Kailua High School's Project Graduation -- HI5 Recycling Fundraiser

Andy Yamaguchi, chairman of Kailua HS Project Graduation 2007 (and father of senior, Ben), writes, "Kailua High School's Project Graduation committees and other school organizations have raised more than $52,000 since April 2005 in HI5 recycling drives, held twice a month at the school. We advertise via highway signs, newspaper items and radio PSAs. On Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., people drop off their donated containers. We sort and bag them. Honolulu Recovery Systems provides a rolloff container. We load it and at the end of the day off it goes. Two to three weeks later we get a check.

On July 7, 2007, Kailua High School collected its one millionth HI5 beverage container!

We like it because:

  • It is ongoing, sustainable source of revenue.
  • No selling involved.
  • Minimal overhead and zero financial risk.
  • Relatively few volunteers needed. Easy, work-at-your-own-pace activity.
  • Interaction with the community. People are very appreciative that there’s
    a 'good cause' to which they can donate their HI 5¢ recyclables.
  • An on-campus activity that can enhance your school’s profile in the
    community."

Key members of Kailua High School's recycling fundraiser include: Glen Kobayashi, Karen Kido, Tony & Lei Lum, Derrick Tsukayama, Pam Nakaso. They are all KHS parents.

KHS groups benefitting from the program include:

  • Project Graduation 2006, 2007 and 2008
  • Kailua Surfrider Band
  • KHS tennis team
  • school newspaper
  • KHS alumni association

Businesses we have partnerships with to pick up their HI5 containers are, in order of volume:

  • Puu Alii condominiums in Kaneohe
  • Seaside Hawaiian Hostel in Waikiki
  • Honolulu Advertiser
  • California Pizza Kitchen ASAP in Kailua
  • Big City Diner in Kailua
© 2005 City & County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services.