Have you seen graffiti around Hawaii that doesn't look pleasing to the
eye?
Have you seen graffiti on public property and private property?
If you have thought about it and seen it here and there, such as
freeways, store fronts, public signs, walls, etc.,
then you must be wondering what is the State of Hawaii doing about it?
- To some people, graffiti is visually disgusting and distasteful.
- To some people, some graffiti is artwork (if it is done artistically).
- To some people, some graffiti is an anti-political message to get across.
- To some people, some graffiti is a political message to show the law that it is to be remembered.
- To some people, graffiti is the taggings (street writings) of gang members territories.
If this surprises you, read on.
What is graffiti?
Graffiti is illegal writings and or
illegal drawings that are spray painted onto surfaces
with colors that can visually be seen on public areas.
Graffiti is also used by marker pens that are etched onto walls in places such as public bathrooms.
Graffiti expresses messages that is from the hiphop culture,
political stances, and or artistic expressions.
Stickers are not considered graffiti, as it is viewed as plots to up marketing tactics.
Many countries that has graffiti, views graffiti as illegal and defacing of public properties.
Graffiti has also existed throughout the ancient times too,
as it dates back to Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire,
and to Ancient Egypt.
How does graffiti affect the environment?
Graffiti affects the global warming, also known as raising the Earth's temperature which reduces the ozone layer.
When the Earth's temperture rises, the Artic and Antartica (The top and the bottom polar caps of the Earth) melts faster, changing the climates randomly all over the world from extremes of hot to cold or both temperatures.
This is because the main paints that graffiti users use is done with aerosol spray cans.
What is aerosol spray?
Aerosol spray are liquids compressed under pressure in a bottle or can that is equipped with a nozzle. The nozzle when pressed, releases liquid that is dispersed in a stream spray.
What are some of the chemicals in aerosol spray paint?
Since graffiti users tends to buy off the shelf spray paints, they tend to buy the cheaper spray paints.
Some spray paints contains chemical components such as:
- Acrylic Copolymer
- Acrylic Polyurethane
- Copolymer Acrylic Copolymer
- Strontium Zinc Phosphosilicate.
What does the chemicals do?
- Acrylic Copolymer is generally a plastic.
- Acrylic Polyurethane is a combination of acrylic and polyurethane to make the product more resistant.
- Copolymer Acrylic Copolymer is an acrylic which is also used in cosmetics.
- Strontium Zinc Phosphosilicate is a sealant.
Does spray paint cause health issues?
In most cases,
Yes.
Some paint companies "claim" to be non-toxic.
It all depends on the maker and who paid who to get approved...
In reality anything that is used in tincans can create poisons if mixed with chemicals and or is expired (rust, bacteria, etc), which in this case, the paint sprays that contains solvents that are released through a toxicated spray.
After all, why would spray paints contain warning signs and why does professionals that use spray paints wear masks?
The health risks is that it causes irritations to the nose and eyes.
If inhaled, it can cause birth defects such as abnormalities and deformities.
How can you help?
- Join a neighborhood board watch, or create one within your community.
- Create a "graffiti wall" for the community, for kids / teens / adults to let out their creative outlets.
- Volunteer with a community service group that helps re-paint walls.
Here are a couple of volunteer sites in Hawaii to visit in helping clean up graffiti areas:
Volunteer with the Kaimuki Christian Church to help remove trash and graffiti:
I've met them before, and they are a very friendly group that
helps the Kaimuki community.
They have upcoming dates, but you must sign up to participate.
April 20, 2013
May 19, 2013
June 15, 2013
For more information, visit:
Kaimuki Christian Church
http://www.kaimukihawaii.com/d/c/kaimuki-trash-graffiti-removal.html
T.A.G. also known as Totally Against Graffiti, has been featured on many online websites and on the local news (television and newspaper).
They have over 75+ participating volunteers that helps paint over
graffiti in 5 different Honolulu locations (Moilili and
McCully).
If interested in helping to volunteer on painting over graffiti'ed areas,
contact:
Mimi Gans (volunteer coordinator)
Phone: 1 (808) 252-4005
Email: tagteamhawaii@gmail.com
Are there any numbers to call about reporting graffiti?
Yes.
The HPD (Honolulu Police Dept.) has a Graffiti hotline, that is for the
public to report graffiti that is on both public and private properties.
To report the graffiti, call this HPD Graffiti Hotline:
1 (808) 723-3475
If you would like to contact the Honolulu Mayor's office,
there is a Graffiti hotline recording:
Honolulu Mayor's office hotline:
1 (808) 296-9473
For safety:
If you happen to see a person or people writing or spraying graffiti on a public or private area,
DO NOT approach them, as they could be carrying a weapon.
It is best to call and make a report.
Now that you know about the graffiti that is getting worse in Hawaii, you have either the option to help or to at least be aware.
And remember Hawai'i, to take care of your health,
take care of life, take care of the
environment, and to think Green Hawai'i!
Comments