There are a lot of environmental organizations out there, and they can all use a few extra hands. Malama Hawai‘i is a great place to start looking for volunteering opportunities on Oahu.

Many organizations need help with service projects. You can volunteer to help out with hands-on activities like stream restorations and beach clean-ups. Source

You don't always have to get dirty to help. For example, the Kailua Bay Advisory Council always appreciates groups collecting data for the Ko‘olaupoko region of O‘ahu using the awareness survey.

Make sure you use your skills! Environmental organizations may need help with behind-the-scenes things like advertising their events, managing their website, or perhaps even legal advice. Depending on your skills, your most valuable contributions could be those of your mind!

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Your opinions on various issues will become more insightful and intelligent as you learn more about them and the area.

Many organizations offer lecture series on a broad range of topics. Sometimes these events take place in a classroom, and other times they will be integrated into an event like a hike (like KBAC's streamwalks). They are often free and worth checking out.

• Windward Ahupua‘a Alliance
• Kawai Nui Heritage Foundation
• Kailua Bay Advisory Council
• Ala Wai Watershed Association
• Hawai‘i Nature Center

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If you've got strong feelings about an issue, don't just sit there and stew - let people know how you feel! There are many public forums where you can influence policies. The following are only a few suggestions:

Write a letter to the editor

Attend your Neighborhood Board Meeting

1. Find your district on this map (clicking on the map will open that district's webpage);

Source

2. Use this page to find out your district's monthly meeting schedule;
3. Attend the meeting, and get ready to voice your concerns during the "Public Input/ Resident's Concerns" section. Be organized, because you'll only get about 3 minutes to make your point.
   • If you need more time, you can contact your district's chairperson using this page and request to be put onto the agenda.

Write a letter to an elected official

Anyone in Hawai‘i can write or phone their appropriate City Council member, their Mayor, state representatives and senators, and with patience, the governor. See the directory on the left for contact information.

If the matter that concerns you is on the city council's agenda, you can even testify. Click here for information on how to do that.

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