Sierra Club hosts bi-annual candidates’ forum at Kanaha Beach Park.

The Sierra Club Maui Group will hold its Red, White and Blue Candidates’ Day Picnic on Sunday, Sept. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lae‘ula O Kai Canoe Hale located at Kanaha Beach Park. The Sierra Club has sponsored this family-friendly event every two years before the primary election. All candidates are invited to attend and picnic attendees are provided with the opportunity to meet and talk story with candidates in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

In addition to highlighting the upcoming political race, the event will also feature the 2008 Red, White and Blue Candidates’ Day Outrigger Canoe Regatta, hosted by the Lae‘ula O Kai Canoe Club. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., races will begin at 9 a.m. and the entry fee is $100 per crew. Awards will be presented to division winners, overall winner and to the best costume. Entry forms and waivers are available online at www.MauiSierraClub.org. All proceeds from the canoe races will be shared between the Sierra Club Maui Group and the Lae‘ula O Kai Canoe Club. The picnic will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a Sierra Club-sponsored silent auction hosted at 11:30. A “Candidates Tent” sponsored by the ‘Ohana Coalition will provide a “meet and greet” forum. A keiki activity area hosted by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and the Pacific Whale Foundation will honor the International Year of the Reef by providing fun, educational activities and games focusing on the preservation and protection of Hawai‘i’s reefs.

In addition, the 2008 Malama ka ‘aina (“take care of the land”) Award will be presented to two community members for exhibiting a long-term commitment for stewardship of the land. The recipients of this year’s award are Hawai‘i Organic Farmers Association Co-founder Diana Dahl and environmental educator and naturalist Iokepa “Kepa” Naole.

The picnic will feature a delicious assortment of food from local vendors, live music and entertainment.

There is a suggested donation of $5 for adults and admission for keiki is free. The Sierra Club Maui Group is looking for silent auction donations and volunteers for the event.

For more information, contact Sierra Club Maui Chapter Fundraising Coordinator Jeanne Androvich at 276-7088, email jeanne.androvich@mindspring.com or visit www.MauiSierraClub.org.