News

Native plants = natural stormwater heroes! 🌿 Their deep roots prevent erosion and filter runoff. Swipe to see some of Maui’s native plants you can grow at home!”

Kāwelu: Drought tolerant and great for filling in spaces for erosion control or weed suppression. It thrives in exposed, full sun, windy habitats, and will also be happy at the foot of your natives in your home landscape.
Palapalai: A beautiful lacy fern used in lei. It grows best in moist mesic zones.
Maile: A vine known for it’s fragrant leaves in lei. Maile is a vine that does best in mesic conditions.

Mahalo nui loa for joining us for another successful Protect Our Water Conference (POWC)!

💧 Healthy Soil, Healthy Water 💧

Did you know that soil is one of nature’s best water filters? On this World Soil Day, we’re celebrating the vital role that soil plays in protecting our waterways:
🌱 Filters Rainwater: Soil traps pollutants before they can flow into streams and oceans.
🌱 Prevents Erosion: Healthy soil with deep plant roots holds the land together, reducing runoff.
🌱 Supports Aquifers: Soil helps rain soak into the ground, replenishing Maui’s water supply.
You can help protect soil (and water!) by:
✔️ Planting native vegetation.
✔️ Avoiding chemical fertilizers before rain.
✔️ Mulching to enrich your soil and reduce erosion.
Together, let’s honor the connection between soil and stormwater to keep Maui’s waters clean and thriving. 🌿🌊

🌊💧 Stay in the flow with the latest updates from Stormwater Maui! Sign up for our H2O Newsletter to stay informed on important stormwater initiatives, upcoming events, and tips to help protect our precious waterways. 📬
The next issue drops at the end of Q4—don’t miss it! Link in bio to sign up. Let’s keep Maui clean and beautiful, together! 🌺

🍂 Fall brings leaves and debris that can clog storm drains, leading to flooding and stormwater pollution. Help keep our stormwater systems clear by raking leaves away from drains, bagging yard waste, and disposing of it properly. Small actions can protect our waters and prevent local flooding. Mahalo for helping keep Maui clean and resilient! 🌊

HDOT’s 2024 Protect Our Water Conference was a success!💧✨Big mahalo to the experts, exhibitors, and attendees helping safeguard Hawaii’s waterways for future generations. 🌊 Sessions will be available on Stormwater Hawaii’s YouTube soon—stay tuned! 💻

Whether you’re trekking up the mountains or strolling along the shore, remember to “Leave No Trace.” Every piece of litter left behind can find its way into storm drains, streams, and eventually the ocean. Pack out what you bring and keep our trails and waterways clean for all to enjoy. 🌿

A beautiful and blessed Sunday to give back to our community at our Lights Out Basketball Maui Adopt a Highway event ☀️

🌊 November 5th is #WorldTsunamiAwarenessDay! While tsunamis are a force of nature we can’t control, we can reduce stormwater runoff that worsens coastal flooding. Simple actions like maintaining our stormwater systems, avoiding litter, and using permeable surfaces can make a big impact in protecting our coastlines. Let’s keep our waterways and coastlines resilient and clean! 🌱

🎃💀 Don’t Let Pollutants Haunt Our Waters! 👻💧

This Halloween, while you’re dodging ghosts and goblins, don’t forget to protect our waterways from spooky pollutants! 🦇 Every piece of trash, candy wrapper, and debris that gets washed into storm drains can cause real-life nightmares for our oceans and marine life. 🌊🐠

Trick-or-Tip:
✅ Use trash bins for candy wrappers
✅ Sweep up fallen leaves and yard debris instead of washing them down the drain
✅ Clean up after any spooky decorations to prevent them from entering storm drains

Let’s work together to ensure clean water for all, and keep those creepy pollutants out of our storm drains! 💧🛑

🍂💧 Fall for Clean Water! 🌧️🌿
As the seasons change on Maui, it’s the perfect time to embrace our featured Best Management Practice (BMP) of the month: Fall for Clean Water!

