I am vehemently opposed to Olowalu disposal site for Lahaina Fire Toxic Debris. The required archeological or geological survey, which is required was bypassed. Although it was stated that this is a temporary site for debris, according to the EPA, there has never been a temporary site for disposal. If there ever there were toxins leeched into the ground, it's effects are irreversible causing water to become toxic, desecration of marine life and coral. A risk like this is unacceptable. Olowalu is mission blue site which mandates its protection. It is also known as the crown jewel of healthy coral . There is the issue of substrate and permeability of the barrier which the debris is placed on, which is inadequate. I implore you to choose another site, hopefully one that is farther from the ocean
To all those in the position to make this important decision, now is not the time to hurriedly make a decision purely based on speed, convenience and monetary savings. It is never the time when our children's health and the environment are concerned. We have too often taken the path for convenience, and it has gotten us into so much trouble...trouble that at times seems insurmountable. No one believes that this site at Olowalu will be temporary...unless you are talking about the type of temporary that we label our nuclear waste which has languished in temporary storage for over 60 years... There is a better way, there are likely a few "better" ways if what we truly care about is the people (not just now but in the future) and the environment...which let's face it is why we have the tourism we have. The ashes of the deceased can stay on Maui in more than one scenario, but I find it hard to believe that the deceased who loved this land would want us to risk ruining the mother reef and contaminating the ground water and land. Of course people want to get Lahaina rebuilt...but at what cost? Some ideas include bagging the waste and storing it in Matson containers until a better solution is found. At least this way it's off of the land, out of the ocean, still on Maui, and truly, truly temporary. This keeps things moving, but buys time for a better solution. I don't know as much about the spiritual significance of Olowalu, but I do understand the significance of the mother reef, the ground water and the promises of temporary that often turn into "permanent". I do understand the need for Maui to remain a paradise...which is not based on it's resort grounds, but the rich beauty of the land, sea, history and people. Haste makes waste...and pinching pennies when it comes to the environment often means disastrous shortsightedness and misguided priorities. Please, please do not be stubborn...I know you have your minds set on this...be leaders FOR the people, the people now, the people in the decades to come and the spirit of this island which includes a healthy, flourishing ecosystem.
I saw this testimony by Leah Santos. She knows much more about Olowalu than I do, probably more than the people making these decisions do, also. I copied and pasted her testimony here, because it deserves to be repeated...it deserves to be read...it deserves to be heeded.
Leah Santos at January 01, 2024
Aloha DRIP committee members,
Please read my perspective on the proposed Olowalu dump site from an Olowalu resident.
Olowalu is a wahi pana, a storied place rich in Maui history and chosen for its important and vital pathway between central and western Maui. It is one of very few functioning ahupua'a systems that has culturally and spiritually significant heiau and archaeological sites, rich underground aquifers, close proximity to the ocean and stream flow that sustains lo'i kalo, animal farmers and a generationally rooted community. This area is not a place for toxic materials of any kind and in any amount. Olowalu is a place of historically high and erratic wind and this proposed dump area and its contents would affect a far greater area than its proposed boundaries indicate. Please demand an EIS and archaeological survey before moving toxic contents anywhere on island and please choose a more appropriate location that won’t be inevitably affected by sea level rise. If this dump site is not correctly and carefully constructed and continually monitored, we know that the air quality for our residents, the underground aquifer which feeds this environment and our vital reef system will all be compromised. We need to be protecting our long-time residents, advocating for our natural environment and preserving places like Olowalu. I adamantly oppose the proposed dump site in Olowalu, even in a temporary capacity, because of the fragility of our valuable ecosystem and the importance of this historic place.
Mahalo for your time,
Leah
Aloha DRIP committee members,
Please read my perspective on the proposed Olowalu dump site from an Olowalu resident.
Olowalu is a wahi pana, a storied place rich in Maui history and chosen for its important and vital pathway between central and western Maui. It is one of very few functioning ahupua'a systems that has culturally and spiritually significant heiau and archaeological sites, rich underground aquifers, close proximity to the ocean and stream flow that sustains lo'i kalo, animal farmers and a generationally rooted community. This area is not a place for toxic materials of any kind and in any amount. Olowalu is a place of historically high and erratic wind and this proposed dump area and its contents would affect a far greater area than its proposed boundaries indicate. Please demand an EIS and archaeological survey before moving toxic contents anywhere on island and please choose a more appropriate location that won’t be inevitably affected by sea level rise. If this dump site is not correctly and carefully constructed and continually monitored, we know that the air quality for our residents, the underground aquifer which feeds this environment and our vital reef system will all be compromised. We need to be protecting our long-time residents, advocating for our natural environment and preserving places like Olowalu. I adamantly oppose the proposed dump site in Olowalu, even in a temporary capacity, because of the fragility of our valuable ecosystem and the importance of this historic place.
Mahalo for your time,
Leah
I think we need to look at the alternative solutions that have been submitted and or being talked about. I think we may be able to come up with a better solution than what we have right now. I think everybody knows the temporary site is probably going to be the permanent site so let’s do it right the first time.
I am vehemently opposed to Olowalu disposal site for Lahaina Fire Toxic Debris. The required archeological or geological survey, which is required was bypassed. Although it was stated that this is a temporary site for debris, according to the EPA, there has never been a temporary site for disposal. If there ever there were toxins leeched into the ground, it's effects are irreversible causing water to become toxic, desecration of marine life and coral. A risk like this is unacceptable. Olowalu is mission blue site which mandates its protection. It is also known as the crown jewel of healthy coral . There is the issue of substrate and permeability of the barrier which the debris is placed on, which is inadequate. I implore you to choose another site, hopefully one that is farther from the ocean
No toxic dump please!
