Maui Earth Day Celebration a Reminder of Sustainability

The Maui Earth Day Festival is located at the Keopuolani Park amphitheater located behind the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The annual Maui Earth Day Festival takes place today, encouraging residents to come together to increase their appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment and awareness of local issues.

The theme of this year’s non-profit festival is “Celebration, Education, Activation, Together We can do it!”  The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at the Keōpūolani Park Amphitheater behind Maui Nui Botanical Gardens in Wailuku.

“In celebration of this day, we should be mindful of how we can better preserve our environment and this beautiful island we live on,” said Senator J. Kalani English who will be providing a Senate Certificate of Recognition marking the festival.

The certificate of recognition states, “The Hawai‘i State Senate is proud to formally recognize community events that are dedicated to the promotion of environmental education and protection. lt is especially fitting for the Senate of the State of Hawai‘i to pause and pay tribute to those events that work with purpose and conviction to perpetuate the spirit of Aloha and contribute to the Well being of our communities.”

The festival highlights include two live music stages, environmental and social awareness booths, a area and activities, food, woven plates with banana leaves, environmentally friendly vendors, local farmers market and alternative energy information.

The festival is organized by an all volunteer team that encourages people from all over the island to come together to increase appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment.

“Earth Day reminds us to start thinking about how we can further incorporate clean energy resources into a plan to make our State more sustainable,” said Sen. English, who represents District 6, encompassing the areas of Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, and Kaho‘olawe.

Admission is $7; keiki get in free.