FOR IMMEDIATE                                             
RELEASE                                                     
October 12, 2007

 Two Contests to Kick Off Earth Month (April 2008)

Mayor Mufi Hannemann and the City’s Storm Water Quality Branch, Department of Environmental Services, announce two City contests to spotlight the importance of protecting and improving Honolulu’s precious water resources.

Mayor Hannemann said, “Contaminated runoff of storm water can pose a threat to public health and the environment. The City understands that the best way to protect our water is to manage it on a watershed basis by protecting both the water and the land it flows through to meet today’s needs and to achieve sustainable water supplies for future generations.

 “That is why I am pleased to announce the two contests, one a video project specifically for our youth and the other a photo and essay contest open to the public with focus on polluted runoff and prevention. Winners will be announced on March 17, 2008 as we kick off Earth Month, April 2008.”

2^nd Annual Earth Month Teen Video Contest

Twelve middle and high schools will participate in a video contest to build awareness of the civic responsibilities of our young people, including individual actions to protect and improve the quality of our local waters. 

The schools are Aiea Intermediate School, Campbell High School, Castle High School, Jarrett Intermediate School, Kamehameha Middle School, Kapolei High School, Moanalua High School, Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, Waianae High School, Waianae Intermediate School, Waipahu High School, and Washington Middle School.

Videos will play on KHON2 in March and April, and on KGMB, KITV and at satellite city halls in April.

Everyday Environmental Hero Photo Essay Contest

Amateur and professional photographers are invited to enter the new Everyday Environmental Hero Photo Essay Contest, a collaborative effort between the City’s Storm Water Quality Branch and the State Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch Polluted Runoff Control Program. The accompanying essay, limited to 100 words, should explain what is taking place to prevent water pollution.

Winners will be displayed at Kapolei Hale, March 17 to 28; at Mark’s Garage in downtown Honolulu during First Friday, April 4; in the City’s Earth Month newspaper tabloid to be published March 17; and on the City’s Storm Water Quality website at www.cleanwaterhonolulu.com.

Contest information and entry forms are available online at www.cleanwaterhonolulu.com. The deadline for both contests is February 1, 2008.

April is Earth Month, offering numerous opportunities to get outdoors and do something for the environment.  The City’s Department of Environmental Services will host several educational and volunteer activities in April. Find one in your neighborhood and get involved. Go to www.cleanwaterhonolulu.com.

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Contact:  Iwalani Sato, Storm Water