Honolulu city leaders have announced plans to place a new municipal landfill on land owned by Dole Food Co. outside of Wahiawa, going against the recommendation of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply. Despite opposition, the mayor and director of the Department of Environmental Services believe they can prevent leaks and contamination of the island’s drinking water. The current landfill in Nanakuli is set to close in 2028, prompting the search for a new location that has been mired in restrictions and delays.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi assured that the new landfill would not resemble traditional dumps but would instead be similar to the current landfill with advanced containment measures. The proposed location on 150 acres of Dole Food Co. land would have multiple liners and be situated above the aquifer with measures in place to monitor water quality and prevent leakage. Despite concerns raised by the Board of Water Supply, city officials argue that the new landfill can operate safely without posing a risk to the drinking water supply.
The process of selecting a site for the new landfill has been complicated by federal and state restrictions, as well as public opposition to proposed locations. The city is now focused on the site outside of Wahiawa, even as the clock ticks on the deadline to close the current landfill. Plans for the new landfill are moving forward, with a potential extension of the current permit until the new facility is operational.
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