CRITICAL THREAT: Hawaii Wildlife Fund representatives to discuss battle against plastic pollution

A mega-gyre of floating plastic estimated to be larger than Texas annually carries massive amounts of marine debris to Hawaii’s beaches and reefs.

From South Point and other Hawaii Island coastal areas, the Hawaii Wildlife Fund’s volunteers have removed more than 278 tons of plastic debris since 2003 — but the debris continues to come ashore at an estimated 15-20 tons per year.

HWF President and Hawaii Island Program Director Megan Lamson and HWF Art and Cleanup Coordinator on Hawaii Island Mattie Mae Larson will present “Plastic Pollution: Stories of Recovery, Reduction and Lessons Learned from Ka‘u” on two occasions next week at Lyman Museum in downtown Hilo. Lamson and Larson will discuss this critical threat to the environment and the vital role played by community volunteers in combating it.

The first presentation is slated for 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, and the second is scheduled for 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12. On Monday evening, doors open at 6:30 p.m. There also is additional parking available Monday evening at Hilo Union School on Kapiolani Street.

Admission is $3, or free for museum members. Seating is limited.

These presentations are part of the museum’s Patricia E. Saigo Public Program series.

Lyman Museum is located at 276 Haili St. For more information, call 935-5021.