With increased rainfall and falling debris, we can all take action to manage stormwater effectively and reduce pollution. Here’s how:
✅ Clean your gutters regularly
✅ Use rain barrels to capture water
✅ Install permeable surfaces to reduce runoff
✅ Properly dispose of yard waste to prevent it from entering storm drains
These simple steps help protect Maui’s vibrant marine ecosystems and keep our waters clean. Let’s work together for a healthier environment and a sustainable future. 🌊🌍

What are you doing this season to protect our waters? Share with us using #StormwaterMaui and let’s Fall for Clean Water together! 🍁💧

🏅✨ No Ka Oi Highway Hui Award: Maui Preparatory Academy’s Interact Club! 🌟

We are proud to recognize Maui Preparatory Academy’s Interact Club as the Quarter 3 recipient of the No Ka Oi Highway Hui Award! 🛣️ Their dedication to the Adopt-A-Highway program has made a lasting impact, and we are grateful for their exceptional service.

Sponsored by the Lahaina Rotary Club, this amazing group of students has consistently cleaned a two-mile stretch of Honoapiilani Highway (mile markers 26 to 28) for over a decade! 🙌 Their commitment to keeping Maui beautiful while building community connections is truly inspiring. 💚

The State of Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Maui District is honored to celebrate the Maui Prep Interact Club for their hard work and dedication to both the highway program and their community service efforts.
Mahalo for all you do! 🌺

🌍🌱 No Disposable Cup Day is here! Let’s make a difference one cup at a time. On October 4, join the movement to protect our environment and protect our water by choosing reusable cups and containers. 💧☕ By cutting back on single-use items, we’re also reducing the waste that often ends up polluting our waterways.

🌧️💧 Best Management Practices for Stormwater Control 💧🌧️
Effective stormwater control is essential for protecting our environment and maintaining clean, healthy waterways. Here are some of the best management practices to keep our stormwater in check:
Green Infrastructure: Incorporate green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavements to naturally absorb and filter rainwater. 🌿🏢
Rainwater Harvesting: Collect and reuse rainwater for irrigation and non-potable uses, reducing runoff and conserving water. 💧💦
Vegetated Swales: Design swales with plants and grasses to slow down and filter stormwater before it reaches storm drains. 🌾🌻
Sediment Control: Use silt fences, sediment basins, and erosion control blankets on construction sites to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation. 🏗️🛑
Stormwater Detention Basins: Create basins to capture and slowly release stormwater, reducing peak flows and preventing flooding. 🌊🌧️
Pollution Prevention: Implement practices like proper waste disposal, regular maintenance of vehicles and equipment, and minimizing chemical use to prevent pollution. 🧹🚫
Public Education: Raise awareness about the impact of stormwater runoff and encourage community participation in stormwater management. 📚👥
By adopting these practices, we can manage stormwater more effectively, protect our water resources, and create a healthier environment for all. 🌎💚

🗑️🚮 Let’s stand together against the global trash problem and make a real difference. 🌱💪
Ready to take action? Malama i ka wai, Protect Our Water by participating in a Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup! 🌟✨
How to Get Involved:
Sign Up: Schedule a cleanup and help us maintain local roadways. 🛤️
Gather Your Team: Rally your friends, family, and community.
Make an Impact: Contribute to a cleaner, greener world on September 20th!

💧🌿 Stormwater Management: Essential Control Measures 🌿💧
Effective stormwater management is key to protecting our environment and maintaining healthy waterways. Here’s how we’re tackling stormwater challenges:
Public Education and Outreach:
Empowering our community with knowledge on stormwater issues and solutions. 📚🌟
Public Involvement:
Encouraging active participation in stormwater management initiatives and local clean-up efforts. 🤝🗑️
Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination:
Identifying and removing unauthorized discharges to keep our waters clean. 🚫💧
Construction Site Runoff Control:
Implementing measures to prevent runoff from construction sites from polluting our environment. 🏗️🚜
Post-Construction Stormwater Management:
Ensuring that new developments incorporate systems to manage stormwater effectively. 🏠💧
Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping:
Adopting best practices to reduce pollution and maintain clean facilities. 🧹🌍
Together, these measures help us manage stormwater responsibly and protect our natural resources. 🌎💚

