The Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter (SFMC) partners with Project Reuse, a nonprofit founded by one of SFMC’s Executive Committee members, Suparna Vashisht.
The Project Reuse screening event on March 31, 2026, was intended as a pebble in a lake, creating ripple effects of action.
It's not just about the effect of the film, "We are all plastic people now" or the panel discussion—it's also what people did. SFMC and Project Reuse partnered up to provide postcards for the attendees and many of them took a few extra minutes to write to the Maui County Council, asking for continued and stronger action on plastic pollution. We left the event feeling fired up! Instead of mailing in the postcards after tallying them, we decided to hand deliver them to the @Maui County Council.
On April 14, local leaders Cheryl King (Sharkastics) and Petar Kovacic (EC member, SFMC), and Suparna Vashisht (Founder Project Reuse and EC member, SFMC), took those messages forward.
We knew the Council was deep in budget sessions but instead of waiting for a month, we met with Michele McLean, a senior aide in the Office of the Council Chair—and had a thoughtful, productive conversation. We handed over the postcards and a document summarizing why and how the council could act.
Stronger enforcement of Maui’s laudable “Upon Request Only” policy
Making it easier for people to take their own containers to food outlets
Reusables-only for onsite dining
Phasing out single-use beverage containers less than one gallon
Practical, proven solutions that have been implemented in other places that people in Maui are ready for.
What was encouraging is that it didn’t stop at the meeting.
Michele made sure our conversation reached Council leadership, had the postcards officially logged and shared, and even recommended a presentation and discussion in one of the county council committees once budget season wraps.
It’s a reminder that change can and does come from individuals showing up, speaking up, and following through.
If you’ve ever wondered whether small actions like writing a postcard matter—they absolutely do, they are the seed that grows into something big.
If you have any questions regarding the data please email hlilley@surfrider.org.