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Proposed Landfill Siting

Board of Water Supply Advocates for Sustainable Waste Management

The City and County of Honolulu (City) Department of Environmental Services (ENV) has identified a potential site for the next municipal solid waste landfill for the island of Oʻahu. Per the State of Hawai’i Land Use Commission, the current Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill must cease operations by March 2, 2028. As such, the City established a Landfill Advisory Committee (LAC) to evaluate potential landfill sites identified to meet current federal and state regulations.

In November 2022, the LAC formally asked the Board of Water Supply (BWS) for its official position on six potential landfill sites for possible use upon the closure of the Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill. The BWS did not approve any of the sites due to their location in the no-pass zone, directly above groundwater that is used for drinking water, which may directly impact the quality and/or quantity of the water resources used or expected to be used as drinking water.

In December 2024, the City selected agricultural land northwest of Wahiawā as the proposed site for a new landfill on O‘ahu. While the BWS understands the need for a new landfill, as well as the challenges associated with finding a new landfill site, the proposed landfill site sits directly over Oahu's drinking water aquifer system in the no-pass zone. Available data demonstrates that landfill leachates can and do contain a wide range of harmful inorganic chemical constituents that have the potential to adversely affect drinking water resources. BWS is committed to safeguarding Hawaii's critical drinking water resources for present and future generations and will continue talking with ENV on exploring new landfill site.

Upcoming Public Meetings

  • City Council Housing, Sustainability and Health Committee - Tuesday, January 14 @ 1:00 p.m.
  • Wahiawa Townhall - Wednesday, January 15
  • Wahiawa NB #26 - February, Date and Time TBD
  • North Shore NB #27 - Tuesday, March 25
Questions or comments about the proposed landfill site?
Email newlandfill@honolulu.gov

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Posted: 01/15/2025