Recap: Great things that Friends of Kewalos accomplished in 2023
Aloha and Happy New Year, Friends!
As we leave 2023, Friends of Kewalos would like to share our accomplishments. In chronological order:
1. Instrumental in retaining the Residential ban in Kaka'ako Makai. On February 13, 2023 we held a Community Informational gathering that educated the public on OHA's Hakuone Plan and presented an alternative long term vision for the Land providing opportunities for Marine Ocean Science/ Research and Education Centers tied to a World class Aquarium and Multicultural Center and more. We called it M.O.R.E. in Kaka'ako Makai.
2. SAVE KAKA'AKO MAKAI COALITION RALLY on March 4, 2023 at Gateway Park along Ala Moana Blvd. Eleven organizations participated and backed Friends of Kewalos, we had an amazing turnout and support, along with trolley rides through Kaka'ako! "Protecting Open Spaces for Hawaii's Future Generations"
3. Our biggest event of the year: The 16th Annual Kewalo Basin Park Clean Up on June 4, 2023. Another successful event to Malama and celebrate our park.
4. Passed out letters to the Boaters July 16, 2023 asking for kokua in slowing down in the Kewalo channel and educating them on the parking rules in the park. Parking is for park users only.
5. On October 7, 2023, the Friends held the third Time Capsule activity. To record the moment in time, people were asked to bring handwritten letters, photos, or other small items to insert into the time capsule that will be hidden in the Kewalo Basin Park area. 15 years from now in 2038, we plan to unearth all 3 capsules.
6. Attended City and County Surf Contest Rules Public Hearing on October 20, 2023 at Kapolei Hale. All indications is that C&C will adopt these new rules effective 2025 despite our efforts to keep our Kewalo MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) in place. New rules: max 6 contests up to 4 days each. Our present MOU: allows max 8 contests, 4 at the Point, and 4 elsewhere, up to 2 days each.
7. On Nov. 16, 2023 Friends attended the DOBOR (Division of Boating & Ocean Recreation ) Kewalos Surf Contest Scheduling meeting for 2024. Check out the schedule for 2024 here: 2024 Surf Contest Schedule
8. MAHALO MEALS November 21, 2023. KUPU. In partnership with KUPU, we provided 150 Hawaiian plates to the Essential workers as a Mahalo for their work in keeping Kewalo Basin Park clean and safe. These groups include: C&C Parks & Recreation, Honolulu Fire Dept., Honolulu Police Dept., Emergency Medical Services, Harbor Master, Lifeguards, Kewalo Harbor Security!
Big Mahalo for all your support and donations to help us achieve all of this. May we all have a great 2024!
Friends of Kewalos
PROTECT, PRESERVE, MALAMA
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