Live Aloha on Saturday

Tomorrow brings the second annual "Live Aloha" day of service and aloha, spearheaded by Kanu Hawaii. The local social network aims to bring positive social change through simple, achievable personal commitments, but its strength shines when the community comes together for a larger cause.

"With the economy down, budgets strained, and so many in a state of need, it's easy to feel like aloha, too, is in short supply," the group notes. "As a movement committed to preserving and promoting island values, it is our kuleana to help replenish the store."

There are over a dozen individual projects across the state in which volunteers can participate, including building a plant nursery and aquaponics system at Waikiki Elementary School, cleaning and leading children's activities at the Manoa Shelter for Women & Children, clearing invasive algae at Maunalua Bay, and a work day of planting, weeding and harvesting at MA'O Organic Farm. There are also events on Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, and Molokai.

What are "Live Aloha" projects like? Read Kanu Hawaii co-founder and organizer James Koshiba's report on last year's accomplishments. Over 400 people pitched in at one site alone. Despite the challenges still facing our islands in 2010, hopefully many like-minded islanders will answer the call.

If you haven't signed up for Kanu Hawaii, you should. Whether it's volunteering on Saturday, or just taking the first step with a small commitment, it doesn't take much to contribute toward the greater good.