The verdict is in! It only took one day in court for environmentalists to bring a hault to the housing development which is causing damage to our beautiful and endangered coral reef. As a civil courts case, the complaint would normally be heard and ruled on by a judge. But a special session was called to include a jury of students who listened carefully to arguements from both sides, deliberated the facts and came to their decision to hault the development to protect the coral reef. Judge Aja, pictured right, presided over the court proceedings.

The Jury

Witnesses for the Developers (Sandra, Kayla, Kellan, Tyler) and their attorney, Alexis

The Environmentalists: Attorney -Bronson. and Scott, Keyra, Macy, Kasey

Balif Ed

Thanks to our Mentor Attorney, Linda Walton, who guided the court in proper court procedures.

Bronson delivers his opening speech for the Environmentalists summarizing how the soil run-off from the grading and land clearing is destroying the delicate corals that live along the shoreline.

Alexis, representing the Developers, reads a list of ways the development will benefit the community to provide much needed housing and jobs for a variety of workers.

The first witness is sworn in and the testimony begins!

Witnesses recount their personal experiences hoping to convince the jury to vote in favor of their side of this controversial issue.

Questions were asked and answered.

After everyone had their say, the jury was excused. It was not an easy decision to make, as each side had presented their facts. The jury ruled in favor of the Environmentalists and asked the developers to find ways to do land clearing that do not result in run-off and damage to the coral reef.

This "mock trial" was a result of student interest that came from a project group study of the coral reef. Guided by Mrs. Easley, students researched coral reefs and some of the controversial issues that surround the preservation of the coral reef community. Students looked at all sides of the controversy and formed their own opinions. Some became impassioned and wanted to "Make a Difference." They wrote letters to the editor, wrote the script for the play to develop awareness of the coral reef issues among other students at the school, and produced a coral reef brochure for distribution at Kahaluu Beach Park. We applaud these students and their willingness to take a stand and take action!