HANAPEPE — The public is invited to learn more about the oceans of the world Saturday, when the Friends of the Hanapepe Public Library hosts its first World Oceans Day event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. People of all
HANAPEPE — The public is invited to learn more about the oceans of the world Saturday, when the Friends of the Hanapepe Public Library hosts its first World Oceans Day event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
People of all ages will be able to participate in learning about Hawaiian canoes, ocean safety, ocean etiquette, helping stranded marine mammals, fishing laws, tying marine knots and what albatrosses eat, states a release from the library.
“We have more than a dozen community organizations and agencies pooling their resources to make this a free, fun-filled event on the library grounds and in our new auditorium,” head librarian Karen Ikemoto said.
Some of the interactive stations include gyotaku fish prints, identifying limu, or seaweed, creating cards using limu, making barbless circle hooks, designing ocean-themed paper goodie bags, getting temporary tattoos in ocean motifs, and playing monk seal and whale games — all for free.
“We are all excited to be able to bring this kind of event to more locations on Kaua‘i,” said Jean Souza, program coordinator for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. “The response by the exhibitors has been just tremendous. Each one is providing a free kids activity, or an interactive exhibit. What better way to promote ocean awareness and stewardship.”
Activity booths are being staffed by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Na Pua No‘eau, Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center, Na Mea Hulu, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Surfrider Foundation, Kohola Leo, the state Division of Aquatic Resources and the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement of the Department of Land and Resources.
Mele’s Kusina lunchwagon will also be on-site to satisfy hunger pangs during the event.
The World Oceans Day Fair is sponsored by the Friends of the Hanapepe Public Library.
Assistance is being provided by Na Pua No‘eau, the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, the Kaua‘i Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument and the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i.
Call the Hanapepe Public Library at 335-8414 for more information.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
