There needs to be a better solution for the land, environment, and people of Maui than the plan for this toxic dump site. We are in a critical time for our environment and we need to look seriously at better options for the land and the people and animals that it will likely effect.
I am very concerned that decisions are being made too hastily, without giving due consideration to alternative solutions or long-term implications. It seems that this has been pattern repeated over and over again, resulting in a variety of issues that are now plaguing the island … a lack of necessary infrastructure to properly support the land and her people, a blatant disregard for the integral role the ecosystem plays in the viability and sustainability of the island, an unhealthy reliance on tourism as the driver of our economy, a severe lack of affordable housing, etc., etc. As horrific as August 8 and its aftermath have been, we have been given a rare opportunity to basically start over … to do things the RIGHT way, not just the fastest, most convenient, or least expensive way. Don’t our people (for generations to come) AND our land deserve to have us protect them?!? It’s time to take a step back and do the necessary research to determine the RIGHT solution. I do not believe it is Olowalu. PLEASE STOP … before more damage is done that is irreversible.
Maui, deserves a justly, merciful, and humble solution for great health of the island & its inhabitants! The Natives environment needs higher healthier environment standards of livability for humans, animals both on land and in the sea, and the trees and surrounding plant life, food, and water!
Prime example of a foolish detrimental
unsound solution ie Superfund TOXIC Chemical Dump Disaster in Love Canal, New York! That left the community with incurable sicknesses for the developing children like several rows of teeth, webbed feet, and infertility for the women & men, along with cancers & other diseases!! A most certainly shorter life expectancy & a too often death sentences!!
And also the many Superfund
Disaster locations in New Jersey!
The Earth is watching & this decision will be a Historical Record of Maui's Legacy, and those that were involved in the solution best for the overall health & respect of the inhabitants & most importantly the Natives and Maui.
As usual,the powers from above making decisions not on behalf of the decent people who live there!!!! God will judge on behalf of those people without a doubt!
I Vehemently Oppose The Illegal Dumping of Toxic Waste at Olowalu Due to:
Olowalu Toxic Dump Site Key Facts
OVERVIEW
Maui’s humpback whale sanctuary for birthing calves and its precious Olowalu Reef system—identified by Mission Blue for its rich diversity of rare and unique coral species—is being placed at risk of irreversible injury due to the proposed site of a “temporary” toxic waste landfill to house 400,000 tons of the most toxic debris from the Lahaina wildfire disaster. The site is also destroying Hawaiian archeological sites of significance. The site is being expedited for unsafe storage of enormous volumes of toxic waste debris and compounds as early as the first week of January.
HIGH RISK OF EXPOSURE TO POPULATIONS AND OCEAN REEF ECOSYSTEM
The “temporary” dump site is near completion and the proposed permanent Olowalu dump site will be located 605 yards from the protected Olowalu reef system, organic farmlands, popular surf and recreation areas for children, and sacred Hawaiian cultural lands. Distance graphic
The County claims there is no problem with the dump because it is only “temporary.” The people disagree. There is no such thing as the “temporary poisoning” of a community, its environment, baby whales, or precious reef system.
The toxic landfill will be flanked by two freshwater underground streams that feed the Olowalu coral reef system,
Olowalu reef is a declared Mission Blue Hope Spot (a place critical to the health of our oceans), and has been described as Maui's “Mother Reef” because it is a primary source of coral larvae for the reefs of Lana’i, Moloka’i and West Maui.
It also harbors the largest known manta ray population in the United States. Mission Blue
The current disposition of the temporary and permanent Olowalu toxic waste sites pose major threats to both public health and safety.
The current site for temporary and permanent toxic landfills is vulnerable to flash flooding and landslides. It sits at the basin of a natural watershed and drainage into the ocean.
The site is constructed on acidic cinder rock and loose sediment which is similar to a giant sandpile of unconsolidated rocks. This makes the landfill vulnerable to sediment shifts beneath it, erosion from flooding, and landslides.
There is no concrete retaining wall or other containment system.
Watch video to see flash flood and leakage vulnerability of current site design.
Currently, only eight sites in the U.S. hold a Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) permit to handle disposal of material contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs found in wildfire ash, soil, and other debris according to the EPA.
