Fourth-graders from a Big Island charter school on a field trip Monday morning to the erupting summit of Kilauea received their free Every Kid in a Park pass from a strong supporter of the program: Sen. Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii.
Fourth-graders from a Big Island charter school on a field trip Monday morning to the erupting summit of Kilauea received their free Every Kid in a Park pass from a strong supporter of the program: Sen. Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii.
Hirono, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando and park rangers greeted students from Ka‘u Learning Academy at Kilauea Overlook. The keiki hiked along Crater Rim Trail with Hirono to the observation deck at Jaggar Museum to learn about the volcano in their backyard, and earn their Every Kid in a Park pass.
The Every in Kid in a Park program is part of President Barack Obama’s commitment to protect the nation’s iconic outdoor spaces and ensure every American has the opportunity to visit them.
This is the second year of the innovative program, which gives fourth-graders and those accompanying them free access to 2,000 public lands and waters nationwide — including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — for a whole year.
“Senator Hirono is a dedicated advocate of education for Hawaii youth and fully embraces Every Kid in a Park,” Orlando said. “The Ka‘u students who hiked with her today not only met one of Hawaii’s senators, but were able to spend quality time outdoors with someone who truly advocates for our keiki and national parks.”
The students took photos with Hirono and were mesmerized by the surges of lava spattering from a vent within Halema‘uma‘u Crater a mile away.
“My favorite thing was seeing the volcano,” said 9-year-old T’rael Pesnell, who took photos of his classmate posing with the eruption behind him.
Hirono also presented the national park with Senate Resolution 541, proclaiming Aug. 1, 2016, as Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakala National Parks Day, to honor the parks’ centennial anniversaries.
“As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Every Kid in a Park program promotes a lifelong appreciation for our environment and natural resources,” Hirono said.
Educators for all grades can learn more about the park’s educational opportunities and curriculum on the park website, www.nps.gov/havo/learn/education/index.htm, or by calling the Education Center at 985-6019.