Due to a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, Adopt-A-Highway clean up events will be suspended until further notice.

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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.

COVID-19 Guidelines for Cleanup Events

Due to COVID-19 we require our groups to comply with the following social distancing and mask requirements set by the county when participating in an Adopt-A-Highway cleanup.

  • Outdoor gathers have expanded to a total of 100 persons.
  • Groups within gatherings are still limited to 10 people max. (So 100 people, 10 groups of 10 people max that do not require social distancing)
  • Physical distancing of 6’ between groups must be maintained at all times.
  • Maui does not require wearing face masks outdoors at this time. However, it is highly recommended that all volunteers wear one.
  • No volunteer has travelled out-of-state in the past 14 days.

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

  1. Apply (submit application form)
  2. We’ll work with you to select a section of highway to adopt.
  3. Agree to terms (submit agreement form)
  4. Install signs on your section of highway.

Before A Cleanup

  1. Schedule a clean up event & request for supplies at least 1 week prior to the event.
  2. Ensure all participants meet requirements (and submit release forms for minors)
  3. Watch the Safety Training video

After Each Cleanup

  1. Leave filled trash bags along roadside and note the location.
  2. Fill out a Clean Up Report & Rubbish Bag Removal Request 2 days after clean up event

Common 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.

What About Supplies?

We’ll provide supplies for you, just note the supplies needed on the Schedule An Event form.

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

All Rights Reserved. Stormwater Maui. State of Hawaii Department of Transportation