MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii Island Humane Society is hosting an Animal Advocacy and Reef Wildlife Protection presentation, 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at Hualalai Academy in the Bridge Building.

Inga Gibson from the Humane Society of the United States will discuss current animal and marine protection campaigns and update the community on past and upcoming animal friendly legislation. Gibson will also discuss the Kona Nightingale relocation and adoption program.

Rene Umberger, “For the Fishes” organization, from Maui, will also be speaking.She will cover the impacts of the aquarium trade on Hawaii’s wildlife and reefs.

Umberger has made more than 10,000 dives as a scuba instructor and guide on Maui since 1983. She has also worked with the marine tour industry creating educational materials, and leading underwater marine debris clean up events as well as developing environmental standards for marine tourists.

There will be time for questions and discussions. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call Ginger Towle at 329-2051.