The spirit of mālama ʻāina was on full display near Kamehameha Shopping Center, as nearly 200 volunteers gathered for Kapālama Kai’s 4th Annual Mālama ʻĀina Community Cleanup.
From keiki to kūpuna, volunteers arrived early to the second floor of the Center’s parking structure, which served as a central meeting place. The venue made it easy for participants from across the community to come together with a shared purpose, while offering sweeping views of the Kapālama ahupuaʻa.
Each volunteer came ready with gloves, cleanup tools, and a deep sense of kuleana to the land. School groups, longtime residents, Kapālama Kai tenants, and community leaders worked side by side to remove litter from nearby streets and walkways that connect the neighborhood.
“Our stewardship of this ʻāina is part of the lasting legacy entrusted to us by Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop,” said Bobbie Lau, Senior Asset Manager with Kamehameha Schools’ ʻĀina Pauahi Group. “In collaboration with our communities, today’s day of service helps to fulfill her vision to support a thriving, resilient lāhui. We are honored to share kuleana to mālama ‘āina and make an impact together.”
Throughout the day, volunteers worked together to fill dozens of trash bags with trash and recyclables, removing 659 pounds of ʻōpala from the neighborhood. The City & County of Honolulu’s Storm Water Quality Division supplied the trash bags, helping to keep waste out of our waterways, while Kanaʻi’s Rolloff partnered with us to haul away the collected debris.
While the physical impact of the cleanup was easy to see, the sense of pilina – or connection – was just as powerful. Neighbors who had never met before shared stories and laughter while cleaning.
After completing the cleanup, volunteers returned to the main event tent to enjoy lunch, graciously provided by Kamehameha Schools and Kapālama Kai. The meal included Subway sandwiches, chips and fresh fruit.
Kapālama Kai tenant Shaka Pops also generously contributed to the event by donating 100 of its frozen popsicles, which provided a refreshing treat to volunteers!
Events like this serve as an annual reminder that even small actions, when done together, can have a significant impact and leave lasting change. Mahalo to our supporters and every volunteer who gave their time, energy and support in helping mālama Kapālama.