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DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release LINDA LINGLE GOVERNOR _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON
Phone: (808) 587-0401
Fax: (808) 587-0390
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For Immediate Release:
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| HONOLULU - The Department of Land and Natural Resources has contracted with a hazardous material (HAZMAT) company to conduct a manual, storm-related cleanup of the Ala Wai debris trap and the Ala Wai Harbor beginning Saturday morning , April 15, 2006. The project is expected to take two days to complete. The HAZMAT company will focus on cleaning the Ala Wai debris trap on Saturday beginning at approximately 8:00 a.m.and will shift its focus to cleaning the harbor's front row, the moorings fronting the Prince Hotel, on Monday, April 17. "The Department is undertaking this project to ensure the health and well being of all residents and users of the Ala Wai Harbor area," said Peter Young, DLNR Chairperson. "Biological hazardous waste removal/treatment is not commonly done in the islands on this scale and that is why DLNR consulted with the City & County of Honolulu and the Department of Health during the planning process," he continued. "The size and uniqueness of this spill has the HAZMAT company evaluating its Best Management Practices as well." The discussion and tentative plan of action is as follows: -remove any wood and debris in the trap which may harbor bacteria, The front row of moorings at the harbor fronting the Prince Hotel is where wood/debris accumulation in the harbor has historically been abundant. The HAZMAT company may also retrieve debris from other trouble spots in the Ala Wai Harbor, along the 600 row and near the harbor's floating docks. "Exercising an abundance of caution, the HAZMAT recovery team will wear face shields, rubber gloves and rubber boots as well as other protective gear while the operation is underway," concluded Young. Cost of the project, approximately $50,000, will be paid out of the Boating Special Fund. It is possible that DLNR will seek reimbursement for the expense.
-the trap at the Ala Wai has been cleaned 3 times at a cost of $6,000 per cleaning. The trap is normally cleaned out 3-4 times in a year, depending on the weather and the volume of debris caught in the trap, -DLNR has performed an assessment of needs for harbors statewide and has requested funding for debris cleanup, and dredging at various locations, -DLNR has just completed a purchase order for $75, 000 for filling of potholes at five harbors on Oahu (Ala Wai, Keehi, Haleiwa, Heeia Kea, Waianae), -DLNR has made an additional request for funding to clean up debris further upstream on the Ala Wai Canal (approximately $60, 000).
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