Rotarian Paul Ratterman paints over graffiti at the carport across from Lahaina Public Library.

LAHAINA — Over 92 “tags” were scrubbed off walls, fire hydrants, signs, trash cans and other surfaces around Lahaina by members of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise.

Additionally, the members painted over graffiti on the Kahoma Stream bridge, the wall of the carport facing the makai Lahaina Public Library lawn, and along the seawall.

“We are seeing an epidemic of graffiti in town,” said Theo Morrison, who organized the cleanup. “It must stop.”

All tags were documented, and photos were sent to the Maui Police Department for identification.

The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise encourages all merchants and residents to be on the lookout for graffiti on their property.

If they see some, they should take a photo, then scrub off the graffiti immediately. There are many good products available in local hardware stores to remove graffiti without harming the surface underneath.

If the graffiti is on private property, permission to remove it must be obtained from the property owner.

By definition, graffiti is painting or writing, often with spray paint, in a visible place, frequently on public property.

Graffiti is a crime of vandalism because the person doing it, usually, does not have authorization or permission.