Get Into Your Sanctuary Day Celebration
Saturday, July 22, 2023 from 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Mā‘ili Beach Park
Ko Olina Resort in partnership with NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and other community partners will host a Get Into Your Sanctuary Day Celebration. The free event will be held on Saturday, July 22 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with a beach cleanup, marine debris art show, entertainment, and ocean education and sustainability activities at Mā‘ili Beach Park. Get Into Your Sanctuary raises awareness about the natural and cultural importance of our national marine sanctuaries and marine national monuments and ways that we can protect these special places and our oceans.
The ʻolelo noʻeau (Hawaiian proverb) "'A'ohe hana nui ke alu 'ia" translates to "No task is too big when done together by all." We can all make a difference collectively to mālama (care for) our world oceans.
Artists
Susan Scott
As a volunteer biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, artist Susan Scott has counted albatrosses at Midway Atoll, tagged crabs on Palmyra Atoll and rescued monk seals and sea turtles at French Frigate Shoals. Struck by the shapes and colors of the plastic items Susan finds during her wildlife work, in 2004 she began collecting and assembling her finds into art pieces.
Ruben Aira
Born in Cuba, artist Ruben Aira's travels led him to settle on the north shore of Oʻahu in 1998. It was here that he discovered his unique ability to transform broken surfboards into beautiful works of art, diverting them from landfills. Ruben's inspiration comes from the natural beauty that surrounds him, from the ocean to the local flora and fauna.
Mark Cunningham
Bodysurfing legend, retired City & County of Honolulu Lifeguard, and artist Mark Cunningham combines his deep lifelong love of beaches, the ocean and surfing by giving new life to "treasure" he finds while diving along Oʻahu reefs.
This Get Into Your Sanctuary Day Celebration is generously supported by Ko Olina Resort Operators Association, Inc. and NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
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