DLNR DIVISIONS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AND EXPERTISE FOR CLEAN-UP

State Reminds People That Care for Land & Sea Is Everyone’s Responsibility

News Release from DLNR, Wednesday July 27, 2016

(HONOLULU) – When canoe paddlers and other volunteers from Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii arrive to clean up the mess at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park on Oahu tomorrow, staff from the DLNR Divisions of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) will be on hand to provide expertise and assistance. The beach park is not under State jurisdiction. Beginning in 1953 a series of Executive Orders (EO’s) transferred control of Keehi Lagoon Beach Park and its nearshore waters from the State to the City and County of Honolulu.

Staff from DAR will be monitoring for damage to aquatic resources in order to determine any potential mitigation or recovery efforts that will need to be undertaken. Staff from DOBOR will monitor for any large debris items that have washed into near-shore waters and beyond.

DLNR First Deputy Kekoa Kaluhiwa said, “This is a prime example of why it is all of our kuleana to properly dispose of rubbish, keeping our own properties free of trash and debris, and being mindful that whatever we do mauka has definite and oftentimes damaging effects makai.”

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Cleaning Up After Homeless Tweekers: Volunteers wanted Thursday at Keehi Lagoon

KHON: …The shoreline at Keehi Lagoon remains covered with debris and garbage. Paddlers say the conditions Monday were the worst they had ever seen at the lagoon.

On Thursday, 808 Cleanups volunteers will be out, starting at 7 a.m., to help canoe club members with the cleanup — a massive effort that could take several days. Plans include removing debris and even structures.

“In this area, there is a couch inside there and a refrigerator inside the water,” said Luana Froiseth, Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) president. “We need dumpsters. We need garbage trucks. We need people to clean up — whatever anyone can get, let’s just get it done.”

Froiseth is calling on volunteers to help clean up the area Thursday. Organizers have never had to cancel a state championship and don’t plan to do that now.

On Tuesday, members of the Keola O Ke Kai canoe club picked up plastic bottles and rubbish from the shoreline, but the cleanup could take days to complete….

“What we are looking to do is see if we can get some heavy machinery involved, like front-loaders,” Loftin said. “We noted earlier how there might be needles and other hazardous materials in here, so we don’t want people reaching in.”

read … Volunteers wanted for day-long community cleanup at Keehi Lagoon