Media release | The Kohala Center

KAMUELA, Hawai‘i — April 20, 2011 — The Kohala Center, the Rotary Club of Kona, Starbucks, and the County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation invite the community to a Kokua Kahalu‘u Day on Saturday, April 30, from 7:30 a.m. until the work is finished.

Volunteers are needed to help paint the main pavilion, north restrooms, and the Ocean Safety Tower and to work on the cleaning and rebuilding of the Waikua‘a‘ala Pond rock walls, which were damaged by the recent tsunami.

“We are looking for skilled rock wall builders and skilled painters, as well as plenty of folks who simply want to lend a hand to help out,” said Cindi Punihaole, The Kohala Center’s Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator.

Volunteers who would like to help with the pond project are asked to bring rubber boots, shovels, and picks if they have them. Please bring ladders and gloves if you would like to work on the pavilion project. The County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation will provide paint and supplies.

Starbucks will provide pastries, coffee, and tea in the morning, and the Rotary Club of Kona will serve a BBQ lunch for all volunteers.

Contact Punihaole, (808) 895-1010, or Renee Kraft, (808) 345-2108, with the Rotary Club of Kona to volunteer.

The Kohala Center is an independent, not-for-profit center for research and education about and for environment. Since 2000, The Kohala Center’s ReefTeach Program has taught hundreds of visitors to Kahalu‘u Bay how to enjoy the bay without adversely impacting the fragile coral reef environment. Trained volunteers use picture boards, reference books, and field guides to teach visitors about delicate coral and the organisms that depend upon coral for food and shelter. In particular, ReefTeachers emphasize how swimmers should avoid touching or standing on coral, removing anything from the reef, feeding the fish, or harassing the turtles that feed and bask in the bay. Learn more about The Kohala Center at http://www.kohalacenter.org.