Long-term scientific studies have demonstrated extremely detrimental impacts of toxic landfills on nearby reef systems with similar characteristics of waste attributes to Lahaina wildfire debris. These are now considered among the most toxic reefs in the world. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Australian Institute of Marine Science 2
The County must protect public health by consulting with scientific experts to properly understand the imminent risks. Specialists include toxicologists, urban wildfire debris testing, management, treatment, and processing experts, marine biologists, and Hawaiian cultural practitioners.
Construction of the Olowalu toxic landfill MUST STOP NOW. Safer sites exist that will not cause irreparable injury to our most treasured marine life, public spaces, and Hawaiian cultural sites.
Scientific advances in toxic waste disposal and treatment processes (already researched), must be moved to the top of the list of serious options and be immediately advanced.
INJURY TO PUBLIC HEALTH FROM TOXIC SUBSTANCE EXPOSURE
It’s only a matter of when the toxins will reach populations and the reef, not if it will happen.
The U.S. EPA states that all landfills, even the most robust sites, eventually leak due to wear, stress, leachate, and other factors. U.S. Geological Survey
The forever poisons and toxins of concern to scientists and the community include volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, polychlorinated dioxins, and furans National Institute of Health Library of Medicine, EPA
These poisons are associated with high rates of cancer, infertility, birth defects, and severe food chain bioaccumulation in plants, animals, coral systems, and marine life. EPA
Dioxins are typically produced in very small quantities compared to other chemicals, but are toxic at much lower concentrations than most other chemicals. Wildfire Recovery Guide
They persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in the food web even in very small quantities. The damaging effects may not become visible for as long as a decade. World Health Organization
The Maui Department of Health conducted very limited ash sampling but did very limited testing for dioxins, furans, and other highly toxic substances. Lahaina Community Meeting (12/18/2023)
MAJOR CONCERNS WITH LANDFILL SAFETY AND TOXIC WASTE MANAGEMENT
(SUSPENDED UNDER EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION)
Maui’s proposed temporary and permanent sites do not possess the required TSCA permit and have not been approved by the EPA for handling of “forever” toxins released into Lahaina wildfire debris and soil. Lahaina Community Meeting (12/18/2023)
The County of Maui bypassed the required federal, state, and county laws and even a basic geological survey. A geological survey would reveal the instability of the subterrain and serious public safety risks.
Load-bearing capabilities and long term stability of this subterrain are highly questionable.
There is no cement or other retaining wall system to prevent collection of flood waters into the pit and spillage into the ocean
Rapid erosion and sediment shift beneath dump liners is likely to occur during heavy rainfall events.
When earth shifts beneath 400,000 tons of toxic waste, dump liner stress will occur at seams and likely fail according to the manufacturer.
Landfill liners degrade significantly over time under stressful sloping, large volumes of waste, and erosive shifts in subterrain like that of the Olowalu site. Durability research here
Any tearing of liners will allow toxins to rush down the watershed and into the reef ecosystem, exposing populations beneath it.
The process to be used for waste disposal is also a major public health and safety concern. According to County of Maui officials, waste will be dumped in wet-wrapped plastic “burritos” into an open dump pit exposed to high winds.
According to the Army Corps of Engineers, burritos will likely unravel and become unsealed during the dumping process. Lahaina Community Meeting (12/18/2023—Min 1:24:42-1:25:21)
Toxic ash and dust from the open burritos in the waste pit will be moved by machines and compacted in the pit, releasing additional amounts of toxic ash into the air and deposited onto the ocean and Maui’s visitor and resident populations below. County Procedures for Toxic Waste Handling, Lahaina Community Meeting (12/18/2023—Min 1:24:42-1:25:21)
According to the manufacturer, this liner does not allow any machines or vehicular traffic directly on the geomembrane other than an approved low ground pressure vehicle.
According to the Army Corps of Engineers, the dump site will not be filled or covered for a period of two years—allowing toxic ash and dust to be transported by high winds and rainfall runoff onto the land, sacred cultural sites, and the ocean.
There are major environmental and safety concerns with the caliber of the temporary pit liner—made only of felt and a single 80 ml HDPE non-permeable liner.
Installation procedures for the liner have also been observed to be in violation of a multitude of installation guidelines by the manufacturer. It also does not include the recommended 8 feet of low-permeability soil.
The liner felt contains numerous welds and vulnerable areas including folds in fabric which does not adhere to quality measures for installation.
