Beach cleanup set for World Ocean and Reef Day
Keep Puako Beautiful, South Kohala Reef Alliance and Keep the Hawaiian Islands Beautiful will host a beach cleanup June 5 in celebration of World Ocean and Reef Day.
The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Kawaihae Surf Park at Kawaihae Harbor. The day of family fun offer the opportunity to learn about Hawaii’s aquatic environments, the historic foot path, water safety and more. The beach cleanup starts at 8:30 a.m. and all supplies will be provided.
For more information, email KeepPuakoBeautiful@gmail.com.
Blood donors needed to mitigate seasonal donation dip
As summer approaches, Blood Bank of Hawaii is preparing for a seasonal blood donation decline that averages about 15% fewer donations, with June typically being the most difficult month to meet collection goals. Unique partnerships with two community organizations, Special Olympics Hawaii and the Hawaii Building Construction & Trades Council, scheduled between June 1 and Aug. 31, will be key to filling that dip.
Blood Bank of Hawaii needs 150 to 200 whole blood, plasma and platelet appointments every day to meet statewide demand, but during summer months these goals are adjusted to approximately 4,000 per month. With the beginning of hurricane season and mainland blood centers reporting continued low donor turnout and shortages, Blood Bank of Hawaii is doing everything possible to encourage local resilience and self-reliance to get through the season.
On June 1, the “Be a Sport. Donate Blood.” statewide campaign launches to raise awareness and donations. When blood donors join Blood Bank’s team of summer donors, they will be saving lives and helping to provide sports equipment and PPE supplies for Special Olympics Hawaii athletes.
People with intellectual disabilities were disproportionately impacted by the social isolation caused by the pandemic. The blood bank’s donations will help Special Olympics Hawaii athletes safely return to play later this year.
“We are incredibly grateful and excited to partner with Blood Bank of Hawaii on this unique and innovative partnership that will help two local organizations working to improve the lives of our residents,” said Special Olympics Hawaii’s President and CEO Dan Epstein. “This program will not only play an important part in raising awareness for and encouraging supporters to donate blood, but will also help us prepare to safely return to in-person sports.”
In addition, all 13 Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council-affiliated unions across Hawaii will participate in their “Every Drop Counts — Giving for a Better Tomorrow” campaign this summer. Union members, families and friends will represent their union while contributing to the summer’s blood supply.
Hawaii Island blood drives are slated from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 22, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 23 and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 24 at the LDS Kona Hawaii Stake Cultural Hall at 75-230 Kalani St. in Kailua-Kona.
Blood Bank of Hawaii provides blood products for the patients of all 18 civilian hospitals. Healthy donors interested in giving blood may register at www.bbh.org or call (808) 848-4770. Appointments are required, and COVID-19 safety guidelines continue to be in place.