Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL HomeTrash problems not only impacting Oahu

Trash problems not only impacting Oahu

Posted: Updated:
Donald Fujimoto Donald Fujimoto
Allison Fraley Allison Fraley

By Duane Shimogawa - bio | email

KEKAHA (KHNL) - What to do with our trash is a multi-island problem in Hawaii. Officials want to expand its capacity and extend the life of Oahu's Waimanalo Gulch Landfill.

People dump more than 500,000 tons of waste there each year. Trashed-out is also a problem and controversy on the Garden Isle of Kauai.

The landfill on Kauai is almost full and like on Oahu without expansion and extension. The big question is, what to do with what we dispose?

Kauai County engineers say the island needs to find a new landfill site right away.

The current one is on Kauai's westside in Kekaha, just outside of Waimea. The biggest issue isn't if one needs to be built. Instead, it's the location that draws lots of concern. No one wants it in their backyards.

The sounds of the Kekaha landfill will be heard in another town on Kauai. Not something residents look forward to.

"We're just hoping the community will accept that and will be able to accept the results of the whole process," County engineer Donald Fujimoto said.

The process of finding another landfill is in place. Eight sites have been chosen, from the westside to the eastside. But as trash fills up the current dump, efforts are also underway to divert as much of it as possible.

"That's your up front solution and then the landfill is the back end, so recycling plays a huge role and not just recycling, but waste diversion and that means, that includes source reducing, not creating waste in the first place," County Solid Waste coordinator Allison Fraley said.

A new landfill takes up to seven years to develop, so county engineers feel strapped for time.

"I guess the biggest challenge is just the issue of the landfill itself," Fujimoto said. "Nobody wants it and for good reason. I mean you know and that is the challenge to kind of the good news is that we do have the process that we're going through that is very objective."

Fujimoto also says the community that hosts the landfill will get compensated for it.

A benefit he and others hope will satisfy this trashed-out problem.

The county has formed advisory committees across Kauai. They will ultimately in choose a site for a new landfill, with the help of solid waste experts. This process should last until early next year.

Comments
Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. Notify us of any inappropriate comments by clicking the “Mark as Offensive” link. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. By submitting a comment, you agree to these Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register
See all comments
Close windowBranding

Trash problems not only impacting Oahu

Close window

Recently most viewed...

Hawaii couples sue state over civil unions

Updated:

Sean Smith and his same-sex partner, Kale Taylor, have been together for five years. They share an... More>>

Hikers stranded above Pali Highway are safe

Updated:

The fire department says both men are safe. The two got stranded in the mountains above the Pali Highway... More>>

DOE laying off about 40 clerical staff workers

Updated:

The state Department of Education is laying off about 40 clerical staff workers as part of an effort to save $142 million... More>>

Killing of peacocks has East Oahu residents crying foul

Updated:

Wildlife officials have killed 18 peacocks in East Oahu. Some people are thrilled the noisy birds... More>>

Police: Waikiki stabbing was unprovoked

Updated:

A California man is in a Honolulu jail cell Friday on a charge of attempted murder. Witnesses say Matheu Hongel... More>>

Recently most commented... More>>

Dozens arrested in union protest against hotel chain

Updated:

About a thousand members and supporters of the UNITE HERE Local 5 hotel workers union showed up in Waikiki... More>>

Woman protecting cats from being trapped when state seals up WWII bunkers

Updated:

The state wanted to seal up the entrances of the WW II bunkers at an Oahu park. One woman worried that... More>>

HPD opens criminal investigation into mayoral candidate Tam's spending

Updated:

Honolulu police and the state Attorney General have launched a criminal investigation into mayoral candidate Rod Tam's... More>>

Exclusive: Police sergeants under investigation for alleged overtime scam stripped of badges, guns

Updated:

The investigation into allegations of false reporting by two Honolulu police sergeants who oversaw DUI... More>>

Child killer goes before parole board

Updated:

Wearing handcuffs and ankle shackles, convicted child killer Matthew Higa told the Hawaii Paroling Authority... More>>

Job Link 8 Featured Jobs
 
Now Hiring: Jack in the Box
Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2010 WorldNow and KHNL/KGMB, a Raycom Media station. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
>