UHH Ocean Day fest set

The 5th Annual University of Hawaii at Hilo Ocean Day Hawaii Malama Kanaloa Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the UHH Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center (PACRC) in Keaukaha.

The event — hosted by PACRC in partnership with the UH-Hilo Student Association, EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) Hawaii IMUA III and University of Hawaii Sea Grant — is free and open to the public.

Ocean Day is focused on increasing awareness of ocean and coastal issues such as conservation, sustainable use of resources and water safety through fun, interactive displays, activities and booths.

The mission is to raise public awareness of the impact people have on the ocean environment, promote conservation of ocean and coastal resources in a culturally sensitive way, and communicate the outcomes of current ocean and coastal research, management and education efforts in Hawaii, said a UHH spokesman.

This year’s event will include the addition of a giant humpback whale display and more informational booths, including UH-Hilo Marine Science and Hawaii IMUA III EPSCoR researchers, the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources, Marine Mammal Response Network, Hawaii Island Hawksbill Monitoring Project, NOAA Mokupapapa Discovery Center, and other organizations and community groups involved with protecting Hawaii’s natural resources.

Ocean Day also provides visitors an opportunity to tour PACRC, view ongoing research projects and interact with others who want to work together to care for ocean communities.

Family-friendly activities include remote-operated underwater vehicles, fishing games, touch tanks, face painting, poi-pounding, live music and food booths.

For more information, please contact Ho’oululahui Perry at hperry@hawaii.edu, Michele Kubojiri at mkubojir@hawaii.edu, or call 933-3289.