Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and the city's storm water quality branch, department of environmental services, has announced two contests highlighting the importance of protecting and improving local water resources.
"Contaminated runoff of storm water can pose a threat to public health and the environment," Hannemann said. "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."
"This 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."
Twelve middle and high schools will contribute videos aimed at building awareness of the civic responsibilities of young people. Specifically, submissions should focus on actions youth can take to protect and improve Honolulu's water resources. Participating 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.
Amateur and professional photographers are invited to enter the second contest, the new Everyday Environmental Hero Photo Essay Contest. This new addition is a collaborative effort between Honolulu's storm water quality branch and Hawaii's Department of Health Clean Water Branch Polluted Runoff Control Program. The accompanying essay shoudl explain, in 100 words or less, what the picture says about preventing water pollution.
Contest information and entry forms are available online at www.cleanwaterhonolulu.com. The deadline for both contests is Feb. 1, 2008.
Source: The Honolulu Advertiser