🌟🚧 STEM Outreach Solutions in Action! 🚧🌟
We’re thrilled to share that the American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and HDOT Maui District have teamed up to bring the exciting world of transportation and civil engineering to K-12 classrooms! 🌉🔧📚
👩‍🔬 STEM Outreach for Grades 7-12: Dive into transportation and civil engineering careers with hands-on activities that make math and science come to life!
🛠️ RIDES for K-6: Young minds explore transportation careers and problem-solving through fun, interactive modules!
Here’s a peek at our STEM Outreach Modules:
Bridge Builder: Learn the ins and outs of bridge design and engineering! 🌉
Safety: Discover road planning and traffic considerations! 🚦
Construction: Get the scoop on designing and building roadways! 🏗️
Environmental: Explore the impact of highway design on the environment! 🌍
RIDES: Bring math and science to life with engaging activities! ✏️🔍
📧 For more info: ty.h.fukuroku@hawaii.gov

🌿 Prevent Pollution with Proper Waste Disposal! 🌿

Stormwater runoff can carry pollutants from streets and yards into our waterways, affecting water quality and aquatic life. Help prevent pollution by disposing of hazardous materials properly and keeping your yard clean.
🚮 Simple Steps to Reduce Pollution:
Proper Disposal: Dispose of chemicals, paints, and oils at designated hazardous waste sites.
Keep Drains Clear: Avoid dumping waste or leaves into storm drains.
Regular Maintenance: Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent blockages.
🌍 Remember: Every small action counts in protecting our water resources and maintaining a healthy environment!
Be a water hero—make smart choices today for a cleaner tomorrow! 💪

Say goodbye to runoff and hello to a greener, cleaner yard! 🌱 Planting native vegetation in your garden helps absorb rainwater and reduces stormwater runoff. Native plants are adapted to local conditions, requiring less water and maintenance.
🌟 Benefits:
Reduces Erosion: Roots stabilize soil and absorb excess water.
Supports Wildlife: Native plants provide food and habitat for local species.
Lower Maintenance: Less need for fertilizers and pesticides.
🌼 Start Small: Begin with a few native plants and watch your garden—and the environment—thrive!
Let’s grow a greener future together! 🌍

🌍 Empower Our Future on International Youth Day! 🌍

Celebrate International Youth Day by taking action to protect our environment for future generations. Teach our keiki about stormwater BMPs like proper disposal of chemicals and maintaining green spaces. Educating the youth today helps ensure a cleaner, greener tomorrow!

🌊 Celebrate National Water Quality Month with Smart Stormwater Practices! 🌊

August is National Water Quality Month, and it’s a perfect time to focus on protecting our water sources. Adopt Best Management Practices (BMPs) like installing rain barrels or rain gardens to capture and reuse stormwater. Small changes can make a big difference in keeping our water clean and safe!

💧 Tip of the Day: Use rain barrels to collect runoff from your roof and water your garden sustainably. Every drop counts!

The State of Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Maui District, is pleased to recognize and celebrate three Marriott properties in Wailea for receiving the No Ka Oi Highway Hui Award.

🏆 This award highlights their outstanding contributions to the Adopt-A-Highway program, and we applaud their valuable service. 🙌

The Wailea Beach Resort, Residence Inn, and AC Hotel in Wailea have been working together for several years to care for a section of Piilani Highway between mileposts 5.5 and 7.5, organizing quarterly cleanup events and coordinating with team members across their properties.

Since 2018, employees of the three properties have devoted hundreds of volunteer hours to Maui’s Adopt-A-Highway public service program and collectively removed more than 450 bags of trash. 🗑️

Mahalo to Marriott Hotels – Wailea for their devoted participation in the Adopt-A-Highway program, reflecting their deep-seated dedication to both the community and environmental preservation! 🌺💚

#adoptahighwayhawaii #waileabeachresort

🏄‍♀️ Enjoying summer activities in July? Remember to be mindful of our environment! Dispose of trash properly, use eco-friendly sunscreens, and stay on marked trails. Every little bit helps keep Maui pristine. 🌺 #SustainableSummer

