The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services (ENV) is announcing that debris hauling will begin tomorrow (Saturday, March 28) from the temporary debris storage/reduction TDSR site at Patsy T. Mink Central Oʻahu Regional Park (CORP).
ENV hired a contractor – DRC Emergency Services – to sort and manage the debris from the catastrophic Kona low flooding that struck that struck Waialua last weekend. DRC started sorting through the debris today and will then dispose of the debris appropriately. DRC has extensive experience in waste management caused by natural disasters.
To date, it is estimated that 5,400 tons of debris have been collected at the TDSR, much of it from private commercial haulers that selflessly dedicated their valuable time and resources on behalf of the North Shore community.
Truckloads of debris will continue to be accepted throughout the weekend. DRC has given a very rough estimated timeline that the debris should be removed from CORP in two to three weeks
DRC is using two excavators to sort through debris separating white goods, metaals and household hazardous waste (HHW).
The debris will be taken to H-Power and the landfill.
A representative from DRC said that soil samples were taken prior to the debris being deposited at the site and will be tested. Once the debris is removed the site will be tested again.
This portion of the park is not permitted for sports and had been previously identified as an emergency debris collection location in City emergency plans due to its location and accessibility. Thus far, it has worked well as a debris collection site. Another contractor involved in the cleanup at CORP is Tetra Tech. They are currently hiring debris monitors for immediate work. No experience necessary but a valid driver’s license is required.
