Story by
Ensign Melissa Ocasio
Naval Information Operations Command, Hawaii

Photo by
CMT1 (SW) David Vest

Every year in Hawaii, the State Department of Transportation spends $2 million picking up litter along Hawaii's roads and highways. The First Class Petty Officers' Association (FCPOA) of Naval Information Operations Command Hawaii (NIOC) is doing its part to help minimize this expense by participating in the Hawaii Department of Transportation's adopt-a-highway program.

Sailors from the NIOC Hawaii FCPOA dedicate one Saturday morning each month to walk a two-mile portion of Kunia Road and pick up litter.

The latest effort was on Feb. 20 as Sailors, dressed in high visibility vests and T-shirts, handpicked the sides of Kunia Road for litter and hazardous items. "It's nice to do something positive for the command, the community and the environment," said Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) 1st Class (SW/AW) Derek Labbe.

The NIOC FCPOA has helped in removing littered car parts, alcohol bottles, electronic devices and non-biodegradable plastics. "With more people, we can cover two miles very quickly. We encourage anyone available to come and help," said Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) 1st Class Emily Dabruzzi.