While we’re in the thick of summer…

🌪️🏠 Get Ready for Hurricanes and Stormwater! 🏠🌪️
Summer is here, and so is the time to prepare for hurricanes and manage stormwater effectively. Follow these tips to ensure you’re ready:
Hurricane Preparedness:
Create an Emergency Kit:
Non-perishable food and water for at least three days.
Medications, first aid supplies, and important documents.
Flashlights, batteries, and a portable phone charger.
Make a Family Plan:
Know your evacuation routes and have a meeting point.
Keep a list of emergency contacts.
Plan for pets.
Secure Your Home:
Install storm shutters or board up windows.
Trim trees and secure outdoor items.
Check your roof and gutters for any needed repairs.
Stay Informed:
Monitor weather updates and follow local authorities’ advice.
Have a NOAA weather radio handy.
Stormwater Management:
Maintain Your Gutters and Drains:
Clean gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent blockages.
Ensure storm drains are clear of debris.
Landscape Wisely:
Use rain gardens and permeable pavements to reduce runoff.
Plant native vegetation to absorb excess rainwater.
Install Rain Barrels:
Collect rainwater for gardening and reduce runoff.
Reduce Impervious Surfaces:
Limit the use of concrete and asphalt around your home.
Opt for gravel or permeable pavers for driveways and walkways.
By taking these steps, you can protect your home and community while promoting a healthier environment. 🌿💧
Share your prep tips and actions with us using #SummerStormPrep 🌟🌪️
#HurricanePreparedness

As we celebrate the 4th of July with family, friends, and fireworks, let’s ensure our festivities are safe for both our ‘ohana and the ocean! Proper disposal of fireworks is crucial to prevent pollution. Here are some tips:
Stay Prepared: Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishaps.
Handle with Care: Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
Proper Disposal: After fireworks finish burning, douse the devices with plenty of water from a bucket or hose. Place them in a trash bag, and then into your trash can. Never leave fireworks in your driveway or wash them into a storm drain where they can be carried to the ocean in stormwater.
By following these steps, we can keep our beaches and oceans clean. Wishing you all a happy and safe 4th of July! 🎇🌊 #MālamaIKaWai.

🌊🌴 Celebrate Clean Beaches Week: July 1-7! 🌴🌊

Join us for a week dedicated to our beautiful beaches, making sure they stay clean, safe, and lovely for generations to come. 🌍✨ Clean Beaches Week combines the spirit of Earth Day with the fun of Independence Day, and pumps up the fun for an entire week! 🥳

July 4th is the most popular beach day of the year, but it also brings the most litter. Let’s educate ourselves on proper beach behavior before the big day! 🗓️🧹

Here’s how you can help:
🌿 Pack it in, pack it out – take all your trash with you.
🌊 Use reusable items – reduce single-use plastics.
🌞 Respect wildlife – don’t disturb their natural habitat.
🏖️ Volunteer for beach cleanups – make a difference together.

Let’s make this Clean Beaches Week the best one yet! 🌟

🌿 Stormwater Awareness Tip 🌧️
Properly managing green waste and maintaining equipment can make a big difference in protecting our waterways! Here are some tips:
🌱 Clean Up & Dispose of Green Waste Properly: Collect landscaping waste and throw it in the trash to prevent wind, rain, or irrigation runoff from carrying it into storm drains. Never blow or wash green waste into the street or storm drain inlets. Using mulch helps retain moisture, prevents erosion, and reduces the need for excess irrigation.
🔧 Equipment Fueling and Maintenance: Handle fuels like gasoline, diesel, oil, and grease with care to avoid spills. Use funnels or spouts when fueling equipment. Keep machinery well-maintained to prevent leaks and increase fuel efficiency, reducing the risk of pollutants entering our waterways.
Let’s do our part to keep our environment clean and our waterways healthy! 💧

🌊 Dive into World Ocean Day with Us! 🐠

Join us at the Maui Ocean Center this Saturday, June 8th, for a day filled with ocean fun and learning! Bring your keiki and let’s celebrate our beautiful oceans together while discovering how we can malama i ka wai – Protect Our Water.

🔍 Explore interactive exhibits, learn about marine conservation efforts, and participate in hands-on activities that highlight the importance of preserving our ocean ecosystems.

