KCC Earthweek 2017 Ongoing

Hanalei taro fields. Photo by Léo Azambuja

Kauaʻi Community College is celebrating Earth Day with a week-long program of events on wai, or water. The celebrations started Monday, and will go all the way to Friday, with daily events.

The events include Neighbor Island guest speakers Tiare Lawrence, Monday; and Dr. Jonathan Kamakawiwo‘ole Osorio, Wednesday.

Lawrence, from Maui, shared stories of the Valley Isle’s struggles and successes in protecting watersheds and organizing community in the process.

Osorio, a professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, will add some historical perspective to the discussion. His presentation will be at the KCC One Stop Center Wednesday from 3-6 p.m.

Emily Cadiz and Presley Wann from Kauaʻi group Hui Makaainana o Makana will present their history and provide updates on their work with the North Shore community. Additional kui kalo workshops will be held in the KCC Hawaiian Studies Lo‘i on Tuesday from 3-6 p.m. Look for the Hawaiian flag along the main entrance road.

On Thursday, a panel discussion on Kauaʻi’s water situation moderated by Eric Hansen from GoFarmHawaii will feature COK Planning Director Mike Dahilig, Dr. Adam Asquith and Jerry Ornellas and others from 3:30 to 6 p.m. This panel discussion will be broadcast live on Kaua‘i Community Radio, KKCR FM 91.9

On Friday, the community is welcomed to attend the culminating event from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. This Earthday Ho‘olaule‘a will feature student and community presentations and music by Osorio and Duncan Osorio.

All events are free and open to the public. All events will be held at the One Stop Center, with the exception of Tuesday’s event at the KCC loʻi.

Email puali@hawaii.edu for more information.