June 28, 2026
For Immediate Distribution
Contact David McGuire,
Subject: Kona celebrates the Ocean with film, education and community
Ocean event at the Kona Elks Theater to benefit The Kohala Center’s ReefTeach Program at Kahaluʻu Beach Park.
On July 11, our Kona community is invited to celebrate the ocean with documentary films, education partners and a talk story, recognizing the beauty and importance to humans. Divers, surfers, swimmers and ocean lovers are invited to watch ocean films at the Kona Elkʻs Theater as a benefit event for The Kohala Center’s ReefTeach program educating youth and engaging community at Kahaluʻu Bay.
The featured film, Keeper of the Bay, is an award-winning and inspiring documentary that tells the story of aloha ʻāina in action -showcasing the power of community stewardship and Aunty Cindi Punihaole’s unwavering commitment to caring for and protecting the beloved waters of Kahaluʻu Bay for future generations.
“In our Hawaiian culture, caring is not passive–it is kuleana. It Is our responsibility, our privilege, and our promise to future generations. Our coral reefs cannot wait for the perfect time or the perfect leader. They need all of us, right now. When we show up with aloha, even the smallest action can create waves of change that reach far beyond ourselves.” said Punihaole.
“Coral reef systems are at risk around the world. Kona Ocean Day celebrates the importance of the reef, including sharks to people and the ecosystem, and how we can work together to steward the ocean and protect the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument,” said David McGuire, Director of the shark conservation non-profit Shark Stewards and host of the film event.
The event opens in the Elkʻs lobby with education partners including The Kohala Center – ReefTeach, Malama Kai, Kalanihale of Miloliʻi, Ke Kai Ola- Marine Mammal Center, Ocean Janitors and Shark Stewards. Short films include Brittany Bigg’s brilliant animation Manō, Shark Steward’s Listen to the Sea, and the Last Opeluman with Uncle Chuck Lesley. All films were created entirely in Hawai’i, with talk story following the films.
A $10 donation is requested, kids under 12 are free. Additional food and drink will be available for sale courtesy of the Elks Kona Lodge 2616. Keiki activities and raffle included.
Kona Ocean Day, is a day to celebrate and to raise awareness about the importance of our ocean, and ocean life including the Papahānaumokuākea.
More information and RSVP can be found at https://sharkstewards.org/events