MEDIA RELEASE

Most of Hawai`i County’s solid waste transfer stations will expand their hours of operation to be open 12 hours a day at least three days a week beginning August 1, 2010.

Nineteen transfer stations will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the days of the week they are currently open. Only the Hilo Transfer Station will have different hours: 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, to accommodate landfill operations.

“This is in response to the many concerns we’ve heard from residents about transfer station hours,” said Mayor Billy Kenoi. “People wanted it to be easy going before and after work.”

The transfer stations at Kea‘au, Pahoa, Honoka‘a, Waimea, Hāwī (Ka`auhuhu), Kailua-Kona (Kealakehe), Keauhou and Wai‘ōhinu will be open seven (7) days a week, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The remaining transfer stations will be open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the following days:

• Volcano: Monday, Thursday and Saturday
• Glenwood: Sunday, Tuesday and Friday
• Kalapana: Monday, Thursday, Saturday
• Papa`ikou: Sunday, Tuesday, Friday
• HonomÅ«: Monday, Thursday, Saturday
• Laupāhoehoe: Sunday, Tuesday, Friday
• Pa`auilo: Monday, Thursday, Saturday
• Puakō : Sunday, Tuesday, Friday
• Ke`ei: Sunday, Tuesday, Friday
• Waiea: Monday, Thursday, Saturday
• Pāhala: Sunday, Tuesday, Friday

“We are restoring hours and making it easier to remember when the transfer stations are open,” said Mayor Kenoi. “We do not intend to change these new hours again any time soon.”

The change will also apply to the operating hours and days for onsite Reuse Centers. HI-5 Beverage Container Redemption Center hours and days will not change. Furlough days will not affect transfer station schedules.

“We are the only county in the state that does not have curbside rubbish pickup and we appreciate the fact that our residents bring their rubbish to the transfer stations. We want to make it as easy as possible,” said Mayor Kenoi.

“Mahalo to everyone for their cooperation, patience and understanding as we establish better ways for our residents to help keep our island clean, healthy and safe.”

The new schedule and additional solid waste management information is available on the department’s website at www.HawaiiZeroWaste.org. For more information, call 961-8083.