Foul odor at Ewa golf course prompts complaints, cleanup

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A foul odor that lingered in an Ewa neighborhood for days has prompted complaints from residents and cleanup efforts at a nearby golf course, according to officials and those living in the area.

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Crews at Ewa Villages Golf Course worked this week to remove a large pile of material the City and County of Honolulu described as “organic fertilizer,” which had been temporarily staged near Hole 1 close to residential homes.

A city spokesperson said the material was delivered on June 22. Officials did not specify what the material contained, though neighbors say they were told by golf course staff it included horse manure.

Residents say the smell has been overwhelming.

“It’s like, your nose is burning, your throat hurts. Getting a headache from the smell because it’s so strong at some point,” said Jerrica Parrish.

Isaac Gomes described the odor as “something dead” and “decomposing,” adding that he has also seen dead animals in the area.

“I end up seeing dead chickens and mongooses over there,” Gomes said. “They eat it, then not good for them, get sick, die right there.”

Residents say the odor has been especially difficult over the past week for kupuna and those with health conditions.

“My grandma that lives with us,” Gomes said. “She’s always saying the smell is terrible.”

Teruya Kahanamoku said the situation has been particularly hard on older residents and those with respiratory illnesses.

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“It’s very upsetting because you’re dealing with kupunas now,” she said. “They depend on the air con… and for them to go through this like this… it is very, it ****** you off.”

A city spokesperson provided the following statement:

“The City is aware of concerns from residents regarding odors near Ewa Villages Golf Course and appreciates the community bringing them to our attention.

After reviewing the situation with golf course staff, we confirmed the odor originated from a recent delivery of organic fertilizer. The material was temporarily staged near Hole No. 1, which is adjacent to nearby homes. Once staff were made aware of the concerns, they immediately removed the remaining fertilizer from the area closest to residences. As a result, the odor has significantly diminished and should no longer be noticeable.

There is no City requirement for golf courses to notify neighboring residents before the routine application of fertilizers or soil amendments.

We appreciate the community’s patience as we addressed the issue and are reviewing our procedures to help prevent similar situations in the future.”

However, residents say the impact had already taken a toll and wish they had been notified ahead of time.

Salvador Pecson said, “It affects us. It affects our sleep, our daily life, because we could smell the odor.”

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