Monday 12/18 Meeting: Olowalu Waste Site for Lahaina Fire Debris
Monday 12/18 Meeting: Olowalu Waste Site for Lahaina Fire Debris
Government agencies in Hawai‘i plan to use sacred land in Olowalu as the final disposal site for toxic debris and ash from the Lahaina fires. Please speak out at Monday’s community meeting.
On October 27, 2023, the State of Hawai‘i Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) unanimously approved the use of a state-controlled site at Olowalu on Maui for the disposal of contaminated debris and ash from the August, 2023 Lahaina fires. Without requiring any of the comprehensive studies needed to make an informed decision, the BLNR fast-tracked the proposal, disregarding serious concerns expressed by testifiers about health risks and potential significant environmental impacts. This plan could have devastating effects on the people, wildlife, and ‘āina for generations to come.
Olowalu is Native Hawaiian sacred land, a culturally and historically significant area, and an ancient pu‘uhonua – a place of refuge. The disposal site would be located on a repurposed cinder pit near the Olowalu reef. This reef is an important natural resource area for the people of West Maui, and its protection is critical to the health of Hawai‘i’s oceans.
The debris and ash that would be buried at the Olowalu parcel contain toxic substances:
“Wildfire ash collected in Lahaina has elevated levels of toxic substances, according to the state Department of Health.
Officials found that arsenic was more than 12 times the action level. Elevated levels of antimony, cobalt, copper and lead were also detected in Lahaina.
The ash samples were collected in early November from 100 Lahaina properties.”
According to the County of Maui, “Because the ash from Lahaina contains human remains, there is a desire for a nearby disposal site which could be the site of a memorial in the future.” The question is whether the expected 300-400 thousand tons of ash and debris can be safely contained at the proposed location. With the possibility of toxins leaching into the groundwater and entering the water supply and the ocean, further study of this plan clearly should be required by all agencies involved.
Because the Olowalu landfill would be constructed under an emergency proclamation issued by the state, the project is being expedited without appropriate evaluation of the risks:
“Under an emergency proclamation issued by Mayor Richard Bissen, the county is able to suspend certain environmental protections that would typically apply during normal circumstances. The same applies for an emergency proclamation issued by Gov. Josh Green.”
Government officials will discuss the debris removal proposal at an informational meeting on Monday, December 18th at 5:30pm at the Lahaina Civic Center. The community is encouraged to attend, ask questions, and voice opinions on this controversial plan. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the County of Maui Facebook page.
Hawai‘i Unites has taken the state to court to stop the release of bacteria-infected mosquitoes on Maui. Your donations help move our legal case forward. Mahalo for supporting the work that we’re doing to protect the ‘āina.
Aloha,
Tina Lia
Founder
Hawai‘i Unites
HawaiiUnites.org
Hawai‘i Unites is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of our environment and natural resources. Your tax-deductible donations help us to fulfill our mission of honoring and protecting our sacred connection to the natural world.
