Mayor Unveils City's Earth Month Calendar

Mayor Mufi Hannemann today released the consolidated Earth Month activities calendar that involves many of the city's departments.

"Our commitment to sustainability and the environment, and fulfilling our vision of the 21^st Century Ahupuaa remains a guiding principle for city operations," said the Mayor.  "Getting each of our departments to communicate with the public during Earth Month is a good way to get the word out on what we're doing and helps to get our residents involved."

Coordinated through the Mayor's Energy and Sustainability Task Force, city departments are working on a variety of recycling, alternative energy and conservation projects.

The new city Earth Month Calendar features several citywide programs that impact residents and set the tone for environmental awareness. Examples include:

March 28^th, Earth Hour, a global event sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund and know locally as Honolulu City Lights Out.

April 1^st-April 30^th, the City's Energy Contest.  Design a light switch plate with a conservation message.

April 11^th, Mauka to Makai Expo at the Waikiki Aquarium, a full day of ocean-oriented activities, in addition to several Adopt-A-Stream Cleanups

April 13^th, Department of Planning and Permitting holds a day-long Symposium for design and construction professionals at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.  Topics will include conservation, LEED strategies and other sustainable building practices.

April 18^th, After the annual Earth Hour event in March, the community requested a local event on a more frequent schedule to reinforce the importance of energy conservation.  Honolulu City Lights Out will premiere on April 18^th in partnership with ClearChannel Communications and other private sector partners; thereafter, it will occur monthly on the third Saturday of every month.

April 22^nd, Earth Day will feature Honolulu's first Green Market on Fort Street Mall.

April 26^th, 21^st Century Ahupuaa Youth Ambassadors will hold a Youth Summit to help shape the future of Honolulu.

May 4^th, The kick off for expanded Curbside Recycling on Oahu.

A complete Earth Month calendar can be found online at www.Honolulu.gov

www.SustainHonolulu.com

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