Hawai’i County public works to end herbicide spraying
The County of Hawa’i, Public Works Department is announcing its plans to end the use of glyphosate-based herbicides on County roadsides, drainage structures, rights-of-ways, and easements by July 1.
Public Works Director Steve Pause said that “the Department has been working for some time to develop alternative means and methods to achieve maintenance of County infrastructure without the reliance on chemical herbicides. We believe this day has arrived.”
County Council Member from District 7, Rebecca Villegas, stated that “I’m deeply grateful for the leadership of Steve Pause and Neil Azevedo. Transitioning to alternate methods of road maintenance is the right thing to do for our people, our lands, and our waters. I cried when I heard the news. After years of working towards this vital transition, our community can celebrate positive changes in our County’s land management practices.”
Mayor Mitch Roth supports using non-chemical herbicides, stating, “we have a real opportunity to put our money where our mouth is and invest in better management systems that put our aina and our people’s health first. This is something that the community has been asking for quite some time, and we applaud the efforts of Director Pause for his commitment to getting this done. We also acknowledge Councilmember Villegas’ continued commitment and advocacy for aina-conscious county practices.”
The Department of Public Works appreciates the community’s feedback and comments.
Honoka’a transfer station to close temporarily
Honoka‘a Recycling and Transfer Station is temporarily closing to the public on Monday, June 19, and is expected to reopen on Saturday, June 24, 2023. Repair work to the trash chute requires the full closure of the facility.
Residents are encouraged instead to use the nearest available transfer station. The Paauilo Transfer Station, located at 43-1615 Hauola Road, is temporarily expanding its operating schedule to be open daily from Monday, June 19, through Saturday, June 24, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, recycling services will not be available during this time.
For more information, please contact the Solid Waste Administration office at (808) 961-8270 or swd@hawaiicounty.gov. Please visit our www.hawaiizerowaste.org website and register for Solid Waste Notifications (via email or text).
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