I oppose the dumping of the toxic waste in Olowalu. Dioxins, arsenic, asbestos, and other toxins will seep into the ocean, polluting and destroying the future of life for generations to come. And, this is sacred ground where many lives in the past were lost. Dumping this toxic waste here should not be allowed! Joni Walters
As I read a previous comment about alternative possibilities, they mentioned "separating the bones from the ash" as part of one of the solutions. Upon hearing those words my heart literally sank ...and hurt. Even with all this herndous evil perpetrated here against our brothers and sisters. I do know it is never too late for repentance for the ones that were part of the destruction and life taking.
PLEASE, people pulling the strings, making the decisions, think deeply about what you are doing and stand up to the powers that be, stand against this next phase of this diabolical plan.
If not for humanity, for yourself.
There has got to be a better solution.
As a Marine Biologist for 35 years and a Maui Resident for over 20 years, I have dedicated my entire life to protecting our precious water.
Both sides have valid points here. The Lahaina ash must be removed as soon as possible as the people having to live next to it are suffering and we must keep more Lahaina residents from selling and leaving—not to mention the fact that the next big rain could wash it all into the ocean!
BUT in all this haste and desperation to fast track the decision to place the toxins in Oluwalu, are we then creating a whole new problem?
At the Dec. 22nd meeting the TMK for the possible permanent site of 14 acres was revealed to be right next to the ‘temporary’ TMK site of 5 acres. It is quite possible, and perhaps probable, that the County or Mayor will choose to make it the permanent site. Once the ash is dumped onto this “temporary” site, the damage is done. This is a violation of the Ohana of Olowalu, its ancestors and all of our future descendants, our Keiki. The aquifer is a lattice of underground streams, and when toxins enter this lattice they will contaminate, not just down stream, but upward and crosswise for miles in every direction!
Let’s rise above this division and come to a solution we can all get behind! After the fires, we came together in such creative passion and devotion and were able to overcome so many obstacles and do workarounds at every roadblock to get to the people in need—with food, water, and supplies. We can do that again, here, with this issue! We need the same energy and dedication NOW!
Just because we have not found a solution we can all get behind yet, does not mean it does not exist… and yes, I know time is of the essence.
Separating out the small amount of cremated bones that have not yet been recovered, as best we can, and making a monument to commemorate our loved ones’ lives, is one beautiful solution. Once separated, could it be possible to carry the rest of the toxic ash in sealed containers (by Helicopter, perhaps, in order to not clog up the roadways?) to a place where there is BLUE rock foundation, not cinder, where we can then also place the liner we now have in Oluwalu? I understand that the land next to the Central Maui Landfill is on BLUE ROCK, is not a cultural site, sanctuary, or conservation district.
These are just my current ideas. Ultimately, I am asking for a time and place, very soon, where we can all come together as a community to share ideas and solutions.
Lastly- IT IS IMPERATIVE that we consider newer, proven technologies such as the use of mycelium in the soil and the idea of pyrolysis (and there are also other technologies from various countries and space missions used to make this kind of toxic material inert). And if we are able to use pyrolysis to break down the toxic material and entomb it into concrete—much like Pele does in her Lava—then once this ash is neutralized we could begin to do the same with our landfill trash(!)--which would be a huge win for our entire island and our planet. We could provide a blue print for the rest of the world, if we choose to do so, at this unprecedented time in our history.
Kecia Joy
There needs to be a different location for this hazardous waste it will contaminate the wildlife and sacred lands. Please I urge you to find a different solution to this issue Maui is a huge island you have alll the land that is brown with no growth that was destroyed by toxic pesticides why add to a clean place makes no sense as if you really didn’t weigh the pros and cons if you have no time to find a better solution that is no excuse the life of people and wildlife are at stake they should matter far more than anything . Thank you for your time
This is not a solution, it is another disaster waiting to happen that affects the soil and the ocean do to the fact that when it rains the run off from the toxic soil ends up in the ocean. I oppose this idea to burry all the toxic waist from the Lāhainā fires. I beg you to find a better way that won’t affect our islands very limited natural resources and sensitive ecosystems on land and in the sea.
