First thing Saturday May 23, Kahalu‘u Beach Park was bustling with families and friends all eager to talk story with Mayor Billy Kenoi and lend a hand cleaning up the beach.
Cindi Punihaole welcomed the group and extended a special thanks to Mayor Kenoi and his family for joining the effort. She presented him with a special basket woven by Kumu Sam Kama. Accepting the token of thanks, Mayor Kenoi shared some encouraging words with the group. He spoke of his pride in the incredible strength of the community here on the Big Island and the importance of events like this that give back to the ‘āina.
Volunteers of all ages donned rubber gloves and stepped out under the sunny sky ready to clean up the beach. Enjoying great music from Sam Kama, Jaimeson Wong, Jay Moses, Sam Kama Jr., and Lenard Kaniho while they worked, participants spread out around Kahalu’u Beach Park collecting all the unwanted rubbish that was strewn about in the sand.
The volunteers worked so well that before long, the beach was spotless and it was time to eat and be merry. La ‘Ike Day volunteers- Barbara Eldridge, Judy Quimby, Trish Malone, Sandy Kama, Mele Waikiki, and Annabelle Smith shared ‘ono food with all.
This wonderful event had a little something for everyone. Kumu Mele Waikiki taught Palapalai Wili Haku- stringless lei making, Sam Jr. and Sandy Kama taught coconut leaf weaving, George Place shared ‘Ohe Kapala- the making of bamboo stamps, and John Betlach helped with face painting and general clowning around. Of course, singing and dancing was a must as the band played into the afternoon.
For many, this was also an opportunity to gain some more insight into the enormous potential of Kahalu‘u Bay Project. Citizen Scientists conducted water quality analysis, ReefTeachers educated visitors on the precious corals at
Kahalu‘u and interested visitors had a chance to look over the Kahalu‘u Bay Master Plan a design completed by University of Washington students in June 2008.
As this celebration of science and culture at Kahalu‘u came to a close, new friendships were forged, bellies were filled and participants joined hands singing Hawaii Aloha while looking out over beautiful Kahalu‘u Bay.
Mahalo to all who participated!
To read more about the Mayor’s visit and Kahalu‘u clean-up visit http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/articles/2009/05/24/local/local02.txt.
Photos by R. Magnus
Don’t miss the next La ‘Ike Day at Kahalu‘u Bay
Sunday, June 28, 2009 Noon-3:00 p.m.
Free Lunch 12:00 noon-12:45 at Kahalu‘u Beach Pavilion











