The state Land Use Commission voted 6-2 this morning to approve an 18-month extension to the life of the Waimanalo Gulch landfill.

The city site, slated to close May 1, will be allowed to remain open until Nov. 1, 2009, and the city must report progress on alternate solid-waste management techniques every six months.

The city needs one more permit from the state Department of Health before the 18-month extension is final.