More than 700 pounds of debris–including cigarette butts; plastic water bottles; fishing tackle; car parts; surfboard fins and broken leashes; and discarded luggage—was removed from county reefs and shorelines in 2013. Trilogy’s Blue’Aina reef cleanup program estimates the massive removal of debris, which was done in conjunction with the harbor and shoreline cleanups, was the total pull last year.
Trilogy’s program partnered with numerous local businesses to raise over $17,000 for local and environmental non-profits. Over the course of 18 reef cleanups, the program removed debris from island reefs ranging from Honolua Bay to Makena Landing and Manele Bay harbor on Lanai.
Money from the cleanups supported the Hawaii Association for Marine Education and Research; Algalita Marine Research Institute; CORAL Reef Alliance; Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project; UH Marine Option Program; Hawaiian Islands Land Trust; Alaska Whale Foundation; Hawaii Wildlife Fund; Ocean Defender Hawaii; Hui O Wa’a Kaulua; Eyes of the Reef; Save Honolua; Surfrider Maui; Plant A Wish Foundation; the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary; and the Hawaii National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.
The funds were raised with help from local business sponsors including 3D Builders; Keoni’s Electric; Destination Maui; Kihei Charter School; Hula Grill; Fairmont Kea Lani; Helani and Heavenly Spas at Westin Resorts; Goodfellow Brothers; and Hawaiian Paddle Sports.
During the cleanups, food was donated by various local establishments including Island Catering; Mr. Sub; Beach Bums; Whole Foods; Stella Blues; Maui Flavors Catering; Fabiani’s; Polli’s Mexican Restaurant; Cool Cat Café; Hula Grill; Sea House Restaurant; Three’s Bar and Grill; and the Four Seasons Lanai.
This year, Trilogy’s Blue‘Aina program will be holding 20 reef cleanups. Reservations can be made by visiting the Whale Sanctuary building in North Kihei, by calling 879-2818 x39, or by emailing blueainareservations@gmail.com. Tickets for the outings are $30. For sponsorship inquiries or additional information, email kellison@sailtrilogy.com.
Photo: epSos.de/Wikimedia Commons
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