The Storm Water Quality Branch of the City Department of Environmental Services will usher in the new year with a campaign to honor the everyday environmental heroes who help prevent

runoff from polluting local waters.

           Television, radio and print messages will recognize people who inspire and help sustain local efforts because they recognize that their actions can have a positive impact on our land and water resources. These are folks who demonstrate proactive habits every day at home, school or on the job.  For example, by keeping sidewalks, curbs and gutters clean or by recycling or properly disposing of waste.

            Other environmental heroes participate in meaningful, on-the-ground activities through partnerships with schools, businesses, service organizations and government agencies as a means of educating their communities and getting others involved in the direct care of the land and water.  Still other environmental heroes make a difference by reporting illegal dumping and discharge.  Each of these unsung heroes sets a good example for others to follow in their communities. 

            Starting in February, the Environmental Services Department will focus on selected neighborhoods, including Nanakuli, Aiea, Kailua, Ewa Beach, Ala Wai Watershed, Kalihi, Waipahu, Waimanalo and Salt Lake.  These neighborhoods will be inspected and awards given to businesses and neighborhoods with the highest levels of environmental care and compliance in terms of storm water, wastewater, refuse and recycling. Winners will be announced in March and honored at the Keiki Festival.

            During Earth Month in April, the public will have an opportunity to participate directly in a huge grassroots effort.  Plans are underway in the Ala Wai watershed, Aiea, Pearl City, Waipahu, Ewa Beach, Nanakuli and other communities to remove litter and graffiti, stencil storm drains with the message “Dump No Waste, Protect Our Waters For Life,” replant native vegetation, remove invasive species, and distribute educational materials. During 2006, more than 11,000 volunteers committed time to such projects. 

            In addition, nine schools will participate in a video and photo contest that will be showcased at Kapolei Hale and the City’s Keiki Festival on April 21^st at Kapolei District Park.  The schools are Campbell High School, Radford High School, Kapolei High School, Waianae Intermediate School, Waianae High School, Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, Waipahu High School, Aiea Intermediate School and Pearl City High School.  KCCN FM 100 will provide a free local music concert to the school of the winning overall photo.  The winning overall video will be aired on KHON2, KITV and KGMB beginning March 21 through April 30, and will include credit to the sponsoring school and presenters.

For more information, go to www.cleanwaterhonolulu.com.

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CONTACT:

      Iwalani Sato, Storm Water Quality outreach coordinator, 692-5208