April is Earth Month!
Earth Month 2009 has all ages in the City and County of Honolulu working together to make an environmental difference, from the mountain to the sea.
Whether it's protecting and caring for Mother Earth by planting trees, stenciling storm drains, beautifying streams and neighborhoods, cleaning highways and beach parks, capturing armored catfish in Manoa Stream, restocking moi (fish), restoring trails and bike paths, and preserving wildlife habitats, Earth Month means awareness -- and action.
In promoting positive pollution prevention behaviors that improve the quality of urban waters, storm water quality has become an important part of the overall study of our environmental and related fields.
Scientists who study the impacts of nutrients on ecosystems, educators, youth and civic groups interested in backyard conservation practices and service projects that focus on sustainable storm water practices, contractors who manage programs to control erosion at construction sites, engineers who design constructed wetlands to reduce pollution from new housing developments, industrial-commercial business owners who must get permits for storm water discharges, and even firefighters responding to material spills, need to think holistically, have knowledge of storm water runoff issues, recognize positive opportunities for pollution prevention, and apply their knowledge to protect water quality and aquatic habitat, and safeguard human health in our communities.
You can be an everyday environmental hero and make everyday, earth day!
Get outdoors and do something good for the environment. Feel free to get involved in one of these upcoming opportunities.
Mayor's Proclomation for Earth Month 2009 Click here to view the Mayor's proclomation for Earth Month 2009.
2009 Earth Month Teen Video Contest and Good Neighbor Awards Celebration
On Wednesday, March 4, 2009, the 2009 Earth Month Teen Video Contest and Good Neighbor Awards Celebration will be held from 6-8pm at Kaplei Hale.
2009 Earth Month Teen Video Contest
The third annual Earth Month Teen Video Contest sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services, Lex Brodie's Tire Company, GeoTech Solutions and KHON2, is dedicated to a new generation of talented teen filmmakers with unique ideas, energy, community connections, and meaningful storm water pollution prevention message that will benefit their communities.
An educational workshop was held in November 2008. Invited schools included Aiea Intermediate, Campbell High, Farrington High, Kaiser High, Kalaheo High, Kamehameha Middle, Kapolei High, Nanakuli HighWaianae High, Waianae Intermediate School, and Waipahu High.
Video categories are:
Erosion Control
Nutrients
Recycling
Community action to protect our streams
This year's judges are Iwalani Sato, Suzanne Jones and Markus Owens of the Department of Environmental Services, Robert Pritchard of the Department of Customer Service, and creative staff from KHON2.
Videos will be judged as follows
Content (40 percent of score): Is the message clear? Is information accurate and pertinent? If any third-party is used, have appropriate release or licenses been secured? Effectiveness/Impact (30 percent of score): does the video appeal to target audience? Does it make an impact on audience?
Creativity (30 percent of score): Is the video the original work of students that has not previously been broadcast on television? Is it creative?
A total of 41 videos were received by the City and County of Honolulu's Storm Water Quality Branch on February 3, 2009. All finalists will be notified by Tuesday, February 24, 2009. Winners will be recognized at Good Neighbor Awards on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at Kapolei Hale and Saturday, April 11, 2009 at the Earth Day Expo. The winning videos will air on KHON2, KGMB, KITV, KHNL, and Hawaii's Goes Fishing will air the videos in April 2009. Winning videos will also be entered in the People's Choice Awards for Nonpoint Source and Stormwater PSAs!
Videos must be the team's own original work. Assistance from a professional production company is not allowed.
Teams may include students from different schools, but each team must select one team leader, one sponsoring school and sponsoring teacher. Awards will be given to the sponsoring school.
Video Format Requirements
Length: 26-seconds, maximum
NTSC: 4:3 interlaced
Timebase: 29.97 fps
Frame size: 720 x 480 (preferred) 640 x 480
Audio: 32/48kHz (48kHz preferred), 12/16 bit (16 bit preferred), stereo/mono (stereo preferred)
File format: .avi, .mov or .mpeg
Media: Mini DV tape (preferred), CD or Data DVD
Only multiple entries in the same category may be submitted on a single tape or disc.
Only multiple entries in the same category may be submitted on a single tape or disc.
