Over 300 Big Island school children trekked up Mauna Kea to experience Pohakuloa Training Area’s annual Earth Day Celebration on Thursday. The event was free and open to the public.
Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Christopher Marquez said the celebration helps the taxpayers see how the $7 million per year is spent for the Army to coexist with the natural and cultural resources within PTA.
The 201 square mile area is home to 27 endangered species.
23,000 square acres of fenced units are now ungulate free thanks to a partnership with local hunters.
Interactive displays including Keck Telescope, Managing Cultural Resources, Lunar Rover, Managing Native Plants and Animals Hydrogen Fuels along with a virtual tour of a lava tube had the keiki engaged.