Outdoor Undertakings
Help out with the environmental nonprofits and you can plant Hawaiian flora, fight against plastic bag use and keep Oahu’s beaches clean.
Photo: Courtesy EarthTrust
EarthTrust
EarthTrust, a nonprofit that began in Kailua in 1976, has survived on the idea that local people can solve impossible international issues with good research, intelligent planning and significant audacity. The organization deals with everything from whale protection to cognitive dolphin research, and mobilizes anywhere in the world as needed for each project.
How to Help: Volunteer needs fluctuate per project, but the organization is currently researching species and fishery depletion. The small EarthTrust staff also needs assistance with fundraising, web design and social media.
How to Give: Donations can go towards an existing project or even fund a whole new initiative. Contact EarthTrust for more information. 1118 Maunawili Rd., Kailua, HI 96734, earthtrust.org.
Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation began in California more than 25 years ago. Today, it’s an international nonprofit, with local chapters, such as the Oahu one, which strive for better water quality, beach and reef protection and the ecological maintenance of the Island’s coastal areas.
How to Help: Currently, the foundation is looking for volunteers to help with a number of projects including the Turtle Bay expansion, Laie Gunstock Ranch development, Single-Use Plastic Reduction Legislation, monthly beach cleanups and others.
How to Give: Donations to the Oahu Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation go directly to funding its various campaigns, including the ones listed above. Tim Tybuszewski. 230-3820. Donate online: surfrider.org/oahu.
Outdoor Circle
The Outdoor Circle was founded in Hawaii in 1912, and next year marks its centennial year. Best known for fighting for Hawaii’s billboard ban in 1926, the Outdoor Circle continues to protect beautiful views, plant trees and promote overall beautification of the Islands.
How to Help: The organization needs assistance with administrative duties, but will have more opportunities as the centennial approaches. Check with Taylor Boyd, director of development, for more information.
How to Give: A number of initiatives, including annual tree planting on Arbor Day and educating keiki about the importance of trees, can be directly funded through donations. The Outdoor Circle, 1314 S. King St., Suite 306, Honolulu, HI 96814, 593-0300, outdoorcircle.org.
KAHEA: The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance
The alliance is an organization that strives to protect all things that are Hawaii: the land, the ocean, the culture and the way of life. They aim to engage the local community on issues that exist throughout Hawaii, such as fighting attempts to industrialize 96 acres of farmland in Lualualei Valley on leeward Oahu.
How to Help: KAHEA needs volunteers to help in the office for event planning, collecting petitions and Hawaiian language translation. There is also a need for writers, photographers and web specialists.
How to Give: Donations range from $35 to print 700 pieces of public testimony or petition pages, through $18,000 for one community organizer. Kahea, 1149 Bethel St., Suite 415, Honolulu, HI 96813, 524-8220. kahea.org.