2009 Good Neighbor Awards Celebration
The Good Neighbor Awards is a way of recognizing the CONTINUOUS AND ONGOING efforts of outstanding citizens in the City's Adopt-A-Stream and Adopt-A-Block Program who are committed to improving City streams and the quality of life in their neighborhoods and our community.
The program, sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services and Facility Maintenance strives to recognize leaders who made a difference in our community without seeking or receiving recognition for their service - the unsung heroes.
The Mayor and Directors from the Departments of Environmental Services, Facility Maintenance and Parks and Recreation will present the certificates.
Nearly 80 leaders, representing volunteers in over 20 Adopt-A-Stream/Adopt-A-Block projects, have met the following requirements:
Shows concern for your neighbor's well-being and the overall quality of life. For example, takes care of your property, but helps to keep the entire neighborhood clean, expecting no recognition for your good deeds.
Overcomes obstacles in the pursuit of creating, developing, and furthering strong neighborhoods through promoting volunteerism.
Encourages neighbors to participate in activities for the benefit of all. You have accepted a leadership role.
Demonstrates results. You not only initiate contact with others, but also ensure that results are achieved.
Congratulations to our 2009 Good Neighbors who continue to inspire us year round!
Palolo Adopt-A-Block
House Speaker Calvin Say
Palolo Adopt-A-Block
Chaminade University of Hawaii
Palolo Adopt-A-Block
Kaimuki High School
Palolo Adopt-A-Block
Department of Parks and Recreation
Manoa
Rotary Club of East Honolulu
Manoa Adopt-A-Stream 1
Malama o Manoa
Manoa Adopt-A-Stream 2
University of Hawaii Environmental Law Society
Manoa Adopt-A-Stream 3
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Wild About Wilder Adopt-A-Block
Wild About Wilder
Makiki Adopt-A-Stream
Washington Middle School
Makiki Adopt-A-Stream
Exacta Sales
Makiki Adopt-A-Stream
University of Hawaii Department of Urban and Regional Planning
Waianae (Kaupuni) Adopt-A-Stream
Waianae Boys and Girls Club
Waianae
Kaala Farms
Waianae
State of Hawaii Civil Defense
Waianae
State Representative Maile Shimabukuro
Waianae
Nani O Waianae
Nanakuli Adopt-A-Block
Nanakuli Elementary School
Nanakuli Adopt-A-Block
Nanaikapono Elementary School
Nanakuli Adopt-A-Block
Nanakuli High School
Nanakuli Adopt-A-Block
Nanakuli Beach Park
Nanakuli Adopt-A-Block
Leeward Kai Canoe Club
Nanakuli Adopt-A-Block
Council Member Todd Apo
Nanakuli Adopt-A-Block
State Representative Karen Awana
Nanakuli Adopt-A-Block
Kapolei-Waianae Community Policing
Maili Adopt-A-Block
Kaala View Baptist Church
Ewa Beach Adopt-A-Block
Campbell High School
Ewa Beach Adopt-A-Block
Ewa Beach Weed and Seed
Ewa Beach Adopt-A-Block
Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii Hale Pono Clubhouse
Ewa Beach Adopt-A-Block
Ewa Beach Lions Club
Mililani Adopt-A-Block
Timothy Lum Yee, Lori Murakami
Waipahu Adopt-A-Block
Waipahu High School Sophmore Academy
Waipahu Adopt-A-Stream
Waipahu Community Association
Waipahu Adopt-A-Stream
GeoTech Solutions
Waipahu Adopt-A-Stream
Leeward District
Waipahu Adopt-A-Stream
Council Member Nestor Garcia
Pearl Harbor Bike Path
Pearl City Community Policing Team
Pearl Harbor Bike Path
Hawaii Laborers' Training Program, Safety
Pearl Harbor Bike Path
Pearl City Lions Club
Pearl Harbor Bike Path
State of Hawaii Department of Transportation Highways
Pearl Harbor Bike Path
Navy Region Hawaii
Pearl Harbor Wetland Project
Aiea Intermediate School
Salt Lake Adopt-A-Stream
Moanalua Class of 2012
Salt Lake Adopt-A-Stream
Moanalua Class of 2009
Salt Lake Adopt-A-Stream
Salt Lake Elementary School
Salt Lake Adopt-A-Stream
Greenwood Condominum
Salt Lake Adopt-A-Stream
State Representative Glenn Wakai
Kalihi Adopt-A-Stream
Kamehameha Middle School
Kalihi Adopt-A-Stream
Rotary Club of Honolulu
Kalihi Adopt-A-Stream
Sgt. John Kauwenaole (HPD, retired)
Kalihi Adopt-A-Stream
Kaupa
Palama Adopt-A-Block
Mayor Wrights Housing
Palama Adopt-A-Block
Painter's Warehouse
Palama Adopt-A-Block
Tamashiro Market
Palama Adopt-A-Block
Kaiulani School
Palama Adopt-A-Block
