Updated at 4:22 p.m., Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Honolulu planning panel votes to keep dump open
Advertiser Staff
The Honolulu Planning Commission today voted to extend the life of the city's controversial Waimanalo Gulch landfill for up to two years, rejecting challenges from state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa and the Ko Olina Community Association.The extension would also require approval from the state Land Use Commission, and a separate ruling from the state Health Department.
The landfill's operating permit expires in May. The city hopes to expand the size of the facility so it can be operated for at least 15 more years.
An environmental impact statement for the expansion fell behind schedule when some large rocks that may be culturally significant to Native Hawaiians were discovered at the site. The city then decided to seek the two-year extension of the existing permit while the environmental study is completed.
The Planning Commission voted 7-to-1 to approve the extension. Commissioner Beadie Dawson voted in opposition.
