NEWS RELEASE

Public Invited to Volunteer for Mālama ʻĀina Earth Month Community Cleanup on Saturday, April 2

To celebrate Earth Month, Our Kakaʻako, Waterfront Plaza, and Surfrider Foundation are hosting a free community cleanup of the nine blocks of Our Kaka‘ako and Mother Waldron Park on Saturday, April 2, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. People of all ages and their pets are welcome to volunteer for the cleanup and enjoy the morning outdoors. Check-in will be at The Barn at SALT at Our Kaka‘ako located at 327 Keawe Street. Participants will receive reusable gloves and a biodegradable trash bag at check-in and are encouraged to bring their own water in a reusable bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and shades or protective eyewear. A complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, and snack station, generously provided by Starbucks at SALT at Our Kaka‘ako, will be available.

Participants will need to pre-register online at www.ourkakaako.com/cleanup_april2022. The number of volunteers will be limited to 200, and walk-ins will be accepted. To ensure everyone’s safety, all volunteers are asked to wear masks and social distance while in The Barn.

“We’re committed to partnering with the community to mālama ʻāina, not just to keep Our Kaka‘ako beautiful for residents, tenants, and visitors today, but to help preserve and protect our environment for generations to come,” said Serge Krivatsy, Kamehameha Schools commercial real estate director of planning and development. “At the same time, these cleanups provide folks with an opportunity to gather for a fun, safe outdoor activity that benefits our community. Mahalo nui to Surfrider Foundation and Waterfront Plaza, who share our enthusiasm for caring for the ʻāina. As the ʻōlelo no‘eau says: ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia. No task is too big when done together by all.”

“As a volunteer-run organization, Surfrider Foundation O‘ahu is devoted to empowering all people of the community to protect our ocean, beaches, and waves,” said Elizabeth Benyshek, Surfrider Foundation O‘ahu Chapter Chair. “The majority of our marine plastic pollution can be traced back to single-use plastics littered on land due to carelessness, convenience, and lack of proper waste management and sustainable practices. With the help of our incredible partners and volunteers, we’re able to stop thousands of pounds of debris from reaching our ocean every year!”

“As part of the Kaka‘ako community, we at Waterfront Plaza are happy to collaborate with Our Kaka‘ako and Surfrider Foundation O‘ahu on these cleanups,” said Steve Sullivan, regional VP, Operations, Parallel Capital Partners, which manages Waterfront Plaza. “Seeing people come together for a common cause that will benefit our residents, businesses, and visitors alike shows what a tight-knit community we are.”

Event Schedule:
9:00 a.m.
Check in at The Barn at SALT at Our Kaka‘ako and pick up a map, biodegradable trash bag, and reusable gloves. Stop by the complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, and snack station.
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Clean up the neighborhood and drop off collected trash at the Surfrider Foundation tent on the edge of Mother Waldron Park on the corner of Cooke and Pohukaina Streets. Head back to The Barn to return tools and enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks.

This cleanup is sponsored in part by the Kaiāulu ‘o Kaka‘ako Owners Association.