Hawaii Kai Marina Dredging Project Stalled Due to Possible Illegal Dumping

The Hawaii Kai Marina Community Association has hired American Marine to oversee a $5 million dredging project to remove sludge from its marina, whose waters are very low in some areas making it dangerous for boaters.  American Marine in turn subcontracted SER Silva Equipment Rental to dispose of the sludge.  However, when a Silva dump truck overturned on the H-1 freeway on its way to the Waianae Coastline, City Councilwoman Kymberly Pine, who represents Waianae, became suspicious of illegal dumping and demanded that the Hawaii Kai Marina Community Association takes back all of its sludge.  Pine stated, "I will make sure that I do everything in my power, including exploring all legislative options, to stop this private marina from dumping its sludge in our community and ensure that this unchecked dumping never happens again."

State Senator Maile Shimabukuro, who also represents Waianae, added that homestead residents reported that the SER Silva trucks were illegally dumping material in the Waianae Valley.  Shimabukuro contacted the city's Department of Planning and Permitting, who sent an inspector.  The inspector issued a notice of violation against SER Silva Equipment Rental to stop work immediately.  Waianae residents are concerned that they do not know what is in the sludge and that it could end up contaminating its beaches and bays.  The Waianae residents are especially upset that the Hawaii Kai Marina Community Association is claiming ignorance of the matter.  The Hawaii Kai Marina Community Association President stated that that it is not their responsibility as to where the sludge ends up, but rather the fault of American Marine and SER Silva Equipment Rental.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 9-7-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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