in salinity, temperature, pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. Any changes in these factors might indicate increases in pollution, climate change, or unusually high nutrient input. Currently, both programs are in need of volunteers.
Mr. Medeiros captured volunteers in action, explaining the six main points of good reef etiquette:
Don’t step on the coral. Fish can feed themselves. Turtles are endangered and protected by federal and state law, so do not touch or harass them. Leave everything where you found it. Rub sunscreen in well and wait 15 minutes before entering the water. Throw trash in the trash bins so it does not end up in the ocean.
The video taken on Wednesday will be used to create ads that will air on Big Island Television, local channel 9. In addition, two radio spots are being created in the hopes that local residents as well as part-time residents will volunteer. “The more volunteers we have, the better we can educate visitors, which means a healthier reef for future generations to enjoy,” Goodden explained. “And volunteering time is very flexible. We have weekly volunteers, seasonal volunteers, students, and local businesses who adopt-a-day. Anyone can be a ReefTeacher or Citizen Scientist.
And it’s fun!”
ReefTeach shifts run from 10am to 1pm daily. Citizen Science water sampling is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 9am and generally lasts about one hour. In addition to educating visitors, ReefTeachers enjoy talking story in general, learning from each other and sharing experiences with guests. ”The first time I saw a coral reef over 30 years ago, it was love at first sight,” states volunteer Dave Shoup. “I really appreciate being able to help people safely enjoy this magical place while protecting a threatened and critical part of our environment. It’s fun talking story with visitors and fellow reefteachers in this beautiful place.”
For further information about either program, please contact The Kohala Center at 808 887-6411 or email at info@kohalacenter.org.
Mahalo to Lyman Medeiros for his time and help in this important effort!
Photos by N. Goodden
The morning of October 29th found Kahalu`u Beach
Park under the guidance of National Honor Society students from Kealakehe High
School. 
These students became well versed in coral reef ecology earlier during the week, and arrived as certified ReefTeachers to volunteer their Saturday in order to educate visitors on proper reef etiquette. As top students of their class, these ReefTeachers immediately organized into several groups, led by class officers donning ReefTeach t-shirts.
The bay was in good form, with an outgoing tide and clear
waters for snorkelers. Two ReefTeach groups greeted snorkelers entering the bay while another group approached beachgoers enjoying the lovely sunny day.
Some students took advantage of the
opportunity to cool off by entering the bay to conduct in water surveys. These surveys monitor the behavior of snorkelers by comparing visitors who have been educated by ReefTeachers to those who have not. Saturday’s results were clear. Snorkelers who had been taught spent zero to only a few seconds on the reef, while visitors who had not been taught spent up to thirty seconds or more standing, kicking, or touching coral.
Back on shore, the ReefTeach tent was manned by several students who answered questions about the program, and helped visitors identify fish, eels, and other creatures of the bay. As the temperatures rose, the group broke for lunch and shared experiences. When asked what their favorite part of the day had been, some remarked they enjoyed the in water surveys most, while others simply enjoyed talking story with visitors and sharing information.
Following the lunch break, everyone donned gloves and grabbed trash bags for beach clean-up! Trash items included plastic, paper, and cigarette butts. Everyone agreed that the day was a successful, productive one.
Not always the case for a Saturday!
Yet these students proved exceptional volunteers, educating a total of
95 visitors that day.
Mahalo for your kokua, NHS students. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Photos by N. Goodden
A bright, clear beautiful morning greeted visitors at Kahalu`u Bay on October 22, along with food, games, prizes, Hawaiian crafts, music and a day of fun to be had by all. La `Ike Day, a Day of Understanding, was underway at the main pavilion, with coral reef education and the sharing of traditional Hawaiian knowledge.
The Kohala Center staff and volunteers welcomed visitors who were excited to participate in hands-on learning of various Hawaiian arts and crafts. While Kumu Sam Kama, Leonard Kaniho, and Jay Moses filled the air with traditional Hawaiian music, Kumu Mele Waikiki led a group in the art of Palapalai Wili Haku, or stringless lei making. At another table Sandee Kama had beginners weaving their first coconut leaf baskets. Guests were thrilled at the opportunity to produce their very own souvenir to take home.
