Get the Drift and Bag It, Maui Coastal Cleanup

Beach cleanup photo courtesy, Maui Ocean Center.  The Maui Ocean Center is one of the many groups participating in the cleanup.  Their efforts will focus on the nearby Sugar Beach and Kealia Pond areas.  It is just one of four locations identified as part of the September 15 “Get the Drift and Bag It” coastal cleanup campaign spearheaded by the Community Work Day of Maui.

By Wendy Osher

Community Work Day Program’s annual “Get the Drift and Bag it” coastal cleanup event takes place at four locations across the island this Saturday, September 15, 2012.

This year’s event runs from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the following sites:

• Sugar Beach at Maui Canoe Club in Kīhei;
• near the Camp Olowalu sign in Olowalu;
• at Ma‘alaea Harbor, and
• at Kamehameha Iki Park in Lahaina.

Event organizers say it is an opportunity for residents to join together in a global effort to remove litter and debris from our coastal environment.

The events are coordinated in partnership with the Ocean Conservancy and Surfrider Foundation-Maui Chapter as a part of their International Coastal Cleanup.

While the global effort takes place on a single day, September 15, data is accepted for cleanups that take place within 30 days of the September date.  Maui organizers say this allows for flexibility to schedule convenient dates for other groups wishing to participate.

Volunteers are welcome to participate as a part of scheduled events, or pickup bags, gloves, and other supplies to coordinate their own group at a location of their choice.

In the last quarter of a century, on just one day every September, almost nine million people have picked up some 144 million pounds of trash in more than 150 countries and locations, according to event organizers on Maui.

Community Work Day officials say each piece of trash picked up is cataloged by type providing valuable data for the cleanup and prevention of marine debris.

All cleanup supplies and data cards will be provided for volunteers. Water will be supplied and volunteers are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles and work gloves.

A variety of Maui businesses, schools and organizations that have stepped up to help with this year’s  CWD event.

Major partners and sponsors include: Positive H20, Hard Rock Café, Lulu’s Lahaina, Taqueria Cruz, Tropic Water, Tutti Frutti, Pacific’O, I’o, The Feast at Lele, Ace Hardware, Styrophobia, Moose McGillycuddy’s, Aloha Mixed Plate and Quicksilver.

CWD encourages businesses and residents to participate in “Get the Drift and Bag it” on Saturday, September 15th; or at any scheduled cleanup through October 14 by gathering their family and friends and adopting a site in their neighborhood.

For more information on how to organize or participate in the event, contact CWD at (808) 877-2524 or [email protected].