Love Blue Maui’s Groundbreaking Beach Cleanup: A New Chapter in Ocean Advocacy

In a monumental moment for the Love Blue Inc. family, the organization has expanded its mission to the Hawaiian islands with the establishment of Love Blue Maui, marking a powerful step forward in protecting the world’s oceans. As one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions and sitting near the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Hawaii holds a crucial role in the health of the ocean and, by extension, the world’s climate. Love Blue Maui’s inaugural beach cleanup on September 7th and 8th, 2024, at Kanaha Beach Park in Kahului, was not just an event, but a movement that solidified the organization’s presence as the ocean's protectors in Hawaii.

The island of Maui is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including sea turtles, monk seals, humpback whales, and vibrant coral reefs. These species don’t just contribute to the beauty of the islands—they play an integral role in maintaining the balance of the ocean’s ecosystem. As the controller of the climate, the ocean’s health determines the future of the planet, and in the face of increasing pollution and environmental degradation, Love Blue Inc. has answered the call to protect it for generations to come.

Founded by co-presidents Cameron Tsuhako and Raven Bugtong, along with their dedicated team, Love Blue Maui is more than a community chapter of Love Blue Inc.—it’s a guardian of Hawaii’s waters. On September 7th, 2024, they made history with the first official Love Blue beach cleanup ever held in Hawaii. Volunteers, local students, and key community members gathered for a two-day event at Kanaha Beach Park, coming together to make a difference.

Cleanup Stats:

- Saturday’s Efforts: 20 volunteers cleared debris from the beach, removing 75 pounds of waste from the shore.

- Sunday’s Efforts: 48 volunteers cleared 175 pounds of waste, making significant strides in keeping Maui’s beaches clean.

Throughout the event, Cameron and Raven educated participants on the significance of Love Blue’s mission and why establishing a chapter in Maui was so vital. Cameron passionately shared a powerful Hawaiian proverb:

“Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘āina i ka pono” – “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.”

This sentiment captures the essence of their work, grounded in the Hawaiian concept of kūleana—a deep sense of responsibility to protect the land and waters.

"Our personal motto is ‘Where kūleana is at the heart of what we do,’" Cameron explained, emphasizing that this responsibility is not just a task, but a calling for every volunteer and supporter of the movement.

Love Blue Maui’s cleanup efforts were made possible through the collaboration of several local organizations, including the Maui High School Key Club, Baldwin High School Key Club, King Kekaulike’s Key Club, and members of the Kiwanis Club of Maui. Their combined efforts showcased the power of community in preserving the environment.

As we reflect on the success of this groundbreaking cleanup, Love Blue Maui extends its deepest gratitude to all the organizations and volunteers who made this moment possible. The work we’ve done together is just the beginning. We are committed to safeguarding Hawaii’s marine life, beaches, and the vast ocean beyond, protecting them for the future.

Love Blue Inc.’s expansion into Hawaii is a testament to our continued dedication as Guardians of the Ocean. We are here to protect and preserve these precious waters for generations to come. This is our responsibility. This is our kūleana.

To get involved or learn more about Love Blue Maui’s future initiatives, follow us on Instagram @lovebluemaui, or visit our Linktree at Love Blue Maui Linktree.

Together, we are the ocean’s guardians. Together, we will make a difference.