KILAUEA — Hundreds of people took advantage of the free open house at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Sunday, which launched a week-long series of events celebrating Refuge Week. “When the gates opened, it was like a wave of
KILAUEA — Hundreds of people took advantage of the free open house at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Sunday, which launched a week-long series of events celebrating Refuge Week.
“When the gates opened, it was like a wave of people coming at you,” said Cheryl Shintani, who along with Yumi Yasutake, was volunteering at the gyotaku, or fish prints, activity station. “We were smart. We came early.”
During the open house, the regular $5 entrance fee was waived, allowing visitors to stroll through the Kilauea complex while enjoying the cooling breezes which carried flocks of seabirds.
One of the more obvious changes which greeted visitors was the shroud which covered most of the historic Kilauea Lighthouse.
A ranger explained the covering is because workers on the restoration project are removing the layers of lead paint which had been applied to the lighthouse over the years.
The covering is expected to be in place until at least January.
Puddles, the Blue Goose, the mascot of the National Wildlife Refuges was on hand to greet guests, both young and old, who meandered through the various stations, learning about Hawaiian monk seals while creating a magnet, learning about whales by creating an origami, or Japanese paper folding, whale, and even getting a close-up view of an invasive species — the mongoose which silently snarled at visitors, an egg securely gripped in its jaws.
A series of “reservations required” events culminate Friday with a free movie night at the Kilauea Theater where a limited number of viewers can see native footage and Kaua‘i scenery in the short conservation film, “Endangered Hawai‘i,” which will be followed by a feature film.
This event starts at 6 p.m., and although reservations are not required, there is limited seating in the event sponsored by the Kilauea Point Natural History Association and the Calvary Chapel, North Shore.
Throughout the week, various community sponsors made possible the week-long celebration of the Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex which is made up of Hule‘ia, Hanalei and Kilauea National Wildlife Refuges.
Visit www.fws.gov/kilaueapoint to learn more about the refuge.
