community events
Art & Aquaponics Symposium
Our first ever Art & Aquaponics Symposium was great fun to put on and we thank everyone who participated! More than 110 people attended the event held on November 15 at Kapolei High. It was fantastic to see students, teachers, and community members learning together about integrating art with aquaponics. As we witnessed, science and art go hand-in-hand, and connections to sustainability (and food!) add relevance. We were inspired by our speakers and created great art! Some of our teachers were lucky enough to win fantastic prizes like hand-painted barrels and a mini-aquaponics unit! The video below shows the emergence of our peace mural that was created at the symposium under the guidance of artist Solomon Enos of Wai'anae.
Our first ever Art & Aquaponics Symposium was great fun to put on and we thank everyone who participated! More than 110 people attended the event held on November 15 at Kapolei High. It was fantastic to see students, teachers, and community members learning together about integrating art with aquaponics. As we witnessed, science and art go hand-in-hand, and connections to sustainability (and food!) add relevance. We were inspired by our speakers and created great art! Some of our teachers were lucky enough to win fantastic prizes like hand-painted barrels and a mini-aquaponics unit! The video below shows the emergence of our peace mural that was created at the symposium under the guidance of artist Solomon Enos of Wai'anae.
There are many people and groups to thank for making this event possible, including Kapolei High, Solomon Enos, Mari's Gardens, Art Explorium, Happyponics, Aquaponics Place, KHS Human Services Academy (especially Martha Richards, Jeff Sampson, and Jill Tanaka), KHS culinary program, KHS JROTC program, KHS Go Green Club, Nā Lei Aloha Foundation, and D.R. Horton Schuler Division. We hope that this will be the first of more symposia that we can offer. MAHALO!
Mālama Learning Center is proud to present the first Art & Aquaponics Symposium on November 15, 2014designed to nurture creativity and cultivate curiosity for sustainability. The symposium will feature presentations and hands-on demonstrations by artists, teachers, and aquaponics experts. Multi-talented and Waiʻanae-grown Solomon Enos will open the symposium with an inspirational presentation on how art, science, math, technology, nature and culture can come together to inspire 21st century education. He will also lead a mural project that will be the heart of a peace garden.
Keiki will have fun in hands-on workshops such as using recycled materials to create art as well as painting a mural. Teachers will be inspired by other educators as they share lesson ideas on how to incorporate aquaponics in their classes. Other community members will expand their knowledge on how aquaponics works and how it could enhance one’s home garden.
Students, teachers, and community members are invited to attend this exciting Art & Aquaponics Symposium!
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2014
Time: 10 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Kapolei High School, Cafeteria (new location)
Cost:
Lunch catered by Kapolei High’s culinary arts program is included in the fee for those who register by November 12.Children who are age 12 or under must be accompanied by an adult.
Presenters will include:
And more . . . (see our agenda).
Prizes will be given away including a mini aquaponics unit!
Pre-registration is now closed. Onsite reservation will be accepted, however, lunch will not be included.
Sponsored by: Mālama Learning Center, Kapolei High School, Nā Lei Aloha Foundation, DR Horton Schuler Homes
Keiki will have fun in hands-on workshops such as using recycled materials to create art as well as painting a mural. Teachers will be inspired by other educators as they share lesson ideas on how to incorporate aquaponics in their classes. Other community members will expand their knowledge on how aquaponics works and how it could enhance one’s home garden.
Students, teachers, and community members are invited to attend this exciting Art & Aquaponics Symposium!
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2014
Time: 10 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Kapolei High School, Cafeteria (new location)
Cost:
- Students: $10
- Teachers (Hawai’i public or private school): $25
- Community member: $30
Lunch catered by Kapolei High’s culinary arts program is included in the fee for those who register by November 12.Children who are age 12 or under must be accompanied by an adult.
Presenters will include:
- Solomon Enos, native Hawaiian artist from Mākaha
- Janice Staab of Art Explorium
- Raychel Watkins of Happyponics
- Brendon Lau of Mari’s Gardens
- Mahrukh Khawaja of the University of Hawai'i College of Tropical Agricuture and Human Resources
- Teachers using aquaponics in their classrooms
And more . . . (see our agenda).
