HAWAI'I LIFEBig Island Volunteer Program Aims to Protect Puako Reefs and Marine Life
It’s always a treat to be able to spend time in Puako, one of the most cherished oceanfront communities on the Kohala Coast.
Sun setting over the Puako reef in front of a special property, #32 Puako
Reef Docent Workshop
On June 14th, I joined a group of Big Island residents, government agency, and nonprofit groups representatives who participated in a “reef docent” workshop. The purpose of the all-volunteer program is clear: to protect reefs and the marine life through education and outreach efforts. They hope to make area users more aware of the environment and more attuned to the benefits of a healthy ecosystem.
When I saw this Hawaiian Monk Seal last February at Anaeho’omalu Beach, (a.k.a. “A’Bay”), it was so cool! But I didn’t realize there are only about 1,000 in existence!
Justin Viezbicke, West Hawaii marine conservation coordinator for NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, talks here about Monk Seals
Participants also learned more, such as the current rules pertaining to monk seals, whales, and turtles from more representatives such as John Kahiapo (Education Specialist with the DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources), Chad Wiggins, (The Nature Conservancy’s Hawaii Island marine coordinator), Phil Hayward, a Puako resident and biologist, and other reef-loving residents. Read the full article from West Hawaii Today.
Paniau, at the end of Puako Drive, is popular with divers and all ocean lovers! From here, you can walk about 10 minutes and be at a luxurious resort!
Information Station Trial Run
The partners hope to have a modest information station at Paniau, a highly used area at the end of Puako Beach Drive. Please meet us there for the trial run at 9am on June 23rd.
For more information or to get involved, email puakomakaiwatch@gmail.com or call Justin Viezbicke at (808) 327-3697. Read more to learn about more ways to volunteer in Puako.
Are You Ready to Start Living Your Hawaii Life in Puako?
Here are two special properties you can check out! These condos in the only complex in Puako don’t come on the market often. Buy this 3 bed/2 bath before it’s gone! Want to feel like you have a sandy beach all to yourself? Time to make this oceanfront property your own!
Always my best with aloha…Annie
Annie Mendoza, R(S)
Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers
annie@hawaiilife.com
Cell: 808.557.5322
Annie hey nice blog about the Puako community and the couple of options for Buyers to purchase.
Diane…mahalo for your comment! As you and I both know, opportunities to find a place in Puako can be rare. I think if someone wants to be an owner in Puako, now is the time because of these available properties and the current market. You and I have heard the story over and over, “I wish I would have bought that place in Puako when the prices were so low….”. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that one since I moved here in 1981. The good thing is, we know friends who did buy, and they are DEFINITELY NOT SORRY they did:-)