MEDIA RELEASE

University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program will hold 9 free community workshops across the island to give residents access to information about rainwater catchment systems, safety, monitoring and proper maintenance. Water quality testing kits and instructions will be provided to workshop attendees free of charge.

Two free professional level workshops will be held to provide government agency representatives, non-profit community organizations, health service providers and other stakeholders information regarding rainwater catchment issues that directly impact human health.

There will also be a two-day Accredited Professional Workshop held on March 24 and 25 at Kilauea Military Camp.

This project has been made possible through the collaboration of numerous organizations and individuals including the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture program, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), State of Hawaii Department of Health, Na Maka O Papahanaumokuakea, and the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA), the nation’s premier non-profit promoting the safe and effective use of rainwater catchment worldwide.

Community Workshop Schedule:

* Oceanview:
Friday, March 6
6-8:30 p.m.
Oceanview Community Center

* Naalehu:
Saturday, March 7
9-11:30 a.m.
Naalehu Community Center

* Volcano:
Saturday, March 7
1-3:30 p.m.
The Cooper Center

* Pahoa:
Friday, March 13
6-8:30 p.m.
Pahoa Community Center

* Keaau:
Saturday, March 14
9-11:30 a.m.
Keaau Elementary School Cafeteria

* Hilo:
Saturday, March 14
1-3:30 p.m.
Waiakea High School Cafeteria

* Hamakua:
Saturday, March 21
9-11:30 a.m.
North Hawaii Education & Research Center (NHERC)

* Kealakekua:
Saturday, March 21
6-8:30 p.m.
Konawaena High School Cafeteria

Free Professional Workshop Schedule

* Hilo:
Friday, March 20
9 a.m.-noon
Council Chambers at the County Building in Hilo, 25 Aupuni Street, Room 1401

* Kona:
Monday, March 23
9 a.m.-noon
West Hawaii Civic Center-Community Hale

— Find out more:
www.arcsa.org