Kaua‘i resort, nonprofit cohosting free World Oceans Day event – musicians, vendors still have time to join

Kaua‘i ocean conservation nonprofit Ho‘omalu Ke Kai will install its first beach cleanup station – made of upcycled marine debris – at its biggest World Oceans Day celebration to date, on June 8.

The free event, to be held at Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa in Līhu‘e on the East Side of the Garden Island, will feature sustainable vendors, educational booths, live music, a silent auction and more. But festivities still have time to expand – and organizers are encouraging sustainability-minded community groups, vendors and businesses to join in.

“Anybody who wants to get involved … even a musical artist. We provide in-kind donation receipts to anyone who spends their time,” said Ho‘omalu Ke Kai Director of Operations Tim Leichliter, who demonstrated his nonprofit’s ability to clean, melt and extrude plastic littering Kaua‘i beaches into usable products late last month.

“Another question we get is, ‘Is it free for vendors to sell [at the event]?’ And the answer is yes,” Leichliter continued. “But we encourage the vendor to either donate to our raffle or through the silent auction. That would be a cool exchange, and we can give them a donation receipt for that.”

Personnel from entities including the County of Kaua’i Solid Waste Division, the US Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility, the Hawai‘i Climate Change Commission, the Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources, Compost Kaua‘i and Zero Waste Kaua‘i have already signed up to operate educational booths.

Vendors will include environmentally-conscious creators like Allegra Kanna Scribner, a member of Ho‘omalu Ke Kai who transforms plastic marine debris into artwork under the name ‘Ōpala Art.

Leichliter praised Outrigger’s willingness to host a World Oceans Day celebration and collaborate on other local ocean conservation initiatives, including Ho‘omalu Ke Kai’s upcycled beach cleanup bins.

Outrigger, which managed Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa in the 1990s, acquired the property late last summer.

“With Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa opening up onto Nukoliʻi Beach, we feel a responsibility to be engaged stewards of this place,” said resort manager Frank Guarin. “This beach is our backyard and we are honored to have an ongoing partnership with Hoʻomalu Ke Kai, who work diligently to protect this space for both kamaʻāina and visitors.”

The World Oceans Day event will take place on Nukoli‘i Beach and the Ocean Lawn fronting the resort’s outdoor pool. Food and beverage options will include sit-down dining at the on-site Naupaka Terrace Restaurant.

The United Nations General Assembly recognized June 8 as World Oceans Day in 2008, although the celebration’s origins can be traced to 1992.

“People need to understand the ocean is just as important as the things that we see on land,” said Leichliter. “Oftentimes, it’s out of sight, out of mind, but it’s vital for our survival and makes up most of the planet. It gives us so much when it comes to things like joy, recreation, food and even our ability to breathe.”

Kanna Scribner agreed.

“It’s a moment that our community can be grateful for our islands surrounded by the ocean, and we live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth,” she said.

World Oceans Day at Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 8.

Vendors and musicians wishing to appear at the free event – and businesses interested in donating items to the silent auction – may contact Ho‘omalu Ke Kai through this sign-up form available at Hoomalukekai.com/event-details/world-ocean-day-cleanup-community-celebration.