Environmental activist Carroll Cox says trash from the Ala Wai was collected and hauled to private land in central Oahu where it was allegedly dumped.
State investigators want to know what’s underneath the large mounds of dirt. Cox believes it’s junk pulled from the Ala Wai canal.
"The contractor, as informed to me by the drivers, actually would come here, pick up 30, 40 tons or more, haul it away and take it straight to Whitmore up at Wahiawa and dump it in a field," said Cox.
The State Health Department confirms a preliminary investigation is under way.
"And we’re trying to figure out what all things are happening, and if things have to be corrected we’ll work with the facility to make those corrections. And hopefully they’ll be able to cooperate and get things right," said Steve Chang of the State Health Department.
Cox says he’s been working for more than half a year on uncovering the alleged actions.
"Workers from the facility and from this company actually spoke with me and guided me and directed me to these sights and showed me first hand," said Cox.
Cox has obtained paper work he says documents the wrongful acts.
"Why is this important? The runoff, it is sitting right in the middle of the watershed, and that is a rainy area, and the river’s head is just right up there. And it all just runs down to the ocean," said Cox.
"We don’t condone illegal dumping of any matter, and it could be subject to civil penalties up to $10,000," said Chang. "And illegal dumping more than ten cubic yards could result in penalties of up to$25,000."
Numerous calls to both contract companies were not returned.
Dole owns the land and is cooperating fully with the investigation.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
