Hawaii County committee forwards bill to require transfer stations open at least two days; Puna residents push for three

Chair Leloy convened the Policy Committee on Infrastructure and Assets on June 4 and, after more than an hour of public testimony, the committee voted to forward Bill 140 to the full Hawaii County Council with a favorable recommendation.

The bill would amend chapter 20 of the Hawaii County Code to require that “all solid waste facilities used for the disposal, collection and transfer of household waste be operated and open to the public at least two days per week,” according to the clerk’s summary of the measure. Councilmember Kerkowitz moved to forward the bill and said she would introduce an amendment to increase the minimum to three days and to require a request for recycling services; she suggested issuing an RFP to allow a local nonprofit to manage recycling so revenue stays in Puna. “I feel a little bit shame…that you guys have to come here and basically beg for what is considered an essential service,” Kerkowitz said, urging colleagues to support the measure.

The committee heard more than a dozen public speakers—many from Lower Puna and the Black Sands community—who described ongoing problems since the Kalapana Transfer Station’s schedule was reduced. Ramona Mendoza told the committee that her neighborhood’s census population (1,462) shows a disparity compared with nearby areas and said one day of service is “discriminatory” and forces illegal dumping. Kevin Cashel said his neighborhood has seen persistent refuse, rodent infestations and large appliances left at the station since days were cut; he urged at least two service days and the return of recycling bins. Tim Rowan, vice president of Black Sands POA and president of Malama Puna, said pandemic-era tonnage data and the 2018 lava flow no longer justify reduced service, arguing that Puna has been “denied equitable access to essential county services.”

Department of Environmental Management Director Ramsey Mansour told the committee DEM’s records from 2013–2024 show Kalapana’s annual tonnage has averaged about 400 tons, and that the department’s operational analysis—conducted by a hired consultant—aims to identify system-wide changes before altering service levels. "We have the record…over the last 11 years, we have the same amount of tonnage," he said, adding that increasing operating days raises labor and other costs. Mansour said DEM can run a pilot extra day to collect current data and that the consultant’s analysis is expected to be completed by the end of October.

Deputy corporation counsel Diana Mellon Lacy and Corporation Counsel head Elizabeth Strantz flagged legal concerns. Mellon Lacy warned the committee that mandating specific operational hours risks invading executive authority under the county charter and could amount to an unfunded mandate if not accompanied by a budget commitment. Strantz said she had not yet completed legal research and agreed to prepare a written opinion on whether the proposed code language would improperly limit executive discretion.

Committee members split on process but largely on substance backed the measure as a policy floor to guarantee minimum service. Several members said they prefer the council set the policy and direct the administration to determine operational details. After debate the committee recorded the motion to forward Bill 140 with a favorable recommendation: 8 ayes, with Councilmember Evans excused.

Votes at a glance • Bill 140 (solid waste facilities — minimum open days): Motion to forward to council with a favorable recommendation (mover: Miss Kerkowitz; second: Mister Inaba). Committee vote: 8 ayes, 1 excused (Miss Evans). Outcome: forwarded with favorable recommendation. • Bill 165 (25 Opuni Street parking): Motion to postpone to June 18 (mover: Miss Kimball; second: Miss Kerkowitz). Committee vote announced as 8 ayes, 1 excused. Outcome: postponed to June 18. • Bill 167 (Hamakua parking restrictions along Highway 240): Motion to send to council with favorable recommendation (mover: Miss Kimball; second: Mister Kanieli e Kleinfelder). Committee vote announced as 7 ayes with Mister Inaba and Miss Evans excused. Outcome: forwarded with favorable recommendation.

What happens next The committee’s favorable recommendation sends Bill 140 to the full Hawaii County Council, where members may consider Kerkowitz’s proposed amendment (to set a three-day minimum and require recycling) and may request the written legal opinion from Corporation Counsel before final action. DEM’s consultant analysis is expected in October; council members said a pilot or mid‑year budget amendment could be used to add service days sooner if funds are identified.

Quotes attributed in this article come from the committee hearing transcript and are used in context with the speakers listed in the meeting record.