Hawaii Land Board considers using 19-acre site for wildfire debris landfill

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is considering a request to use state property as a landfill for wildfire debris, Hawaii News Now reports.

The suggested site, next to the closed Olowalu Landfill, is within five miles of the impact zone of the recent Hawaii wildfires which caused widespread damage to several cities in Maui County and killed at least 99 people.

The landfill would not contain toxic debris being collected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Lahaina. Those materials will be shipped to a facility off-island, reports Hawaii News Now.

RELATED: Composting pilot hopes to reduce Oahu food waste

The wildlife debris landfill will accept other materials from the property; however, because there likely will be human remains found in the debris, many have called for removal efforts to remain at a site on the island.

The DLNR Land Division currently controls the 19.4-acre property being considered for the landfill, which was once a former cinder quarry.

The Land Board also is being asked to approve and recommend to Gov. Josh Green the issuance of an executive order to set aside the land for Maui County. Estimated project costs are not currently available.