Hundreds of fifth grade students participate in Kauaʻi’s water education festival

More than 500 fifth grade students and more than 200 volunteers participated in two days of educational games, activities and exhibits to learn about water conservation and education this past weekend at the Vidinha Stadium soccer field in Līhuʻe.

“Make a Splash” kicked off Sept. 15. It is Hawai’i largest and only water education festival and is spearheaded by the Kauaʻi County Department of Water in partnership with islandwide water agencies.

The event brought together teachers, government agencies, local water organizations and businesses. They provided local students with dynamic hands-on activities, games and educational exhibits to learn how the vital natural resource affects the islands’ agriculture, recreation, groundwater, local industries and wildlife habitats.

“This event is an inspiring demonstration of teamwork, educational connections and the value of water,” said Jonell Kaohelauli’i, the water department’s information and education specialist.

Kaohelauli’i also is the state coordinator for Project WET (Water Education Today).

This year, the Department of Water featured eight Project WET activities and three partner-guided activities from Aqua Engineers, the state Division of Aquatic Resources and NOAA.

The following organizations contributed to the event:

Aqua Engineers, American Water Works Association Hawai’i Section, Bowers and Kubota, LLC., Carollo Engineers, Inc., DLNR Aquatic Resources, DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Department of Health Safe Drinking Water Branch, East and West Kaua`i Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Grove Farm Land Corporation, Hawaii Rural Water Association, Hawai’i Water Environmental Association, NOAA Marine Animal Rescue Program, Kapa’a High School JROTC Program, Kaua`i Bus, Kaua`i Farm Bureau, UH-CTAHR, Kaua`i Community College Early Childhood Education Program, Kodani and Associates Engineers, LLC., The Nature Conservancy, Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water, LLC, and participating DOW staff and retirees.

For more information about Project WET visit this website.