The County of Hawaii Department of Environmental Management is delaying the implementation of trailer usage at solid waste transfer stations until at least April 16.
The county said the extendsion of the deadline for enforcement of Administrative Rule No. 9-17, as it relates to prohibiting the use of trailers at county solid waste transfer stations, is for trailer users’ accommodation and further evaluation.
The rule was approved on Dec. 3, 2020, to improve the safety and accessibility of county transfer stations for all residents, with an effective date of March 1.
The Department of Environmental Management said Monday it has decided that more time is needed to accommodate the users in transitioning back to the intended use of those sites, and to review how the presence of vehicle trailers affect public and employee safety at each of the 22 solid waste transfer stations around Hawaii Island.
“The rule prohibiting trailer usage at county solid waste transfer stations is necessary to ensure our highest priority, which is the safety of residents and our employees, as well as to help alleviate congestion and long lines,” said Ramzi Mansour, director of the Department of Environmental Management. “Many of our transfer stations were built decades ago, with limited space for maneuverability, and no trailers in mind. With this delay we are giving the public more time to adjust to this rule, which may include increased travel time to more accessible sites around the island. In the meantime, we will explore alternative solutions.”
Rule No. 9-17 states: “Vehicles are limited to sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, or mini-vans. Trailers and dump bed trucks are prohibited at the transfer station.”
The Department of Environmental Management said it would continue to update the public about further decisions that are reached regarding the prohibition of trailers at county solid waste transfer stations.