To all those in the position to make this important decision, now is not the time to hurriedly make a decision purely based on speed, convenience and monetary savings. It is never the time when our children's health and the environment are concerned. We have too often taken the path for convenience, and it has gotten us into so much trouble...trouble that at times seems insurmountable. No one believes that this site at Olowalu will be temporary...unless you are talking about the type of temporary that we label our nuclear waste which has languished in temporary storage for over 60 years... There is a better way, there are likely a few "better" ways if what we truly care about is the people (not just now but in the future) and the environment...which let's face it is why we have the tourism we have. The ashes of the deceased can stay on Maui in more than one scenario, but I find it hard to believe that the deceased who loved this land would want us to risk ruining the mother reef and contaminating the ground water and land. Of course people want to get Lahaina rebuilt...but at what cost? Some ideas include bagging the waste and storing it in Matson containers until a better solution is found. At least this way it's off of the land, out of the ocean, still on Maui, and truly, truly temporary. This keeps things moving, but buys time for a better solution. I don't know as much about the spiritual significance of Olowalu, but I do understand the significance of the mother reef, the ground water and the promises of temporary that often turn into "permanent". I do understand the need for Maui to remain a paradise...which is not based on it's resort grounds, but the rich beauty of the land, sea, history and people. Haste makes waste...and pinching pennies when it comes to the environment often means disastrous shortsightedness and misguided priorities. Please, please do not be stubborn...I know you have your minds set on this...be leaders FOR the people, the people now, the people in the decades to come and the spirit of this island which includes a healthy, flourishing ecosystem.
I saw this testimony by Leah Santos. She knows much more about Olowalu than I do, probably more than the people making these decisions do, also. I copied and pasted her testimony here, because it deserves to be repeated...it deserves to be read...it deserves to be heeded.
Leah Santos at January 01, 2024
Aloha DRIP committee members,
Please read my perspective on the proposed Olowalu dump site from an Olowalu resident.
Olowalu is a wahi pana, a storied place rich in Maui history and chosen for its important and vital pathway between central and western Maui. It is one of very few functioning ahupua'a systems that has culturally and spiritually significant heiau and archaeological sites, rich underground aquifers, close proximity to the ocean and stream flow that sustains lo'i kalo, animal farmers and a generationally rooted community. This area is not a place for toxic materials of any kind and in any amount. Olowalu is a place of historically high and erratic wind and this proposed dump area and its contents would affect a far greater area than its proposed boundaries indicate. Please demand an EIS and archaeological survey before moving toxic contents anywhere on island and please choose a more appropriate location that won’t be inevitably affected by sea level rise. If this dump site is not correctly and carefully constructed and continually monitored, we know that the air quality for our residents, the underground aquifer which feeds this environment and our vital reef system will all be compromised. We need to be protecting our long-time residents, advocating for our natural environment and preserving places like Olowalu. I adamantly oppose the proposed dump site in Olowalu, even in a temporary capacity, because of the fragility of our valuable ecosystem and the importance of this historic place.
Mahalo for your time,
Leah
This is a disaster waiting to happen! Please don’t do this!
I strongly oppose using Olowalu as a “temporary” spot. Why move it twice? We need to protect Olowalu. There’s got to be a better solution. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
No. Move toxic waste
I am always astonished at the proposed solutions from County and State. It’s embarrassing and a lack of care and understanding of place and people.
I am strongly opposed. We can and must do better than this, olowalu needs to be protected.
Please save Olowalu and Maui
Oppose! Please save Olowalu and Maui.
Aloha DRIP committee members,
Please read my perspective on the proposed Olowalu dump site from an Olowalu resident.
Olowalu is a wahi pana, a storied place rich in Maui history and chosen for its important and vital pathway between central and western Maui. It is one of very few functioning ahupua'a systems that has culturally and spiritually significant heiau and archaeological sites, rich underground aquifers, close proximity to the ocean and stream flow that sustains lo'i kalo, animal farmers and a generationally rooted community. This area is not a place for toxic materials of any kind and in any amount. Olowalu is a place of historically high and erratic wind and this proposed dump area and its contents would affect a far greater area than its proposed boundaries indicate. Please demand an EIS and archaeological survey before moving toxic contents anywhere on island and please choose a more appropriate location that won’t be inevitably affected by sea level rise. If this dump site is not correctly and carefully constructed and continually monitored, we know that the air quality for our residents, the underground aquifer which feeds this environment and our vital reef system will all be compromised. We need to be protecting our long-time residents, advocating for our natural environment and preserving places like Olowalu. I adamantly oppose the proposed dump site in Olowalu, even in a temporary capacity, because of the fragility of our valuable ecosystem and the importance of this historic place.
Mahalo for your time,
Leah
I think we need to look at the alternative solutions that have been submitted and or being talked about. I think we may be able to come up with a better solution than what we have right now. I think everybody knows the temporary site is probably going to be the permanent site so let’s do it right the first time.
This has to be the worst idea. I strongly opposed.
OPPOSE the toxic dump in Olowalu.
Not putting the environment first with this proposal.
Maui County must do better! Protect the ʻāina! I strongly oppose the Olowalu toxic dump site! Protect the resources and show some honor!
I oppose
I firmly oppose this site for dumping toxic fire waste.
Strongly oppose! Wake up and Do what’s right for Maui.
PS. Eric West is a true Patriot for all his dedication of truth on what’s happening in Maui.
No toxic waste to be placed in the ocean.