HONOLULU (KHON2) – The pandemic forced Hawaii and the world to shut down. People were encouraged to stay home for almost nine months and few made trips to the islands.

While this devastated Hawaii’s economy, it had the opposite effect on its environment.

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In the week of Monday April 19, more than 90,000 people came to Hawaii. The amount of litter found on the Hawaiian shores continues to increase as the number of visitors increases.

It’s no secret, humans are responsible for polluting oceans and beaches. The pandemic, with its home orders and travel restrictions, gave the environment a break.

Community-led efforts are helping clean up the Pearl Harbor Historic Trail

Lisa Bishop, President of Friends of Hanauma Bay, said there was “a phenomenal natural resurgence in the bay’s marine resources” during the nine months that Hanauma Bay was closed during the pandemic.

Bishop explained that the water was clearer. They even noticed more fish in the bay.

“We’ve seen the garbage on our beaches in Leeward, Waikiki and the South Coast drop dramatically.” Parley for the ocean Hawaii Director Kahi Pacarro said.

40 divers are ready to complete the underwater cleanse on Magic Island

Pacarro said there has been a noticeable increase in litter at popular tourist destinations since the lockdown was lifted.

“The vast majority of the plastics we see are single-use plastics,” stated Pacarro. “And we’re starting to see PPE a little more and cigarette butts too.”

“If you’re a visitor and you come to Hawaii, come here for the beauty. So do your best to keep it beautiful,” Pacarro said.

It’s not just tourists to blame.

Microplastics remain a major problem, and garbage that is improperly disposed of ends up on the ocean floor.

Ocean Defenders Alliance (ODA) collected debris from the ocean floor in front of Magic Island on Saturday.

Ken Staples, director of operations at ODA, said there is always a lot of filth there.

“It’s a major shipping canal,” he explained. “All the boats that come and go in and out of the harbor and many things get knocked off the board and simply collect on the ground. It’s amazing what we find out there. “

Divers hauled in everything from fishing nets, ropes, and anchors to plastic bottles, tires, and even a mattress during their underwater wash.

Glenn Roberts, head of the ODA diving team, said they are trying to make a difference and protect the ocean and the animals that live in it.

“If more and more people think this way and take action, it will only save the ocean, and it is so important to all of us,” said Roberts.

“So do your best to keep it nice,” said Pacarro. “And it’s not just about not disposing of any rubbish. It’s about maybe not using that stuff in the first place. “

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