Clean 1million Pounds of Disaster Debris in Hawaii

As we reflect on the progress made in the third quarter of 2025, the Ocean Blue Project stands as a leader in plastic disaster relief, driven by our unwavering commitment to protecting waterways and the global ocean from plastic pollution. The Plastic Disaster Relief Program, which has thrived thanks to your support, is Ocean Blue’s top initiative aimed at promoting healthy communities and ecosystems through direct action, education, and collaboration. 

Ocean Blue’s overarching goal is to remove 5 million pounds of plastic and debris from beaches, back bays, and ocean-bound waterways, while nurturing a new generation of environmental stewards.

Milestone Impact & Program Achievements

This quarter, the impact of the Plastic Disaster Relief program has been truly remarkable. Ocean Blue’s team, alongside passionate volunteers and partners, has now removed a lifetime total of 3,293,344 pounds of debris from waterways across the nation, a staggering achievement representing over 16 Space Shuttle orbiters, at least 11 blue whales, or approximately 132 school buses in weight. 

Notably, since the beginning of 2024, we’ve surpassed our ambitious pledge goals by cleaning up 2,125,717 pounds, exceeding pledged targets by mor than 164,000 pounds and delivering an additional $32,830 of value for our ocean, communities, and wildlife. These accomplishments underscore Ocean Blue Project’s impact and ongoing leadership in the fight against plastic pollution, uniting supporters, communities, and student advocates in our mission to safeguard our blue planet for generations to come.

This summer has been especially inspiring for the Ocean Blue Project (OBP), thanks to the energetic and thoughtful contributions of our high school intern, Zack B. Traditionally, OBP has engaged college students, but partnering with a high school intern provided fresh perspectives, enriched our programs, and brought new dynamism to our staff and volunteer teams.

Tackling the Crisis at Kamilo Beach: A Call to Action for Hawaii’s “Plastic Beach”

As part of our unwavering commitment to fight plastic pollution wherever it strikes hardest, the Ocean Blue Project is setting its sights on one of the world’s most pressing plastic disaster zones: Kamilo Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. Known to locals as “Plastic Beach,” this remote shoreline is infamous for the astonishing amounts of plastic and marine debris that wash up year-round, choking the sands and threatening a unique ecosystem.

With sufficient funding, Ocean Blue Project is prepared to launch ongoing cleanup initiatives at Kamilo Beach, bringing our nationally tested methods and passionate volunteer network to one of the planet’s most critical frontlines. Our proven Plastic Disaster Relief program will focus on systematic removal of debris while fostering community engagement, education, and local stewardship. These sustained efforts can help restore Kamilo’s natural beauty and protect Hawaii’s invaluable coastal ecosystems.

Supporting the cleanup of Kamilo Beach is not just about maintaining the stunning landscapes that draw visitors from around the world. It’s about safeguarding the home of native Hawaiian wildlife, such as endangered Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles, and vibrant reef fish, that rely on clean, healthy shorelines for survival. Every piece of plastic removed from Kamilo is a lifeline to local sea creatures and an essential step in preserving Hawaii’s legendary biodiversity for future generations.

We urge our supporters and the broader community to stand with Ocean Blue Project in this vital work. Your contributions directly enable us to expand our reach and respond to crisis zones like Kamilo Beach, where ongoing action is needed most. Together, we can protect Hawaii’s shorelines, marine life, and the natural treasures that connect us all to the ocean.

Warm regards, 

Karisa Arterbury