I understand that it is a difficult decision what to do with all of the toxic wastes from the Lahaina fire. I urge the County of Maui to reconsider its plan to create a toxic waste dump in the Olowalu area. There must be a better solution than the one proposed. Please put a halt to proposed plan and look at other, l¡q
In making this critical decision of where to dispose of the toxic waste from the Lahaina disaster one must have a heart of great compassion for the suffering of the Lahaina residents with all they have had to endure since the fire: the continuing presence of deadly toxic waste that is making residents and their children sick, the growing number of families leaving for the mainland who may never return home, and of course, the threat of what will happen when the rains come and wash all that toxicity into the ocean. This does not even begin to address, of course the trauma and loss of home, possessions and ultimately, many lives, that is a burden they continue to bear and we continue to share.
However, I humbly suggest that two wrongs do not make a right! Spreading the contamination and deadly toxicity to another location in an attempt to eradicate it from one place and put it on another simply creates the possibility of two disasters, one on top of another ... especially in Oluwalu, where leakage of toxicity would harm marine life forever, and therefore, alter irrevocably our life as we know it on Maui. Locating this site "temporarily" also dishonors the Oluwalu Ohana, whose culture, health, marine life, and the bones of its ancestors deserve equal consideration. Are their issues less important than those of Lahaina residents??
We must consider the possibility of a solution that will be welcomed by all parties, rather than one which is no solution at all because it potentially harms everyone.
Just because it is not clear what solution works right now for all does not make it an impossibility for a people united in intention to manifest.
This issue is simply too important for us not to make the supreme effort to find a way that transcends the limitations we now face of time, ideas and money!. The unity of efforts displayed by the community and the world when this disaster happened has proven to us what we can do when we are determined to succeed.
I believe a community forum welcoming all potential solutions can offer a space where solutions can truly be found. This should be an open forum, inviting all possibilities, ideas, and people. Let's do this thing! Let's "fast track" something we can all be proud of, and show the world the way to achieve great solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems!
In making this critical decision of where to dispose of the toxic waste from the Lahaina disaster one must have a heart of great compassion for the suffering of the Lahaina residents with all they have had to endure since the fire: the continuing presence of deadly toxic waste that is making residents and their children sick, the growing number of families leaving for the mainland who may never return home, and of course, the threat of what will happen when the rains come and wash all that toxicity into the ocean. This does not even begin to address, of course the trauma and loss of home, possessions and ultimately, many lives, that is a burden they continue to bear and we continue to share.
However, I humbly suggest that two wrongs do not make a right! Spreading the contamination and deadly toxicity to another location in an attempt to eradicate it from one place and put it on another simply creates the possibility of two disasters, one on top of another ... especially in Oluwalu, where leakage of toxicity would harm marine life forever, and therefore, alter irrevocably our life as we know it on Maui. Locating this site "temporarily" also dishonors the Oluwalu Ohana, whose culture, health, marine life, and the bones of its ancestors deserve equal consideration. Are their issues less important than those of Lahaina residents??
We must consider the possibility of a solution that will be welcomed by all parties, rather than one which is no solution at all because it potentially harms everyone.
Just because it is not clear what solution works right now for all does not make it an impossibility for a people united in intention to manifest.
This issue is simply too important for us not to make the supreme effort to find a way that transcends the limitations we now face of time, ideas and money!. The unity of efforts displayed by the community and the world when this disaster happened has proven to us what we can do when we are determined to succeed.
I believe a community forum welcoming all potential solutions can offer a space where solutions can truly be found. This should be an open forum, inviting all possibilities, ideas, and people. Let's do this thing! Let's "fast track" something we can all be proud of, and show the world the way to achieve great solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems!
Aloha Maui,
I am grateful for this opportunity to share. Please consider long term solutions, such as Mycoremediation (using fungus to remediate toxic waste - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4k5pkL5Me4). We already ruined Kahoʻolawe and are paying the price for that. Let's invest in the future of our aina and be an example to the world of how to maker island even better. This aina is most precious in every aspect, including for our financial future. We depend on its pristine beauty to attract tourism, not mention for our own health and life. Consider rebuilding without toxic building material so this will never happen again. Maui could be a model of how to rebuild in harmony with nature and it's native culture.
Protect the People of Maui
Please find a better location
Not on this sacred ground!
Do what is right for Hawaii and stop destroying this beautiful place and all of the beautiful people, animals, and ecosystems.
