Earth Day featuring variety of festivities across the isle

WAILUKU - Earth Day 2009 will feature a wide range of activities across the island, including a farmers market, cultural demonstrations and Hawaiian entertainment.

Maui Nui Botanical Gardens will sponsor its seventh annual Earth Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the garden, 150 Kanaloa Ave. in Kahului. Admission and parking are free.

The event's entertainment lineup includes Grammy award winner George Kahumoku Jr., Haku Mele Award winner Pekelo Cosma and Halau Na Hanona Kulike 'o Pi'ilani.

More than 30 conservation organizations will share information about Hawaiian species, resources conservation and recycling. Information on volunteer opportunities also will be offered through organizations such as the Sierra Club, the Native Hawaiian Plant Society, Friends of Haleakala National Park and the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission.

There will also be other activities, including lei making and a silent auction. For more information, call 249-2798.

In West Maui, Earth Day 2009 will include a "green conscious community celebration" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Farmers Market Health Food Store. Located at 3636 Lower Honoapiilani Road across from Honokowai Park, the event will feature food, music and giveaways.

Another Earth Day celebration is set for 10 a.m. until sunset Sunday at Baldwin Beach Park in Paia. Attendees of the Maui Earth Day Festival can expect nonstop music from a variety of Maui musicians on the park's main stage. Those expected to entertain include Jamallad, Zuni, Youssou Sidibe, Divino and Rich Stillwell.

There will also be activities, a food court and a keiki care center. Most environmentally friendly organizations are expected to turn out for the festival. Also expected to attend are advocates for land, water, animals, agriculture, alternative energy and personal health.

There will be a variety of eco and green vendors as well as vegan food vendors.

The goal of Sunday's Maui Earth Day Festival at Baldwin Beach Park is to educate and motivate the public to take action and get involved in preserving the island, solving environmental and social issues, and saving the planet.

For more information, visit www.MauiEarthDay.org.