HONOLULU (KHON2) — A major decision regarding the city’s new landfill site is stirring controversy. The city has announced the location for Oahu’s next landfill: a site in Central Oahu. However, critics are raising concerns, saying it could put the island’s aquifer at risk.
The new landfill will be located on agricultural land, 3.5 miles northwest of Wahiawa and 1.5 miles west of the Dole Plantation, near Kamehameha Highway.
The site was selected from six locations evaluated by the Landfill Advisory Committee.
“This site is legally acceptable under federal and state laws, including Act 73, because it is away from groundwater wells and residences, it’s accessible by a major state highway, it has flat terrain, and we know we can build and operate a landfill here without harming the environment,” said Roger Babcock, director of the Department of Environmental Services.
But the decision is already proving divisive, with concerns about its potential risk to the island’s aquifer. The selected site is located about 800 feet above the aquifer, raising alarms from the Board of Water Supply.
“We need water for life. Ola i ka wai, ka wai ola. Potential threats to our water resources, you know where I’ll be coming from. So, I look forward to receiving more information and details,” said Ernie Lau, chief engineer with the Honolulu Board of Water Supply.
The city, however, said it will build the landfill with a double-liner system, using the same material that protects against leakage at current landfills.
“We’re 100% confident we can design and operate the next landfill on this site and ensure the protection of the underground aquifer from contamination,” Babcock said.
Still, the decision has not been well received by Councilmember Matt Weyer, whose district includes central Oahu.
“I’m disappointed and concerned. I’m going to stay in contact and continue conversations with the Board of Water Supply and the administration,” Weyer said.
Others, however, are viewing the landfill as an opportunity.
“The state has failed so far to address agricultural issues out there. So we look at this as an opportunity. If they’re coming into our district with a landfill, what other solutions can we bring in to address some of our community’s problems?” said State Rep. Breton Awa, who represents Central and Windward Oahu.
Beyond concerns about the aquifer, the community has raised other issues, including the loss of agricultural land and increased traffic.
“How much traffic? This is our main road for tourists heading to the North Shore. They’re coming right through Wahiawa, so between Wahiawa and the North Shore, we’ll probably see increased traffic. These are two-lane roads, and with bigger trucks, we need more information about this,” said Kathleen Pahinui, North Shore Neighborhood Board chair.
With the announcement made, the city plans to hold extensive public outreach with area elected officials and neighborhood boards as they move forward.
“There is no path forward for us that does not involve the creation of a new landfill on Oahu,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
The city has been in contact with Dole Food Company to negotiate the purchase of 150 acres of their 2,360-acre property. We reached out to the company for comment.
The city has a deadline to close the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill by 2028.