Palama Adopt-A-Block
Council Member Romy Cachola & Staff
Kapalama Adopt-A-Stream
Honolulu Community College
Punchbowl Adopt-A-Block
Punchbowl
Wild About Wilder Adopt-A-Block
Wild About Wilder
Wailupe Adopt-A-Stream
Kevin Mulkern Landscaping
Wailupe Adopt-A-Stream
Niu Valley Middle School
Wailupe Adopt-A-Stream
Malama Maunalua
Waimanalo Adopt-A-Stream
Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School
Kailua
Ahahui Malama I KaLokahi
Kailua
Malama o Koolaupoko
Kailua
Windward YMCA Adventure Guides
Kailua
Imua Athletics
Kaneohe
Hui Ku Maoli Ola
Kawa Adopt-A-Stream (Kaneohe)
Castle High School Freshman Academy
City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation, Urban Forestry Division
City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation, Adopt-A-Park
City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services Refuse Division, Honolulu Corporation Yard
City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services Refuse Division, Waianae Corporation Yard
City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services Refuse Division, Pearl City Corporation Yard
City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services, Division of Collection System Maintenances
State of Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch
US Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
City and County of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance, Road Maintenance Division
Lex Brodie's Tire Company
The Earth Day Mauka to Makai Expo Last year the community made a huge difference and the Earth Day Mauka to Makai Expo 2008 at the Waikiki Aquarium had it's highest participation to date, all thanks to people like YOU! In 2008, we confirmed nearly 3,000 participants.
Once again, the expo will be FREE and open to the general public on Saturday, April 11, 2009, 9am-5pm. The event is sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services, State of Hawaii Department of Health. The moi are being raised by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources. Waikiki Aquarium staff and the Friends of the Waikiki Aquarium will be on hand to staff the permanent exhibits.
Additional parking will be available at the Waikiki Elementary School. A mini bus will shuttle residents to the Waikiki Aquarium from 9am-5pm.
What's going on at the expo?
Over 20 agencies and organizations will provide educational exhibits and hands-on earth-friendly activities.
Special Events
9am-1pm for interactive displays*, sculpture with recycled materials contest, and moi (fish) stocking;
11-1130: Moi Release behind the Waikiki Aquarium
Noon-1pm: Earth Day Greetings by Mayor, DOH, DLNR, Waikiki Aquarium
[Mayor to introduce winners of the Earth Month Teen Video Contest and Recycling Sculpture School Competition]
1-430: arts and crafts for kids in the afternoon
2-230: Jeff Gere, environmental storytelling
Educational Exhibits and Hands-On Earth-Friendly Activities
City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services: www.cleanwaterhonolulu.com and www.opala.org
State of Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch: http://hawaii.gov/health/
State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources, Anuenue Fisheries Research Center: hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/afrc.html
State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources, Invasive Species Program: hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/coral/coral_las_ais.html
Honolulu Board of Water Supply: www.hbws.org/cssweb
FOWA (friends of Waikiki Aquarium): www.waquarium.org
State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Aquatic Development Program: hawaii.gov/hdoa/adp/introduction
State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife: hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw
State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Commission on Water Resource Management: hawaii.gov/dlnr/cwrm
State of Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways: stormwaterhawaii.com
US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service: www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov/
US Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu Engineer District: www.poh.usace.army.mil
