One thousand kits will be distributed at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary-sponsored distribution locations on Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Island this weekend with fourth graders on Lanai and Molokai receiving their kits via school.
The learning kits are a collaboration between the state Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), Hawaii State Public Library System, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
The free Grab-&-Go Ocean Learning Kits will be distributed Saturday — while supplies last — at the Mokupapapa Discovery Center and state public libraries in Hilo, Kailua-Kona, and Waimea starting at 9 a.m.
The new kits focus on Malama o ke Kai (Take Care of the Ocean). Topics include: kilo (traditional Hawaiian observation systems), pono (sustainable) fishing practices, taking care of limu (seaweed), and understanding and behaving properly in the presence of honu (green sea turtles) and honu ea (hawksbill turtle).
The sanctuary, administered by a partnership of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and DAR, protects humpback whales through research, education, conservation, and stewardship, and operates ocean learning centers.