Two Special Events on Saturday 13th!

HER was involved in two special events on Saturday
the 13^th of July! First was a marine debris cleanup,  collaboratively organized by the Koa`e Community Association, Malama O Puna, and Hawaii Environmental Restoration, which recruited 26 volunteers from the Koa`e/Wa`awa`a area. In total, 750 pounds of waste were removed, requiring a total of 83 person-hours. Gloves, bags, and vehicle stipends were generously provided by Hawai`i County’s PONC Maintenance Fund. Everyone had fun enjoying delicious mangoes found all along the alanui kahakai beneath canopies of kukui, ulu, hala, avocado, monkeypod, ocean almond, and coconut. See video by Diga Kern!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4HQxnfkYdA

Our other event was the 11^th and final Revitalize Puna Event in Pahoa where more than 550 community members, staff and volunteers joined. The Puna community has come a long way over the past several years thanks to organizers of this quarterly event, County Representative Ashley Kierkiewicz , Zoe Callahan, and many others. These events have been a bonding community experience for so many, and we at HER are encouraged in our work both on the grounds and with the people.