🌏 Together, let’s make a difference for our oceans and future generations! See you there! 🌊

Hana Hwy MM 4-6 is clean!
Pics from yesterday. 🙂

#renewableenergy
#adoptahighway
#highwaycleanup
#sociallyresponsible
#pickitup
#maui

🌊🐢 Let’s shell-ebrate World Turtle Day! 🐢🌎
We honor these incredible creatures and raise awareness about the importance of turtle and tortoise conservation. Here are a few ways you can help protect these reptiles:

🏝️ Protect Habitats: Support conservation efforts aimed at preserving turtle nesting beaches and protecting their natural habitats from destruction and pollution.
🚯 Reduce Plastic Pollution: Dispose of plastic waste properly and participate in beach clean-up events to prevent turtles from ingesting or getting entangled in plastic debris.
🌊 Combat Climate Change: Take action to reduce your carbon footprint by using renewable energy, minimizing single-use plastics, and supporting policies that address climate change.
🚫 Say No to Illegal Wildlife Trade: Refuse to purchase products made from endangered turtle species and report any illegal turtle trade activities to authorities.
💡 Educate Others: Spread awareness about the importance of turtle conservation by sharing information with friends, family, and followers. Together, we can make a difference!

Date is set for our next cleanup! 🙂
Hana Hwy MM 4-6
June 1st 9am
Parking by Baldwin Beach

📧 Sign up for our newsletter and become part of our community dedicated to protecting our water!

Visit www.stormwatermaui.com and stay in the loop with expert insights, tips, and updates! 🌊

Mahalo @stormwatermaui for the signage!

It’s our pleasure to help keep MM 4-6 clean. 🙂

#renewableenergy
#adoptahighway
#cleanupday
#mauistrong
#maui

🎉 We’re excited to announce that Bayer Crop Science – Maui has emerged as the champion of our Dash for Trash competition, collecting an impressive 150 bags of trash! 🏆 Their contribution to keeping our island clean is invaluable. 🌱 A big thank you to the Bayer Crop Science team for their hard work and commitment to making Maui a cleaner and more beautiful place for everyone. Let’s continue to work together to preserve the natural beauty of our island home! #DashforTrashMauiNui

April showers bring May flowers! 🌺 Let’s say goodbye (hopefully) to the rainy season and celebrate our beautiful island by committing to protect it through responsible stormwater management practices. Our actions in the dry season have a big impact on our surface water quality during the rainy season

🌱🌍 Dash for Trash Week 4 Update! 🌍🌱

Marriott Ocean Club
👥 Number of Volunteers: 12

HSTA Molokai
👥 Number of Volunteers: 7

Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop
👥 Number of Volunteers: 45

Enviroservices
👥 Number of Volunteers: 5

Victoria’s Secret
👥 Number of Volunteers: 12

Mahalo nui loa for an unforgettable #DashForTrashMauiNui journey! 🌺💚As we wrap up this incredible event, we extend our deepest gratitude to each adoptee who poured their heart and dedication into making Maui Nui cleaner and greener. Your impact is immeasurable, and our islands are shining brighter because of YOU! 🌍💙

Our winner will be announced this Friday, May 3rd. 🥳

🌱🌍 Dash for Trash Week 3 Update! 🌍🌱

Maui Prep Interact Club
👥 Number of Volunteers: 15

Bayer Crop Science – Molokai
👥 Number of Volunteers: 40

Kit Okazaki Insurance Agency
👥 Number of Volunteers: 10

Hawaiian Electric Company
👥 Number of Volunteers: N/A

A round of applause for the amazing groups who participated in Week 3 of our Adopt-A-Highway Dash for Trash competition! 👏 Your commitment and efforts are truly making an impact in our community! 💚

Join us in the final stretch of our Dash for Trash event—only a week left to make a green difference in our community. Gather your teams and let’s finish strong. #dashfortrashmauinui

🌱🌍 Dash for Trash Week 2 Update! 🌍🌱

Duke’s Beach House
👥 Number of Volunteers: 6

Bayer Crop Science
👥 Number of Volunteers: 40

Maui Lavender
👥 Number of Volunteers: 2

🌺 Big shoutout to the amazing groups that participated in Week 2 of the Adopt-A-Highway Dash for Trash competition! Let’s give them a round of applause for their dedication to protecting our water! 👏 Keep up the fantastic work everyone! 💙 #DashforTrashMauiNui #adoptahighway