UH Sea Grant College Program & Hanauma Bay: www.soest.hawaii.edu/SEAGRANT/index.php and www.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/welcome.htm
Lyon Arboretum: www.hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum
Nature Conservancy of Hawaii/Malama Hawaii: www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/hawaii/
Paepae o Heeia Fishpond: www.paepaeoheeia.org
** Craft Booths: 130-430pm
US Army Garrison of Hawaii: www.25idl.army.mil/dpw/environmental.html
Hawaii Nature Center www.hawaiinaturecenter.org
Malama Maunalua: malamamaunalua.org
Kaupa: www.malamahawaii.org/get_involved/volunteer.php
Hui o Koolaupoko: www.kbac-hi.org
Earth Month Adopt-A-Stream/Adopt-A-Block Cleanups
April 4, 2009, Litter and Graffiti Removal, 0600-0800 (meet at the skateboard park next to Keolu Elementary School)
April 11, 2009, Earth Month Mauka to Makai Cleanups
0830-1100 Kolomono Ditch Adopt-A-Stream with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (meet at Kolomono Bridge, past the Kahaloa Bridge on E. Manoa Road)
0830-0930 Woodlawn to Kahaloa Adopt-A-Stream with Malama O Manoa (meet at Woodlawn Bridge)
1030-1130 Armored Catfish Roundup with the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources, and the Honolulu Aquarium Society (E. Manoa Road Bridge)
0900-1100 Lower Manoa Adopt-A-Stream with University of Hawaii Environmental Law Society (meet at the ramp access to the stream on Koali Road)
0900-1100 Lower Palolo Adopt-A-Stream with Chaminade University (meet in front of the St. Louis School Gym)
0830-1100 Lower Makiki Adopt-A-Stream with Makiki Stream Stewards (corner of South King and Kalakaua)
April 18, 2009, Earth Month Pearl Harbor Bike Path Cleanup
0800 meet at various locations
Litter and Recyclables, 0830-1100, meet at Aiea Kai Way
Litter and Recyclables, 0830-1100, meet at the Neal Blaisdell Park in Pearl City
Litter and Recyclables, 0830-1100, meet at Leeward Community College
Litter and Recyclables (group 1-adults only), LItter and Native Planting (group 2), 0830-1100, meet at Kapakahi Stream
April 25, 2009, Earth Month Ewa Beach, Nanakuli, Waianae Cleanups, Palolo Valley
0800 meet at various locations
Litter, storm drain stenciling (Campbell High School), planting (Boys and Girls Club, Morman Church), graffiti (Weed and Seed), 0830-1100, meet at Campbell High School North Road Parking Lot
Litter, storm drain stenciling (Nanakuli High School), planting at the Nanakuli Stink Pond (Nanakuli El, Nanaikapono), litter and graffiti at Helelua, Nanaikeola (Puu Heleakala residents)
Litter and graffiti at Kaopuni Stream Bridge across the Waianae Boys and Girls ClubHouse
Litter, storm drain stenciling (Palolo Valley), meet at the Palolo Valley Recreatino Center on Kiwila Street.
Go to the City's Clean Water website at www.cleanwaterhonolulu.com to get more information, to volunteer, or to report an illegal discharge to the City's storm drainage system.
Sustainable Storm Water Practices
Please click here to view Sustainable Storm Water Practices
Backyard Conservation Booklet, Edition 2
US Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Services, City and County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services-Storm Water Quality Branch, State of Hawaii Department of Transportation-Highways, State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources are financial sponsors of the booklet. Cooperating agencies are the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture. In this publication, you will find practices you can use to conserve and improve natural resources in your backyard. These handy tips can help to protect the environment, help wildlife, and in many cases, make the area more attractive and enjoyable. Most backyard conservation practices are easy to put in place. Ideas are provided, but for more information or for help in developing your backyard plan, you may want to consult a local landscaper, garden club, or any of the organizations listed on the back of this booklet.
REMINDER: Look for the Hawaii Backyard Conservation Newspaper Supplement in the Honolulu Advertiser on April 8, 2009! Click here to download your copy.
Click here to get the Salt Lake Keiki Water Festival Flyer
