FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Caroline Witherspoon or
Katie Vanes
Becker Communications, Inc.
(808) 533-4165

WAIKIKI AQUARIUM VOLUNTEER TRAINING BEGINS MAY 6

HONOLULU (April 24, 2014) – Do you have an interest in Hawai‘i marine life and conservation? Do you enjoy interacting with and teaching others? Become a Waikiki Aquarium volunteer! Free marine life interpreter training sessions will be held from May 6 to 22, 2014 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30- 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Interpreters share natural history information on the Waikiki Aquarium’s outdoor reef exhibit, guide visitor observations and answer questions about Hawai‘i’s marine environment. The training course covers interpretation and hospitality skills, information on exhibit operations, and various marine sciences. Interpreters work one two-hour shift per week for a minimum period of six months.

“Our training at the Aquarium offers volunteers of all ages the opportunity to learn about and gain an appreciation for marine life and conservation from our expert Waikiki Aquarium staff,” said Dr. Andy Rossiter, Aquarium Director.

“We have such a passionate group of volunteers here, including individuals who have been with us for more than decade, and new faces who just joined the team this year. We value the knowledge our volunteers provide, as their assistance throughout our exhibits can enhance a guest’s entire experience at our facility.”

Each trainee must attend the eight sessions prior to acceptance to the program. Deadline for registration is May 3. Interested parties can call 440-9020 or e-mail volunteer@waikikiquarium.org for more information or to schedule a meeting and reserve space in the class.

About the Waikiki Aquarium
Founded in 1904 and administered by the University of Hawai‘i since 1919, the Waikiki Aquarium is located on the shoreline of Waikiki Beach next to a living reef and across from Kapiolani Park. The Aquarium “second oldest in the U.S.” showcases more than 500 marine species, and maintains more than 3,000 marine specimens. Public exhibits, education programs and research focus on the unique aquatic life of Hawai‘i and the tropical Pacific. The Aquarium welcomes more than 320,000 visitors annually, and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Honolulu Marathon Sunday and Christmas Day. Admission is $12 for visitors; $8 for local residents, active duty military with ID and students with ID; $5 for seniors, juniors ages 4 to 12 and persons with disabilities; and free for children 3 and under and Friends of Waikiki Aquarium (FOWA) members. For more information about the Waikiki Aquarium, including membership, please call (808) 923-9741 or visit www.waikikiaquarium.org.

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