Over the weekend, we partnered with Lahainaluna High School and the Old Lahaina Luau to hold the first-ever ocean-friendly car wash in Hawai'i! Washing cars causes a variety of pollutants (including oils and heavy metals like lead and arsenic, not to mention the cleaning products) to wash off and get into storm drains, where they ultimately end up in the ocean and can harm the environment. We tested out a model used elsewhere in the US to suck up and redirect the wash water to vegetated areas (or inputs to the sanitary sewer), and NOT into storm drains. Mahalo to a great crew from Lahainaluna High School for all the hard work, and to the Old Lahaina Luau for hosting us! We'd also like to thank the project's sponsors, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Hawai'i Department of Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources!
​Check out this album of photos, and to see some videos from the event, including a how-to guide, here's a YouTube playlist. For tips on washing your car the ocean friendly way, please visit our website.

Mahalo to everyone who made this year's celebration such a fantastic success! Check out our Facebook photo album.