Two Molokai Churches Lauded for Highway Cleanups

Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Maui District News Release

Two churches on Molokai have been recognized by the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Maui District, for their contributions to the Adopt-A-Highway public service program.

The Heart of Aloha Church and Tenrikyo Molokai received the Adopt-A-Highway No Ka Oi Highway Hui Award for the fourth quarter of 2024 and first quarter of 2025, respectively. Both churches and their volunteers have regularly picked up trash along a two-mile segment of highway for the past eight or more years, helping to prevent roadside rubbish from blowing into the ocean or other sensitive ecosystems.

“Our Adopt-A-Highway groups on Molokai have been dedicated partners in our ongoing efforts to protect the island’s water bodies, including the ocean, from litter and other pollutants,” said Ty Fukuroku, program manager of Environmental Management, Highways Maui District. “Both the Heart of Aloha Church and Tenrikyo Molokai have told us that Adopt-A-Highway aligns with their commitment to the community. We’re very honored to applaud them for their efforts.”

The Heart of Aloha Church joined the Adopt-A-Highway program in 2010, and cares for a section of Kalae Highway between mileposts 0 and 2. Their cleanups typically involve about a dozen volunteers, sometimes including visitors to the island, who join together for the community service activity as well as food and fellowship.

“We are humbled to receive this award, but it really is about just doing our little part to help our community and island,” said Senior Pastor Cameron Hiro of Heart of Aloha Church. “It’s not about recognition but about kuleana. We do what we can.”

Tenrikyo Molokai cares for a segment between mileposts 0 and 2 along Kamehameha V Highway. Since 2016, the church’s volunteers have conducted cleanups and reported their data on a regular basis and removed more than 70 bags from their roadside segment.

“We are thrilled and honored to be part of this program,” said Daniel Kauhini Rodan of Tenrikyo Molokai, “and to those who honked and cheered us [during our cleanups], much mahalo!”

Organizations in Maui County interested in signing up for Adopt-A-Highway can search for available highway segments at Highways Maui District’s stormwater website, stormwatermaui.com. Applications, cleanup forms, a safety training video, and program information are also available on the website. Adopt-A-Highway groups receive support from Highways Maui District in the form of cleanup supplies, safety training and the group’s name printed on a highway sign.