Blog Archives: Meetings & Events

MNMRC December Meeting on Weds., Dec. 6 to Include Guest Presentation about Paniaka Wetland at Makena State Park

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The public is invited to attend the Wednesday, December 6 meeting of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, which will include a guest presentation about plans to restore Paniaka Wetland at Makena State Park. The meeting is free and open to all.

The meeting will take place from 5 to 7 pm at Pacific Whale Foundation’s classrooms at Ma’alaea Harbor Shops. Guest presenter Elizabeth Speith, Paniaka Wetland Restoration Coordinator at Pacific Whale Foundation, will present plans to restore the native flora and fauna within and around the wetland. She will also explain the restoration goals and timeline for the project.

The meeting will also include an update on Maui Nui Marine Resource Council’s pilot program to examine the feasibility of restoring oysters to Maui harbors and bays to help clean ocean water. In addition, the meeting will include an update on the proposed Maui County ban on sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate and an opportunity to learn more about the group’s recently launched South Maui water quality testing program.

Refreshments will be provided.

Maui Nui Marine Resource Council is a community-based non-profit organization working for healthy coral reefs, clean ocean water and an abundance of native fish for the islands of Maui County.

Photo courtesy Pacific Whale Foundation.

Visit MNMRC’s Reef Safe Sunscreen booth at the IWT- Maui Aloha Classic 2017

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When: Sunday, October 29

Time: 8:30 to 5:00 pm

Where: Ho’okipa Beach Park

What: Maui Nui Marine Resource Council and Maui Visitors Bureau’s Reef Safe Sunscreen information booth at the International Windsufing Tour (IWT) Maui Aloha Classic 2017.

Did you know that common ingredients in many popular sunscreen brands can quickly cause coral bleaching and harm the coral’s ability to grow and reproduce? Maui Nui Marine Resource Council and Maui Visitors Bureau will be hosting a sunscreen info booth where you can get help evaluating your current sunscreen, pick up free samples of sunscreen that’s safer for the reefs and learn more how you can safely protect your skin AND the reefs.

Visit us at the MNMRC table at the Ridge to Reef Rendezvous!

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When: Saturday, October 28

Time: 9 am to 12 pm

Where: Kahekili Beach Park (Old Airport Beach) Ka’anapali

What: 2017 Ridge to Reef Rendezvous and Keiki Fishing Tournament

Be sure to visit the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council table and talk story with our team at the the upcoming Ridge to Reef Rendezvous. While you’re there, check out our Hui O Ka Wai Ola Water Quality Testing Program table, too. The Ridge to Reef Rendezvous offers fun for all ages, beginning with a catch and release keiki fishing tournament (check-in 8am). Tour the first-ever “haunted reef,” just in time for Halloween and enter the scavenger hunt. Engage in conversation with local conservation groups under the Ridge to Reef hui tent with volunteer information, hands-on interactive displays, demonstrations, and giveaways. There will be music by Captain Billie Bones, and lunch will be provided first-come, first-serve by the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, CJ’s Deli and Diner, and Maui Grill Kaanapali. An event by our friends at West Maui Ridge 2 Reef Initiative. Free and open to all.

 

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November Monthly Meeting and Presentation on Ma’alaea Harbor Water Quality

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Date: Wednesday, November 1

Time: 5:00 – 7:00 pm

What: Maui Nui Marine Resource Council Monthly Meeting. Includes a presentation by Maui Ocean Center on  Ma’alaea Harbor water quality

Where: Pacific Whale Foundation’s Classrooms, Ma’alaea Harbor Shops

Who: Open to the public

Our monthly meeting will include a presentation by Tapani Vuori, Maui Ocean Center General Manager; Aviad Cahana, Maui Ocean Center Environmental Director, and Robin S. Knox, Maui Ocean Center Regulatory Consultant (Water Quality Consulting, Inc.) on quantitative water quality studies that examine the relationship between Maui Ocean Center’s flow-through sea water system and Ma’alaea Harbor water quality. Tapani Vouri reports, “we will demonstrate that Maui Ocean Center discharge improves Ma’alaea Harbor water quality by lowering pollutant concentrations, lowering turbidity and providing water flow.” The findings will also cover the different contributors to the nutrient loading at Ma’alaea Harbor.

If it’s convenient, please bring a beverage or snack for our refreshment table.

 

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Snorkel Olowalu with MNMRC on a Trilogy Blue ‘Āina Reef Clean-up Cruise

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When: Sunday, November 5

Time: 8:30 am to 1 pm

Where: Trilogy (departing from Lahaina Harbor)

What: Snorkel Olowalu with MNMRC on a Trilogy Blue ‘Āina Reef Clean-up Cruise — and learn about the role of clean water in coral reef recovery.

Price: $30 per person. Reserve early. Seats are limited.

For reservations: Visit https://sailtrilogy.com/helpmaui

Snorkel with Robin Newbold, (MNMRC Co-founder and Chair) and marine biologists Dr. Mark Deakos and Pauline Fiene, activists working to save Olowalu’s coral reefs.

See examples of how corals can recover from stressors and find out about innovative efforts to protect Olowalu from land-based sources of pollution.

