City officials update Waialua residents on Kona Low recovery efforts
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Two months after the last Kona Low update meeting in Waialua, city and county officials returned to the community to continue recovery discussions and hear concerns from residents.
Read more Maui school successfully launches garden to cafeteria lunches
Inside the Waialua Elementary cafeteria, officials provided updates on ongoing recovery efforts, including disaster assistance and long-term rebuilding plans following the March storms.
More than two months after heavy rains swept away four homes at Otake Camp, city officials say crews have removed thousands of truckloads of debris from affected areas.
“So we took out what it is here, over 120 feet of material we dredged. And then now we’re working this side,” said Warren Mamizuka, deputy director of facility maintenance.
“So we’re taking out, on this side we took out over 3,500 truckloads just on this side alone. So we should be done this Saturday, Sunday,” Mamizuka said.
All dredged material has been transported to Weed Circle. State officials said testing showed low levels of leptospirosis in the debris but no other hazardous contaminants.
The city said it plans to remove the material from the site within the next three months.
Read more HFD suspends search for missing jet ski operator off Oahu’s North Shore
“There’s high demand for that dirt,” the mayor said. “We just want to get it out of there. We don’t want any trees dying.”
Residents also raised concerns about whether the state’s emergency proclamation will be extended beyond its June 7 expiration.
“Can we get that extended? Because there’s still so much more to do,” said Waialua resident Barbara L.
Officials said extensions are common following major disasters and that they expect the proclamation to continue.
The city also reminded residents affected by the March 10-24 storms that the deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance is June 14.
Post Comment