Sharks at Kukui Grove Center

By Jean Souza

Shark Display by Matt McIntosh. Photo courtesy of Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery

There several sharks really close to the children at Kukui Grove Center. But the only thing that can happen to the children is learning more about these magnificent creatures that have been around for millions of years — they’re older than dinosaurs and even trees.

A new shark wall has been recently unveiled at Kukui Grove Center, near the children’s play area across from DejaVu Surf Hawai‘i. The large informative panel, measuring 5 feet by 15 feet, illustrates several shark species, showing their special anatomical features such as teeth and skin.

Matt McIntosh, of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, designed the panel and also the glass frontage and display panels at the Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery at Kukui Grove.

“The sharks don’t just look cool. Every time I walk by, I pick up a new fun fact. We are so fortunate to have access to these world class resources for our kids right here in Lihu‘e,” said Melissa McFerrin Warrack, Specialty Leasing and Marketing Manager at Kukui Grove Center.

McIntosh said he takes inspiration in his art from Fernando Baptista, a senior graphics editor and artist at National Geographic magazine.

“He is the best of the best in my opinion when it comes to infographics featuring custom artwork,” said McIntosh, who described his own creative process as both intoxicating and frustrating.

“When it’s good, it feels like I’m not trying. It just happens and is effortless. When it’s going bad, it can be defeating, especially when a deadline is looming and I feel like I may not be able to deliver to my fullest potential,” McIntosh said. “The best thing I found in that situation, is to walk away from the project when I’m forcing creativity that’s just not present.”

The shark display, a collaborative team effort, took some time to create. Considerable brainstorming, research, writing and editing went into the project, according to McIntosh.

“I present simple sketch layout options and work with the team on how to present information to the viewer,” said McIntosh, adding he researched shark anatomy and watched many shark videos to visualize how their muscles behave during certain movements and how each species looks.

“When people view this piece, I hope they can feel my passion and become just as amazed and curious about the subject as I am. I want the artwork to feel real and the presentation of information to be captivating. I hope and want people to get lost in it for a bit — that they feel compelled to stop in their tracks, and are happy they did so, despite their busy day.”

His ultimate goal with this display, he said, is that the viewer walks away with a greater awareness, appreciation and love for a national marine sanctuary and the greater National Marine Sanctuary System.

McFerrin Warrack praised the partnership between Kukui Grove, which funded the shark wall, and NOAA.

“Kauai Ocean Discovery has been so creative in trying to come up with ways to share their resources on our ocean environment, even with the limitation on events during COVID-19,” McFerrin Warrack said.

• Jean Souza is the on-site manager of the Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery at Kukui Grove Center, a project of NOAA, the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, State of Hawai‘i, and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. She is also the Program Specialist at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

Learn More About Sharks

himbsharklab.com/

sanctuaries.noaa.gov/earthisblue/wk297-galapagos-shark.html

www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIaebeSYG-8

sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/aug14/sharks.html

dlnr.hawaii.gov/sharks/

farallones.noaa.gov/eco/sharks/

Free Events

Research & Resource Protection for Upcoming Whale Season: Feat. Dr. Marc Lammers & Ed Lyman. Nov. 13, 9-10 a.m. Webinar registration attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/88868436549987851

83^rd Sanctuary Advisory Council Meeting. Nov. 17, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Webinar registration attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6436410636793672976

Virtual Screening & Live Q&A: Changing Seas: “Mystery of the Humpback Whale Song” Nov. 18, 10-11:30 a.m. www.changingseas.tv/events/

Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery Grab-&-Go Ocean Learning Kits on Humpback Whales. Nov. 20, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Pick up at Kukui Grove Center

Sizes, Strategies, and Steroid Hormones: Insights into the humpback whale mating system. Nov. 23, 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. Webinar registration attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4866896271180002832

The cultural significance of humpback whales in Hawai‘i. Nov. 30, 10-11 a.m. Webinar registration attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8591043309396061454

Humpback Whales 101 Virtual Class Presentation. Contact patty.miller@noaa.gov to reserve a session.

Ho‘ike Kaua‘i Community Television (channel 54) is airing a new series of ocean-related webinars Tuesday and Saturday at 3:30 p.m., and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Ocean-focused lessons air Tuesday and Friday at 10:30 a.m, and Wednesday and Thursday at 3:30 p.m. These programs are part of a new partnership between Ho‘ike and Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery.