By Honolulu District Public Affairs
FORT DeRUSSY, Oahu - More than 35 volunteers collected trash and debris at Fort DeRussy in Waikiki Sept. 21 in honor of National Public Lands Day. The Corps of Engineers’ Pacific Regional Visitor Center (RVC) coordinated the event that was supported by Corps employees and Punahou Junior ROTC cadets.
Sixteen cadets led by JROTC Commander Lt. Col. Robert Takao concentrated their cleaning efforts on the beach berm behind historic Battery Randolph.
“We’ve been doing this for the last six or seven years and we always get willing volunteers,” Takao said. “It’s never hard to get the cadets to come out because they realize how good it is for our world to do things like this. I’m really proud of them.”
Volunteers collected more than 10 large bags of trash from the area.
“We’re happy about educating the public on the importance of preserving and improving our precious natural and cultural treasures,” said Angela Jones, head Park Ranger for the RVC.
National Public Lands Day is the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the U.S. It began in 1994 and focuses on education and partnerships to care for the nation’s natural treasures.
For more information on National Public Lands Day visit http://www.publiclandsday.org For information on Corps’ recreation opportunities visit www.CorpsLakes.us.
Release no. 13-013