Waste companies to cut 118 workers

By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer

Two Hawai'i waste-disposal companies notified the state yesterday that they plan to lay off 118 workers by June 24.

Horizon Waste Services Inc. in Kapolei notified the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations that it will close, resulting in the loss of 91 jobs by June 24. Valley Isle Disposal Inc. of Kahului, Maui, also said it planned to eliminate 27 jobs when it shuts down operations June 24.

In its notice, Horizon said the closing would be made in conjunction with the transfer of management of its trucks and other assets to Honolulu Waste Disposal Service Inc./Alii Refuse.

Horizon said Honolulu Disposal/Alii Refuse would accept applications from Horizon employees, some of whom are represented by the Carpenters Local 745.

Valley Isle Waste disposal did not give a reason for closing, however, the company referred questions to Honolulu Disposal/Alii Refuse owner Clyde Kaneshiro.

He could not be reached yesterday for comment.

Honolulu Disposal/Alii Refuse is the largest commercial waste hauler in the state followed by Horizon and Rolloffs Hawaii Inc., according to Honolulu's department of environmental services, which licenses commercial haulers. About 65 percent of refuse in Honolulu is hauled by commercial companies, the city said.