Makakilo Sidewalks Becoming Daily Illegal Dumpsites
Councilmember Pine and Leeward Residents Call for Dumping to End
(Makakilo) – Abandoned furniture, appliances, mattresses, toilets, and household trash – piled high on the city’s sidewalks just days after the city’s monthly bulky-item pickup, are creating a hazard for drivers and pedestrians, which is why City Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine and area residents are calling for an end to the illegal dumping taking place in the community.
“Our sidewalks are becoming illegal dumpsites 365 days of the year. This creates a real danger for our residents and is trashing our community. Bulky items should be put out for collection no earlier than the evening before your scheduled pickup day and that is not happening here. This must be stopped,” said Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine.
Bulky items left out at improper times create blind spots for drivers and make it extremely difficult for residents and students to safely walk on the sidewalk to Makakilo schools like Mauka Lani Elementary.
“I’ve seen trucks drive up and leave bulky items just days after the area has been cleared. It’s difficult to see these items in our neighborhood and it’s an eye sore for our community,” said Mericia Palma-Elmore, a resident and member of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board.
The accumulation of bulky items can be tempting—and dangerous—for neighborhood children. Eva Villegas, President of the Kai Nani Homeowners Association, has seen children climbing on top of the growing rubbish piles and playing around abandoned refrigerators, which could easily trap and suffocate them.
“We are very concerned about the dangers the trash creates. I’ve called the Fire Department numerous times to report mattresses, tires, furniture, and discarded Christmas trees being set on fire,” Eva Villegas reported.
“This is a safety issue that greatly affects the quality of life for our residents. People must take personal responsibility for their bulky items and trash, bring them to a city refuse center or follow the law and place items at the curb only on designated days.” Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine said.
All areas of the island are on a regular monthly collection schedule for bulky item pickup. For example, in Makakilo and Kapolei, monthly pickup occurs on the 1st Monday of each month.
Councilmember Pine is working closely with the community, property managers, and residents to raise awareness of the monthly pick-up schedule and the dangers of ignoring the city’s prohibition on dumping items outside of the scheduled dates and times set by the city.
The Department of Environmental Services (ENV) enforces illegal trash dumping fines on property owners abutting the curbs where trash piles up, fines that many residents feel should be paid by the perpetrators. To report improper placement of bulky items, citizens can call the City’s Refuse Division at 768-3200. In the event that residents witness the act of illegal dumping occurring, they are encouraged to call 911. You can find your street’s bulky item pickup schedule at the ENV website here: http://www.opala.org/solid_waste/collection_schedule_search.html.
Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine represents residents of District One (ʻEwa, ʻEwa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko ʻOlina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Keaau, Makua) and is a member of the City Council’s Committee on Public Health, Safety and Welfare.
Media Coverage:
KHON2
Hawaii News Now
Hawaii News Now – KGMB and KHNL
KITV
Honolulu, Hawaii News and Weather – KITV Channel 4
Star Advertiser
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