I oppose the dumping of the toxic waste in Olowalu. Dioxins, arsenic, asbestos, and other toxins will seep into the ocean, polluting and destroying the future of life for generations to come. And, this is sacred ground where many lives in the past were lost. Dumping this toxic waste here should not be allowed! Joni Walters
The mother reef deserves better!
As I read a previous comment about alternative possibilities, they mentioned "separating the bones from the ash" as part of one of the solutions. Upon hearing those words my heart literally sank ...and hurt. Even with all this herndous evil perpetrated here against our brothers and sisters. I do know it is never too late for repentance for the ones that were part of the destruction and life taking.
PLEASE, people pulling the strings, making the decisions, think deeply about what you are doing and stand up to the powers that be, stand against this next phase of this diabolical plan.
If not for humanity, for yourself.
There has got to be a better solution.
Oppose
Find a better place for this site.
As a Marine Biologist for 35 years and a Maui Resident for over 20 years, I have dedicated my entire life to protecting our precious water.
Both sides have valid points here. The Lahaina ash must be removed as soon as possible as the people having to live next to it are suffering and we must keep more Lahaina residents from selling and leaving—not to mention the fact that the next big rain could wash it all into the ocean!
BUT in all this haste and desperation to fast track the decision to place the toxins in Oluwalu, are we then creating a whole new problem?
At the Dec. 22nd meeting the TMK for the possible permanent site of 14 acres was revealed to be right next to the ‘temporary’ TMK site of 5 acres. It is quite possible, and perhaps probable, that the County or Mayor will choose to make it the permanent site. Once the ash is dumped onto this “temporary” site, the damage is done. This is a violation of the Ohana of Olowalu, its ancestors and all of our future descendants, our Keiki. The aquifer is a lattice of underground streams, and when toxins enter this lattice they will contaminate, not just down stream, but upward and crosswise for miles in every direction!
Let’s rise above this division and come to a solution we can all get behind! After the fires, we came together in such creative passion and devotion and were able to overcome so many obstacles and do workarounds at every roadblock to get to the people in need—with food, water, and supplies. We can do that again, here, with this issue! We need the same energy and dedication NOW!
Just because we have not found a solution we can all get behind yet, does not mean it does not exist… and yes, I know time is of the essence.
Separating out the small amount of cremated bones that have not yet been recovered, as best we can, and making a monument to commemorate our loved ones’ lives, is one beautiful solution. Once separated, could it be possible to carry the rest of the toxic ash in sealed containers (by Helicopter, perhaps, in order to not clog up the roadways?) to a place where there is BLUE rock foundation, not cinder, where we can then also place the liner we now have in Oluwalu? I understand that the land next to the Central Maui Landfill is on BLUE ROCK, is not a cultural site, sanctuary, or conservation district.
These are just my current ideas. Ultimately, I am asking for a time and place, very soon, where we can all come together as a community to share ideas and solutions.
Lastly- IT IS IMPERATIVE that we consider newer, proven technologies such as the use of mycelium in the soil and the idea of pyrolysis (and there are also other technologies from various countries and space missions used to make this kind of toxic material inert). And if we are able to use pyrolysis to break down the toxic material and entomb it into concrete—much like Pele does in her Lava—then once this ash is neutralized we could begin to do the same with our landfill trash(!)--which would be a huge win for our entire island and our planet. We could provide a blue print for the rest of the world, if we choose to do so, at this unprecedented time in our history.
Kecia Joy
There needs to be a different location for this hazardous waste it will contaminate the wildlife and sacred lands. Please I urge you to find a different solution to this issue Maui is a huge island you have alll the land that is brown with no growth that was destroyed by toxic pesticides why add to a clean place makes no sense as if you really didn’t weigh the pros and cons if you have no time to find a better solution that is no excuse the life of people and wildlife are at stake they should matter far more than anything . Thank you for your time
Please find another solution for the toxic waste. Having it at Olowalu will do horrific damage to the reefs and marine life.
Wake up! It is a bad dream..
No way
This toxic material should be sent to a location that is more equipped to handle it and that wouldn’t desecrate sacred indigenous land.
This is not a solution, it is another disaster waiting to happen that affects the soil and the ocean do to the fact that when it rains the run off from the toxic soil ends up in the ocean. I oppose this idea to burry all the toxic waist from the Lāhainā fires. I beg you to find a better way that won’t affect our islands very limited natural resources and sensitive ecosystems on land and in the sea.
