HONOLULU (KHON2) — Kapono Kaluhiokalani joined Brittni Friedlander on Wake Up 2Day with the details on their COAST program.
COAST stands for Coral Occupational Applications and Scientific Techniques and is an 8-week accelerated and intensive course to get SCUBA certifications and coral restoration training.
Participants will receive certifications up to Rescue diver, hands-on restoration training, knowledge and training to make them competitive in the field.
Graduating students get a $2,000 stipend and all gear is included – no payment needed by any student.
Coral restoration is relatively new here in Hawaii, and goal is to bring more local people into coral restoration, because they know their reef, issues, solutions best.
However, many face barriers to gaining these skills, because SCUBA certifications are costly, and opportunities are limited.
All are welcome to apply, but they are focusing applicants on individuals with pilina to West Oahu and prioritizing Native Hawaiians and Pacific islanders which are currently underrepresented in the field.
All the information and details can be found at Coral Restoration Training Programs — Kuleana Coral Restoration.
Course dates are June 10th to July 31st, three days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ko Olina Office and applications are open until April 15th.