Photo By Staff Sgt. Brittney Vella | Marines and Sailors pose for a photo after volunteering with non-profit organization,...... read more read more
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WAIMANALO, Hawaii - With threats of high wind, rough surf and a looming storm, the weather remained calm for the service members with the Single Marine & Sailor Program who helped 808 Cleanups remove garbage and marine debris from the water and beach at the Makai Research Pier, August 8, 2015.
The local nonprofit organization’s mission is to empower communities in restoring Hawaii's natural environments through beach cleanups, graffiti removal, hiking trail and marine debris cleanups. The Marine Corps Base Hawaii SM&SP helped them accomplish their mission while also allowing MCB Hawaii’s service members give back to the community.
Armed with nets and scissors, Marines and Sailors snorkeled around the pier searching for debris such as: fishing line, hooks, plastic, glass and lead weights. Since fishing is a common outdoor activity in Hawaii, a lot of monofilament fishing line gets caught in the reefs and harms sea creatures, plants and their habitats. Sea creatures such as sea turtles sometimes get entangled in the fishing line and drown.
“Marine debris is one of the most pervasive, yet solvable problems impacting our environment,” said Fawn D. Liebengood, the assistant director of 808 Cleanups. “Fishing line takes 600 years to degrade in our environment. During that time, many animals entangle themselves in it and (die) because they cannot untangle themselves. (MCB Hawaii’s) SM&SP volunteers helped save many animals' lives by removing the fishing line.”
By the end of the cleanup, the service members collected 136 pounds of marine debris that was comprised of things such as fishing line, metal, plastic and glass. Although it takes hard work and dedication to successfully clean the environment, Liebengood said volunteer work is a fun way for service members to meet new people, help the environment and exercise at the same time.
The Portland, Ore., native said 808 Cleanups is always looking for volunteers and have jobs suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
“Volunteering with 808 Cleanups was a great experience and I’m looking forward to doing it more often,” said Sgt. Esther Muratalla, a finance Marine with Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii and Cicero, Ill., native. “Although service members are only stationed here for a short amount of time, this is our home and we all should work together to keep it clean.”
The cleanup’s website and social media pages has more information for those who want to get involved, but can't attend group cleanup events. Cleanup materials are provided through the Adopt-a-Site Program that allow interested people to clean up whenever and wherever they choose.
Liebengood remarked that the service members’ hard work and desire to better their community does not go unnoticed.
“We have a wonderful relationship with Marine Corps Base Hawaii,” Liebengood said. “We have had Marines and Sailors from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24 volunteer with us and families adopt Fort Hase Beach and Pyramid Rock Beach with our Adopt-a-Site program. We love our MCB Hawaii volunteers. They are willing to help, learn, and make a difference in their community and our environment.”
The next 808 Cleanup is August 14 at Ka Iwi Beach from 5:30-7:30 p.m. For those looking for volunteer opportunities, go to www.808cleanups.org for more upcoming events.
| Date Taken: | 08.08.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.12.2015 16:28 |
| Story ID: | 172862 |
| Location: | WAIMANALO, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 133 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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