Help make sure roadway trash stays out of our streams and the ocean by joining our Adopt-A-Highway program. Adopt-A-Highway is a public service program that recruits volunteers from any organization to help pick up litter along Hawaii’s state highways.

What You Will Do as a Volunteer:

2 Miles for 2 years

Adopt a two-mile portion of state highway for a minimum of 2 years.

4 Cleanups a year

Pick up litter on your portion of the highway at least 4 times per year.

How to Join/Renew

Apply Now

Before A Cleanup

  • Schedule a clean up event & request for supplies at least 1 week prior to the event.
  • Indicate if you need us to remove and dispose of your rubbish bags for you.
  • Ensure all participants meet requirements (and submit release forms for minors).
  • Ensure all participants watch the Safety Training video.
Schedule an Event and Request Supplies

After Each Cleanup

  • Leave filled trash bags along roadside and note the location
  • Fill out a Clean Up Report after clean up event.
Submit a Cleanup Report

Commonly Asked Questions

Participant requirements

  • All participants must be a minimum of 12 years old.
  • Participants 17 years old or younger must have adult supervision, and those under 18 must have a signed Parent Release Form.
  • Parent Release Form. There must be two adults per 10 participants present at all times for groups with participants under 18
  • Undergo Safety Training

What About Supplies?

We’ll provide supplies for you, just note the supplies needed on the Schedule An Event form. Download this brochure to learn more about requesting supplies, where to pick them up, and how to cancel or reschedule events.

Adopt-A-Highway Frequently Asked Questions

What Section of Highway Will We Adopt?

We’ll work with you to determine the section of state highway to be adopted. Note that Interstate Highways, divided highways and roadways that lack a sufficiently wide right-of-way and pose safety risks are not considered for adoption. You can browse the adoptable segments in Maui County with the map below!

What Section of Highway Will We Adopt?

Safety Tips

Health Requirements:

  • Must be in good physical condition, including good eyesight and hearing.
  • Must be mentally alert

Age Requirements:

  • Must be at least 12 years old.
  • Groups with participant under 18 years old must have two adults per ten volunteers
    present at all times.

General Safety:

  • Conduct a refresher session on safety awareness each time a crew goes out.
  • Have a first aid kit.
  • Be responsible for your own safety and the safety of your crew.

Prevent Injuries:

  • Knives, machetes, axes and similar objects should not be carried by crew members.
  • Don’t attempt to compact trash sacks to make room for more. Injuries from broken or
    jagged objects often result from this practice. Fill the sack with what goes in easily,
    then get another bag.

Vehicle & Traffic Safety:

  • Carpool to the clean up site to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
  • Keep vehicles on the same side of the highway as the volunteers.
  • Park all vehicles clear of the road way and at least ten feet from the shoulder’s
    surface.
  • Whenever possible, face oncoming traffic while you work. Be prepared to move out of the
    way
    of vehicles in an emergency.
  • Work one side of the highway at a time.
  • Do not cross traveled sections of roadway.
  • Avoid using headsets: they could interfere with your ability to hear oncoming traffic or
    warnings.

Beware of Weather Conditions:

  • Don’t work in bad weather.
  • Work during daylight hours only.
  • Avoid overexertion. Drink plenty of water.

What You Should Wear:

  • Your Adopt-A-Highway t-shirts or safety vests.
  • Covered shoes (no slippers!)
  • Gloves (strongly recommended).
  • A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Safety Video

No Ka Oi Highway Hui Award Recipients

Each quarter, the Adopt-A-Highway program awards one recipient whose story and work inspires us. Read their stories below.

Maui Lavender

Q1 2024 Recipient

MEO Kaohi Youth Services

Q4 2023 Recipient

MEO Youth Services

Q3 2023 Recipient