Big Island native Cindi Punihaole has been named the first Reef Hero in a series sponsored by Dear Ocean, a newly formed non-profit whose mission is to inspire appreciation and raise awareness of the complex challenges facing the ocean.

As director of the Kahalu’u Bay Education Center (KBEC), Punihaole is applying childhood lessons she learned by teaching thousands of tourists how to exist in harmony with nature while enjoying its beauty. These lessons have inspired ongoing programs at KBEC such as the ReefTeach program, Citizen Science initiatives, and the Reef-Friendly Sunscreen program.

Punihaole was instrumental in educating the public and providing testimony leading up to the state passing a law banning the harmful sunscreen chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. She continues this mission by helping people understand the damaging effects of avobenzone and octocrylene as the state considers a bill banning these two petrochemicals.

“Cries of help from our environment have fallen on deaf ears because we have become disconnected from the sense of taking care of place,” said Punihaole in a press release from the Kohala Center.  She continued, “my father always told me to love your land like you love your sweetheart and it will always take care of you.”

To learn more about The Kohala Center and Kahaluʻu Bay Education Center click here.

Photo Courtesy of the Kohala Center.