Japanese visitors Masa, Aina and Marina meet the donkey at the Kona Coffee Living History farm with Etsuko, Jana, Manami and Maki. (Hawaii 24/7 photo courtesy of Margaret Masunaga)

Reporting for Hawaii 24/7 by Margaret Masunaga

Marina Nagata and Aina Katayama, of Shizuoka, Japan, beat 4,000 other students to win an environmental essay contest and are visiting the Big Island as Shizuoka Children’s Environmental Ambassadors.

Gail and Margaret Masunaga are the host family during their stay in Kona.

Shizuoka Broadcasting System Co., Shizuoka Newspaper Corp., and Shizuoka Prefecture Government are traveling with Aina and Marina to see how families like the Masunagas recycle, compost, and use recycle bags.

They are learning about County of Hawaii projects under Mayor Billy Kenoi for sustainability and healthy living.

The student ambassadors still have time for fun and enjoyed a weekend visit with Mel Morimoto, Maki Alspach, Etsuko Miller, and Uki Izawa at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm.

Marina, Aina, Manami and Jana at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook. (Hawaii 24/7 photo courtesy of Maragret Masunaga)