The Hawaii State Department of Health has amended a rule that now restricts open burning of trash and green waste on all islands.
Open burning of yard waste and household trash also known as “backyard burning” has been illegal on Oahu since June 1, 1973.
With the new rules, backyard burning is now prohibited on all islands.
Health officials say open burning creates an unnecessary nuisance and possible health risk due to the smoke and air pollution it produces.
Officials say the practice also creates a significant fire hazard.
Those violating the open burning rules are subject to fines of up to $10,000 per violation, per day.
The amended rules allow only a few exceptions to the prohibition on open burning.
One exception is agricultural burning that allows legitimate agricultural businesses to burn green waste after obtaining an Agricultural Burning Permit (AGP) from the DOH.
The new amended rules enhance the AGP application process and clarify the conditions under which certain categories of open burning are allowed.
Another exception allows attended fires for the cooking of food, but open burning for the heating of water for residential bathing purposes is prohibited.
Rule amendments also allow the DOH to issue a field citation (an expedited enforcement action) to facilities that illegally operate air pollution sources without a valid air pollution control permit.
For a copy of the amended rules go to: http://gen.doh.hawaii.gov/sites/har/AdmRules1/11-60-1.pdf
For additional information on the DOH Clean Air Branch go to: http://hawaii.gov/health/environmental/air/cab/index.html
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
