LIHU‘E — At Lihu‘e Business Association’s monthly meeting Thursday, business owners largely expressed support for the Kaua‘i County’s envisioned Ma‘alo landfill and resource recovery park.
However, the meeting, billed as “a conversation with Mayor Carvalho” about the plan, had to be cut short due to a scheduling conflict; and Carvahlo arrived late, which meant only a few minutes at the end of the short presentation remained for comments, questions and discussion with the approximate 40 meeting attendees that included both LBA members and local political candidates.
Members said that although the new landfill is an unfortunate necessity, they support its location, the proposed resource recovery park to help divert waste, and the bypass road that they hope will reroute some of the business traffic out of central Lihu‘e.
County Engineer Donald Fujimoto, who delivered the presentation and slide show, said the specific location of the 50-acre recovery park has not yet been determined, but it will be built on the 122 to 160 acres of state-owned agricultural land in Hanama‘ulu.
The county has set aside approximately $5 million for the project and intends to float a bond to cover additional costs. He said an environmental impact study (EIS) consultant has been selected, but they’re still determining the scope of the work.
The requisite study will help determine whether the proposed site is in an Environmental Justice area, and if so, how to mitigate its effects.
In the meantime, he said “we are looking at a temporary MRF (materials recovery facility) site” that could help extend the lifespan of the county’s existing landfill in Kekaha.
Cheryl Lien Fua of The Gas Company attended the meeting in the hope of finding out whether the new landfill will provide an opportunity for the collection of methane gas, which could be converted into energy. “Natural gas use is very small on the island compared to electric, but it’s important to have as a backup source. In Kekaha, we’re looking at how to collect the gas that’s coming out of the landfill there and use it as an alternative energy source.”
After Fujimoto’s presentation, Carvahlo told the audience he is determined to meet with the community and hear their needs, and he’s glad that LBA “is stepping up to the plate.”
Carvahlo said, “It’s not just about a landfill but also about how to benefit the community. You have questions. I have questions, too….The big part here is the community and addressing the emotional part and the EIS first.”
He added that his office is trying to be as transparent as possible about the project and in that vane has posted all of their presentation slides and questions from previous meeting on their website.
“We’ve got farmers at the table and a community that is willing to listen,” he said. “I want to make it open as best I can, and more discussions like this are good.”
Michael Tressler, VP of Grove Farms, said after 150 years in business on the island, they understand the landfill’s importance and applaud the mayor’s efforts to take the bull by the horns.
“It’s not just a landfill,” Tressler said, “but recovery park and bypass road, and that in itself will help the community tremendously. Whatever we can do to enhance the community, we’re all for it. It’s a very positive project, and we would like to see it happen. We have a commitment to help ranchers and farmers in the area who are impacted.”
Chamber of Commerce president said, “For the business community, it’s something that seems like a logical and practical location because of the economics and we think that the community will support it.
“There are obviously issues that need to be addressed, not just from the business community. The general feeling is it’s important, but they want to make sure it’s right in term of location and cost, and that the people of Ma’alo can live with it. The business community is accepting, but they want to be informed about it because this is something that goes out into the future.”
After the meeting, Fujimoto said he was very surprised that most of the comments meeting were so supportive.
“It is refreshing to deal with an audience that understands the need for this, and I think LBA reflects the business perspective and understands what’s involved.”
Community members can participate in the project and the EIS by attending public meetings and sending written comments via the county’s Public Works website, which offers detailed reports on the proposal.