Prizes will be given away including a mini aquaponics unit!
Pre-registration is now closed. Onsite reservation will be accepted, however, lunch will not be included.
Sponsored by: Mālama Learning Center, Kapolei High School, Nā Lei Aloha Foundation, DR Horton Schuler Homes
Mālama Learning Center welcomes the opportunity to share information about our programs and conduct mini hands-on activities at various community fairs and events across O‘ahu. Below are the activities we’ve been to recently. Mahalo to all of our partners who have extended invitations to us. If you would like to have us at an event, please contact us at (808) 305-8287 or email: [email protected].
Seagull Schools Teacher In-service, November 12, 2012
We were pleased to be invited again by Seagull Schools (preschool) to train their teachers on maintaining school gardens using natural growing methods and using gardens as teaching tools. We were so busy teaching that we didn't take any pictures (auwe!) but suffice to say that the 50 teachers who participated in our workshops are eager to try at least one new idea they learned at their school.
Eat the Street & Community Fair, November 10, 2012
This popular food truck event attracted another 5,000+ hungry people. Our booth focused on green living and engaged students in creating bucket planters for their own home gardens. We appreciate the Go Green Club of Kapolei High for volunteering at our booth, which reached many children and families.
Seagull Schools Teacher In-service, November 12, 2012
We were pleased to be invited again by Seagull Schools (preschool) to train their teachers on maintaining school gardens using natural growing methods and using gardens as teaching tools. We were so busy teaching that we didn't take any pictures (auwe!) but suffice to say that the 50 teachers who participated in our workshops are eager to try at least one new idea they learned at their school.
Eat the Street & Community Fair, November 10, 2012
This popular food truck event attracted another 5,000+ hungry people. Our booth focused on green living and engaged students in creating bucket planters for their own home gardens. We appreciate the Go Green Club of Kapolei High for volunteering at our booth, which reached many children and families.
High School Hikers Halloween Camp, October 27, 2012
Kapolei High's Go Green Club, mentored by MLC's Janice Staab, joined students from other hiking clubs to camp at Keaiwa State Park. They participated in a lot of team-building activities that built strong bonds among students as well as encouraged students to be environmental stewards.
Kapolei High's Go Green Club, mentored by MLC's Janice Staab, joined students from other hiking clubs to camp at Keaiwa State Park. They participated in a lot of team-building activities that built strong bonds among students as well as encouraged students to be environmental stewards.
HECO Clean Energy Day, September 29, 2012
At this annual event, we chose to focus on aquaponics (aquaculture + hydroponics) as a form of supporting clean energy (growing food more efficiently with natural inputs). It was a challenge to bring a mini-aquaponics unit to Pearlridge Shopping Center but we did it and in so doing, exposed hundreds of people to the technology of aquaponics.
At this annual event, we chose to focus on aquaponics (aquaculture + hydroponics) as a form of supporting clean energy (growing food more efficiently with natural inputs). It was a challenge to bring a mini-aquaponics unit to Pearlridge Shopping Center but we did it and in so doing, exposed hundreds of people to the technology of aquaponics.
Eat the Street & Sustainability Fair, July 14, 2012
This was a first event of its kind at Kapolei that, in part, benefited Malama Learning Center! The hugely popular "Eat the Street" event with food trucks galore combined with more than 50 craft and sustainability booths featuring green products and messages on the campus of Kapolei High on Saturday, July 14 from 3 - 8 pm. Mahalo nui loa to StreetGrindz and Kapolei High for organizing the event and all the sustainability vendors listed below who shared their products and services with the attendees, which reached 8,000 people!
