Sailor in Hawaii finds message in a bottle from Japan

Proof that the capture of a memory, a simple moment in time to be shared with the world in that little bottle floating in the ocean connects us all

I would think that its natural that more trash washes up and is left untouched for longer on a beach that's inside a restricted military site like Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility.

Maybe the bottle managed to escape the great Pacific garbage patch before making it to shore...

Elbuda, Kauai's beaches probably see a bit more of a marine pollution problem because they are not as crowded--and thus not as frequently maintained--as beaches on Maui or Oahu. Maybe its location at the northern end of the main chain of islands has something to do with it, too--increased exposure, etc. But marine trash is a problem throughout Hawaii.

Nearly 60 metric tons of abandoned/discarded fishing nets alone are collected from waters around the Hawaiian Islands every year.

Natural currents. That's all. Isn't the Internet a little faster and less polluting?

Sorry if I sounded negative. I think it is wonderful that people spend their own time, cleaning up other people's mess! Good job sailor man!

I have been to Hawaii but I do not remember any garbage anywhere, let alone on their beaches, is Kauai the bad part of Hawaii?? Too bad Asagao has to always be so negative, but I am happy for this sailor in the cool yellow t shirt and he seems to have gotten a real good Hawaiian sun tan too??

What's interesting is that it took 5 years for the bottle to be found. I wonder if the bottle had just arrived or had been lying on the beach for years?

I don't know why, but when I read "... sailor in Hawaii....", I imagined some old, wild-looking guy with an eye-patch and a pipe and a straggly beard. This guy looks like a college professor or an airline pilot. Oh, well, times change I guess!

Too bad the message was so lame.

They could've waited a few days to get & include Arikawa-chan's impressions on her message making it to Hawai'i....

Dunno, Asagao - looks like on my beach people are sending messages in disposable lighters, canned coffee cans and discarded fishing equipment.

Wow, it is so heartwarming. I would like to send a message in a bottle to somebody now!

This kind of stupid activity causes our beaches to be awash with rubbish.

Well, there are a hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore.

I feel like I'm a little more alive after reading this article. Thanks JT! I hope the two get in touch soon

Asagao is right. Our beaches are absolutely covered with letters in bottles.

What are people thinking trying to communicate with one another?

Taka

This kind of stupid activity causes our beaches to be awash with rubbish.

Que the Message in a Bottle song by The Police, 80's rock!

Brilliant song, one of Sting's best! This is a wonderful story - let's hope the media does a follow up feature on the kid who put this note in the bottle!

A nice, feel good story - Thanks, JT!

Doubly cool as she would now be my son's age: a high school second-year student. This is good incentive as preparation for college exams approach!

I'm not a trash.

... Mr. Ocean

I love it...!!! :) She must be smart... :)

Nice story. I hope he had the opportunity to contact Ms. Arikawa and let her know her bottle made it to someone.

Here's the photo http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6151387143_d8888f88be.jpg

Awesome. I am surprised they printer her name and city.

that's cute!! :3

I hate this PT uniform!

So did they contact the girl who put that bottle in the ocean?

It reminded me of "Time In A Bottle" by Jim Croce.

Que the Message in a Bottle song by The Police, 80's rock!