Pampering the pond: Volunteers removing muck from Waihonu at Lili‘uokalani Gardens

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Volunteers are invited to join University of Hawaii at Hilo students and Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday as they continue cleaning Waihonu, the pond at the heart of Lili‘uokalani Gardens.

Volunteers are invited to join University of Hawaii at Hilo students and Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday as they continue cleaning Waihonu, the pond at the heart of Lili‘uokalani Gardens.

“Restoring pond health and repairing the pond’s stone edging are two of the major maintenance goals of our organization,” said K.T. Cannon-Eger, president of the nonprofit group.

“We are absolutely delighted with the dedication to community service of our new board member, Alton Okinaka, sociology professor at UH-Hilo. His enthusiasm is contagious,” Cannon-Eger said.

Other efforts in coordination with county Parks and Recreation maintenance personnel include thinning the bamboo patch, pruning a few small ironwood trees and cleaning tree debris off lava outcroppings. Tabi and gloves will be provided to those going into the water.

Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens was formed to help the county prepare for the gardens’ centennial. Construction on Lili‘uokalani Gardens began in 1917 and the park was open to the public in 1919.

To assist in the cleanup efforts, contact Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens at kteger@hawaii.rr.com or call 895-8130.