O‘AHU, HAWAI‘I – On Thursday, Nov. 12, U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Interior Michael L. Connor will join U.S. Forest Service Associate Chief Mary Wagner and musician Jack Johnson to announce a new partnership related to President Obama’s Every Kid in a Park initiative.
Deputy Secretary Connor, Associate Chief Wagner, Johnson and Senator Brian Schatz will join more than 200 fourth-grade students from the North Shore of O‘ahu at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge to participate in fun and educational activity stations and distribute free passes to America’s federal lands and waters. Jack Johnson will also perform a song with the students. The event is coordinated by the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Johnson’s own Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation.
The Every Kid in a Park initiative seeks to connect young people with the great outdoors. The program allows fourth graders nationwide to go to www.everykidinapark.gov and obtain a pass for free entry for them and their families to more than 2,000 federally managed lands and waters nationwide for an entire year, starting Sept. 1, 2015.
Earlier this year, President Obama announced Every Kid in a Park as part of his commitment to protect our nation’s unique outdoor spaces and ensure that every American has the opportunity to visit and enjoy them.
James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, features wetland habitat within an hour’s drive from Honolulu, Hawai‘i. The refuge protects four of Hawai‘i’s endemic water birds, all of which are listed as endangered species.
Who:
Michael Connor, U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Interior
Mary Wagner, U.S. Forest Service Associate Chief
Jack Johnson, Musician, Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation Co-founder
Brian Schatz, U.S. Senator, Hawai‘i
What:
Every Kid in a Park Hawai‘i kickoff celebration
When:
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015
9:00 a.m. HADT – Media check-in
9:30 a.m. HADT – Every Kid in a Park partnership announcement
10:00 a.m. HADT – Student activity stations begin – brief media availability
12:00 p.m. HADT – Student activity stations conclude
Where:
James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge
66-590 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, HI
Mile marker 14 North of Turtle Bay Resort (not at the refuge office)
Media:
Credentialed members of the media are encouraged to RSVP here. As this is an outdoor event, wear comfortable shoes and clothing and bring a reusable water bottle and sun protection.
Source: Department of Interior
