Honoapiʻilani Hazmat Spill Caused by Broken Hydraulic Line on Garbage Truck

A mile long oil spill on the Honoapiʻilani in Honokōwai on Wednesday morning was caused after a Maui Disposal garbage truck burst a hydraulic line, according to Maui Fire officials.

Fire and police in West Maui were called to a hazardous material spill at the intersection of Honoapiʻilani Highway and Lower Honoapiʻilani Road at 9:25 a.m., on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

A Lahaina ladder crew arrived on scene at 9:36 a.m. and found an oil slick the width of the right north bound lane of Honoapiʻilani Highway that stretched 1.5 miles from Halawai Drive to Akahele Street near Kapalua Airport.

Maui Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto said the spill occurred after a Maui Disposal garbage truck burst a hydraulic line. A passing motorist informed the garbage truck driver after the driver had pulled over to investigate smoke coming from the truck.

Maui fire officials say the oil was burning up on the hot engine exhaust. About 35 gallons of hydraulic fluid was spilled, according to department reports.

No vehicle accidents from the spill were reported.

A Lahaina, Nāpili and Kahului hazardous materials crew cleaned up the spill with an absorbent. A State Highways street sweeper and crew picked up and disposed the hazardous waste.

Police closed the north bound lane of Honoapiʻilani Highway from Lower Honoapiʻilani Road to Akahele Street while crews cleaned up the spill. Both lanes of the highway were reopened just after 1 p.m.

Honokōwai Oil Spill (7.20.16) PC: Maui Fire Dept

Honokōwai Oil Spill (7.20.16) PC: Maui Fire Dept