MAALAEA – In observance of Earth Day, the Pacific Whale Foundation will offer one hour cruises aboard it’s Ocean Odyssey and Ocean Spirit catamarans on Sunday afternoon. The foundation also will hold a grand opening celebration from noon to 5 P.M. at the new Pacific Whale Foundation Marine Resource Center and Store at Maalaea Harbor Village. To reserve space on the free cruises, call the foundation at 879-8860. Check in will be at the Maalaea Harbor Village Center. Both catamarans operate out of Maalaea Harbor. Foundation President Greg Kaufman noted that both vessels run on Maui biodiesel, a fuel produced by Pacific Biodiesel, Inc. from recycled cooking oils. Pacific Biodiesel is a Maui-based business that has developed technology for small-scale recycling of waste cooking fats. “We want Maui residents to see how effective this new fuel is,” Kaufman said. “In addition, we wanted to introduce our newest boat, Ocean Odyssey, to everyone.” The open house at the foundation’s new Maalaea center will include refreshments, giveaways and a live broadcast over KPOA from 1 to 3 p.m. The foundation will offer discounts on merchandise at its Maalaea and Lahaina shops during the celebration, Kaufman said.