Recent footage shows stress, air pockets and depressions in the liner along with sharp cinder underneath the liner. Manufacturer technical specifications for installation states that “subgrade for geomembrane shall be uniform and free of sharp or angular objects that may damage the geomembrane.“
Watch: https://youtu.be/VQI2Y0Yma4o?si=3GoYx9n5I8TqQ2f0
Other manufacturer installation requirements not adhered to include instructions that state: “Do not install geomembrane during excessive wind.” Here is a recent video of installation during high wind, creating stress on the liner.
The proposed permanent Olowalu dump site requires the removal of a 200-foot mountainside? The probability of removing a mountainside reinforces the point that temporary toxic sites are rarely, if ever, decommissioned.
The National Institutes of Health recommends a vastly more rigorous and comprehensive testing protocol than performed by the County of Maui in assessing / containing urban wildfire toxic waste. National Institute of Health
According to the EPA, 61% of recorded dioxin released in 2021-2022 were primarily attributed to landfill leakage. EPA
PVC accounts for 80% of dioxins found in our environment and released through urban wildfire. Citation
The process for depositing waste into wrapped plastic also poses cross contamination and health concerns as waste is being transported along the ocean highway. Photo details
Numerous concerns remain about potentially lax safety protocols being used for transporting and containing toxic waste:
Will low ground pressure vehicles be used to deposit waste onto the liner as required by the manufacturer to preserve the integrity of the liner from tearing and environmental contamination?
How much do the trucks with toxic materials attached to them during the wetting process cross contaminate the surrounding environment and public en route from Lahaina to Olowalu?
I sincerely oppose the moving of the Debris and Sacred ash onto the Olowalu area before taking it to its final resting place. Make’s ABSOLUTELY no sense. Enough is Enough.
I OPPOSE the 2023 MAUI WILDFIRES TEMPORARY DEBRIS DISPOSAL SITE AND FINAL DEBRIS DISPOSAL SITE (DRIP-2(1t3) at Awalua, Olowalu for the following reasons:
1. No native Hawaiian consultation was initiated with the native Hawaiian tenants of the Olowalu ahupua'a
2. No proper outreach to the Olowalu community was initiated before a decision was made to place the debris in Awalua, Olowalu
3. Moving the toxic debris from Lahaina extends the contamination zone to Olowalu. Keep the toxic debris in the already contaminated area.
I emphatically oppose this measure. Being a leader means making the best decisions for the greater good of all. This action would place all who support and back this measure in line with the consequences and judgment of not only the Hawaiian Ancestors, but the divine protectors of this jewel in the sky. All who seek to hide their face or true intentions will still reap what they sow. All do well to consider the blessings and benefits that come with protecting humans, animals, and all the living beings in our ocean. All debris must go somewhere, adding insult to injury is never the way to sustainably combat any problem. True Aloha spirit is needed at this time! Mahalo.
Let's please take more time to consult as many experts as possible and seek long-term solutions that will protect the aina and the community's health. And, if the best solution is extremely costly, let's find a way to make it happen anyway! We can do it. We can find a safe way to navigate this challenge.
This the Dumbest thing I've ever heard on Planet Earth & Even President Joe Biden said "You can rebuild Lahaina your way! Community Driven, Government Supported!" If you look at the total list of comments below and in total of 100+Comments Mass Majority All are in OPPOSITION for using Olowalu as a toxic dump site that will destroy another environment w/ another catastrophe. Maui County Council Members, Mayor Bissen, & Governor Josh Green: Did you All know that you are breaking your own Federal & State Laws?
The County is in violation of at least 10 Federal Laws suspended under its Emergency Proclamation including: the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act. Toxic Substances Control Act, and too many others to list.
The County is also in violation of at least 10 municipal laws, notably its climate change and resilience commitments described in Ordinance 5264 which minimizes runoff of pollutants into nearshore waters and air, aquatic, and marine environments.
The County violates at least 10 of its own municipal codes designed to protect the public and our Hawaiian culture—a culture now as endangered as the whales. It is the job of the County to protect, not cause further injury to the public and our endangered Hawaiian culture.
