NEWS RELEASE

Public Invited to Volunteer for Nov. 13th Mālama ʻĀina Community Clean Up Sponsored by Our Kakaʻako, Waterfront Plaza, and Surfrider Foundation

The season of giving is getting an early start as Our Kakaʻako, Waterfront Plaza and Surfrider Foundation invite people of all ages to volunteer for the free Mālama ʻĀina Community Clean Up at the nine neighborhood blocks of Our Kaka‘ako as well as Mother Waldron Park, on Saturday, November 13, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Participants will be required to pre-register on the event webpage, www.ourkakaako.com/cleanup and, on the day of the event, show their photo ID and proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to participate. The number of volunteers will be limited to 200, and no walk-ins will be accepted. Participants are asked to bring their own water in a reusable bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and shades or protective eyewear, and wear a mask and social distance. At the end of the clean up, as a mahalo for participating, grab n’ go snack bags with earth-friendly swag will be given to the volunteers.

On the same day, Our Kakaʻako is also hosting an Environmental Fair at The Barn at SALT from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fair will feature local environmental nonprofit organizations who will be sharing sustainability tips and educational resources as well as selling eco-friendly merchandise to support their missions.

In addition, Our Kaka‘ako will be holding a Kōkua Donation Drive at The Barn on Saturday, Nov. 13, and Sunday, Nov. 14, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Community clean up volunteers and the public are encouraged to bring their donations of gently used clothes and household goods for Goodwill Hawaii or canned food for the Hawaii Foodbank. Plus, if they fill out the Our Kaka‘ako Holiday Dinner Giveaway entry form, they will be entered for a chance to win a holiday dinner for four valued at $200.

Mālama ʻĀina Community Clean Up and Environmental Fair - Sat. Nov. 13:

9:00 to 9:30 a.m.: Check in at The Barn at SALT at Our Kaka‘ako located at 327 Keawe St. Receive map, gloves and trash bag.
9:30 to 10:30 a.m.: Clean up neighborhood (see attached neighborhood clean up map).
10:30 to 11:00 a.m.: Return to The Barn for a mahalo grab ‘n go snack bag.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Visit environmental nonprofit booths at Environmental Fair in The Barn.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: On Sat. Nov. 13 and Sun. Nov. 14 in The Barn, drop off your donations to Goodwill Hawaii and the Hawaii Food Bank at Our Kakaʻako’s Kōkua Donation Drive.

“We are committed to being responsible stewards of the ‘āina and creating opportunities like this that bring residents, neighbors, and the general public together in a safe and fun manner to pick up opala so we can all continue to enjoy this special place,” said Serge Krivatsy, Kamehameha Schools commercial real estate director of planning and development. “We are pleased to partner with Surfrider Foundation and Waterfront Plaza, who share similar values in doing all we can to take care of our environment and build a sustainable future for our keiki and the community.”

Doorae Shin, Surfrider Foundation O‘ahu chapter coordinator, said, “Surfrider Foundation O‘ahu is happy to partner on this event to help take care of our Kakaʻako community and protect our land and ocean from pollution. Clean ups are an incredible way to take care of our community, raise awareness of the impact we all have on our environment, and work toward making that impact as positive as possible.”

“For many years now, Waterfront Plaza has orchestrated clean ups in the Kaka‘ako region, and we are excited to join forces with Our Kaka‘ako and Surfrider Foundation O‘ahu on this community-wide clean up,” said Steve Sullivan, regional VP, Operations, Parallel Capital Partners, which manages Waterfront Plaza. “Together, we’re committed to doing everything we can to protect our environment for our residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”