In Pursuit of 100,000 lbs

The Last Push

July 23rd, 2022

Armed with commando-grade inflatable boats and 4” folding knives, this crack band of specialists is up against the forces of nature and time in pursuit of 100,000 pounds of marine debris. To keep pace, the squad will need to find and remove nearly 9,000 pounds of derelict fishing gear by the end of the day today (our last day of operations) at Kamokuokamohoaliʻi (Maro Reef).

The units to mobilize are as follows:

Boat: Old Blue

Task - First to launch will be Old Blue- strike first, strike hard, no mercy. Though a pesky fuel line kink temporarily slowed Old Blue, a full fuel system overhaul was accomplished and Old Blue is in prime condition. Its objective is a long reef south of Kamokuokamohoaliʻi’s large central lagoon.

Crew
- Kevin O’Brien- PMDP President, Old Blue Team Lead
  - McGyverish tendencies. Omnipotent in the removal of marine debris and all associated gear, machinery, and accoutrements.
- Charlotte Frank- Geographic Information Stuffs
  - Warp swim speed capabilities. Exhibits magnanimous patience when called “Spider.” Shopping spree endurance.
- Louise Currie- Boat Racer
  - Quiet, conscientious, dependable boat operator. Quiet and steady presence on the team. Though sheʻll do the job quietly, sheʻll be sure to do it right. Generally quiet.
- Andy Sullivan-Haskins- Yankee Bushman
  - Wiry strong both physically and mentally. Polite, principled, capable, and fluent in twelve bird languages

Boat: Rudolph

Task- Second in the launch order is Rudolph. Featuring an upgraded helm with aftermarket grease fitting, Rudolph is in prime condition. After returning with the lightest load on Thursday, Rudolph intends to rebound with a major haul. Its objective consists of the murky reefs along the route into Kamokuokamohoaliʻi.

Crew
- Derek LeVault- Rudolph Team Lead
  - Cranky has-been who at least knows which way to push the throttle. Eats snacks and caresses neoprene.
- Kamaliʻi Andrade- Co-Lead
  - Compelled to grow up too fast, incisive intelligence, brooding conscience, killer instinct, good hugger.
- Ryan Naluai- Utility Man
  - The quintessential gentle giant. A 6ʻ5” surf charger. Does not drive a forklift, performs on a forklift. Always ready to laugh at a joke and takes work in stride.
- Kalaʻi Sim- Sea Shell Specialist
  - Despite himself, heʻs an excellent operator. Essentially the Forest Gump of marine debris, he walks into one success after another through his unconventional methods. Possesses half nude fury-swim capabilities.

Boat: Pineapple Express

Task - Third launch is Pineapple Express, which is in prime condition. Having gathered a major haul on Thursday, it aims for a repeat performance. Its objective is the northern sector, featuring a number of reefs that havenʻt been surveyed in nearly two decades. Many are small or washed over by surf, so skillful navigation will be critical.

Crew
- James Morioka- PMDP Executive Director, Pineapple Express Team Lead
  - Burdened by his own nature with the paradoxical task of defending both humor and the dignity of his crew, both of which he accomplishes with great merit. Expert Zodiac operator. Can work in darkness.
- Sydney Luitgaarden- HazMat Technician
  - Spunky and spirited. Fabricated partly of metal. Strong knowledge of marine debris and a variety of quirky topics including fish food, astrology, and celebrity relationships.
- Ossian Nichols- Voltron
  - Broad shouldered but rail thin, high as possible but only on legal substances. First on the scene, last to quit, always hustling. Definitely dependable.
- Kaʻehukai Goin- Thunda
  - Da Native Hawaiian leader of oli and protocol, in operations he can summon forces- some of them dark. Always good for a strong deadlift, above or below water. Much respected around the team and movie room.

Boat: Tequila Sunrise

Task- The final boat to launch will be Tequila Sunrise. Powered with a full 25 watts, its antenna is highly receptive, and overall the boat is in prime condition. It returned first on Thursday due to its large load. The objective will be to cover some northern reefs, and move to territory in the southeast as a secondary option.

Crew
- Namele Naipo-Arsiga- Team Lead
  - Capable and level-headed. Valued especially for her medical expertise, but if youʻre smart, youʻll listen to her opinion on any topic. Looks straight into your soul when spoken to, so donʻt try dissembling.
- Lauren Chamberlain- Head of Acquisitions
  - Friend to all animals. Diving expertise in both breath hold and SCUBA methodologies. Eager learner and excellent fitness.
- Max Lee- Vacuum Bag Extraordinaire
  - Expertise in data collection and choke holds. Fastest boat cleaner in the Pacific. Physically fit, mentally sharp, a steady force in the turbulent war against marine debris. Executed the legendary emergency tie rod repair of July 2022.
- Gabriela Echeverry- Multilingual communications
  - Made of an iron will. Constantly looking to improve work processes and materials. Strong lifter. Unflinching, vigorous smile at the daily grind of operations.

Can this fearsome foursome find the fishing nets? Will this band of scientists and hooligans, cutthroats and nature lovers reach their goal? Tune in later to find out!