Storm Drain Stenciling Aims to Reduce Pollution

Maui Now graphic.

The County of Maui is sponsoring a stenciling project in collaboration with the State of Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, Highways Division, to help protect the ocean from harmful substances going down county storm drains.

The event will be held on Thursday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to noon as part of World Oceans Day celebrations.

Interested volunteers are invited to gather at the Kalana O Maui county building located at 200 South High Street in Wailuku, and from there go on to paint awareness messages of “No Dumping – Drains to Ocean” at storm drain inlets on and around High, Main, and Market streets.

The World Oceans Day theme for 2017 is “Our Oceans, Our Future.” The day’s main conservation focus will be on preventing plastic pollution and cleaning the ocean of marine litter.

Project organizers say storm drain stenciling messages help people be mindful of how their actions on land can affect our stream and ocean health. When it rains, storm water runoff can carry plastic and other litter, motor oil, soaps and detergents, bacteria, excess fertilizers and pesticides, green waste and sediment to storm drains. Most storm drains flow to our streams and oceans, untreated.

“Every citizen has a role to play in preventing pollution and protecting our natural resources. Storm drain marking projects are a great way for the government and community to work together to raise awareness,” said Department of Public Works Director David Goode.

For inquiries or to sign up for this volunteer activity, email [email protected].