I understand that it is a difficult decision what to do with all of the toxic wastes from the Lahaina fire. I urge the County of Maui to reconsider its plan to create a toxic waste dump in the Olowalu area. There must be a better solution than the one proposed. Please put a halt to proposed plan and look at other, l¡q
In making this critical decision of where to dispose of the toxic waste from the Lahaina disaster one must have a heart of great compassion for the suffering of the Lahaina residents with all they have had to endure since the fire: the continuing presence of deadly toxic waste that is making residents and their children sick, the growing number of families leaving for the mainland who may never return home, and of course, the threat of what will happen when the rains come and wash all that toxicity into the ocean. This does not even begin to address, of course the trauma and loss of home, possessions and ultimately, many lives, that is a burden they continue to bear and we continue to share.
However, I humbly suggest that two wrongs do not make a right! Spreading the contamination and deadly toxicity to another location in an attempt to eradicate it from one place and put it on another simply creates the possibility of two disasters, one on top of another ... especially in Oluwalu, where leakage of toxicity would harm marine life forever, and therefore, alter irrevocably our life as we know it on Maui. Locating this site "temporarily" also dishonors the Oluwalu Ohana, whose culture, health, marine life, and the bones of its ancestors deserve equal consideration. Are their issues less important than those of Lahaina residents??
We must consider the possibility of a solution that will be welcomed by all parties, rather than one which is no solution at all because it potentially harms everyone.
Just because it is not clear what solution works right now for all does not make it an impossibility for a people united in intention to manifest.
This issue is simply too important for us not to make the supreme effort to find a way that transcends the limitations we now face of time, ideas and money!. The unity of efforts displayed by the community and the world when this disaster happened has proven to us what we can do when we are determined to succeed.
I believe a community forum welcoming all potential solutions can offer a space where solutions can truly be found. This should be an open forum, inviting all possibilities, ideas, and people. Let's do this thing! Let's "fast track" something we can all be proud of, and show the world the way to achieve great solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems!
In making this critical decision of where to dispose of the toxic waste from the Lahaina disaster one must have a heart of great compassion for the suffering of the Lahaina residents with all they have had to endure since the fire: the continuing presence of deadly toxic waste that is making residents and their children sick, the growing number of families leaving for the mainland who may never return home, and of course, the threat of what will happen when the rains come and wash all that toxicity into the ocean. This does not even begin to address, of course the trauma and loss of home, possessions and ultimately, many lives, that is a burden they continue to bear and we continue to share.
However, I humbly suggest that two wrongs do not make a right! Spreading the contamination and deadly toxicity to another location in an attempt to eradicate it from one place and put it on another simply creates the possibility of two disasters, one on top of another ... especially in Oluwalu, where leakage of toxicity would harm marine life forever, and therefore, alter irrevocably our life as we know it on Maui. Locating this site "temporarily" also dishonors the Oluwalu Ohana, whose culture, health, marine life, and the bones of its ancestors deserve equal consideration. Are their issues less important than those of Lahaina residents??
We must consider the possibility of a solution that will be welcomed by all parties, rather than one which is no solution at all because it potentially harms everyone.
Just because it is not clear what solution works right now for all does not make it an impossibility for a people united in intention to manifest.
This issue is simply too important for us not to make the supreme effort to find a way that transcends the limitations we now face of time, ideas and money!. The unity of efforts displayed by the community and the world when this disaster happened has proven to us what we can do when we are determined to succeed.
I believe a community forum welcoming all potential solutions can offer a space where solutions can truly be found. This should be an open forum, inviting all possibilities, ideas, and people. Let's do this thing! Let's "fast track" something we can all be proud of, and show the world the way to achieve great solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems!
Aloha Maui,
I am grateful for this opportunity to share. Please consider long term solutions, such as Mycoremediation (using fungus to remediate toxic waste - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4k5pkL5Me4). We already ruined Kahoʻolawe and are paying the price for that. Let's invest in the future of our aina and be an example to the world of how to maker island even better. This aina is most precious in every aspect, including for our financial future. We depend on its pristine beauty to attract tourism, not mention for our own health and life. Consider rebuilding without toxic building material so this will never happen again. Maui could be a model of how to rebuild in harmony with nature and it's native culture.