A team of volunteer union painters — nicknamed "Graffiti Busters" — will go to work shortly as part of a new program to paint over graffiti, which is becoming an increasing problem at Hawai'i's public schools. The effort is expected to save the state up to $60,000 annually.

The program, launched jointly last week by the Department of Education and state Senate President Robert Bunda, was created to help public schools control graffiti and other vandalism on their property. The public/private partnership between the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Hawai'i, District Council 50, and the state, also will include repairs to broken windows.

These costs will be picked up by the Glazing Industry of Hawai'i, District Council 50 and the IUPAT. Paint costs will be borne by IUPAT initially, with the hope other businesses will volunteer as the program continues.

Organizers expect a flood of requests at the beginning, but schools that are repeatedly hit will be a priority, said Ken Nason, of Bunda's office.

Schools are asked to send a work order request to the DOE Office of Business Services Response Center.