PEOPLE IN HIGH STRONG OPPOSITION TO OLOWALU TOXIC DUMP SITE
Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue World-Renowned Marine Biologist, first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (former), National Geographic Explorer at Large, Time Magazine’s first Hero for the Planet
Liz Taylor, President of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research (DOER)
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Hinano Rodrigues, lineal descendant of the Olowalu Valley who represents the kupuna of the region. (Watch Kawai Rodrigues Testimonial Video at https://shorturl.at/INX02)
Hawaii State Department of Health Officer and Maui’s top public health official, Dr. Lorrin Pang (watch interview)
Sierra Club (Civil Beat: Experts Raise Concerns Over Planned Use Of Olowalu Landfill To Store Fire Debris)
Shelby Billionaire (Royal Hawaiian Kingdom Paki Great Grandson, Lions Club, U.S. Air Force Veteran, Maui Libertarian Chairman, Waianae Moku Kupuna Council, Olelo TV/Film & Producer; who helped in the Humanitarian Aid Mission to get supplies from the Outer Islands via Kahana Ohana Boat Ramp & Distribue aid while documenting the entire journey)
Larry Holm, Lead Engineer, Toxic Waste Site Development, Parson’s Engineering
Maui Nature Conservancy. Civil Beat: Maui Starts Building Temporary Landfill For Wildfire Ash And Debris Despite Public Concerns
Petitions released have collected more than 10,000 signatures in opposition to the dump site, which you can join via the link below
https://shorturl.at/ruNO5
Several expert testimonies were provided during the Maui County Council Special Session on December 22, 2023 by scientific and health experts in opposition (Council Minutes (12/22/23)
As of December 23, 2023, there have not been any community testimonies in support of this proposed temporary toxic waste site.
If you need more science, data, and facts: it can be found here On This Google Data Fact Sheet:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zpSCx0e4-PfYsJnc6uRcOjwCLtC5bXOrxCPe8yT2cUc/edit?fbclid=IwAR0d7VbRkCpxV7ms863Il6hUJJ9UFp9gdA4zBRh16Np1M08HsYD8UrRf-ho
If you Don't Respect The Science/Data/Community/Religion/Hawaiian Culture & Break Your Own Laws to continue with this DLNR/BLNR project of Stupidity; then you are an enemy of the Planet 🌏 Mother Nature, The Hawaiian Kingdom, and Will Not Like The Public Response. Keep in Mind its Election Year!
The more I learn and listen to my friends who work in the county, the more it is apparent that it’s run by a bunch of idiots who are just trying to cover their butts. You want US to bring better solutions?! We want YOU, the people working for US to have our best interests in mind.
I OPPOSE the 2023 MAUI WILDFIRES TEMPORARY DEBRIS DISPOSAL SITE AND FINAL DEBRIS DISPOSAL SITE (DRIP-2(1t3) at Awalua, Olowalu for the following reasons:
1. No native Hawaiian consultation was initiated with the native Hawaiian tenants of the Olowalu ahupua'a
2. No proper outreach to the Olowalu community was initiated before a decision was made to place the debris in Awalua, Olowalu
3. Moving the toxic debris from Lahaina extends the contamination zone to Olowalu. Keep the toxic debris in the already contaminated area.
4. More studies are needed on the environmental impacts to the reef ecosystem, the ocean, the water, cultural sites, religious sites etc.
5. The County wants to make a memorial for the deceased in the debris, is the toxic debris site in Awalua, Olowalu safe for a memorial??
I’m speaking as a Lahaina Resident, born and raised and was one of those families running for their lives on August 8, 2023.
I am opposed to this temporary dump site. Why do we think it is okay to dump toxic material from Lahaina to our neighbors in Olowalu? It is not okay. We all know how horrible the traffic is in that area, now we are adding in toxic material driving back and forth as the debris floats around in the air? Will there be a dome around the toxic temporary site to make sure no debris is flying around through our this burrito wrap process?
Olowalu has always been a special place especially in our culture. So why are we going to risk destroying this special place? It’s wrong and we need to take a step back. We need more information on the plan and start considering different options.
Please don’t do this! I am a resident of Lahaina and I strongly oppose using Olowalu for toxic fire debris.
kataleena008@gmail.com
There needs to be a better solution for the land, environment, and people of Maui than the plan for this toxic dump site. We are in a critical time for our environment and we need to look seriously at better options for the land and the people and animals that it will likely effect.
