The Maui District Student Council Organization at Maui Preparatory Academy is reaching out to spread the work about the Jan. 12 all-island Maui Cigarette Butt Beach Cleanup. The 10am-12pm cleanup is tentatively scheduled to be held at various island beaches including Olowalu in West Maui; Paia Bay and Ho’okipa on the North Shore; and the Kamaole Beaches in Kihei. The organization may have a team in Molokai; they are also looking to contact Lanai High School for participation in the event.
Maui Prep’s Student Activities Coordinator is asking other SACs, MDSCOs and Student Senates to publicize the cleanup at their schools in a creative manner that will encourage maximum participation. The SAC suggests contacting Key Clubs, Service Clubs, sports teams, and any organizations who can join in. The SAC is also suggesting that individual schools celebrate and document participating students with photos and recognition.
Schools are encouraged to make appointments with their County Council Representatives for a meeting between Jan. 13-17; they suggest the meeting be made as soon as possible and scheduled no later than Jan. 24.
“The endgame is to deliver jars full of cigarette butts to County Council Representatives and to push for legislative action by showing that the rising generation isn’t okay with toxic chemicals and plastics in cigarette filters being the number one item picked up at beach clean ups,” said Andrew O’Riordan, Maui Preparatory Academy Student Activities Coordinator.
Surfrider Foundation and Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawaii have all volunteered to staff, publicize and support the event. All bags, jars, and gloves will be provided by supporting organizations. “We aim to put Surfrider Volunteers in direct communication with SACs and MDSCO reps,” O’Riordan said.
Photo of Red billed gull with cigarette in New Zealand: Tony Wills/Wikimedia Commons
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