The Rise Above Plastic Coalition is having a rally at the state Capitol from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday.

The rally is a chance for environmental groups like the Surfrider Foundation, the Sierra Club and Styrophobia to educate the public about the dangers of plastic marine debris and proliferation of single-use plastics like grocery bags and water bottles in the environment. Artwork from local first-graders will show the effect of pollution in the ocean and the Plastic Bag Monster will be there to drive the point home. (The monster is made from 400 plastic bags, the number the average person goes through in one year.)

The coalition is supporting legislation that reduces plastic pollution through a statewide ban (Senate Bill 2559) or a small fee on single-use plastic bags (House Bill 2125).

WAIKIKI AQUARIUM

PHOTOGRAPHER SHARES 'LIFE WITH WHALES'

Flip Nicklin, regarded as one of the world's premier whale photographers, gives a presentation titled, "Among Giants: My Life with Whales" at the Waikíkí Aquarium Thursday. The free event is set for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m..

Nicklin, a National Geographic marine photographer and co-founder of Whale Trust, has made his mark under the waves — capturing images of whales and dolphins. He will discuss the changing views on whales and how science and National Geographic efforts are fostering a shift in perception of these marine mammals.

Nicklin's books will be for sale, and there will be an opportunity to have them signed by the author.

— Maureen O'Connell