Volunteers Ready To Kick-off Adopt-A-Stream Summer Cleanups

The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services’ Adopt-A-Stream program kicks off its summer projects with a combined street-and-stream cleanup this Saturday.       

The cleanup is Saturday, July 5, from 8:30-11:00 a.m. at two locations – Banyan Courtyard, next to Kaumakapili Church, and the Honolulu Community College parking lot on Kokea Street, near Kapalama Stream.

ENV is teaming up with the Honolulu Police Department District 5, Kalihi Weed and Seed, Kaumakapili Church, Boy Scouts, Kaiulani Elementary School, Honolulu Community College, Tamashiro Market, Painter’s Warehouse, T.J. Mahoney, along with other businesses and elected officials. 

            “When it rains, storm water percolates though accumulated garbage, some of it toxic, which goes untreated into local streams,” Iwalani Sato, the program’s coordinator, said.  “This is one of the biggest water-quality problems on Oahu and something most residents can do something about.”

The Adopt-A-Stream program will coordinate supplies and volunteer work at the Banyan Courtyard and Kapalama Stream sites.  Other City Departments will be responsible for street sweeping, clearing the storm drains and waste disposal.

Roadwork signs will be posted on Kanoa Street, Pua Lane and along Kapalama Stream on Kokea and Kohou streets between North King Street and Dillingham Boulevard where volunteers will be removing mattresses and household rubbish from the streets, including plastic bags and food.  Businesses will be involved with the removal of debris and graffiti.  Abandoned vehicles will be towed.

The Palama area cleanup starts the summer and fall campaign of Adopt-A-Block and Adopt-A-Stream program of ENV’s Storm Water Branch.  Future projects include Kalihi Stream, Ewa Beach, Manoa Stream, Makiki Stream, Wailupe Stream, Salt Lake Drainage near Salt Lake Elementary School, Kapakahi Stream in Waipahu, Kahawai Stream in Waimanalo, Kawa Stream in Kaneohe and Ulehawa Stream in Nanakuli.  Many of theses city projects are in coordination with state, federal agencies and community.

ENV’s is looking for volunteers from youth, civic and church groups, along with businesses to get involved in the cleanup projects.  ENV is gearing up for Make-A-Difference month in October in preparation for the wet season, which officially begins in November.  Volunteers will receive educational materials and T-shirts at the cleanup.

For more information about the Adopt-A-Stream projects in your neighborhood or to donate refreshments, go to www.cleanwaterhonolulu.com.

Contact:

Iwalani Sato, 780-8872