FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2001
RELEASE NUMBER 2001-04-04

Army celebrates Earth Day

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS -- The Army will celebrate the 31st anniversary of Earth Day April 20 on Oahu and again on April 24 and 25 on the Big Island. U.S. Army, Hawaii will help to celebrate the aina and support the Earth Day theme of "A Million Trees for Earth Day.
     "Earth Day reminds the people of the world of the need for continuing care which is vital to earth’s safety," said Margaret Mead of Earth Day in 1997. "The vernal equinox calls on all mankind to recognize and respect Earth’s beautiful systems of balance, between the presence of animals on land, the fish in the sea, birds in the air, mankind, water, air, and land. Most importantly there must always be awareness of the actions by people that can disturb this precious balance."
     On April 20, U.S. Army, Hawaii and the Army Corps of Engineers will join forces for a program that begins with a tour of the Schofield Barracks’ greenhouse, which contains many species on the endangered list. Also, Dr. Laurie Lucking, cultural resources manager, directorate of public works, will talk on cultural sites in Hawaii.
     After, those wishing to volunteer will be led to a site on Kahanahaiki Ridge above Makua Valley to a 100-acre fenced enclosure to help remove Clidemia hirta, a weed that threatens Hawaii's endangered species. This enclosure is one of two enclosures built by the Army and located at Makua Valley. It is here that the Army’s DPW environmental section has been working rigorously to return the enclosure to native Hawaiian forest.
     Everyone should meet at the Natural Resources Center located at East Range. Bring a hat and lunch and plenty of water. For more information, or to sign up, contact Kapua Kawelo at 656-7641. On April 24 and 25, the public is invited to the Pohakuloa Training Area to celebrate Earth Day. On April 24 the public is invited for a field tour of the Puu Koli Trail. The trail follows surface features of a lava tube system that originates at Puu Koli, a large Mauna Loa cinder cone located at an elevation of about 7,000 feet.
     "You will see ancient Hawaiian sites, geologic and floral features, and panoramic views of the Pohakuloa plain," said Lt. Col. Dennis Owen, commander, Pohakuloa Training Area.
     On April 25, the public is invited to an open house at 11: a.m. The Puu Koli Trail tours begin on April 24 at 8:00 a.m. and 12 noon. Space is limited so call for reservations. Dress for cool and misty weather and bring water. For more information and Puu Koli Trail tour reservations, call Scott Henderson at 969-1966.