Bonterra Solar, City Dept Envtl Services, Department of Land and Natural Resources - Division of Forestry and Wildlife, `Ewa Blue Worms, Going Green, Happyponics, Hawai`i Energy, Hawai`i Energy Connection (Kumu Kit), Hawai`i Skylights and Solar Fans, Hawaiian Hope, Hi-Power Solar, Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Inovi Green (Lotus) and Xtreme Fuel Treatment, Island Cooling, Kupu Hawai`i, Leeward Coommunity College (LCC) Halau `Ike O Pu`uloa, LCC ICAN Program, Light of Mine Tees, Na Mea Hulu, Pacific Panel Cleaners, Pioneer Seed, Revolusun, Save Energy Hawai`i, Seeds of Truth, Solar City, Solar Cleaning Hawaii / Sunformation LLC, Solar Services Hawai`i, Solar Kit Hawai`i, Sustainability Association of Hawai`i, UH West O`ahu
Please see our FaceBook page for photos from the event.
This event was part of Hawai`i Conservation Month, which unites conservation activities across the state.
Hoa‘Āina o Mākaha Open House, May 5, 2012
At the annual Hoa‘Āina o Mākaha Open House in Mākaha Valley, we helped children create gardens out of buckets using their imagination. The kids painted the buckets and went to the next booth to plant a veggie or marigold and then put their plant in their buckets – creating a mini garden in a bucket!
Bonterra Solar, City Dept Envtl Services, Department of Land and Natural Resources - Division of Forestry and Wildlife, `Ewa Blue Worms, Going Green, Happyponics, Hawai`i Energy, Hawai`i Energy Connection (Kumu Kit), Hawai`i Skylights and Solar Fans, Hawaiian Hope, Hi-Power Solar, Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Inovi Green (Lotus) and Xtreme Fuel Treatment, Island Cooling, Kupu Hawai`i, Leeward Coommunity College (LCC) Halau `Ike O Pu`uloa, LCC ICAN Program, Light of Mine Tees, Na Mea Hulu, Pacific Panel Cleaners, Pioneer Seed, Revolusun, Save Energy Hawai`i, Seeds of Truth, Solar City, Solar Cleaning Hawaii / Sunformation LLC, Solar Services Hawai`i, Solar Kit Hawai`i, Sustainability Association of Hawai`i, UH West O`ahu
Please see our FaceBook page for photos from the event.
This event was part of Hawai`i Conservation Month, which unites conservation activities across the state.
Hoa‘Āina o Mākaha Open House, May 5, 2012
At the annual Hoa‘Āina o Mākaha Open House in Mākaha Valley, we helped children create gardens out of buckets using their imagination. The kids painted the buckets and went to the next booth to plant a veggie or marigold and then put their plant in their buckets – creating a mini garden in a bucket!
Grow Hawaiian Festival at Bishop Museum, April 28, 2012
Mālama Learning Center was invited to participate in the annual Grow Hawaiian Festival at Bishop Museum once again, and it was another fantastic day. This time we had a lot of help from student volunteers from Wai‘anae High and Kapolei High. Wai‘anae High was there to present their organic "veggie starters" and Kapolei presented aquaponic systems. Overall the message of our booth was selecting "Sustainablity" as a new way of life. Mahalo to the Hawaiian Electric Company for sponsoring this event!
Mālama Learning Center was invited to participate in the annual Grow Hawaiian Festival at Bishop Museum once again, and it was another fantastic day. This time we had a lot of help from student volunteers from Wai‘anae High and Kapolei High. Wai‘anae High was there to present their organic "veggie starters" and Kapolei presented aquaponic systems. Overall the message of our booth was selecting "Sustainablity" as a new way of life. Mahalo to the Hawaiian Electric Company for sponsoring this event!
High School Hikers Ecology Camp, Feburary 18th-20th, 2012
We recently partnered with the Sierra Club's High School Hikers program to take students exploring the outdoors. Two students from Kapolei High School's Go Green club came along with us to" Ecology Camp" over Presidents Day weekend at Our Lady of Kea'au camp. It was a busy weekend of hiking to Ka'ena point, planting a fire break in Makaha Valley, meeting students from other high schools, and enjoying the outdoors! We can't wait for the next camp.
Millilani High School Science Learning Center's Screening of "Bag It!," February 11th, 2012
MLC joined Kapolei High School's "Go Green" club in holding an educational booth at the screening of, "Bag It," a documentary about the impact of plastics on the environment. We made reusable plastic ring holder bags and talked with other clubs at the school about how to reduce their dependence on "single use" plastics. The Go Green club was so inspired by the film that we are planning our own showing at Kapolei High School!
