Japan group helps fund Big Island beach cleanups
Last month, Hawaii Wildlife Fund’s Marine Debris Project coordinator and marine biologist Megan Lamson met with nature photographer and ocean advocate Junji Takasago to receive a crowd-funded donation from 255 donors across Japan.
“This donation will be used to continue our beach cleanups and outreach work related to marine debris on Hawaii Island,”Lamson said. “Since we began our cleanup efforts in Hawaii in 2003, HWF and volunteers have removed over 177 tons of marine debris. This funding will help us plan and implement more cleanup efforts through the end of the year.”
Sustained cleanup efforts along the remote southeast Hawaii Island shoreline are of importance to the health of native marine and coastal wildlife, Lamson said. HWF estimates that at least 15 to 20 tons of marine debris wash ashore annually along this 10-mile shoreline and will continue to do so until single-use plastic consumption is reduced around the globe. “Marine debris is a people problem and because of that it gives us hope, as people can also fix this problem,” said marine scientist Stacey Breining, HWF’s marine debris mentor and outreach specialist.
Several years ago, Takasago linked up with travel writer Manu Yamashita, and professional surfer Angela Maki Vernon from Japan, who were collectively aligned in their love for the coastline in Hawaii.
More than a decade after visiting and being inspired by the plight of the albatross on Midway, Takasago was able to connect with others to do something to help protect Hawaii’s coastline and inhabitants. Takasago, who makes frequent trips to Hawaii in his photographic career, is also a director of the nonprofit Ocean Wildlife Society. In addition, he is from Ishinomaki City, which is a region that was devastated by the March 11, 2011, East Japan tsunami and is particularly sensitive to both the massive tragedy and the global effects of marine debris on coastal and marine wildlife.
On his most recent visit to Hawaii Island, Takasago and his colleague with JAL Magazine met up with Lamson to present a monetary gift to HWF. In total, the “Protect the Coast of Hawaii” campaign raised nearly $4,000.
In addition, HWF will host an international symposium in Hilo this December to continue the dialogue about marine debris, tsunami driftage, and disaster prevention with partners across the North Pacific. For more information about this event or how to support HWF’s marine debris removal and prevention efforts, contact kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.
Shakespeare group meets Wednesday
Read Aloud Shakespeare meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Keauhou.
The group will finish reading “King John” and begin “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Shakespeare fans are encouraged to bring copies of the plays and join the group. Participants take turns reading the parts. No Shakespeare or acting ability is required.
Call Joy Vogelgesang at 557-0694 by noon Wednesday for information.
Jones speaking Friday night
Farley Jones, a certified educator with the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program, will speak at 7 p.m. Friday at Hawaiian Queen Coffee Garden, 75-1048 Henry St. His topic will be “Marriage as a Spiritual Path.” Entertainment and dinner are also planned. There is no admission fee but voluntary donations are welcome.
For more information, call Chuck Frumin at 987-4219.
Cruise Paradise show planned Saturday
Hawaii Classic Cruisers presents the 2015 Cruise Paradise classic car show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Queens’ MarketPlace.
Free and open to the public, the show includes entertainment hosted by radio personality DC from B93/B97.
During the day, classic car fans can talk story with owners and their families. Entertainment from 1 to 2:30 p.m. includes the father-and-son trio Dam Str8 playing their unique combination of classic rock and Hawaiian contemporary music. Then, at 7:10 p.m., Queens’ MarketPlace presents the musical movie “Grease” in the Coronation Pavilion.
Cruise Paradise, Hawaii’s major classic car event, happens once every three years for a 10-day period, with events for hot rod enthusiasts across the entire Big Island, including a scavenger hunt in Kona to drive-in movies, cruises through scenic sites and a rock &roll revival concert in Hilo. This year’s event will feature cars from three Hawaiian Islands and seven different states.
For more information or to register a car in the event, visit hawaiiclassiccruisers.com.