Jennifer Bryan exhibited various works by local artists including sketches, paintings, and jewelry, while Geoffrey Mundon demonstrated the art of kapa cloth making and `Ohe Kapala – bamboo stamp printing using natural dyes found in native plants and flowers.
Both adults and children enjoyed fun and games. Keiki used rod and reel to capture play fish that tested their knowledge of fish names, in both Hawaiian and English languages. The correct pronunciation rewarded them with a toy prize. Adults participated in a free raffle to win Kohala Center signature chico bags and ReefTeach hats.
As the day heated up, it was time to break for lunch. Everyone gathered to hold hands, and special guest Robert Punihaole blessed the meal and this extraordinary day. La `Ike Day volunteers Trish Malone and Barbara Eldridge helped serve `ono food to all. Guests relaxed over a hot meal while talking story, sharing, and making new friends.
The bay welcomed many snorkelers with plenty of sunshine and calm waters. Snorkelers and beachgoers sought shade under the ReefTeach tent, where they found a chance to thumb through fish identification books, read displays, and talk story with ReefTeacher Dave Shoup, who educated them on the delicate coral reef system of the bay.
As participants completed their craft projects and appetites were satisfied, the celebration came to a close. For many it was a day filled with new knowledge, new friendships, fun, and aloha overlooking beautiful Kahalu`u Bay.
Mahalo to all who participated!
Photos by R. Magnus
The safe and shallow nature of Kahalu‘u Bay makes it an ideal home for young marine species.It is not unusual to see many small turtles and schools of young fish close to shore but recently, ReefTeachers discovered something new at the Bay- a group of young triathletes!
On August 28th over 50 young athletes joined the Second Annual LavaKids Aquathon.Thanks to the hard work and dedication of volunteers and County Lifeguards, Kahalu‘u Bay was once again transformed into race central with an official competitor check-in, medical tent, and swim-run transition area extending through the parking lot.
Participants began arriving for registration at 7:00 AM.They gathered around the ReefTeach tent to look at
the storyboards and build their own special reef on our reef ecology board.Caroline talked about proper reef etiquette guidelines and invited the group to become ReefTeachers themselves. Many participants were veterans from last year’s event so they shared what they liked most about the fish and marine life at Kahalu‘u.Shortly thereafter the group listened to a motivational sports talk with one of Hawai‘i’s own triathletes and participated in a stretching and warm-up session with the one and only LavaGirl.
It wasn’t long before it was time to race!The events kicked off with the 200-meter keiki dash which is always a big hit 
as little ones and parents race back and forth on the beach.Each child received a medal after crossing the finish line.The next event was 7-10 years competing in a 50-meter swim and ½ mile run around Keauhou Beach Resort which was followed by the final event, 10-14 year olds 100-meter swim and 1 mile run through the Resort. Lifeguards directed swimmers in the water as they raced around the buoys.Upon exiting the water the athletes transitioned right into the run around the Keauhou Beach Resort.
The day ended with a great awards ceremony and snacks for all.It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their success.We look forward to seeing our new ReefTeachers at the Bay this year.This fantastic event preceded Sunday’s Lavaman Keauhou Triathlon. For more information visit:www.lavamantriathlon.com/keauhou/
The 2010 Earth Day Fair at Kahalu‘u and the Keauhou Beach Resort proved another enormous success. Presented by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce and University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program, this great event boasted more participants than ever. The Kahalu‘u pavilion was filled with booths from many different organizations including The Pacific Whale Foundation, The Coral Reef Alliance, Jack’s Diving Locker, The Nature Conservancy, Kona Underwater Photographic Society (KUPS), and many others. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces.
ReefTeachers were in great spirits as they chatted with volunteers at neighboring booths. We were especially excited to display our new “Please Don’t Step on The Corals” banner created by Heloise Lochman.The bright new colors attracted beachgoers and really made a difference as snorkelers entered the water.Visitors perused the display boards and asked great questions about our work at Kahalu‘u.
