In partnership, Kanu Hawaii, Aqualung and PADI are honoring Earth Day by staging on Saturday what might be Hawaii’s largest statewide dive cleanup in history.
An estimated 15 tons to 20 tons of marine trash are being washed up on the shores of Hawaii every year, 96% of which is made from plastic material.
Hundreds of divers throughout Hawaii are poised to participate in more than 10 dive cleanups in coastal areas on every major island in Hawaii. The goal is to remove personal and industrial garbage littering shorelines, reefs and coastal waters.
Kamilo Beach, also known as Plastic Beach, is one of the dirtiest places in the world and will be cleaned this Earth Day.
On Hawaii Island’s southeastern side, Kamilo Point looks like a wasteland, despite its tide pools and pockets of lava rock. The ocean’s currents and powerful trade winds deposit thousands of pounds of man-made trash on this beach each year.
Hawaii Wildlife Fund collected and hauled away 15,000 pounds of trash, nylon nets, and fishing line in just a few months of cleaning.
Those interested in volunteering on Kamilo Beach can do so from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday in Ocean View.
Volunteers are recommended to bring closed-toe shoes, a hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, gloves, snacks, a reusable water bottle and bug spray.
Big Island Divers will provide first aid kits, trash bags, hand sanitizer and water jugs for refilling.
Those interested in volunteering can email Nikki Taylor at nikki@bigislanddivers.com with any questions.
The Ocean Defenders Alliance, along with Kohala Divers, will also be hosting a second Adopt-A-Highway and Adopt the Blue cleanup at the Kawaihae Surf Park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday.
Those interested in volunteering can meet at Kohala Divers shop at 61-3665 Akoni Pule Hwy.
Divers can bring their own gear or rent it, but must bring their own gloves and cutting tool. Tanks will be provided. Beach cleaners will also need to bring their own work gloves. Buckets and pickers will be supplied.
Those interested in volunteering can email Ocean Defenders Alliance at Sarah@oceandefenders.org.