I am very concerned that decisions are being made too hastily, without giving due consideration to alternative solutions or long-term implications. It seems that this has been pattern repeated over and over again, resulting in a variety of issues that are now plaguing the island … a lack of necessary infrastructure to properly support the land and her people, a blatant disregard for the integral role the ecosystem plays in the viability and sustainability of the island, an unhealthy reliance on tourism as the driver of our economy, a severe lack of affordable housing, etc., etc. As horrific as August 8 and its aftermath have been, we have been given a rare opportunity to basically start over … to do things the RIGHT way, not just the fastest, most convenient, or least expensive way. Don’t our people (for generations to come) AND our land deserve to have us protect them?!? It’s time to take a step back and do the necessary research to determine the RIGHT solution. I do not believe it is Olowalu. PLEASE STOP … before more damage is done that is irreversible.
I am an American taxpayer and I love Hawaii.
Maui, deserves a justly, merciful, and humble solution for great health of the island & its inhabitants! The Natives environment needs higher healthier environment standards of livability for humans, animals both on land and in the sea, and the trees and surrounding plant life, food, and water!
Prime example of a foolish detrimental
unsound solution ie Superfund TOXIC Chemical Dump Disaster in Love Canal, New York! That left the community with incurable sicknesses for the developing children like several rows of teeth, webbed feet, and infertility for the women & men, along with cancers & other diseases!! A most certainly shorter life expectancy & a too often death sentences!!
And also the many Superfund
Disaster locations in New Jersey!
The Earth is watching & this decision will be a Historical Record of Maui's Legacy, and those that were involved in the solution best for the overall health & respect of the inhabitants & most importantly the Natives and Maui.
As usual,the powers from above making decisions not on behalf of the decent people who live there!!!! God will judge on behalf of those people without a doubt!
I Vehemently Oppose The Illegal Dumping of Toxic Waste at Olowalu Due to:
Olowalu Toxic Dump Site Key Facts
OVERVIEW
Maui’s humpback whale sanctuary for birthing calves and its precious Olowalu Reef system—identified by Mission Blue for its rich diversity of rare and unique coral species—is being placed at risk of irreversible injury due to the proposed site of a “temporary” toxic waste landfill to house 400,000 tons of the most toxic debris from the Lahaina wildfire disaster. The site is also destroying Hawaiian archeological sites of significance. The site is being expedited for unsafe storage of enormous volumes of toxic waste debris and compounds as early as the first week of January.
HIGH RISK OF EXPOSURE TO POPULATIONS AND OCEAN REEF ECOSYSTEM
The “temporary” dump site is near completion and the proposed permanent Olowalu dump site will be located 605 yards from the protected Olowalu reef system, organic farmlands, popular surf and recreation areas for children, and sacred Hawaiian cultural lands. Distance graphic
The County claims there is no problem with the dump because it is only “temporary.” The people disagree. There is no such thing as the “temporary poisoning” of a community, its environment, baby whales, or precious reef system.
The toxic landfill will be flanked by two freshwater underground streams that feed the Olowalu coral reef system,
Olowalu reef is a declared Mission Blue Hope Spot (a place critical to the health of our oceans), and has been described as Maui's “Mother Reef” because it is a primary source of coral larvae for the reefs of Lana’i, Moloka’i and West Maui.
It also harbors the largest known manta ray population in the United States. Mission Blue
The current disposition of the temporary and permanent Olowalu toxic waste sites pose major threats to both public health and safety.
The current site for temporary and permanent toxic landfills is vulnerable to flash flooding and landslides. It sits at the basin of a natural watershed and drainage into the ocean.
The site is constructed on acidic cinder rock and loose sediment which is similar to a giant sandpile of unconsolidated rocks. This makes the landfill vulnerable to sediment shifts beneath it, erosion from flooding, and landslides.
There is no concrete retaining wall or other containment system.
Watch video to see flash flood and leakage vulnerability of current site design.
Currently, only eight sites in the U.S. hold a Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) permit to handle disposal of material contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs found in wildfire ash, soil, and other debris according to the EPA.
Long-term scientific studies have demonstrated extremely detrimental impacts of toxic landfills on nearby reef systems with similar characteristics of waste attributes to Lahaina wildfire debris. These are now considered among the most toxic reefs in the world. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Australian Institute of Marine Science 2
The County must protect public health by consulting with scientific experts to properly understand the imminent risks. Specialists include toxicologists, urban wildfire debris testing, management, treatment, and processing experts, marine biologists, and Hawaiian cultural practitioners.
