Budget Constraints force reduced hours at Maui landfills

Reduced hours at all county landfills takes effect July 1, 2010 due to budget constraints.  The reduction in service is expected to address a $1.7 million decrease in the County’s landfill operations budget for the 2011 Fiscal Year.

File photo: Hana Landifll before cleanup. PHOTO: Courtesy SOS Metals Island Recycling, LLC

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares said the county worked to address union employee concerns to reach a formal agreement on work schedules.  The new schedule includes a minimum of one weekend day open per week at each landfill, to help meet the needs of the public while reducing service days and hours to address budget constraints.

“We are committed to find a way to make this work for the people of Maui County,” said Dayton Nakanelua, director of the United Public Workers Union. “The County’s Administration has made it clear that these fiscally challenging times will require all of us to collaborate together to find solutions we can all live with and UPW is pleased to be able to participate in that important dialogue and help reach a solution that can be mutually agreed upon.”

“While we adjust operating hours to meet reduced funding, we must also comply with the legal requirements that govern landfill operations and avoid regulatory fines. We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation as the new service hours are implemented beginning in July,” said Cheryl Okuma, director of the County of Maui’s Department of Environmental Management.

Beginning July 1, 2010 – which is the beginning of the County of Maui’s new fiscal year – the new landfill hours of operation are as follows:

Central Maui Landfill
Monday – Saturday: 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED

Olowalu Convenience Center
Monday – Saturday: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED

Hana Landfill
Tuesday – Saturday: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: CLOSED

Molokai Landfill
Tuesday – Saturday: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: CLOSED

Lanai Landfill
Tuesday – Saturday: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: CLOSED

For more information, call (808) 270-6153. To call toll-free from Molokai: 1-800-272-0117; from Lanai: 1-800-272-0125. Toll-free callers should request extension 6153.