HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0207.001 2020-2022�SYOF N,
Ramzi I. Mansour
Mitchell D. Roth `•' •�,ir;�j
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Director
Mayor
Lee Lord ...... ° .'�'� Brenda lokepa-Moses
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Managing Director Deputy Director
County of Hawaii
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
345 Kekuanao'a Street, Suite 41 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
Ph: (808) 961-8083 • Fax: (808) 961-8086
Email: cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov
MEMORANDUM
•:
TO: Maile David, Chair
and Members of the Hawaii County Council•
FROM: Ramzi I. Mansour, Dire 4akafnac,�
Brenda Iokepa-Moses, Deputy Directoru
Department of Environmental Management
DATE: April 19, 2021
SUBJECT: Re: Communication No. 207; Discussion on Environmental Management
Rule No. 9-17, prohibiting vehicle trailers and dump bed trucks at solid waste
transfer stations.
The report of the Safety and Risk Management Team dated March 29, 2021, supporting DEM
Administrative Rule No. 9-17, is attached. Rule 9 establishes transfer station operating rules. In
its entirety, Rule 9-17 states:
"Vehicles are limited to sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, or mini -vans. Trailers and dump bed
trucks are prohibited at the transfer station."
Please distribute this to members of the RAWEEM Committee for its meeting on April 20, 2021.
RIM/ps
Att.
Comm. No. 2,0%v
Ref. To: Pi b W_Vr-j t.G
Ref. Date APR 1 9 2021
County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
To: The Directors of the Department of Environmental Management
From: Safety and Risk Management Team
Steven Kalilikane Jr., Safety and Driver Improvement Coordinator
Daniel Chun, Risk Management Officer
Ryan Chong, Human Resources Manager I
Douglas McCormick. Safety Specialist
Subject: Transfer Station Evaluation to Safely Accommodate Trailers
Date: 3/29/2021
The Team conducted an analysis of the site maps for each transfer station island -wide,
looking at transfer stations that potentially had the space needed to accommodate trailers that
would not exceed the 3 cubic yard maximum administrative rule. We generated the list below
of transfer stations that we thought might be able to accommodate those trailers without
jeopardizing employee or public safety.
1. Kea'au
2. Pahoa
3. Pahala
4. Ocean View
5. Ke'ei
6. Keahou
7. Waimea
8. Kohala
9. Honoka'a
CH 2664, a 2008 Ford 250 long bed and CH 3308, a 2019 Karavan trailer were utilized to
perform on-site trials for each of the listed transfer stations. This trailer was chosen as it would
not exceed the daily maximum 3 cubic yard limit on household waste. The team also
interviewed some of the staff that were on site. Through the on-site trials and employee
interviews, we determined that there are three transfer stations that could possibly
accommodate trailers, although some adjustments and improvements may need to be
completed prior to accommodating trailers at these transfer stations. If trailers are allowed, the
allowance should be during non -peak days/hours only. Peak hours produce major traffic
congestion at all facilities and this congestion can lead to unsafe conditions with the use of
trailers.
1. Ocean View- Currently with no modifications and a controlled traffic plan. Trailers do
not need to perform any reversing maneuvers into parking stalls.
2. Pahala- With numerous modifications. Pave the rest of the transfer station, relocate
the recycle bins, and change the directional flow of traffic with a controlled traffic
plan. Trailers will need to perform minimum reversing maneuvers to dispose of
household trash.
3. Waimea- With modifications and provisions. Designate a parking stall specifically to
trailers west of #2 chute. Modify green waste collection site to approach and park
parallel to collection site with a designated trailer parking stall and a controlled
traffic plan. Trailers will need to perform minimum reversing maneuvers to dispose
of house hold trash and/or green waste.
The recommendation from the safety and risk management team would be to adhere to
the existing administrative rules. Although improvements could be made to some transfer
stations to accommodate trailers, we believe that the transfer stations were not initially
designed with trailer usage in mind. The administrative rule (9-17) "ban on trailers" from the
transfer stations has already admitted that the county has recognized a problem and/or
potential hazard of accepting trailers at these sites. The lack of controlled traffic plans, traffic
control devices, and traffic control operators that relate specifically to trailers contains
additional risks and possible liability issues for the county.
Sincerely,
Safety and Risk Management Team