Posted on: Monday, October 4, 2004

For the Environment

Advertiser Staff

KANE'OHE BAY WETLAND PRO JECT Volunteers are needed Saturday to help the Sierra Club clear a wetland of mangrove plants to create habitat for endangered water birds as part of an environmental program at Marine Corps Base Hawai'i, Kane'ohe Bay. Because the base is a secured military facility, volunteers must provide name and Social Security number in advance and bring a signed waiver. Contact Annette Kaohelauli'i at 235-5431.

BLUE WATER RESPONSE TEAM Free training sessions for the Sierra Club's Blue Water Campaign will be held Saturday at Kona Brewing Co. restaurant in Kailua and Sunday at the Mokupapapa Discovery Center in Hilo, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. Volunteers will learn about water quality issues in Hawai'i and how to spot and document potential water violations. Reservations are required; call 537-9019 on O'ahu or e-mail bluewatercampaign@verizon.net.

SAVE THE WHALES Storm drain stenciling projects will take place on Maui from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday in Kihei and Oct. 16 in Lahaina. Call the Community Work Day program at (808) 877-2524 or Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary at (808) 879-2818.

EXPLORE & PROTECT HALEAKALA Volunteers are needed for a three-night service trip in Haleakala Crater, sponsored by the Friends of Haleakala National Park. Participants will hike into the crater Saturday and hike out Oct. 12, with a two-night option. The work involves preparing and painting the interior of Kapalaoa Cabin and non-native plant removal, but there will also be time to enjoy and explore the landscape. Reservations are required; call Farley Jacob at (808) 248-7660.

NENE NEED YOUR HELP Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is seeking volunteers to protect and manage Hawaiian geese during the October-to-March breeding season. A three-month minimum commitment is desired. Duties include monitoring of nene flocks, reading lettered bands, predator trapping, and assisting with banding of adult birds and goslings. Requirements include familiarity with using computers, maps and compasses, ability to take detailed field notes and hike up to five miles per day over rugged terrain, and a driver's license. Dorm-style housing and meal reimbursement provided. Send r?sum?, references and cover letter to: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Attn: Kathleen Sherry, Division of Resources Management, P.O. Box 52, Hawai'i National Park, HI 96718, or e-mail kathleen_sherry@nps.gov.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT GARDEN Celebrate Make a Difference Day by cleaning up Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden and Nu'uanu Stream from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 23. Boots, garbage bags and gloves provided; bring insect repellent, long-sleeved shirt and pants. Reservations are required; call 522-7064.

WORK WITH THE FISHES The Waikiki Aquarium has volunteer opportunities for School Support Program docents, Edge of the Reef interpreters, Monk Seal Program assistants, aquarist assistants, gift shop staff and more. Call the aquarium's volunteer coordinator at 923-9741.

GREEN NOTES

GREENING YOUR YARD A free workshop on using compost in your garden or yard will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Hawaiian Earth Products at Kapa'a Quarry. For reservations, call 692-5408.

LIVE ENERGY LITE Energy conservation is the message behind the first Live Energy Lite celebration, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 16 at Ala Moana Center. Entertainment includes Na Palapalai, Ho'onu'a, Next Generation and the Mad Scientists, four teachers whose antics can make learning science fun. There will be interactive displays. The event marking National Energy Awareness Month is sponsored by Hawaiian Electric Co., Ala Moana Center, Malama Hawai'i, the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

TOUR DE TRASH Sign up for a Tour de Trash bus tour of O'ahu's trashier side, provided by the city's Refuse Division. The Workplace Recycling II tour, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 21, starts and finishes at the Sheraton Waikiki. Call 692-5410 to register; for tour schedules and details, check www.opala.org/recycling_businesses/Tour_de_trash_2004.html.