World Wetlands Day and Launch of the Hawai'i Environmental Literacy Plan (HELP), February 4, 2012
Last year we partnered with the Hawai'i Environmental Education Alliance, The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to write the Environmental Literacy Plan for the State of Hawaii. This year we launched HELP at World Wetlands Day at the Kailua Methodist Church. We held a booth with the Hawai'i Environmental Education Alliance to introduce families and community members to HELP and tell them about the plan for its implementation in Hawaii's schools.
HECO's Clean Energy Fair, October 15, 2011
For the past several years, we've participated in Hawaiian Electric Company's energy conservation fairs at Pearlridge Shopping Center. This year, the fair focused on clean energy -- and our booth gave people ideas about cooking without use of fossil fuels. We featured earth ovens, which we teach how to make in our workshops. Kids at the fair had fun making pretend earth ovens out of play dough while their parents imagined what it would be like to have a real one in their yard.
Leeward Community College's Fall Job Fair, October 5, 2011
Thanks to Leeward Community College's Job Prep Services office, hundreds of students had the opportunity to learn more about job opportunities, including green jobs. We enjoyed hosting a booth about our programs, recruiting prospective candidates for the Hawai'i Green Collar Institute.
Schools of the Future Conference, September 8, 2011
Mahalo nui loa to the Hawai`i Association of Independent Schools' Grow Hawai`i Program for the invitation to set up an educational booth at the Schools of the Future Conference attended by more than 800 educators. In line with the theme of organic school gardens, we demonstrated making natural pesticides using ingredients and tools straight from the kitchen and garden. It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm for school gardens among so many educators and students.
Keiki Oceanfest, July 23, 2011
It was great fun to help organize a series of educational booths for the 2011 Keiki Oceanfest in Waimānalo. Keiki entering the competition and their families participated in a marine debris game, learned about native Hawaiian limu, weaved lei limu kala, pledged to do their part in reducing marine debris, and made recycled beach bags. We also helped in a beach cleanup and did a "garbology" activity to determine where the sources of our ocean trash. It was a busy day at the beach!
School Gardens Conference, July 7, 2011
With the help of Pualani Ramos, we taught teachers attending the School Gardens Conference about bucket gardening, combining art and science. About two hundred teachers from across the state attended this information- and activity-packed conference held at Hoa‘āina o Makaha and organized by the Kohala Center. School gardens are certainly “growing,” which is a wonderful trend that we hope will continue.
Hawai`i Nature Center's 30th Anniversary and Earth Day Celebration, April 23, 2011
Congratulations to Hawai`i Nature Center (HNC) for 30 wonderful years of serving Hawaii's youth in environmental education. Many of these youth, including some of us at MLC, came through their programs as students or instructors. What a great legacy HNC has perpetuated! At this fair, HNC "alumni staff" gathered with many organizations and hundreds of individuals to share information and inspiration on how to live in better harmony with the earth. At our booth, we let people get up close to composting worms to promote vermiculture. What a fantastic day!
Leeward Community College's Job and Career Fair, April 20, 2011
We participated in Leeward Community College's annual job fair, hosting a "green collar jobs" section of booths at the event. Representatives from DLNR-Division of Forestry and Wildlife, KUPU/RISE, and USFWS talked to students and teachers about current and future positions available in the environmental job field. Through this fair, we introduced students and teachers to our Hawai`i Green Collar Institute and tested people on their knowledge of the "green jobs" field through an interactive game!
Grow Hawaiian Festival, Bishop Museum, April 2, 2011
It was a sunny and festive day at the fourth annual Grow Hawaiian Festival, featuring Hawaiian culture and the natural beauty that sustains it. We were fortunate to be selected to have a booth where we demonstrated simple ways to preserve food using the sun's energy. Early participants enjoyed samples of lime tea, mamaki tea, and dried 'opelu and aku. Mahalo to Hawaiian Electric Company for sponsoring this great event!
