Maui Residents Applaud Rotary Recycling Program

Gillie Silva and a Malama Maui Nui volunteer move metal into a bin. Photo provided by Lahaina Sunset Rotary.

The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset has been lauded by West Maui residents for its monthly “Go Green Third Saturday Recycling” events.

Maui residents say the monthly event at Lahaina Cannery Mall is successfully meeting a community need. Several people who dropped off items at the Sept. 19 event report that the service is helping them clean up their homes and their neighborhoods.

“It’s wonderful,” said Gille Silva of Waikapū, who dropped off scrap metal. “There should be no opala anywhere with this service. Thanks to this event, there should be no reason for anyone on the West Side to be throwing anything on the side of the road, in the cane fields or in the bushes.”

Alexander Pike of Napili who conducted a “TV clean-up” in his neighborhood, where he has lived for 40 years, agreed with Silva.

“Stop trashing the neighborhoods!” Pike said. “Bring the stuff for recycling.”

Rotary volunteers help Alexander Pike drop off e-recyclables. Photo provided by Lahaina Sunset Rotary.

His effort resulted in a truckload of televisions that are now being recycled.

News of the project is spreading. A poll taken at the event revealed that 25% of those dropping off items heard about the service through word-of-mouth. More than 50% of all respondents were repeat visitors.

“Everyone’s talking about the event,” said Lahaina resident Hoku Acantilado, as he helped volunteers unload his unwanted scrap metal. “There’s a lot of metal around here and no one has a place to put it. You come down here and it makes everyone happy.”

The next “Go Green Third Saturday Recycling” event will be held on Oct. 17, 8 a.m. to noon, at Lahaina Cannery Mall. All recyclables qualify for drop-off except oversize tires, clothing and household goods. There is no fee to drop off items but a $5 donation is requested for each tire. No fees are paid to residents for recyclables delivered to the event.

Hoku Acantilado prepares to unload his scrap metal. Photo provided by Lahaina Sunset Rotary.

“Go Green Third Saturday Recycling” is the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset’s centennial project to mark 100 years of Rotary in Hawai‘i. By encouraging honor and respect for the land, it celebrates Rotary’s commitment to serve the people of Hawai‘i.

“Go Green Third Saturday Recycling” will continue through June 2016.

Malama Mau Nui is a co-sponsor of the monthly event, along with 5A Rent-A-Space in Honokōwai, Lahaina Cannery Mall and the County of Maui.

For more information, or to volunteer to help at the events, contact Liz May at 5A Rent-A-Space at 669-5200. Volunteers are needed to assist in handling large drop-offs.