The community is invited to pick up free Grab-&-Go Ocean Learning Kits from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Mokupapapa Discovery Center and at state public libraries in Hilo, Kailua-Kona, and Waimea. All state public library distribution locations will start at 9 a.m. until supplies last.
The newest Grab-&-Go Ocean Learning Kits focus on Malama o ke Kai (Take Care of the Ocean). Topics include kilo (traditional Hawaiian observation systems), pono (sustainable) fishing practices, taking care of limu (seaweed), and understanding and behaving properly in the presence of honu (green sea turtles) and honu‘ea (hawksbill turtle).
One thousand kits will be distributed at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary-sponsored distribution locations across the islands of Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii.
The learning kits are a collaboration between the State Division of Aquatic Resources, Hawaii State Public Library System, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
The sanctuary is administered by a partnership of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and DAR. The sanctuary protects humpback whales through research, education, conservation, and stewardship, and operates ocean learning centers in Kihei, Maui and Lihue, Kauai.
For more information, contact Jean Souza at jean.souza@noaa.gov or visit https://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/.