Its unusual name, the Green Lake Rat Lungworm Awareness Concert, might raise some eyebrows. But the free concert from noon-5 p.m. Aug. 26 at Green Mountain in Puna is an important educational event organized to help control the vectors of
Its unusual name, the Green Lake Rat Lungworm Awareness Concert, might raise some eyebrows. But the free concert from noon-5 p.m. Aug. 26 at Green Mountain in Puna is an important educational event organized to help control the vectors of rat lungworm disease by providing the affected community with the knowledge and resources to combat it.
The entertainment will be headlined by Lito Arkangel, with Cosmorchestra, Kunzwanana Marimba Ensemble, Uncle’s ‘Awa Band, and other performers, including a hula halau.
The music will be supplemented by short educational speeches, informational exhibits and, of course, food and craft booths.
Learn how to keep disease-carrying rats and slugs out of your vegetable garden, how to manage your water catchment system and how to prepare food safely. Get the latest in research results about the disease, which is prevalent in Puna makai.
Booths providing information and handouts about the best defense against rat lungworm disease and preventive strategies will be staffed by representatives from the state Department of Health, the University of Hawaii at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Big Island Invasive Species Committee, Hawaii Catchment Co., Malama O Puna, Puna Community Medical Center and Hawaii Health Systems/Hilo Medical Center.
Ace Hardware will distribute a limited number of free rat traps. Water catch filters also will be available and slug-eating ducks will be for sale.
The students of Kua O Ka La Public Charter School will open the event with a Hawaiian chant and blessing. The Burrows family is donating the use of the property, tents, a stage and some of the security. Men of Pa‘a also will be providing security and parking attendants.
Green Mountain is located between Four Corners and Ahalanui Beach Park.
Vendors can contact malamaopuna@yahoo.com or smileyburrows@aol.com for information and to arrange for booth space. The event is co-sponsored by a county contingency grant from Eileen O’Hara and the environmental nonprofit Malama O Puna.
