PRESS RELEASE
MAYOR KIRK CALDWELL
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Press Office: 768-5768 (cell: 321-0690)
Mayor signs Bill 24 targeting illegal bulky item dumpers
Mayor Kirk Caldwell today signed Bill 24, sponsored by Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine and Councilmember Ron Menor, strengthening enforcement of illegal bulky item dumping.
This new law will for the first time allow inspectors to fine the individual perpetrators who illegally dump bulky waste, not just nearby residents and managers. It also provides higher fines for individual perpetrators: Those violators can now be fined up to $2,500 for each violation
“Oahu residents are tired of seeing their sidewalks turned into illegal dumpsites,” said Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine. “These higher fines will ensure that anyone breaking the law will think twice before illegally dumping their trash in our neighborhoods.”
“I am glad that this bill has been signed into law,” said Councilmember Menor. “The illegal dumping of bulky items remains a significant issue creating health and safety problems and visual blight in communities throughout the islands. These problems are exacerbated by the piling up of bulky items on sidewalks when people illegally dump items in an area which encourages others to do the same. I am hopeful that the tougher sanctions which this measure contains will serve as an additional deterrent to these kinds of activities in the future.”
“The Department of Environmental Services provides for free collection of bulky items, such as furniture, appliances, and mattresses, across O‘ahu every month,” said Director of Environmental Services Lori Kahikina. “Please put items out only during your regularly scheduled pickup times, or take them to any of our convenience centers. Inspectors will continue citing violators, and fines are now increased.”
O‘ahu bulky item collection information and schedule by region can be found here: http://bit.ly/1R7zEmz.
“There is no excuse for illegal dumping, which creates a safety hazard and an eyesore,” said Mayor Caldwell. “Think about the seniors who have to walk into the road to avoid your old couch. Think about the neighbors who have to stare at it all month. Please kokua and follow the collection schedule. If your items are still in good condition, please consider donating them to organizations such as Goodwill and Salvation Army. If you see someone dumping illegally, please call police immediately.”
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