Imua!

Ah, yet another exciting and fulfilling week has passed for the strapping young go-getters of the Laulima A 'Ike Pono internship program. Upon arriving at the fishpond on Tuesday, us interns were fortunate enough to be graced by the presence of the eminent Sherril, and Kirsten was there too. After the regular pep-talk and preparation of equipment, we descended into the brisk waters like the US troops on D-Day. There was not a single inch of site 39, 78,102, and 121 left unscathed by our superior intern sampling abilities.

           Ty unleashes a fierce Shaka, plunging Ikaika into a state of utter disbelief and anger. Luckily, he manages to return to his senses just in time to retrieve his precious water samples.

As head master navigator general, Ikaika diligently and deftly guided us through obstacle after obstacle, resting only to help recover one of the numerous yardsticks that have fallen prey the Hei'eia Fishpond's abysmal depths.

As per usual, our saturday session at the Coconut Island required hours of intense research and testing  of samples. Ty, Brian, Ikaika, and myself were the first to experience the lab, while the others ventured into the uncharted waters surrounding the isle to collect water to be used for dissolved oxygen testing. 

One of the tasks given to us by Captain Sherril was to label 150 canisters for nutrient samples. It was jolly good fun. The underlined nines and sixes will help Sherril tell them apart!

Sherril gives her pupil a didactic speech on the subtleties of Excel. A confused Brian listens attentively, glad to be away from the stress of his shrimp farm.

This saturday was going to be unlike any other saturday before it. With Sherril's permission and Kirsten's watchful eye, the interns were set free into the ocean for an afternoon of aquatic fun. "This must be how dolphins feel after being released from captivity," I thought to myself.

I managed to photograph some of the ocean life. It is widely assumed that Ky took this, but I assure you that is not the case.  Notice the coral sprouting and enveloping the floral-looking creature.

Here Lissa is seen emerging from the water, pondering the vast expanse of the bay.

As usual, Kirsten is hard at work.

What an eventful day!