💡 Unlock the power of sustainable stormwater management! From green roofs to permeable pavements, there are innovative solutions to mitigate runoff and preserve our water resources. Let’s embrace eco-friendly practices for a healthier planet. 🌍💚 #StormwaterAwareness #Sustainability  #GreenInfrastructure

🌱🌍 Dash for Trash Week 1 Update! 🌍🌱

Cabacungan Ohana:
🗑️Bags Collected: 45
👥 Number of Volunteers: 15

Ensign Hawaiian Art/Hypnosis Hawaii:
🗑️Bags Collected: 15
👥 Number of Volunteers: 2

Westin KOR:
🗑️Bags Collected: 23
👥 Number of Volunteers: 16

MonkeyPod Kitchen Wailea
🗑️Bags Collected: 19
👥 Number of Volunteers: 16

Massive shoutout to our incredible volunteers! 🙌 Your dedication and hard work are making a real difference in our community and for our planet. Let’s keep up the fantastic work! 💪💚 #dashfortrashmauinui

Today may be all about jokes, but one thing we’re NOT joking about is cleaning up our highways! 🌿 Join #DashForTrashMauiNui this Earth Month — a month-long Adopt-a-Highway cleanup event where groups battle it out to see who can clean up the most trash. Who says cleaning up can’t be serious fun? #adoptahighway 🌍🌈

🌺 Just one week until the #DashForTrashMauiNui competition kicks off! Get ready to dive into a month of making waves for a cleaner, greener Maui. 🚮💚 Are you in? Let the countdown begin! Head to our website under Adopt-A-Highway to schedule your Highway cleanup! ⏰ #OneWeekToGo 🌍🌈

💧 Happy World Water Day! 💙 Today, we celebrate the beauty and importance of water in our lives. Let’s join hands to raise awareness about the need for sustainable water management and conservation. Every drop counts! #WorldWaterDay #WaterIsLife #SustainableFuture 🌍💧

Highways Maui District is delighted to acknowledge and celebrate Maui Lavender as the recent recipient of the No Ka Oi Highway Hui Award!
For nearly 20 years Cathy Toda and Robert Spangler have been picking up trash along their adopted route on Haleakala Crater Road every month!
We’re pleased to recognize Ms. Toda and Mr. Spangler for their dedication to the Adopt-A-Highway program as well as their commitment to the community and environment! 👏💚#Adoptahighway

Businesses play a vital role in Maui’s community. They also have special concerns and responsibilities when it comes to keeping our water clean. It’s important that businesses ensure their activities protect against stormwater pollution. Here are some best management practices that your business can implement to protect our water:
– Spill Prevention and Response Plan
– Implementing BMPs for Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
– Installing Stormwater Management Infrastructure
– Pollution Prevention Practices

🌧️ Embrace the rain, but let’s keep our stormwater game strong! 💦 Here’s to rocking those rain boots and dancing in puddles, while also making sure our stormwater best management practices are on point. From rain gardens to permeable pavements, let’s show Mother Nature some love while keeping our communities clean and green! 🌿 #protectourwater #GreenLiving #RainyDayVibes ☔💚

🌍 Exciting news! Just 28 days until our #DashForTrashMauiNui starts! Get ready for the month-long Adopt-A-Highway event to mālama our island, making it cleaner and greener. Let’s do this together! Head on over to our website for more info! 🚮 #earthmonth

In honor of World Wetlands Day at the beginning of the month, let’s make a splash in conservation! 🌍💧 Embrace Best Management Practices from home to protect our Maui wetlands: properly dispose of household chemicals, manage green waste responsibly, and always pick up after your pets. Small actions make a big difference! 🌿💙

Taking charge of stormwater management starts with us. Here are a few simple tips to keep our waterways clean:

1️⃣ Sweep, Don’t Hose: Keep sidewalks and driveways clean by sweeping instead of hosing down debris.
2️⃣ Trash the Trash: Secure your trash cans to prevent litter from ending up in storm drains.
3️⃣ Green Thumbs Up: Opt for environmentally friendly lawn and garden care products.

Small steps for cleaner waters! Share your stormwater management tips below. Let’s make a positive impact together! 💧🌏