Kanaka Malama Kai

KMK OVERVIEW:

Program Information/Home

Volunteer Guidelines & Resources

Volunteer Spotlight

Community Forum

NATURALIST TOPICS:

Key KMK Messages

Coral Reefs

Invertebrates

Reef Fishes

Sharks & Rays

Sea Turtles

Whales

Dolphins

Monk Seals

Hawaiian History & Culture

Marine Algae

Island Geology & Natural History

Interpretation

Rules & Regulations

Other Topics

What is Kanaka Malama Kai?

Kanaka Malama Kai is a volunteer program that allows volunteers to serve as “roving marine naturalists” at Maui's snorkel sites and onboard charter vessels. The objective of the program is to preserve and protect Maui's reefs by educating our visitors and residents. We have so many wonderful snorkel spots around Maui that can easily be driven to, and only a few sites with educational programs and interpretation already in place. As a result, most people will miss out on the opportunity to learn about our reefs and gain an understanding and appreciation of them. In addition, many people don't realize the potential negative impact they have upon the reef, but would certainly alter their behavior if they were made aware of responsible and sustainable ways to visit and enjoy this habitat. That is where you come in!

What exactly is a “roving marine naturalist?”

As a roving marine naturalist, you will station yourself at a shore-based snorkel site and essentially roam around, interacting with people on your own terms, with the assistance of an official-looking “uniform” and interpretive materials. Project S.E.A.-Link will provide you with a t-shirt, name badge, and a starter set of photos you can use to assemble your own “naturalist kit.” Kanaka Malama Kai is intended to be an easy and fun program to participate in, and this is a very casual and informal method, designed to work around your schedule.

Dee Warnock, KMK volunteer, 2004

While Project S.E.A.-Link will provide the guidance and training, it is ultimately up to you to decide how to structure your time as a volunteer. You decide when and where to go, and for how long. You can integrate some volunteer time into your regular trips to your favorite snorkel spot, or make a special trip to a site that is heavily used at the peak of tourist season. You can even set up your own table at a site if you like. It is up to you! See the “Volunteer Spotlight” to learn how others are volunteering around Maui.

Who can volunteer?

Anyone from high school age and up can participate in this program. All you need is enthusiasm for learning about Hawaii's marine environment and for sharing it with others! You don't need to be an expert or a professional; just recognize that as a naturalist you should always seek to learn more and improve your skills. A main focus of this program is to communicate key messages to Hawaii's visitors in order to reduce immediate negative impacts to the reef ecosystem. If you start with these messages and add the ecological facts and interpretive skills associated with them, you will be able to make a positive difference. Your content knowledge and interpretation skills will develop and improve along the way.

How do I get involved?

Email Executive Director Liz Foote if you are interested in the program. You will be added to Project S.E.A.-Link's email list and will receive notice when the next training workshop is scheduled. This is a free program for the community.

How can I use this website?

This section of Project S.E.A.-Link's website is designed to be a resource for volunteers, and/or anyone who would like to learn more about Hawaii's marine environment. Use the links to the left to navigate the site. You can refer to the guidelines for this program and access important volunteer resources. Learn about the key conservation messages we hope to convey, and how to convey them through interpretation. Find information on many topics and additional resources so you can learn more on your own. There is also a community forum where you can share information and experiences with others in the program.

What is the history of this program?

This program was first developed in 2001 as a “Junior Marine Naturalist” program for high school students, with funding provided by the PADI Project AWARE Foundation. The program was continued and expanded in 2003 with support from Hawaii Coastal Zone Management, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. It was named Kanaka Malama Kai (“Ocean Caretakers”), and expanded to include all ages. It also introduced the “roving marine naturalist” method. The first “fast track” training workshops were held in December 2003 to introduce the method to people with existing naturalist certification from other agencies. A five-week training course was then held in January 2004 at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary education center. In 2005, funding from the County of Maui Office of Economic Development/Hawaii Tourism Authority supported further development and expansion of the program, along with the creation of this website. A five-week training workshop was held in February 2005, and its location had to be moved from the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to the Ocean Science Discovery Center when over 100 people enrolled! In August 2005, a training workshop series was held in Lahaina and focused on stewardship of Honolua Bay Marine Life Conservation District. Another "fast track" training workshop was held in November 2005 after the completion of an introductory marine naturalist training workshop series that was conducted jointly by several organizations on Maui (Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Maui Ocean Center, Hawaii Wildlife Fund, Maui Community College Marine Option Program, Pacific Whale Foundation, and Project S.E.A.-Link).
high school volunteers, 2001	training workshop, 2005	workshop graduates, 2005