Learn about our community-based water quality testing program with Dana Reed, MNMRC Clean Water Committee Chair.

Help remove trash, fishing line and other debris from the reef (for those who can free dive).

Cruise includes light breakfast, lunch, soft drinks and juice.

Bring your own snorkel gear, reef safe sunscreen, hat and sun protection clothing.

Your ticket will help support MNMRC’s work to protect coral reefs.

Note: Snorkeling Olowalu is dependent upon weather and ocean conditions. At the Captain’s discretion, another snorkeling location may be selected.

Special thanks to: Trilogy
Corporate Sponsor:  Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort and Villas
Food Sponsor:  Old Lahaina Luau

Maui Brewing Co. Benefit for Maui Nui Marine Resource Council

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Date: Friday, October 20

Time: 6:00 – 10:00 pm

Where: Maui Brewing Co. Tasting Room, 605 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI, 96753

What: Benefit for Maui Nui Marine Resource Council (MNMRC)

Maui Nui Marine Resource Council will receive a donation of 50% of all house beer sales during this special benefit.

Sip one for the reefs and meet some of our MNMRC team! Enjoy Maui Brewing Co.’s exceptional brews from their 32 tap system. Selected ciders, wine and specialty drinks also available. Food can be purchased from “That’s a Wrap” (food truck) located onsite.

Families are welcome; well-supervised minors are allowed in the Tasting Room until 8 pm. The Tasting Room is equipped with games and there’s a big covered lanai outside with wonderful views of Haleakala and the ocean.

 

February Monthly Meeting

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Date: February 1, 2017

Time: 5:00-7:00pm

Where: Pacific Whale Foundation Classrooms (lower level of the Ma’alaea Harbor Shops)

Guest Speaker: Neil Rhoads, Water Quality Researcher

General: Special Guest Neil Rhoads will be discussing preliminary results for a forthcoming paper analyzing Department of Health data for nutrient impairment in Maui coastal waters. The data spans 28 years and includes 20-30 sites from each of West Maui, South Maui, and North Shore Maui. Interesting patterns are starting to emerge, and they may not be what you expect!

Join MNMRC for our monthly meeting to learn how you can take an active role in protecting and restoring Maui’s coral reefs. The public is encouraged to attend! Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month in Ma’alaea from 5-7pm.

 

Water Quality Monitoring Volunteer Recruitment Meeting

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Date: January 17, 2017

Time: 5:30-7:30pm

Where: Lahainaluna High School Cafeteria

What:  Community informational and volunteer recruitment meeting

For the past 6 months, Hui O Ka Wai Ola (Association of the Living Waters) volunteers have been monitoring coastal water quality along West Maui. Land-based pollution is one of the leading causes of coral reef decline on Maui, and the Hui‘s efforts are critical to identifying areas of chronic pollution.

Join the Hui team and learn about the program, why it’s important, what’s next, and how you can volunteer. Volunteers are needed to help with data entry, outreach and education at schools, bookkeeping, donations, and sampling. Visit the Hui O Ka Wai Ola website for more information.

MNMRC is a proud partner of Hui O Ka Wai Ola and West Maui water quality monitoring efforts.

Maui Nui Makai Network Pledges Support for Malama Honua

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Six communities from the Maui Nui Makai Area Network, along with supporting partners the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council and the Nature Conservancy, sign the Hokule’a ledger for the Malama Honua campaign.  By signing, the groups are dedicating themselves to improving their communities in Maui Nui by the time Hokule’a returns from her worldwide voyage.  Learn more about the Maui Nui Makai Network on thier Facebook, and about the Community Managed Marine Areas.

Resolution to Protect and Enhance Reefs Passes County Committee!

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A historic event happened on February 2nd, 2015 in the Maui County Council Chambers: The County IEM Committee voted to adopt the MNMRC’s Resolution to: “Acknowledge the Importance to Protect and Enhance the Reef Ecosystems of Maui County”.  The MNMRC drafted the resolution and after much hard work it was brought before the Infrastructure and Environmental Management Committee by Chair (and champion) Elle Cochran.  This resolution is a strong step forward in ensuring our reefs are viable for future generations.

View the complete Resolution here: ReefResolutionMNMRC-1

The Council heard oral testimony from 16 supporters of the resolution, as well as receiving numerous written letters of support.  Many thanks to all that come out – it was  a strong showing and the Councilmembers were duly impressed!  MNMRC Chair Robin Newbold, and Coral Reef Recovery Plan Coordinator Tegan Hammond, presented the Council with an update of MNMRC activities in 2014.  The MNMRC then convened a panel of specialist to answer probing question from the Council.  Panelists included: Ekolu Lindsey (Polanui Hiu CMMA), Bob Richmond (UH Marine Lab), Darla White (DAR), Rob Parsons (Mayor’s Office), Robin Newbold and Tegan Hammond (both MNMRC).  After the presentation and panel discussion the resolution unanimously voted for adoption by the IEM Committee, who will now recommend official adoption by the County at the full Council Meeting on February 18th.

Congratulations to all and we look forward to a bright future for Maui Nui’s reefs!