Construction of the Olowalu toxic landfill MUST STOP NOW. Safer sites exist that will not cause irreparable injury to our most treasured marine life, public spaces, and Hawaiian cultural sites.
Scientific advances in toxic waste disposal and treatment processes (already researched), must be moved to the top of the list of serious options and be immediately advanced.
INJURY TO PUBLIC HEALTH FROM TOXIC SUBSTANCE EXPOSURE
It’s only a matter of when the toxins will reach populations and the reef, not if it will happen.
The U.S. EPA states that all landfills, even the most robust sites, eventually leak due to wear, stress, leachate, and other factors. U.S. Geological Survey
The forever poisons and toxins of concern to scientists and the community include volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, polychlorinated dioxins, and furans National Institute of Health Library of Medicine, EPA
These poisons are associated with high rates of cancer, infertility, birth defects, and severe food chain bioaccumulation in plants, animals, coral systems, and marine life. EPA
Dioxins are typically produced in very small quantities compared to other chemicals, but are toxic at much lower concentrations than most other chemicals. Wildfire Recovery Guide
They persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in the food web even in very small quantities. The damaging effects may not become visible for as long as a decade. World Health Organization
The Maui Department of Health conducted very limited ash sampling but did very limited testing for dioxins, furans, and other highly toxic substances. Lahaina Community Meeting (12/18/2023)
MAJOR CONCERNS WITH LANDFILL SAFETY AND TOXIC WASTE MANAGEMENT
(SUSPENDED UNDER EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION)
Maui’s proposed temporary and permanent sites do not possess the required TSCA permit and have not been approved by the EPA for handling of “forever” toxins released into Lahaina wildfire debris and soil. Lahaina Community Meeting (12/18/2023)
The County of Maui bypassed the required federal, state, and county laws and even a basic geological survey. A geological survey would reveal the instability of the subterrain and serious public safety risks.
Load-bearing capabilities and long term stability of this subterrain are highly questionable.
There is no cement or other retaining wall system to prevent collection of flood waters into the pit and spillage into the ocean
Rapid erosion and sediment shift beneath dump liners is likely to occur during heavy rainfall events.
When earth shifts beneath 400,000 tons of toxic waste, dump liner stress will occur at seams and likely fail according to the manufacturer.
Landfill liners degrade significantly over time under stressful sloping, large volumes of waste, and erosive shifts in subterrain like that of the Olowalu site. Durability research here
Any tearing of liners will allow toxins to rush down the watershed and into the reef ecosystem, exposing populations beneath it.
The process to be used for waste disposal is also a major public health and safety concern. According to County of Maui officials, waste will be dumped in wet-wrapped plastic “burritos” into an open dump pit exposed to high winds.
According to the Army Corps of Engineers, burritos will likely unravel and become unsealed during the dumping process. Lahaina Community Meeting (12/18/2023—Min 1:24:42-1:25:21)
Toxic ash and dust from the open burritos in the waste pit will be moved by machines and compacted in the pit, releasing additional amounts of toxic ash into the air and deposited onto the ocean and Maui’s visitor and resident populations below. County Procedures for Toxic Waste Handling, Lahaina Community Meeting (12/18/2023—Min 1:24:42-1:25:21)
According to the manufacturer, this liner does not allow any machines or vehicular traffic directly on the geomembrane other than an approved low ground pressure vehicle.
According to the Army Corps of Engineers, the dump site will not be filled or covered for a period of two years—allowing toxic ash and dust to be transported by high winds and rainfall runoff onto the land, sacred cultural sites, and the ocean.
There are major environmental and safety concerns with the caliber of the temporary pit liner—made only of felt and a single 80 ml HDPE non-permeable liner.
Installation procedures for the liner have also been observed to be in violation of a multitude of installation guidelines by the manufacturer. It also does not include the recommended 8 feet of low-permeability soil.
The liner felt contains numerous welds and vulnerable areas including folds in fabric which does not adhere to quality measures for installation.
