KAPA‘A – Under the supervision of Kalei Arinaga, about 125 students from Kapa‘a Elementary School wrapped up their week by trying to clean up some of the storm debris that washed ashore at Kealia Beach. The students represent grades 3
KAPA‘A – Under the supervision of Kalei Arinaga, about 125 students from Kapa‘a Elementary School wrapped up their week by trying to clean up some of the storm debris that washed ashore at Kealia Beach. The students represent grades 3 to 5 (one grade 3 class and two classes each from grades 4 and 5).
Armed with rakes, gloves, and trash bags, the entourage hiked to the beach from the school, getting help from two Kaua‘i Police Department blue-and-whites that stopped traffic at Kaumuali‘i Highway so the students and their teacher chaperones could safely negotiate the crossing.
Plastic shopping bags became makeshift backpacks to store needed bottles of water and other liquids as the students discovered that it takes two hands to scoop up the opala and put it into plastic trash bags.
Prior to starting, Arinaga outlined the task to the students pointing out that the intent of the project is to “Malama I Ka ‘Aina” as well as to make a positive contribution to the community.
The drudgery of the task facing the students was transformed into one of merriment as the magic of the Kealia Beach atmosphere drew squeals of delight as the students attacked the accumulations of rubbish that had washed ashore during the recent rains.
Mindful of guests using the beach, the horde of students worked around them, but could not help but draw the attention of beach-goers who thought the gesture being demonstrated by the students was an admirable one.
Arinaga explained that the students would fill the bags and bring them to an area where the county crews could dispose of the opala, working together cooperatively and collaboratively to accomplish the common goal of reducing the storm rubbish.
“This is good,” she commented as she wielded a rake to collect smaller rubbish into a manageable pile that was quickly collected by a waiting student.
“At least there is little trash,” another teacher commented. “Just the plant material.” Arinaga said they hope to plan at least another excursion to the beach to finish off what they started.
Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) and dfujimoto@pulitzer.net
