For the past six years the “Save The Sea Turtles International” have sponsored this beach cleanup and they have reported that thousands of turtles and other sea life are injured or killed each year worldwide due to land or marine based debris.

With programs such as Adopt-A-Beach and National Marine Debris Monitoring Program the STSTI hopes to change this one beach at a time.

Long time North Shore resident Marlu West, who coordinates this event and has been cleaning Chuns Reef for the past 20 years, says that clean-ups like this is so important for our environment and for the safety of marine life.

Marlu says that “Turtles and fish can become fatally entangled in garbage such as discarded fishing line or six pack yokes. Or, garbage may be ingested, usually resulting in death. Small pieces like bits of styrofoam or plastic jugs, balloons or plastic bags are often mistaken for food...”

When asked about the change in types of trash found on the beaches over the years, Marlu reports “..you have the normal rope from nets and plastic particles from buoys or pieces of boat that are always washed in from sea, but it amazes me of the tremendous increase in man made debris originating from our own beaches. Broken surfboards, surf wax and cigarette buds that are left on the beach by careless beach goers. Surfers wax their boards down to the very last piece and throw the remaining wax on the sand thinking that it does no harm.”



Marlu adds “Spectators, Surfers and visitors that come to enjoy sunny warm beaches and world class surf often leave their trash and garbage on the sand or in the bushes.” The STSI and NMDMP is working hard to educate people as well as raise funds for additional trash cans and signs to put on our beaches (We are looking for donations).

Lani Devenoe from Waipahu was one of 5 volunteers in the February 11th clean up. “I was expecting to see more people here volunteering especially from the North Shore community.” Instead all 5 volunteers were from out of town.

Marlu says that “99% of all beach combers that have shown up for clean-up since the start of the 6 year program have been from outside of the community"

"..I just don’t see the turn out from the community. I put ‘A frame’ signs in front of my house (which is on Kam hwy.) on the day of clean up and this will attract tourists and intice them to stop and donate some time, we’ve had tourists from Japan, US mainland, Canda and South America.. pretty much from all around the world. There are also times when it is only myself, this doesn’t stop me from doing what I feel is important.”

Sheri Ann from Kailua has learned first hand how dangerous debris laying on beaches can ruin a promising day at the beach, while trekking her way to find a spot to sun bathe she kicked up some glass from a broken beer bottle hidden just below the sand that knicked her big toe, this was just a minor cut that turned out to be just an annoyance but she can only imagine what injuries might have occurred had she not been wearing her slippers.

The clean-up not only benefits marine life but mankind also. Visitors to the beaches are in awe as they see the beautiful blue ocean and shiny brown sands, this kind of excitement is what prevents them from noticing broken glass or nails from firewood that lay in plain view.

“You just don’t expect to see such hazards and waste on these beautiful beaches” said Jason Thurston visiting from North Carolina.

Marlu admits that much progress has been made over the years to help this program. Support from local businesses in the form of donations have given her the assurance that people really do care. Awareness is increasing as High School and College students sometimes do research projects about this topic.

“I am indeed thankful for the volunteers that have showed up in the past as well as the steady flow of donations from our sponsors but what we really need is a consistent flow of volunteers, man power is what makes this clean-up a success and safer place for all.”

Sponsors:
Save The Sea Turtles International
National Recycling coalition
Adopt-A-Beach Hawaii
Haleiwa Joes
Surf & Sea
Breakers Haleiwa
Scott Wallace- Wallace Theaters
Star Market



We hope to see you at our next monthly cleanup where we'll all pitch in to clean the beach and leave “Nothin’ but Sand”! See calendar for next clean-up!

Wanna cut down this Dangerous Thorny Keawe Tree that has claimed many victims over the years? call Marlu @ 808-637-2211