Recent footage shows stress, air pockets and depressions in the liner along with sharp cinder underneath the liner. Manufacturer technical specifications for installation states that “subgrade for geomembrane shall be uniform and free of sharp or angular objects that may damage the geomembrane.“
Watch: https://youtu.be/VQI2Y0Yma4o?si=3GoYx9n5I8TqQ2f0
Other manufacturer installation requirements not adhered to include instructions that state: “Do not install geomembrane during excessive wind.” Here is a recent video of installation during high wind, creating stress on the liner.
The proposed permanent Olowalu dump site requires the removal of a 200-foot mountainside? The probability of removing a mountainside reinforces the point that temporary toxic sites are rarely, if ever, decommissioned.
The National Institutes of Health recommends a vastly more rigorous and comprehensive testing protocol than performed by the County of Maui in assessing / containing urban wildfire toxic waste. National Institute of Health
According to the EPA, 61% of recorded dioxin released in 2021-2022 were primarily attributed to landfill leakage. EPA
PVC accounts for 80% of dioxins found in our environment and released through urban wildfire. Citation
The process for depositing waste into wrapped plastic also poses cross contamination and health concerns as waste is being transported along the ocean highway. Photo details
Numerous concerns remain about potentially lax safety protocols being used for transporting and containing toxic waste:
Will low ground pressure vehicles be used to deposit waste onto the liner as required by the manufacturer to preserve the integrity of the liner from tearing and environmental contamination?
How much do the trucks with toxic materials attached to them during the wetting process cross contaminate the surrounding environment and public en route from Lahaina to Olowalu?
WTF is Really Going On Behind The Scenes?
Aloha
Pikachu
I sincerely oppose the moving of the Debris and Sacred ash onto the Olowalu area before taking it to its final resting place. Make’s ABSOLUTELY no sense. Enough is Enough.
I OPPOSE the 2023 MAUI WILDFIRES TEMPORARY DEBRIS DISPOSAL SITE AND FINAL DEBRIS DISPOSAL SITE (DRIP-2(1t3) at Awalua, Olowalu for the following reasons:
1. No native Hawaiian consultation was initiated with the native Hawaiian tenants of the Olowalu ahupua'a
2. No proper outreach to the Olowalu community was initiated before a decision was made to place the debris in Awalua, Olowalu
3. Moving the toxic debris from Lahaina extends the contamination zone to Olowalu. Keep the toxic debris in the already contaminated area.
I oppose dumping the toxic waste along with the ashes of deceased at Oluwalu.
I emphatically oppose this measure. Being a leader means making the best decisions for the greater good of all. This action would place all who support and back this measure in line with the consequences and judgment of not only the Hawaiian Ancestors, but the divine protectors of this jewel in the sky. All who seek to hide their face or true intentions will still reap what they sow. All do well to consider the blessings and benefits that come with protecting humans, animals, and all the living beings in our ocean. All debris must go somewhere, adding insult to injury is never the way to sustainably combat any problem. True Aloha spirit is needed at this time! Mahalo.
Let's please take more time to consult as many experts as possible and seek long-term solutions that will protect the aina and the community's health. And, if the best solution is extremely costly, let's find a way to make it happen anyway! We can do it. We can find a safe way to navigate this challenge.
Toxic waste should not be dumped in another community 5 minutes down the road. Please reconsider with a long term plan!!
This the Dumbest thing I've ever heard on Planet Earth & Even President Joe Biden said "You can rebuild Lahaina your way! Community Driven, Government Supported!" If you look at the total list of comments below and in total of 100+Comments Mass Majority All are in OPPOSITION for using Olowalu as a toxic dump site that will destroy another environment w/ another catastrophe. Maui County Council Members, Mayor Bissen, & Governor Josh Green: Did you All know that you are breaking your own Federal & State Laws?
The County is in violation of at least 10 Federal Laws suspended under its Emergency Proclamation including: the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act. Toxic Substances Control Act, and too many others to list.
The County is also in violation of at least 10 municipal laws, notably its climate change and resilience commitments described in Ordinance 5264 which minimizes runoff of pollutants into nearshore waters and air, aquatic, and marine environments.
The County violates at least 10 of its own municipal codes designed to protect the public and our Hawaiian culture—a culture now as endangered as the whales. It is the job of the County to protect, not cause further injury to the public and our endangered Hawaiian culture.
