WAILUKU – The County of Maui is sponsoring a stenciling project in collaboration with the state Department of Transportation’s Highways Division to help protect the ocean from harmful substances going down county storm drains.

The event will be held on Thursday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to noon as part of World Oceans Day celebrations. Interested volunteers are invited to gather at the Kalana O Maui county building located at 200 South High St., and from there go on to paint awareness messages of “No Dumping Drains to Ocean” at storm drain inlets on and around High, Main and Market streets.

The World Oceans Day theme for 2017 is “Our Oceans, Our Future.” The day’s main conservation focus will be on preventing plastic pollution and cleaning the ocean of marine litter. Storm drain stenciling messages help people be mindful of how their actions on land can affect stream and ocean health.

When it rains, storm water runoff can carry plastic and other litter, motor oil, soaps and detergents, bacteria, excess fertilizers and pesticides, green waste and sediment to storm drains. Most storm drains flow into streams and oceans, untreated.

“Every citizen has a role to play in preventing pollution and protecting our natural resources. Storm drain marking projects are a great way for the government and community to work together to raise awareness,” said Department of Public Works Director David Goode.

For inquiries, or to sign up for this volunteer activity, e-mail volunteer@mauistormwater.com. For more information on how you can protect storm water and the County’s Storm Water Management Program, visit www.mauicounty.gov/stormwater.