"New Proposed Transfer Station Next to Ainakea Village
Dear Editor:
A group of 10 local residents who call themselves “WasteStream ” are pushing for the construction of a new waste station to replace the existing transfer station. The idea to improve upon the services offered at the current station is good and well, but the location leaves much to be desired: less than half a mile makai of Ainakea homes, the new waste station would be upwind from the most densely populated area in North Kohala. The so-called “Zero Waste Park” would be on about 10 acres of land (30 yards past Pratt Rd.) and would eventually have a facility to burn (gasify) rubbish.
Let no one doubt, this project is on the fast track. Per their handout provided at the pizza and beer “talk story” for selected Ainakea residents, they state that the proposed land will be purchased by the county in late 2011. They also expect that the funding for this “capital improvement” will also be allotted in 2011. They further state, “Contracts for the construction of the roadway and the facility, as well as the greenwaste operator, Reuse Center, and gasification plant, should be awarded in 2013.” The proposed opening of this facility should happen in 2015, they say.
Also, since North Kohala generates only 2.5% of the Big Island’s total waste, it is very probable that the new waste facility could eventually receive trash from other districts for gasification. In fact, county reports show that the idea of trucking rubbish from other districts to the West Hawaii Sanitary Landfill is being considered. Trucking waste to this planned waste facility for gasification would mean more pollution and a significant increase in truck traffic, generating more exhaust fumes and road noise.
All of your readers opposed to such a plan should visit the website www.against.homestead.com to learn the facts, and why other local residents are against such an irresponsible choice of location for a waste station, and the very idea of burning trash in our pristine environment, so very close to our downwind homes. Even an internationally-known expert in the field of gasification, Dr. Paul Connett, has nothing good to say about it. After digesting the facts on this website, North Kohala residents will have an opportunity to voice their concerns by registering their opposition in the guest book provided.
Readers without a computer should ask a relative or a friend to register them. Failing that, they may write to “Against Waste Facility” c/o FJM, P.O. Box 995, Kapa`au, HI 96755. The signed letter (or note) must include your full name, telephone number, and permission for ‘Against’ to register you. Also, contact Councilman Pete Hoffmann (895-0834 or 883-8547) and Mayor Billy Kenoi (327-3602).
Most people in our community have not heard about this project. The reason for this is that the players involved have kept their cards very close to their chests. So far, only a small group – picked from your Ainakea neighbors – has been invited to a pizza and beer “talk story” to hear about WasteStream’s plans and offer feedback. Should we be alarmed about such a plan? It depends. If one lives in Ainakea, Kapa`au, or near the border of Kapa`au, one has all the reason in the world to be not only alarmed, but outraged once it is realized where this waste disposal facility is to be built. As a taxpayer one should be alarmed no matter where one lives on the island, because when the county spends additional millions, taxes will go up. There is even talk by the county to impose a “Pay-As-You-Throw” fee whenever you bring rubbish to the waste station.
Why anyone would select this site, which is far too close and directly upwind to our densely populated Ainakea village is beyond comprehension. A certain stench from the proposed Zero Waste Park will replace the fragrance of flowers we now enjoy. What about the other twenty-four potential sites, especially their supposed first choice near the wind farm? No satisfactory explanation has been given for their choice of this location near homes.
Many years ago there was a plan to build a polluting oil-burning generating station in our area. The people of Ainakea and others spoke out in opposition. As a result, this project got killed. The same must happen with this unwarranted and ill-conceived waste station. People who care about the environment, the health of our children, the elderly and others need to stand up firmly in opposition.
Yours truly,
Frank J. Maier on behalf of ‘Against,’ the ‘Action Group Against Inappropriate New Station Threat’"
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