Council-approved budget omits funding for new West Oahu landfill
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Plans for a new landfill in West Oahu appear to be no longer in the works.
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On Wednesday, the Honolulu City Council approved a $5 billion budget, which does not include funding for the development of a landfill at Makaiwa Hills overlooking Kapolei.
The proposed municipal landfill targeted residential-zoned lands owned by Makaiwa LLC, an affiliate of the James Campbell Company. The administration previously said the location — next to the current Waimanalo Gulch Landfill in Nanakuli — was the only feasible option.
Council member Andria Tupola said the proposal is effectively off the table.
“Residents made it clear that our communities should not be expected to carry another generation of Oahu’s waste burden,” she said. “By removing funding from the budget, we kept the promise that was made to our community and ensured that Makaiwa Hills will not move forward at this time.”
Tupola emphasized the need for leaders to explore long-term alternatives to landfill dependency.
“I think we need to realize there are technologies we can use now,” she said. “No one is going to ever want a landfill. Not in Wahiawa, not on Dole — all the places they looked it wasn’t working out.”
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In January, Tupola filed Resolution 26-7, proposing a task force that would review Oahu’s long-term solid waste management strategy and assess alternative waste reduction, recycling, diversion, and conversion strategies.
“So the Ending Landfills Task Force is going to convene next month. We actually have over 16 possible members, state representatives, senators, state department of health, local ENV, energy experts (and) recycling experts,” she said. “So with that all together, we’re looking forward to meeting, to making a path forward with current research, and as well, how much would that cost?”
State Rep. Darius Kila, D-Honokai Hale, Nanakuli, Maili, said in a statement:
“We are relieved that Makaiwa Hills is no longer considered a potential site for Oahu’s next landfill.
It is critical that we identify a responsible, long-term solution for Oahu’s waste needs. At the same time, we must remain mindful of protecting our drinking water sources and aquifers, and ensure any plan is safe for our residents. I look forward to continuing to work with the City on finding an alternative solution that truly serves all communities across Oahu.”
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The current Waimanalo Gulch landfill must close in March 2028.
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