KYMBERLY MARCOS PINE
COUNCILMEMBER
(808) 768-5001 (808) 768-1217 (fax)
E-mail: kmpine@honolulu.gov
NEWS RELEASE March 16, 2016
Councilmembers Introduce Proposal to Curb Illegal Dumping on City Streets
Mattresses, furniture, refrigerator units, hazardous waste and bulky household trash piled high on the curbsides of Oahu neighborhoods inspired Councilmembers Kymberly Marcos Pine and Ron Menor to introduce Bill 24 which would increase illegal dumping fines by 500%.
“Residents are tired of seeing their sidewalks turned into illegal dumps,” said Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine. “This is a safety and health issue that is affecting the quality of life for many of our residents. In some areas, trash is constantly outside of people’s homes and that is no way to live.”
Bill 24 addresses the illegal disposal of refuse, and bulky items, providing that: “No person shall throw, drop, place, dump or deposit refuse or bulky wastes on a street, roadside, alley, highway, or public place except as provided in this chapter,” which would allow bulky disposal only on the City’s scheduled pickup times. Fines will increase from $500 to $2500.
“Townhome associations and property managers have been unfairly fined for illegally dumped items fronting their property. With this legislation, the actual violators will be targeted and will be fined,” said Councilmember Ron Menor— Co-Sponsor of Bill 24.
Councilmembers Pine and Menor are working closely with the community, property managers, and residents to raise awareness of the monthly pickup schedule and the dangers of ignoring the city’s prohibition on dumping items outside of the scheduled dates and times set by the city.
“With this bill, we hope to empower the community to take personal responsibility for their bulky items and trash, and to report any type of illegal dumping to the City’s Department of Environmental Services.” Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine said. “It’s time for our community to come together to fight illegal dumping once and for all.”
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Bill 24 will be heard tomorrow, March 16, 2016 at the City Council Meeting taking place at Honolulu Hale at 10:00 a.m. Councilmember Pine asks members of the public to attend and offer their support at this meeting. Residents may also submit a written testimony at http://www.honolulu.gov/ccl-testimony-form.html?view=form or by emailing kmpine@honolulu.gov.
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).
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