"I think we're really going to make a difference in saving Kailua Bay," said Anna Dunhan, a Lanikai third-grader.

The festival will showcase the SaveKailuaBay.com Web site created by students from four Windward schools, who are developing and designing the site after spending the school year researching the beaches and islands in the bay. Their project also included improving the environment through erosion control, trail creation and signs.

Links to parts of the site will be available at the festival, with the project completion scheduled for the end of June.

The project examines water contamination, human impact on the bird population on offshore island wildlife reserves, beach erosion and changes in fish and turtle populations of Kailua Bay.

Lanikai students who worked on the project said it was fun, interesting and challenging. The projects included tasks they had never done before such as interviewing people and surveying the shoreline. They said the work is important because it will help their efforts to educate the public about protecting and preserving the environment.

The work was so much fun, most students didn't realize that they were developing their math, science, reading and writing skills, said Lauren Apiki Ellsworth, founder of the LET Academy, which is working with the children to create the Web page. Many of the students were surprised that they could accomplish so much and create an attractive, interesting and informative Web site, Ellsworth said.

"When they get to that point they start to take responsibility for their own learning," she said, adding that by studying the bay, students are taking ownership of it ensuring its protection in the future. "It's giving them the opportunity to be valuable contributors to their community."

"The most exciting part of the day wasn't the breaks or snacks," Michael Cofran wrote. "It was getting started! Very hard to believe, eh?"

The Polynesian Voyaging Society is recognizing the students by sending the voyaging canoe Hokule'a to Kailua. The Castle Foundation is underwriting the festival with a $30,000 grant, and Ameron Hawai'i has made a $10,000 donation to the event. The city is also supporting the festival.

"These students are doing an amazing job on a project that will raise awareness of important environmental issues affecting Kailua Bay," said Lauren Avery, event coordinator. "The arrival of Hokule'a into these waters acknowledges the significance of their accomplishments."

An educational and cultural event, the festival also will include a koa canoe under construction, entertainment by five hula halau, free canoe rides, food and local hand-made crafts.

Some 45 educational booths, including 25 geared for children, will provided information and activities about the Kailua ahupua'a, including its marshes, watershed, cultural sites and environment.

The Lanikai students were excited that the festival would showcase their project. They realize that improving the beaches and changing people's habits may take time, but they said they are committed to that goal.