Kamehameha Schools Sustainability Fair, February 4, 2011
For a second year, we participated in the huge sustainability fair on the Kapalama campus of Kamehameha Schools. There were lots of great educational booths ranging from solar energy to organic farming. We focused on "green collar" jobs in line with our Hawai`i Green Collar Institute. Students played a fun game matching green jobs to the type of work they do.
Halau 'Ike O Pu'uloa Pa`ina La Hanau, January 28, 2011
Our Hawai'i Green Collar Institute partner, Halau 'Ike O Pu'uloa (Native Hawaiian Student Support Program) of Leeward Community College, celebrated its 1st birthday and invited us to be part of the festivities. We set up a booth along with many other wonderful programs that offer services to Native Hawaiian students. It was a wonderful gathering with live Hawaiian music and delicious locally grown and caught food from Cafe Ka'aha'aina at the Wai'anae Coast Comprehensive Health Clinic.
Wai`anae Farmers' Market, Sept. 18, 2010
We were invited to set up a booth at the market demonstrating an easy way to make a reusable shopping bag out of old T-shirts. With scissors, sewing machine, and fabric paint and stencils, we enjoyed teaching kids and adults how to do this simple craft that has a lot of environmental benefits. We'll be doing more activities at farmers' markets, thanks to a recent grant from the Hawaiian Electric Company.
Hoa‘Āina O Mākaha Open House, May 1, 2010
More than 1,000 people came to Hoa'Āina o Mākaha's Open House. What fun we had at the farm learning about the ahupua'a of the region, growing plants, churning butter, cooking and with the sun's energy, eating locally grown foods, aquaponics, and much more! Located next to Mākaha Elementary School, Hoa‘Āina O Mākaha is a wonderful resource to the community’s children and families, connecting them to the land and how to live off of it.
Kōkua Festival, April 24-25, 2010
We partnered with Mālama Hawai‘i at the Waikīkī Shell to celebrate the 2010 Kōkua Festival. At our joint booth, we featured the programs and architectural design of MLC as well as offered a hands-on “Reduce, Reuse, Renew” section where we created bags made out of six-pack ring drink holders. We also showed how you can make chic jewelry from used materials that one would normally throw away. Mahalo to the Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation for hosting the “eco-village” and concert, which benefited environmental education in Hawai‘i.
Grow Wai‘anae Festival, April 7, 2010
We joined the Cultural Learning Center at Ka‘ala at Wai‘anae High School’s Grow Wai‘anae Festival. This Grow Fest was focused on continuing the knowledge and practice of growing and cooking our own food in sustainable ways. MLC and practitioner May Hasegawa used ogo grown by the marine science program at Wai‘anae High School to show students how to make a pickled ogo salad. Students from the Natural Resources Academy at Wai‘anae High School prepared tilapia, kalo andagi, pa‘i‘ai, and cooked food in an imu, smoker and earth oven. (photo by Mike Kurose)
Seagull Schools Inservice Training, March 25, 2010
Mahalo to Seagull Schools for inviting us to their inservice training where we shared tips on "fun ways to get kids to love the earth." We had fun, too.
Kamehameha Schools Sustainability Fair, February 17, 2010
We joined other environmental groups to showcase sustainable living to 400+ Kamehameha School students on O‘ahu. Our team showed students how to reuse plastic ring holders to make bags. It was such a hit, we’ll be sure to do this again with others to help keep these plastic items out of the waste stream that could end up harming wildlife.
Kapolei Community Fair, November 13-14, 2009
We participated in the first annual Kapolei Community Fair on the grounds of Kapolei High School (KHS). KHS students, parents, and teachers teamed up with local businesses and community volunteers to put on this event. People recycled old computers, printers, and other electronics at the Green Zone. Students also raised money for disaster victims in Sāmoa, Tonga, and the Philippines. At the MLC booth, student volunteers asked students of all ages what they would like to see at the MLC via a simple art project.
We recently partnered with the Sierra Club's High School Hikers program to take students exploring the outdoors. Two students from Kapolei High School's Go Green club came along with us to" Ecology Camp" over Presidents Day weekend at Our Lady of Kea'au camp. It was a busy weekend of hiking to Ka'ena point, planting a fire break in Makaha Valley, meeting students from other high schools, and enjoying the outdoors! We can't wait for the next camp.
