CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Ninth-graders at McKinley High School have been studying how to save money on electric bills. Antje Gamundoy, above, holds up a simple top-like device that tells whether the ballast on a fluorescent light is magnetic or electronic, which could make a big difference in a company's electric bill.

UH marks Earth Day
with conservation expo

The Manoa campus will host a teach-in
to demonstrate alternate sources of energy

Events observe environmental anniversary

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By Diana Leone
dleone@starbulletin.com

The city, the University of Hawaii and student groups are hoping to celebrate Earth Day Tuesday by teaching people about alternative energy and conservation.

A free "Sustainability Workshop, Teach-in and Expo" is planned for the Manoa campus from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Organizers say the purpose of the forum is to stimulate public discussion on energy use in Hawaii.

"Hawaii is 91 percent oil dependent," said Bruce Miller, UH's Office of Sustainability director. "We'd like to demonstrate that there are ways of getting off oil."

More than 40 booths will be set up, displaying energy-related items such as electric or hybrid cars, solar power technologies, and the like, Miller said.

One demonstration will be a 10-foot-tall geodesic dome that students have constructed. Solar photovoltaic panels will provide electricity to operate a television and video player inside, which will show videos about how students (or anyone) can change their energy consumption habits.

"We're hoping to help them see the connection between their daily lifestyle choices and energy use on a global scale," said Anne Olsen, a founder of the Pacific Action Alliance (PA'A), which is helping put on the event at the UH Campus Center.

After a panel discussion about energy, people can attend one of five simultaneous teach-in sessions. (The 1970s lingo is deliberate, Miller said, in a nod to the origin of Earth Day in 1970.)

Topics will be: renewable/alternative energy and conservation; transportation; architecture/urban planning; public policy/social justice; and individual/personal contribution.

One person attending will be Steve Holmes, the former Honolulu City Councilman who is now the city's sustainability/energy coordinator. Mayor Jeremy Harris has directed Holmes to compile a city "Sustainability Charter," based on citizen input at this event and four more which will be held later in the year.

Here's the day's schedule of events, all of which will be at the Campus Center Mall:

>> 8 a.m.: Register for teach-in workshops.

>> 9 a.m.: Opening remarks by Harris and UH President Evan Dobelle.

>> 9:20 a.m.: Energy panel.

>>10:10 a.m.: Energy teach-in/workshops

>> Noon: Light vegetarian lunch and entertainment by Barry Flanagan and Hapa.

>> 12:20 p.m.: Summary, moderated by Ben Lee, city managing director.

In keeping with the spirit of Earth Day, attendees are encouraged to use public transportation, carpool, bike or walk to the event.

On-campus parking for $3 will be available, with shuttles from the East-West Road and Lower Campus Road parking kiosks to Varney Circle, near the Campus Center.

Participants can also go to the Manoa District Park and catch a shuttle to campus.

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Isle events observe
environmental anniversary

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This year marks the 33rd anniversary of Earth Day, an event that mobilized millions of people to express their concerns on the degradation of the environment.

In the decade following the first Earth Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was created, the federal Clean Air and Water Acts were passed and Congress enacted 28 other significant environmental laws.

Among the events planned around the state in recognition of Earth Day:

Today:

>> Maui Nui Botanical Gardens Earth Day/Year of the Hawaiian Forest Event, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Kahului, mnbg@maui.net or 808-249-2798.

>> Honoring the Earth Multicultural Celebration, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Hamakua Ecology Center/Earth Aware in Honokaa, 808-775-9083 or kaitlin@earthaware.org.

>> Protect the Plant stream cleanup in Kalihi, 808-226-1464.

Monday - May 9:

>> Honolulu Board of Water Supply "Water for Life" display, BWS Public Service Building lobby, atsuneyoshi@hbws.org.

Tuesday, Earth Day:

>> Build and Buy Green Conference and Expo, Ala Moana Hotel, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Ala Moana Hotel, events@cochawaii.org or call Cheryl Ornellas at 545-4300 x317, registration $50.

>> Dive In to Earth Day 2003, a pledge drive that seeks signatures from snorkelers and divers to show support for marine protected areas and coral-friendly practices, Sherry Flumerfelt at divein@coral.org.

>> "May Earth Live: A Journey through the Hawaiian Forest," documentary film by Tom Coffman, 9 p.m. PBS-Hawaii, Channel 11.

>> Earth Day 2003, UH-Hilo, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Hawaii Community College, 808-974-7483 or okuma@hawaii.edu.

Friday:

>> Molokai Earth Day Celebration, Mitchell Pauole Center, Kaunakakai, Kathy Tachibana at

(808) 553-5236.

>> Native Hawaiian Plant Give-Away, Molokai Earth Day Preservation Organization, 808-567-6951 ext. 249.

April 26:

>> Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) plant sale, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 2135 Makiki Heights Drive, 973-9778.

>> Kauai Earth Day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Nawiliwili Park, Kalapaki, earthday03@go.com, 245-9416 or 639-8158.

>> Kamaaina Kids Earth Day event, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, 263-3625.

>> Year of the Hawaiian Forest hike, tree planting and fun activities, 9 a.m., T.R.E.E. Center (Non-Profit Tropical Reforestation Ecosystem Education Center), Sherwood Forest at Papaloa, Kailua-Kona, 808-937-8183.

>> Earth Day Weed Romp and Native Hawaiian Forest Restoration, 8 a.m., Kahanahaiki Valley, Makua Military Reservation, 656-7641.

>> Kauai Garden Fair, Kauai Recycling Office, Kukui Grove Pavilion, Lihue, 808-241-6891.

>> Ninth Annual Keiki Surf for the Earth and Beach Cleanup, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Kohanaiki Beach, Kailua-Kona, 808-325-0844 or kohanaiki@kona.net.

>> Family Work Day, 8 a.m., Island School, Lihue, 808-246-0233 or shelby@ischool.org.

>> Liberty Garden Tree Planting, Beautification and Cleanup project, Keep Hawaii Beautiful, Hawaii Island, 808-961-8431.

April 27:

>> Earth Day Celebration and free catamaran cruises, reservations required, Pacific Whale Foundation, Maalaea, Maui, 800-942-5311 or programs@pacificwhale.org.

May 3:

>> Liberty Earth Fest Fair, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Kalihi Uka District Park, mitchell005@hawaii.rr.com, 392-8445 or 845-8445.