PEOPLE IN HIGH STRONG OPPOSITION TO OLOWALU TOXIC DUMP SITE
Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue World-Renowned Marine Biologist, first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (former), National Geographic Explorer at Large, Time Magazine’s first Hero for the Planet
Liz Taylor, President of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research (DOER)
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Hinano Rodrigues, lineal descendant of the Olowalu Valley who represents the kupuna of the region. (Watch Kawai Rodrigues Testimonial Video at https://shorturl.at/INX02)
Hawaii State Department of Health Officer and Maui’s top public health official, Dr. Lorrin Pang (watch interview)
Sierra Club (Civil Beat: Experts Raise Concerns Over Planned Use Of Olowalu Landfill To Store Fire Debris)
Shelby Billionaire (Royal Hawaiian Kingdom Paki Great Grandson, Lions Club, U.S. Air Force Veteran, Maui Libertarian Chairman, Waianae Moku Kupuna Council, Olelo TV/Film & Producer; who helped in the Humanitarian Aid Mission to get supplies from the Outer Islands via Kahana Ohana Boat Ramp & Distribue aid while documenting the entire journey)
Larry Holm, Lead Engineer, Toxic Waste Site Development, Parson’s Engineering
Maui Nature Conservancy. Civil Beat: Maui Starts Building Temporary Landfill For Wildfire Ash And Debris Despite Public Concerns
Petitions released have collected more than 10,000 signatures in opposition to the dump site, which you can join via the link below
https://shorturl.at/ruNO5
Several expert testimonies were provided during the Maui County Council Special Session on December 22, 2023 by scientific and health experts in opposition (Council Minutes (12/22/23)
As of December 23, 2023, there have not been any community testimonies in support of this proposed temporary toxic waste site.
If you need more science, data, and facts: it can be found here On This Google Data Fact Sheet:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zpSCx0e4-PfYsJnc6uRcOjwCLtC5bXOrxCPe8yT2cUc/edit?fbclid=IwAR0d7VbRkCpxV7ms863Il6hUJJ9UFp9gdA4zBRh16Np1M08HsYD8UrRf-ho
If you Don't Respect The Science/Data/Community/Religion/Hawaiian Culture & Break Your Own Laws to continue with this DLNR/BLNR project of Stupidity; then you are an enemy of the Planet 🌏 Mother Nature, The Hawaiian Kingdom, and Will Not Like The Public Response. Keep in Mind its Election Year!
Aloha!
Naruto Uzumaki
We do need to plan for future events and figure out a game plan,
The more I learn and listen to my friends who work in the county, the more it is apparent that it’s run by a bunch of idiots who are just trying to cover their butts. You want US to bring better solutions?! We want YOU, the people working for US to have our best interests in mind.
I OPPOSE the 2023 MAUI WILDFIRES TEMPORARY DEBRIS DISPOSAL SITE AND FINAL DEBRIS DISPOSAL SITE (DRIP-2(1t3) at Awalua, Olowalu for the following reasons:
1. No native Hawaiian consultation was initiated with the native Hawaiian tenants of the Olowalu ahupua'a
2. No proper outreach to the Olowalu community was initiated before a decision was made to place the debris in Awalua, Olowalu
3. Moving the toxic debris from Lahaina extends the contamination zone to Olowalu. Keep the toxic debris in the already contaminated area.
4. More studies are needed on the environmental impacts to the reef ecosystem, the ocean, the water, cultural sites, religious sites etc.
5. The County wants to make a memorial for the deceased in the debris, is the toxic debris site in Awalua, Olowalu safe for a memorial??
Aloha,
I’m speaking as a Lahaina Resident, born and raised and was one of those families running for their lives on August 8, 2023.
I am opposed to this temporary dump site. Why do we think it is okay to dump toxic material from Lahaina to our neighbors in Olowalu? It is not okay. We all know how horrible the traffic is in that area, now we are adding in toxic material driving back and forth as the debris floats around in the air? Will there be a dome around the toxic temporary site to make sure no debris is flying around through our this burrito wrap process?
Olowalu has always been a special place especially in our culture. So why are we going to risk destroying this special place? It’s wrong and we need to take a step back. We need more information on the plan and start considering different options.
Etan Krupnick
Do not contaminate more of Maui and destroy Hawaiian archeological sites. Bury it in Lahaina or puunene. Save the reef and our kids futures.