Millilani High School Science Learning Center's Screening of "Bag It!," February 11th, 2012
MLC joined Kapolei High School's "Go Green" club in holding an educational booth at the screening of, "Bag It," a documentary about the impact of plastics on the environment. We made reusable plastic ring holder bags and talked with other clubs at the school about how to reduce their dependence on "single use" plastics. The Go Green club was so inspired by the film that we are planning our own showing at Kapolei High School!
World Wetlands Day and Launch of the Hawai'i Environmental Literacy Plan (HELP), February 4, 2012
Last year we partnered with the Hawai'i Environmental Education Alliance, The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to write the Environmental Literacy Plan for the State of Hawaii. This year we launched HELP at World Wetlands Day at the Kailua Methodist Church. We held a booth with the Hawai'i Environmental Education Alliance to introduce families and community members to HELP and tell them about the plan for its implementation in Hawaii's schools.
HECO's Clean Energy Fair, October 15, 2011
For the past several years, we've participated in Hawaiian Electric Company's energy conservation fairs at Pearlridge Shopping Center. This year, the fair focused on clean energy -- and our booth gave people ideas about cooking without use of fossil fuels. We featured earth ovens, which we teach how to make in our workshops. Kids at the fair had fun making pretend earth ovens out of play dough while their parents imagined what it would be like to have a real one in their yard.
Leeward Community College's Fall Job Fair, October 5, 2011
Thanks to Leeward Community College's Job Prep Services office, hundreds of students had the opportunity to learn more about job opportunities, including green jobs. We enjoyed hosting a booth about our programs, recruiting prospective candidates for the Hawai'i Green Collar Institute.
Schools of the Future Conference, September 8, 2011
Mahalo nui loa to the Hawai`i Association of Independent Schools' Grow Hawai`i Program for the invitation to set up an educational booth at the Schools of the Future Conference attended by more than 800 educators. In line with the theme of organic school gardens, we demonstrated making natural pesticides using ingredients and tools straight from the kitchen and garden. It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm for school gardens among so many educators and students.
Keiki Oceanfest, July 23, 2011
It was great fun to help organize a series of educational booths for the 2011 Keiki Oceanfest in Waimānalo. Keiki entering the competition and their families participated in a marine debris game, learned about native Hawaiian limu, weaved lei limu kala, pledged to do their part in reducing marine debris, and made recycled beach bags. We also helped in a beach cleanup and did a "garbology" activity to determine where the sources of our ocean trash. It was a busy day at the beach!
School Gardens Conference, July 7, 2011
With the help of Pualani Ramos, we taught teachers attending the School Gardens Conference about bucket gardening, combining art and science. About two hundred teachers from across the state attended this information- and activity-packed conference held at Hoa‘āina o Makaha and organized by the Kohala Center. School gardens are certainly “growing,” which is a wonderful trend that we hope will continue.
Hawai`i Nature Center's 30th Anniversary and Earth Day Celebration, April 23, 2011
Congratulations to Hawai`i Nature Center (HNC) for 30 wonderful years of serving Hawaii's youth in environmental education. Many of these youth, including some of us at MLC, came through their programs as students or instructors. What a great legacy HNC has perpetuated! At this fair, HNC "alumni staff" gathered with many organizations and hundreds of individuals to share information and inspiration on how to live in better harmony with the earth. At our booth, we let people get up close to composting worms to promote vermiculture. What a fantastic day!
Leeward Community College's Job and Career Fair, April 20, 2011
We participated in Leeward Community College's annual job fair, hosting a "green collar jobs" section of booths at the event. Representatives from DLNR-Division of Forestry and Wildlife, KUPU/RISE, and USFWS talked to students and teachers about current and future positions available in the environmental job field. Through this fair, we introduced students and teachers to our Hawai`i Green Collar Institute and tested people on their knowledge of the "green jobs" field through an interactive game!
Grow Hawaiian Festival, Bishop Museum, April 2, 2011
It was a sunny and festive day at the fourth annual Grow Hawaiian Festival, featuring Hawaiian culture and the natural beauty that sustains it. We were fortunate to be selected to have a booth where we demonstrated simple ways to preserve food using the sun's energy. Early participants enjoyed samples of lime tea, mamaki tea, and dried 'opelu and aku. Mahalo to Hawaiian Electric Company for sponsoring this great event!
