Lahaina Sunset Rotary Holds Third-Saturday Recycling

Rep. Angus McKelvey at Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset’s recycling event. Photo provided by Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset.

Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset held its monthly Go Green Third-Saturday Recycling event on Oct. 17.

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.

Rich Lynch of Honokōwai said the recycling event inspired him to get involved.

“I haven’t volunteered since college, but I’ve been looking for a way to be part of the community,” Lynch said. “I read about this project and here I am this morning.”

Lynch said the event taught him more about the community. “Getting to know the volunteers here, it’s great to see that everyone cares as much as they do.”

Last month, Peter Faust of Puamana dropped off recycling at the event. This month he was back as a volunteer.

“I’m here to give back to the community,” Faust said. “I want to help residents cleanup and I want to spread the word so they know that they don’t have to leave their unwanted items on the side of the road. This is the alternative and it’s making a difference.”

State Rep. Angus McKelvey was eager to help out with the event.

“I know the great work this event has done and when I saw that another one was coming up I wanted to come help because it’s a huge thing,” McKelvey said. “I’m excited that everyone from the community is coming out and taking advantage of it.”

Lahaina resident Scott Matovich saw volunteering for the project as a chance to take action on an issue that impacts his neighborhood.

“I drive down the streets where the TV’s are on the side of the road, and instead of sitting home and complaining about it, I decided to come and do my part,” Matovich said.

The event had other benefits, added Matovich, including a much-appreciated Saturday morning caffeine fix.

“I get to meet new people, make new friends and the coffee is free!” he said.

The next Go Green Third-Saturday Recycling event will be held on Nov. 21 from 8 a.m. to noon at Lahaina Cannery Mall. All recyclables qualify for drop off except oversized tires and household goods. There is a $5 charge for each tire; all other items are accepted without charge. No fees are paid to residents for recyclables delivered to the event.

Malama Maui Nui, 5A Rent-A-Space in Honokōwai, Lahaina Cannery Mall and the County of Maui are co-sponsors of the monthly events.

Go Green Third-Saturday Recycling will continue through June 2016.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Liz May at 5A Rent-A-Space at 669-5200.

Able volunteers are needed to assist in handling large drop-offs.

Peter Faust (left) and Scott Matovich. Photo provided by the Lahaina Sunset Rotary Club.

Rich Lynch (from left), Angus McKelvey and Scott Matovich help unload a TV. Photo provided by Lahaina Sunset Rotary.

Rich Lynch takes an air conditoner for recycling. Photo provided by Lahaina Sunset Rotary.

Scott Matovich (left) and Angus McKelvey. Photo provided by Lahaina Sunset Rotary.

Rich Lynch takes an air conditioner for recycling. Photo provided by Lahaina Sunset Rotary.

Rich Lynch (left) and Peter Faust help unload a refrigerator. Photo provided by Lahaina Sunset Rotary.