Kalihi Stream trash just keeps flowing
By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Staff Writer
Ray Hollowell, a volunteer at yesterday's cleanup of Kalihi Stream, shook his head as the team collected debris and more debris: four truckloads of it.
Cory Lum • The Honolulu Advertiser
Forming a human line, volunteers moved away mattresses, rotting lumber, wire fencing, tools, car batteries, and even used diapers. Yesterday's cleanup was organized by Kalihi residents, the environmental group Protect the Planet, and the city.
About 100 volunteers helped clean Kalihi Stream yesterday, hauling away garbage like batteries, tools and diapers.
Residents of Lehua Street said much of the trash belonged to one family that had dumped it along the stream behind their property.
"This place is like Sanford & Son on steroids," said Hollowell, referring to the 1970s TV show about a junkyard dealer.
Yesterday's turnout was the biggest in recent efforts, with about 100 volunteers, said Lisa Mitchell of Protect the Planet. Followed by a Kalihi Stream Fest with music and a surfboard giveaway, it was designed to raise awareness about the watershed and kick off a restoration effort for the Kalihi and Kamanaiki streams.
Along with the cleanup, volunteers stenciled safety warnings along sidewalks to discourage the disposing of trash down storm drains, and handed out fliers to neighbors on environmental safety.
Volunteer Dori Redford, enduring muggy weather yesterday while gathering trash at the front of the human chain, joked that the work kept her in shape.
"I think the problem with our society is everything is built on convenience," Redford said. "When that happens, you just think about yourself and forget about the environment and the next generations."
Those wishing to volunteer for future cleanups can call Protect the Planet at 226-1464.