Kamehameha Schools Sustainability Fair, February 4, 2011
For a second year, we participated in the huge sustainability fair on the Kapalama campus of Kamehameha Schools. There were lots of great educational booths ranging from solar energy to organic farming. We focused on "green collar" jobs in line with our Hawai`i Green Collar Institute. Students played a fun game matching green jobs to the type of work they do.
Halau 'Ike O Pu'uloa Pa`ina La Hanau, January 28, 2011
Our Hawai'i Green Collar Institute partner, Halau 'Ike O Pu'uloa (Native Hawaiian Student Support Program) of Leeward Community College, celebrated its 1st birthday and invited us to be part of the festivities. We set up a booth along with many other wonderful programs that offer services to Native Hawaiian students. It was a wonderful gathering with live Hawaiian music and delicious locally grown and caught food from Cafe Ka'aha'aina at the Wai'anae Coast Comprehensive Health Clinic.
Wai`anae Farmers' Market, Sept. 18, 2010
We were invited to set up a booth at the market demonstrating an easy way to make a reusable shopping bag out of old T-shirts. With scissors, sewing machine, and fabric paint and stencils, we enjoyed teaching kids and adults how to do this simple craft that has a lot of environmental benefits. We'll be doing more activities at farmers' markets, thanks to a recent grant from the Hawaiian Electric Company.
Hoa‘Āina O Mākaha Open House, May 1, 2010
More than 1,000 people came to Hoa'Āina o Mākaha's Open House. What fun we had at the farm learning about the ahupua'a of the region, growing plants, churning butter, cooking and with the sun's energy, eating locally grown foods, aquaponics, and much more! Located next to Mākaha Elementary School, Hoa‘Āina O Mākaha is a wonderful resource to the community’s children and families, connecting them to the land and how to live off of it.
Kōkua Festival, April 24-25, 2010
We partnered with Mālama Hawai‘i at the Waikīkī Shell to celebrate the 2010 Kōkua Festival. At our joint booth, we featured the programs and architectural design of MLC as well as offered a hands-on “Reduce, Reuse, Renew” section where we created bags made out of six-pack ring drink holders. We also showed how you can make chic jewelry from used materials that one would normally throw away. Mahalo to the Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation for hosting the “eco-village” and concert, which benefited environmental education in Hawai‘i.
Grow Wai‘anae Festival, April 7, 2010
We joined the Cultural Learning Center at Ka‘ala at Wai‘anae High School’s Grow Wai‘anae Festival. This Grow Fest was focused on continuing the knowledge and practice of growing and cooking our own food in sustainable ways. MLC and practitioner May Hasegawa used ogo grown by the marine science program at Wai‘anae High School to show students how to make a pickled ogo salad. Students from the Natural Resources Academy at Wai‘anae High School prepared tilapia, kalo andagi, pa‘i‘ai, and cooked food in an imu, smoker and earth oven. (photo by Mike Kurose)
Seagull Schools Inservice Training, March 25, 2010
Mahalo to Seagull Schools for inviting us to their inservice training where we shared tips on "fun ways to get kids to love the earth." We had fun, too.
Kamehameha Schools Sustainability Fair, February 17, 2010
We joined other environmental groups to showcase sustainable living to 400+ Kamehameha School students on O‘ahu. Our team showed students how to reuse plastic ring holders to make bags. It was such a hit, we’ll be sure to do this again with others to help keep these plastic items out of the waste stream that could end up harming wildlife.
Kapolei Community Fair, November 13-14, 2009
We participated in the first annual Kapolei Community Fair on the grounds of Kapolei High School (KHS). KHS students, parents, and teachers teamed up with local businesses and community volunteers to put on this event. People recycled old computers, printers, and other electronics at the Green Zone. Students also raised money for disaster victims in Sāmoa, Tonga, and the Philippines. At the MLC booth, student volunteers asked students of all ages what they would like to see at the MLC via a simple art project.