Freedom Day for Hawaii Turtles
Posted on Jun 29, 2009 under Big Island Events |One of the Big Island’s more unusual Fourth of July events is Turtle Independence Day, held at the Mauna Lani Bay & Bungalows hotel beachfront. On this special day, Hawaiian green sea turtles that have been raised to maturity are released to live out their lives in the open sea.
The annual program is aimed at educating the public about the importance of protecting these ancient reptiles whose population is threatened. The Mauna Lani Bay & Bungalows hotel is among numerous state and federal conservation groups, educational entities and government organizations working to restore the green sea turtle population to its original levels.
The baby turtles originate from the Sea Turtles Lagoon, a breeding sanctuary at Oahu’s Sea Life Park. The park has produced over 2,200 hatchlings so far, many of which have been released back into the sea to help recover local populations. As part of a partnership called the Hawaiian Sea Turtle Ambassador Program, juvenile turtles from Sea Life’s Turtles Lagoon are provided to the Mauna Lani Bay & Bungalows Hotel to be fostered in one of their carefully maintained Honu Ponds. As they reach an appropriate age and weight, the mature turtles are given an identification mark and set free into the ocean.
Saturday, July 4, 2009, marks the 20th anniversary of Turtle Independence Day when visitors, local residents and resort staff will gather at the Mauna Lani Hotel beach to participate in this rewarding occasion. The free event is held from 10:30 to noon, beginning with a welcome ceremony to honor Hawaii’s beloved honu. An educational display booth, live entertainment and a barbeque will be included.
Mauna Lani Resort is located 23 miles north of Kona International Airport on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island.
