What a wonderful, ocean-minded community we have on Kauai! The entire island was bustling with World Oceans Day events. I wanted to make a quick shout-out to Kauai Sailing Association, which hosted a frenzy of activity this World Oceans Day.

The entire day was free to all community members. The day began with hula offered by Halau Palahiwaokaipuwai. After the opening ceremonies, boats, boats, boats and more boats were launched for all to experience the ocean. Over 85 people were able to get out on the water to enjoy World Oceans Day the right way! KSA set up six sailboats and one Zodiac.

The Zodiac was run by Capt. Shaked Turner. The Zodiac ride included a chance to listen to the sounds of the ocean via a hydrophone donated by Kauai Sea Tours, and also conduct a plankton tow. The ocean samples were then brought to land to be examined under a microscope set up by Tracy Sullivan and daughter Emily of Hawaii Technology Academy and Emily Broderic of Kauai Community College.

Other land activities included making a mosaic of marine debris art collected and processed by KSA sailors and Surfrider Kauai. The mural was designed by Monica Mura of Lucid Publishing, and depicted sailors sailing in their home of Nawiliwili Bay. Alyssa Hartmann was the artist in residence who helped bring the mural together the day of. There was also a build-a-boat station hosted by the U.S. Sailing STEM program and run by Alison Fonari and family.

The community munched on popcorn and shave ice as they visited the many wonderful ocean-minded booths that showed up to share knowledge and stories. Mahalo to Surfrider Kauai, Kauai Endangered Seabrid Recovery Project, Sustainable Coastlines (who came all the way from Oahu), Napali Coast Ohana, Malama Na Apapa, banned toxic sunscreens, and Na Kalai Wa‘a O Kauai, representing Namahoe and their land canoe.

The Lost Pelican Band “rocked the dock” and played an upbeat, dance-friendly set as the sun set behind the mountains. A free dinner was served to all World Oceans Day volunteers, followed by a movie screening of “Sonic Sea.”

We hope to see everyone again next year!

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Shale Shore is a resident of Koloa.