Aloha Friends,

First of all, my sympathies go out to all those whose businesses, transportation, and homes have been affected by the immese rain that poured down on many areas of the Hawaiian islands over the last week. From what I read in the papers we haven't seen that much rain fall that quickly since the 70's. Many areas received about 11 inches in 12 hours. I've paddled out the last few days catching some small waves and surveying the water and once again my thoughts are turned to plastic in the ocean. As stand up paddlers, we can see a plastic bag floating in the ocean from 30 yards away without much trouble. I'd like to encourage everyone as they paddle out especially after these rains to fish out as much plastic as they can while they are paddling about.

This Saturday at about 8:30, rain or shine, I'll be at west end of Haleiwa Beach Park across from Jamesons by the Sea Restaurant and down the beach from Surf-n-Sea where the outrigger canoes are kept on the beach picking up plastic and paddling out in the harbor and up the river to collect as much plastic as I can.

I know it's short notice and close to the holidays but I'd like to invite any one who has some time, to join me in my effort. Bring your board, paddle, grill tongs, geriatric can grabbers, rubbish pokers, and a garbage bag. It's not a sponsored event, just one guy inviting others to get together and take care of the ocean. My big green surf van will be parked there and I'll be on the sand with a black and white trucker hat. I plan on paddling out at about 9:00 am. If you need directions or anything, shoot me an email. Peace.

P.S. Here's an interesting article I found on plastic an our environment. . .