Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release September 23, 2015  

ALA WAI SMALL BOAT HARBOR CLEAN UP OF TRASH,
MARINE DEBRIS PLANNED THIS WEEKEND

HONOLULU — A volunteer clean-up of trash within the Ala Wai small boat harbor is planned for this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27. Puma Punku Ocean Clean Up, Inc. is a new non-profit business formed to clean the ocean of plastic and marine debris.

The group is made up of professional longshoremen that want to give back to the ‘aina by using their marine experience to clean the ocean. Ala Wai small boat harbor is particularly prone to collecting trash that heavy rains, such as has been experienced this summer, wash down from watershed areas of Manoa, Makiki and Palolo streams. Trash then flows down the Ala Wai canal, where a portion is captured in a debris trap, or amid the harbor front row piers and boats that is visible to the public.

DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation appreciates the support of this community group to keep the Ala Wai harbor, located at the gateway to Waikiki, free of trash and a healthy marine environment.

Puma Punku president Frank Ruiz, says, “Our vision is for a clean ecosystem within Hawaii’s oceans, beaches and waterways. Our hope is that through our work, the keiki of Hawaii may enjoy, explore and learn to take care of the ocean. Our survival depends on our responsible stewardship of this earth on which we all live.”

The group’s expertise is in safely addressing and moving large and small quantities of heavy trash and other objects, and they hope to do cleanups at other harbors in the state. Anyone interested in volunteering to help clean the harbor this weekend may call the group at 341-4262 or go to the harbor and locate Ruiz.

For more information go to Pumapunkuhawaii.com.

# # #

Media Contact:
Deborah Ward 
DLNR Public information specialist 
Phone: (808) 5870320 ` 

Frank Ruiz, President
Puma Punku Ocean Clean Up Inc.
Phone: 341-4262