By Karen Welsh
A black crab scurries over the ancient lava found at the Waiopae Tidepools near Kapoho, startling a little fish who responds with a quick flip of its tail before heading out into deeper waters. The world below the crystal clear waterline is a cacophony of colorful sea creatures, ever moving, ever-changing in their rhythm in the volcanically heated ponds teeming with life.
The effortless movement of the manini, blowfish, angelfish and others species so bright they take on the appearance of neon, takes them down to curtains of lavender, cornflower blue, orange, pink and yellow coral. Even the sun joins in, shinning brightly overhead, creating a reflective dance of light on light. The limu responds, swaying back and forth in the current.
In the midst of this natural symphony is a conductor of sorts. He is 23-year-old Hilo resident Grant Kow, a professional reef watcher for this particular Marine Life Conservation District. His job is simple, yet important. He makes sure no one abuses the aina or the kai located within the protected area.
"I'm usually out here eight hours a day on the weekends and federal holidays," he said. "I monitor the area. I don't hand out citations or anything. It's more to educate the public about what is going on in this area."
Grant's instruction is a reminder of the stringent state rules regarding the 45-acre sanctuary. He recites them freely and cheerfully to both the kamaaina and malahini visiting the area. He tells everyone there is absolutely no fishing allowed, no destroying coral of any kind, poking sticks into rocks or leaving trash at the site.
It seems straightforward enough, but there are people who abuse this pristine eco system. A collection of cigarette butts and bottle tops from alcoholic beverages are scattered over some portions of the smooth pahoehoe lava. They are often discarded by locals after Grant has gone home for the day.
When he returns, however, Grant patiently collects all the refuse left behind by uncaring souls, always hoping the next time will be better.
"I pick up litter all the time," he said. "I pick up all types of debris. This could be avoided if everyone would pack out what they bring in. It's simple. It's really simple."
For the most part, Grant, a senior at the University of Hawaii majoring in Aqua Culture and a minor in Marine Science, said his job is amazing because the salty warm pools are one of the most diverse areas on the island.
"These tidepools are unique and they are right here in the lower Puna District," Grant said. "They are easily assessable. They are protected by a natural reef barrier. The area serves as a major marine nursery for marine life."
It's also interesting to see what the tides and currents bring up on shore. Grant said the most unusual item so far was a plane from a crash that happened off the Maui coast last October.
"It was crazy," he said. "It washed up on Pebble Beach, on the north side of the sanctuary."
It's evident this 1999 Waiakea High School graduate has a profound passion for the ocean. When he isn't in class or working, he can often be found at the Hilo break wall, again watching the ocean swells and fishing.
"I'm one of those extreme guys that go out to the end and fish," Grant said. "Not too many people go out there."
His thoughts are often about his fiancee Linda and their two-and-a-half year old daughter, Tiani.
"I want to make the world a better place for them, especially Tiani," Grant said. "We need to conserve the land for our kids, so at least they can know what it was like for us. The ocean is one of our most important resources. We have to take care of it."
Grant is hoping to work at the state fish hatchery, located behind the old Iron Works Building near Waialoa State Park after he graduates. He wants to help manage the fishing game, once again, ensuring a healthy underwater future for his daughter, and all the generations to come.