SHINING STARS
Group cites reef protection efforts
The Coral Reef Outreach Network will honor scientists, businesses, educators and others at its Third Annual Hawaii Living Reef Awards on Sept. 21.
The awards program honors those who have taken action to protect Hawaii's coral reef ecosystem. Three scientists also will be honored for lifetime achievements in coral reef conservation: Jack Randall, Richard Grigg and Sherwood Maynard. Award nominees for 2007 include:
» Ocean recreation businesses: Donovan Domingo/Maui Dreams Dive Co.; Nancy Emerson's Surf School; Scott Burch/Mokulua Kayak Guides; and Trilogy Excursions.
» Travel and tourism businesses: Atlantis Submarines; the Maui Ocean Center; and Outrigger Hotels & Resorts.
» Commercial and retail businesses: Costco; Diamond Bakery; and Ziggy Livnat/For the Sea Productions.
» Government: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project; state Sen. Fred Hemmings (R, Kailua-Waimanalo); and the state Division of Aquatic Resources' Ulua/Papio Tagging Project.
» Education: Damien Kenison; Mike and Terri Fausnaugh; and the Ocean Awareness Training Certification Series.
» Nongovernmental groups: Alyssa Miler/Malama Maunalua; Liz Foote/Project S.E.A-Link; and ReefCheck Hawaii.
Tickets are $30 for a buffet dinner 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Honolulu Elks Lodge, 2933 Kalakaua Ave. Tickets are available at www.hawaiireef.org or at 237-3674.
Shining Stars appears several times a week in the Star-Bulletin