HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0812.001 2006-2008
Page 1 of 2
P/ EMG
Murashige, Laura ] c LJ
From: T.McNut [curania@yahoo.com] AM 7 20
Sent: Monday, December 03, 2007 8:09 PM CLERK
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us COUNT? ,-'r RAIN" I]
Subject: 4 December,2007 CEM. 12:30pm. Communication 812
4 December, 2007 Committee on Environmental Management 12:30 pm. Communication 812.
DEM has failed to improve the safety of their transfer stations "local dumps" as stated in the Island
Wide Transfer Station Repair and Enhancement Plan 2006. No work has been done on the most
dangerous facility in Volcano, which was to be completed this year. Many are not sized adequately and
most need complete reconstruction. If anyone gets harmed at these facilities our County can get sued
adding burdens to the taxpayers. Faced with major reconstruction and no money places DEM in a bad
situation.
They are unable to control what goes on at their facilities; no bags are sorted allowing hazardous
wastes and recyclable material into the waste stream, commercial users illegally dump there and it is
impossible to provide assurance to the health department that prohibited items are not in the waste
stream. Transport of trailers is dependent on available personnel and equipment not necessarily when
they are full creating health hazards.
Instead of enhancing transfer stations for recycling DEM needs to allow the private sector to handle
these items. This will create needed jobs while taking the burden off them and the taxpayers. Place
recycling in shopping centers and make it convenient for residents and tourists. This is commonplace
nationwide, worldwide, why not here. It will ensure that nothing recyclable goes into the landfill. DEM
does not have needed moneys for recycling centers therefore scaling down will make it easier for them
to manage and operate their facilities. Transfer stations should only accept waste that needs to go to the
landfill and let off site qualified recyclers handle the rest. This way DEM can hire workers to sort trash
to ensure nothing recyclable goes to the landfill and recycling is more readily available for everyone.
They say they are working directly with the community but this is not so. The location of the
proposed transfer station in Ocean View is unacceptable. DEM wants to put a transfer station in a
neighborhood that nobody nearby wants. Our town center is 12 miles from Waiohinu and within the
Federal guidelines of 15 miles so if we get a new transfer station it should be equidistance between
Waiea and Waiohinu.
Those opposed to site 150-60 are not being given equal representation. DEM is ignoring the needs of
these people by forcing a transfer station into a neighborhood that does not want it. They are not being
allowed to say NO! They were never contacted nor consulted to see if they wanted it. What about their
rights? They will have to live in that unhealthy environment. Do you want a transfer station near your
property? Send letters to all the property owners near 150-60 and see what they have to say. If they
agree then put the transfer station there, if not then find another location.
DEM says it will reduce illegal dumping. With all the transfer stations we have on the island illegal
dumping is still rampant so having more will not reduce the problem but curbside pickup will. All the
transfer stations were built in the 70's and 80's. People had the choice whether or not to live near one.
Today people are denied choice. What kind of a democratic country do we live in where people do not
have a say as to what is going in their communities? Democracy is what makes our country the greatest
nation in the world. To deny choice to those most heavily impacted makes us no better than any
communist country where they do not have freedom of choice, where governments tell them what to do.
People's rights are being denied.
It would be more prudent for DEM to upgrade their facilities before they are allowed to embark on
any new projects.
Comm: No. 12
Ref. Tos MN _ M C.;
Ref Date ('IEf' 0 d 911117
12/4/2007
Page 2 of 2
Antonia Vergona
Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
12/4/2007