The ocean fish puzzle kept everyone entertained, especially the adults, who spent quite some time attempting to reassemble the tricky game. The build a reef board was once again a big hit with keiki, resulting in some very creative reef displays.
The day was chock-full of turtle watching, ReefTeaching and visiting with friends.There was even the opportunity to pose with the Green Power team!We were especially grateful when Amanda and Christina from Starbucks arrived with refreshing iced tea for everyone.It really hit the spot on that warm afternoon. Thank you so much to all our great volunteers who came together to make the day a tremendous success.
Click on the links below to read more about the 2010 Earth Day Fair at Kahalu‘u:
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
Photo Credits: Andrew Walsh, Caroline Neary
On March 28th, ReefTeach volunteers were excited to join in the festivities as the community came together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Keauhou Beach Resort. Keauhou Beach Resort staff and supporters were honored for their deep commitment to culture and community throughout the years.
Entertainment on the main stage included Kumu Keala Ching, Rolinda Bean, Halau Kala‘akeakauikawekiu, Aunty Diana Aki, Halau Ka‘ulaokalani o Kona, Aloha ‘Aina and many more.All were welcome to join in during makahiki games, Hawaiian language lessons and lei making.Throughout the day guests perused the craft booths surrounding the lu ‘au 
grounds.There was something for everyone.Vendors displayed beautiful Hawaiian crafts including printed bags, pendants, baskets, pearls and jewelry.Guests snacked on Hawaiian plate lunch while clapping along to performers.
Participating in the day’s festivities was a great honor for ReefTeachers. Volunteers of all ages came out for this event and we even had some unexpected new friends joined us for the day!We are so grateful to the Keauhou Beach Resort staff for their continued support of ReefTeach and Citizen Science.
Next time you’re in the neighborhood we encourage you to stop by and experience Huaka‘i at the Keauhou Beach Resort.www.huakaihawaii.com
We are very excited to welcome Vivian Landrum, Carrie McKnight, and Cathy Spitzenberger of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce as new ReefTeachers.The Chamber embarked on their first ReefTeach adventure when they Adopted-a-Day at Kahalu‘u on Friday, January 29th.
Despite the potential threat of beach closure from big surf, these ladies would not be discouraged and arrived bright and early Friday ready to ReefTeach.They not only assisted with normal ReefTeach set-up but also contributed a few of their own resources to the display. This was a great opportunity for visitors to the beach to learn about all of the great services that the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce provides.The Chamber monthly newsletter was available for viewing as was their annual member magazine-The Source: A Guide to Business & Lifestyle in West Hawai‘i.
These new ReefTeachers jumped right in and got their feet wet.The Chamber group was so successful at ReefTeaching it was hard to believe this was their first experience.Vivian and Cathy talked with new snorkelers while entering the water, sharing with them the ReefTeach reference books and fish identification cards. Carrie assisted ReefTeach volunteer Dick Shlegeris, sharing turtle facts with the quickly growing crowd. The turtles were a big highlight for many visitors that day as quite a few gathered in the shallow tidepool areas to feed.At one point we counted 10 turtles resting close to shore! The day turned out to be pretty busy at Kahalu‘u as volunteers counted over sixty people snorkeling and close to two hundred people on the beach at noon.
The three hours spent ReefTeaching went by so quickly, no one even realized it was time to pack up.A total of 95 visitors to the beach that day were ReefTaught.We are truly grateful to the unyielding support the Chamber has shown ReefTeach and the Kahalu‘u Bay Project. We look forward to a repeat visit in the months to come.
For more information about the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce visit www.kona-kohala.com. The Chamber kindly shared a number of copies of The Source magazine with ReefTeach for visitors and residents to view.Please contact Caroline if you would like a copy.
Interested in Adopting a Day at Kahalu‘u – Your organization can make a difference—one day a week, one day a month, or one day a year! Contact Cindi at cpunihaole@kohalacenter.org or Caroline at cneary@kohalacenter.org.