An All Too Real Reminder
Today’s news report from the Gulf of Mexico is a somber reminder of how fragile our marine ecosystem can be.
According to a Reuter’s update, posted earlier today:
“A sheen of oil has engulfed much of the Chandeleur Islands, barrier islands that are part of Louisiana’s Breton National Wildlife Refuge, the first confirmation of the oil slick hitting land. Some oiled birds, including brown pelicans and a gannet, have been found in recent days.”
Potentially catastrophic oil leaks like this one in the Gulf pose monumental challenges to the organizations whose work it will be to protect the more than 400 species threatened by the spill.
Nearing Completion – The Hawaii Wildlife Center
Here in Hawaii, on April 25th, just days after the Gulf crisis began, Emily T. Gail, R(S), of our Clark Realty-Mauna Lani office interviewed Linda Eliott, the Director of the Hawaii Wildlife Center of North Kohala, on her ESPN radio show. Emily discussed with Linda the progress that has been made in construction of Hawaii’s first wildlife and rehabilitation center.
In the interview, Eliott praised the North Kohala community for the generosity that has been extended to the Center. Phase I of construction was completed 15% under budget, thanks to support and donations from the construction community. The Center needs approximately $450,000 to complete the interior of the building and be prepared to open as a rescue-and-recovery and educational center.
Hawaii Wildlife Center's treatment, recovery, and educational facility
From the HWC Website:
“The causes of biodiversity and the preservation of Hawaii’s native wildlife require more than habitat protection. There is an ever-present need for hands-on care and rapid response capability to aid injured and threatened wild animals. This is the vital missing piece of environmental stewardship that the Hawaii Wildlife Center (HWC) is determined to provide for native wildlife in Hawaii.”
Please explore the Hawaii Wildlife Center website for more information about the Center’s capital campaign and mission.
And thank you, Emily Gail, for your continued work in educating the young people of Hawaii about our natural resources and how to best protect them.
Listen to “Emily T. Gail Talks Golf and Other Sports” on Sundays at 6pm HST – ESPN Radio: AM850 Hilo or AM790 Kona or visit ESPN Hawaii online.
Additional links:
- Hawaii Wildlife Center – The Work Cycle: From Rescue to Recovery
- Honolulu Star Bulletin – Oil Spill Defense: The Clean Islands Council is making hundreds of bales of the polypropylene oil sweep at one of only four such U.S. facilities
- Hawaii Wildlife Center on Facebook
Cynthia Hoskins, R(S) is Clark Realty Corporation’s Social Media Liaison
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Mahalo nui loa Emily Gail and Cynthia Hoskins of Clark Realty for sharing our project with your readers! We are at an important point in construction and need everyone’s help to open our doors this year. If you are in North Kohala I hope you will come by to see our progress and send your support of any amount to us at Hawaii Wildlife Center, PO Box 551752, Kapaau, HI 96755 or at our website. THANK YOU!
Very timely post, Cynthia. With the BP disaster in the back of everyone’s minds, we must remain steady and diligent in protecting our breathtaking islands.