During ‘Ohana Night, students helped to inform their families and friends about marine debris and its impacts through a series of hands-on educational stations, including sand sifting and plastic debris mural making. At Mark’s station, he participated through a video call where participants watched a short educational video and had the opportunity to ask questions. Mark further expanded on all of the impacts of marine debris in Hawai‘i and ways in which we can make a difference in our local communities. 

This outreach event was part of the Boys and Girls Club Aloha ‘Āina (love the land) Program for the Wai‘anae Coast where students are exposed to their local ahupua'a (traditional Hawaiian land division from mountain to sea), natural and cultural resources, as well as ways to mālama ‘āina (care for the land). Through this six-week program students participate in hands-on activities such as cordage making and huaka‘i (excursions) throughout their ahupua‘a. The Aloha ‘Āina Program for the Wai‘anae Coast is supported through a 2021 NOAA Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) grant award. 

For more information, please contact Mark.Manuel@noaa.gov.